When Sparks Fly (28 page)

She gave him a wry smile. “They may have a
point. If I got involved I’d probably spool out of control, turn
the thing into an
event.
It’s better to keep the focus on
us.”

“I’d like Zsak and Azor there,” Blue
admitted. “Maybe a few other people.”

“Anything you want. Can you arrange a
teleconference for Zsak? I doubt the doctors will let him out for
this.”

“I’ll make something happen,” Blue promised.
He kissed Gem softly. “I’d better go.”

Gem watched him leave, but it was easier
this time. After all, soon he’d have the right to stay. She
couldn’t wait for the chance to call him her husband, for him to
truly be her lover.

She grinned, remembering how she’d once
thought he was just a shiftless drifter. If someone had told her
then that Blue would become her best friend, she would have thought
they were drunk. Now, she was impatient to bind him to her in the
most intimate, most enduring way of all.

She glanced at her sisters as she heard
Brandy mutter, “Honeymoon suite? I am
not
sleeping next to
newlyweds.”

“Already made the reservations,” Xera
replied. There were advantages to owning your own inn.

“Flowers, cake, wine?”

“You, Jamir, Jamir. I’ll take the invites,”
Xera said, efficiently entering data into a spreadsheet. She turned
to Gem. “Might as well get some sleep. We’ll be up a while.”

Grinning at their dismissal, Gem waved
goodnight. She thought they were enjoying themselves. Maybe it was
good for them to be in charge for once. She’d have to think about
that, but tomorrow. For now, sleep sounded like heaven.

“Wake up!” someone ordered. The bed
vibrated.

Gem’s eyes snapped open. Xera was bouncing
on the edge of the mattress, grinning like a fool.

Gem groaned and rolled back over. “What time
is it?”

“Time to get married,” Xera announced,
gleefully stripping off the covers. “Blue’s been here twice
already. He’s convinced you’ll change your mind if he doesn’t get a
ring on you, quick.”

Gem muffled her laugh in her pillow and
tried to curl up. “Five more minutes.”

Cold water hit her in the face, making her
gasp. She leapt out of bed and tried to catch her sister, but Xera
ran out of the room and leapt behind the couch. She grinned.
“You’ll never take me alive!”

Gem chuckled and dodged right and left.
“I’ll enjoy trying.”

A whistle split the air. Gem whirled,
suddenly conscious of her short nightshirt. Blue stood there, a
grin on his face. His eyes took in her legs and one particular
point of interest in between.

“Don’t stop on my account,” he told her.
“I’ll even help.” He took the right flank, boxing Xera behind the
couch.

Gem grinned and stalked left. Pinned, Xera
had no choice but to leap forward and dash for the door. She might
have made it in time, but Blue sent a pillow sailing after her. It
crashed into her legs, sending her sprawling. She rolled over and
gave him a mock glare.

“Gotta watch your back,” he remarked,
amused.

She snorted and hauled herself upright.
Heading for the door, she muttered, “You’ve got five minutes to say
good morning. Don’t get carried away.”

“Five minutes? She has no imagination, or
she’d never leave that long,” Blue scoffed. He took Gem in his
arms. “Good morning.” He kissed her possessively, ran his hands
over her back. They sank lower on her body, squeezed her rump,
surprising a gasp out of her. One hand rose and cupped her face,
then slid down between her breasts, over her belly. She felt him
grin against her mouth as he hooked her leg higher, settled it
around his hip. She formed a question against his lips, then
abruptly gasped. His fingers slid under her panties and deep,
deeply home.

He sighed against her mouth as his fingers
worked. “Five minutes, love.”

She gasped in shock and pleasure. If he
meant to reassure her that he could only do so much, he needn’t
have bothered. She’d forgotten all about her sister.

Tension rose, sweet and hot. Those fingers!
His mouth against hers, breathing in her cries. A climax hit so
hard and fast she thought she’d fall. Her vision went black. A star
shower burst behind her eyes, sparked as far as her fingers and
toes. Oh, the man could kiss! Among other things.

He came up for air. One look at her face and
he smiled like a hungry predator. “Lady, you should be bottled. One
taste of you and a man is drunk.”

