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CHAPTER 10
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IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 11
With a soft groan, Wyatt rolled to his side, taking her with him so as not to disturb their intimate embrace. She let her gaze drift over his restful face, memorizing the curve of his cheek, the straight, strong line of his nose, and the shadow of his lashes beneath his closed lids. Warmth expanded her heart. His eyes flickered open. Wyatt swept a strand of hair back from her face.“Are you okay, sweetness?” Mackenzie had to swallow before answering. For some reason, her throat had constricted.“I’m fine. And you?” His sexy smile appeared again. Apparently, that was all she needed to get her to want him again. Her blood thrummed as he cupped her jaw and brushed a tender kiss across her lips.“I’m more than fine. And you are a… sex goddess.”“Now, don’t go putting me on a pedestal or something.”“No, angel.” He snuggled her closer, trapping her legs between his.“I like you where you are.” Mackenzie stroked her fingers down his
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 12
“Mackie, there’s something I don’t understand.” She turned her face up to him, eyebrows raised in question.“You’re an incredibly sensual woman. I don’t see why… how you’ve waited this long.” Mackenzie looked at him in silence for a while, then sighed.“I’ve always had these romantic notions. I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted to wait for love. Especially after Helen’s ordeal… She’s my best friend and the one who drove me home earlier. Anyway, she got pregnant at sixteen, got married, and…the rest is history…” She shook her head.“Helen was a child raising a child. She’s never had a chance to really find out who she really is... The whole thing cemented my belief that I wanted to wait for my One… for true love.”“But after all this time, why now?” Her dainty shoulders shifted.“At twenty-five, I felt like some kind of freak. I never realized true love would be so hard to find.”“Hasn’t there been anyone else?”“Oh, there have been a number of m
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 13
Mackenzie glanced at the clock on her nightstand. It showed 4:00 a.m. and she was wide awake. Wyatt was near her, sound asleep, breathing deeply, his arm draped possessively across her waist. She never wanted this night to end. Her idea of Wyatt as her dream lover had been nothing compared to the real Wyatt who took her virginity. He’d made love to her with a depth of caring and intensity that sent her mind reeling. Her gaze traced the angles of his face and warmth filled her heart. She bit her lip.“Oh, God… Is this really happening? Is this true?” she murmured, covering her mouth. Wyatt had made her have feelings for him. How could she have gone from despising him to… to having these feelings in such a short time? No wonder Helen had been so apprehensive… Panic settled over Mackenzie.“What is going on with me? What the hell am I doing?” Was she falling for Wyatt, a self-proclaimed cynic and known womanizer, a man who’d tak
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 14
The line moved. She took her bag from him to hand it to the attendant, then stepped to the counter, setting her carry-on on the floor. Wyatt ground his teeth. Guilt tore at him. He had to talk her out of this ridiculous plan. A few moments later, Mackenzie turned to him, boarding pass in hand. He picked up her carry-on and followed her as she got in line to go through the security check. She faced him, and something like regret flashed in her eyes.“Look, Wyatt… I appreciate your concern, but I’m a big girl. I know how to take care of myself. I’ll be just fine.” Wyatt’s gaze fastened on her mouth. The memory of loving her washed over him, the warmth of her pressed against him, the stroke of her tongue fresh in his mind. He’d taken her virginity, and now she meant to bestow all her blessings on some stranger. Because Wyatt had liberated her. His guilt and some other unfamiliar emotion he didn’t want to explore right that instant, swelled in him.
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 15
Corey stood. The man ran a curious gaze over Mackenzie, then turned to pump her companion’s hand.“You going down for the St. Mark’s briefing?”“You think I’d miss the beach?” The man chuckled.“Great. We’ll hit a few. You bring your racket?”“And a fresh can of balls.”“Good. We’ll do it, then.” Again, the man’s gaze swept her.“So… Arlene and the kids are doing okay?”“Fine… Just fine. Kids are growing like weeds.”“Great… Great… They’ll keep you hopping. See you down there.” With that, the man moved up the aisle. Mackenzie st
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 16
Wyatt blinked at the sunlight reflecting off the blue-green water and white sand. Even through his dark glasses, the beach dazzled. He drew in a breath of salt air and searched the area for Mackenzie. The little minx had nearly lost him in the airport. He’d hung back, though, following her to the resort. The sun glinted off his watch as Wyatt checked the time. She’d been in her room for fifteen minutes. If his hunch proved right, she’d head straight for the beach. He passed a group of college kids playing volleyball and moved toward a vacant chair beside a far umbrella. He’d have a good view of the beach from here, but wouldn’t be too noticeable. Mackenzie emerged as Wyatt settled into the canvas seat. He sat forward, his throat tightening as she sashayed to a spot near the volleyball players. A bright blue bikini top cupped her lovely breasts, while a flowered sarong hugged her hips. Ignoring the umbrellas, she spread a multi-colored towel on t
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 17
Wyatt clung to the balcony railing and glanced down at his feet dangling four stories above the ground.“Christ, how did I get myself into this?” The whole situation was funny, really. Maybe later he’d be able to laugh about sprinting after Mackenzie and her young fling, then nearly breaking his leg trying to save her from making the biggest mistake of her life. But, for now, though, Wyatt wasn’t laughing. At least he’d escaped in time to overhear the kid’s floor number as he raced for the elevator. After jogging up the stairs, he’d burst onto the floor as the chummy pair disappeared into a room at the far end of the hall. Luck had it that a maid’s cart stood outside the room next door. In all haste, he’d snuck through the open door, past the maid bent over the tub, then out onto the balcony. In one swift and senseless move, Wyatt found himself clinging to the neighboring balcony. With an effort, he swung one leg up and over the railing, then hau
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 18
Mackenzie ran her finger along the salt-coated rim of her glass.“I think adventure might be exactly what I want.” Matthew let loose a small sound of excitement.“I have been searching for such an adventurous woman since I arrived here. I have been searching for someone who dares to leave the beaten path, who makes her own rules, regardless of what society dictates. I have been searching for a free, untamed spirit…” She laughed.“Believe me, I have definitely not traveled the beaten path.” He and Deborah shared a knowing look. Mackenzie straightened, feeling a little self-conscious. Had they guessed she referred to her long stint as a virgin? A waitress, a young woman with a deep tan and sun-bleached hair, approached their table. While she took Deborah’s drink order, Matthew leaned in closer to Mackenzie. He held her hand and rubbed his thumb along her palm.“And this urge to take the unbeaten path, does it apply to all areas
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IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 39
Wyatt paced to his front window and stared blankly at the maple tree in his yard. His temples throbbed. So much had happened lately, he hadn’t had time to assimilate it all. Yesterday, his father phoned to say his mother had called and they were getting together to talk. Wyatt’s trip to the mountains had paid off, after all. Maybe he wasn’t a stupid Cupid after all. Maybe this was a good sign. If his parents could come to terms, he, too, had a chance of mending things with Mackenzie. Jackson should have made it to her shop by now. Maybe Wyatt should have gone along to see how things worked out. He glanced nervously at the flickering candles he’d scattered throughout the house. He’d placed them in every room, anticipating Mackenzie’s wonder when she saw them. Surely, she would come to him… Soft music played on the stereo in the front room. Wyatt shook his head. If she didn’t show, he’d feel like the biggest fool for creat
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 38
Jackson Daniel Kingman glanced up and pointed across the room.“I can