She shuddered with aftershocks from the
pleasure he’d brought her. It was cruel of him to draw his hand
away so slowly, the touch causing even more sparks. She moaned and
nuzzled closer in protest.

“Time’s up!” Xera said, coming in through
the door. “Behave yourself and go get dressed, sis. You’ll have him
to yourself soon enough.”

Blue grumbled good-naturedly as he escorted
Gem to the door of her room. It disguised the fact that she would
have stumbled without his support. He kissed her quickly and handed
her into the room, then shut the door behind her.

There were a lot of cops at the ceremony,
including Chief Blackwing, who greeted her warmly. She wasn’t too
surprised to see that Zsak was Blue’s chosen best man for the
hurried ceremony, wounds or not, or that he was dressed in his
best. She was surprised to see his image broadcast from a portable
computer held by none other than Jamir. The Latq cook grinned
broadly, showing off sharp white teeth. All four feet of him stood
straight at attention, proud to be a part of the ceremony. His
milky skin was pink with pleasure.

“Zsak is his new hero,” Xera whispered in an
aside. “He can’t in good conscience like Blue, so Blue’s partner is
reaping all the benefits for them keeping us safe.”

Gem exhaled in amusement. She really did
have a great cook.

The surprises continued. Azor was to marry
them, using the authority granted to him by his rank in the police
department. He looked dour but handsome in his dress uniform, and
an electronic tablet was held loosely in one hand.

“If he weren’t a cop, he’d be almost
date-worthy,” Xera said in approval. “He’s got a really nice
butt.”

Gem gave her a scandalized look.

“What? For that matter, your man’s got what
counts, too.” Xera grinned wickedly. She was enjoying her task of
standing up with her sister, though her outfit of a navy silk wrap
shirt and black pants were definitely not typical bridesmaid
attire.

Brandy didn’t seem to mind her role as
observer, especially not with Match at her side. They made a cute
couple, Gem thought, though she had to wonder if it would last.
While his attention was flattering for Brandy, her sister had to
know he wasn’t the kind to stick around. He might be a gentleman
with her, but Gem had asked others. He had a reputation as a lady’s
man and a taste for dangerous sports. She’d ask him later if the
rumor was true about him shipping out as a pilot for the big
freighters. If so, he could be gone for months at a time. Gem
rather thought Brandy needed someone who’d stick closer to
home.

All that was a matter for another day,
however. Blue smiled at her, and Gem forgot all her plans. Her
family could wait. Today was for her man.

The taproom was bursting with flowers, some
from their own garden, and the lights had been set on twinkle. Jaq
escorted Gem up the makeshift isle as her employees, family and
friends looked on. He smiled proudly and winked as he handed her
off to Blue, then returned to his seat.

They stood before Azor and looked at him
expectantly. With due gravity, he glanced at his tablet. “Dear
ones, we see before us now a loving couple…”

Gem looked at Blue and lost track of the
words. In her heart she already belonged to him.

At the culmination of the ceremony, Blue was
instructed to kiss his wife. He obliged with a hungry embrace that
brought wolf whistles from everyone watching. Gem was cross-eyed
when it was done, but she was grinning. Her husband was making her
look forward to what came after the vows.

Jamir shooed the guests into the banquet
room where he’d set up an impressive buffet. He hauled the computer
with Zsak’s image carelessly under his arm and set him at a place
on the table. He’d already sent a huge delivery of food to Zsak’s
hospital room so the man could share in the feast. To hear Zsak
tell it, that was the most important part of the celebration,
anyway.

Gem shared in the toasts, but she stuck with
a single glass of wine and ate lightly. There’d be plenty of time
later to sneak down and raid the leftovers, or better yet, order
room service. She laughed, thinking that was a service she’d never
used, despite owning this inn forever.

Blue glanced her way, a smile in his eyes.
“What’s the joke?”

“Just thinking of the changes married life
has brought. I’ve never ordered room service.”

His eyes sparked. “I like where your mind’s
going. Today definitely seems like a good time to start.”

She looked at him with mock innocence. “But
the kitchen is so close.”

He leaned in closer to whisper, “Trust me,
baby, you’re going to be far too exhausted to walk three
steps.”

She flushed, but couldn’t help mocking him.
“You have a high opinion of yourself.”

“You can judge for yourself later. I think
I’ll be inspired to reach new heights.”

Zsak snorted, and even Azor gave an
abbreviated laugh. There were general snickers around the
table.

Gem eyed her husband uncertainly. She was
fairly sure she understood what he was talking about.
Unfortunately, she was also rather new at this type of repartee and
couldn’t think of a timely retort. She settled for a quelling
stare.

He guessed her issue and said lazily, “Don’t
worry, sweetheart, you’ll get better with practice. Luckily, I’m a
firm believer in practice.” That began a fresh wave of giggles from
the peanut gallery.

Gem had had enough of being teased. She knew
her friends and family well enough to know they could go on for
hours and never tire. There was only one way to spike their guns.
She placed her napkin on the table and stood up. “Maybe it’s time
to put your money where your mouth is.”

Sudden silence fell across the table. How
satisfying. She’d shocked them speechless.

Blue’s eyes flared. He rose with controlled
grace from his chair and looked down at her. “What a fine idea,” he
purred.

She had an instant of trepidation. Maybe it
wasn’t a good idea to get him too excited. It was too late to back
down, though. He extended his hand and she placed hers on top. He
glanced at their guests and said in farewell, “Enjoy
yourselves.”

“Not as much as you will,” someone murmured
as they left. Gem thought it sounded rather like Zsak.

Chapter 21

The honeymoon suite, as Gem knew but had
never experienced, boasted a huge bed and a roomy tiled tub with
space for two. The coverlet on the bed was white eyelet, and
underneath were sheets of red satin. Fresh flowers in shades of
cherry and pink perfumed the air. A crystal chandelier sparkled on
the ceiling, and crystal sconces held lights on the walls. Plants
dotted the room for atmosphere and there was a small fridge full of
refreshments. A table for two sat near a large window with sheer
drapes for allowing light, and heavy silk for privacy. A bowl full
of fresh berries sat on an ironed tablecloth, ready to be
savored.

“I’m impressed,” Blue remarked, looking
around. “I want to steal your decorator.”

“You already have.” Gem smiled and slipped
her shoes off. It was a warm day and she enjoyed the feel of the
cool tile under her bare feet. Her ivory and burgundy dress felt
silky against her calves, heightening the sensuality of the moment.
It was the first time they’d been alone with guaranteed privacy and
the blessing of all concerned. It felt odd.

“Someone left a present on the bed,” Blue
commented. “Wonder what it could be?”

Gem took the hint and went over to examine
the package. It was wrapped in gold foil, and she raised an eyebrow
at the card on top. “It’s joint gift from Zsak, Jaq, the staff and
my sisters.” She hesitated, eyeing the two-foot by three-foot
package. “This could be interesting.”

Blue sat on the bed, clearly amused. “Let’s
find out.”

“You know what this is,” she accused.

“I might have heard a rumor. Go on,” he
urged. “I’m dying of curiosity.”

She opened the box and peered inside. She
couldn’t help a laugh as she held up a pair of fuzzy purple
handcuffs. “The tag says they’re to keep you in line.”

Blue smirked. “Inevitable cop humor. Must be
from Zsak. He was never very original.”

She raised a brow, both at his comment and
at the next item. “Chocolate body paint and honey?”

He grinned. “How sweet.”

She rolled her eyes. “Someone has too much
time on their hands.” She stared quizzically at the next item, a
stack of embroidered handkerchiefs. “At least someone put in
something practical.”

Blue smothered a grin and placed the
kerchiefs on the nightstand. He doubted she had a clue yet, but she
would later. He could almost picture her blush.

Suddenly, he was tired of looking at naughty
gifts. He had his wife, a bed and a quiet room. Though he’d admired
her dress the moment he saw it, suddenly he was dying to slip it
off.

She glanced up and stilled. A tint of color
kissed her cheeks. There was shyness there, but no fear. She was
ready, too.

He placed the box on the floor. At her
questioning look, he murmured, “I don’t really think we need these,
do we? I’m not in the mood for toys.”

Her lashes dipped as she glanced down
self-consciously, but she came into his arms easily enough. In
spite of his earlier teasing, his kiss was gentle, reassuring. He
showed her a tenderness he’d rarely shown another woman. Making
love had never mattered so much, and he wanted to do this
right.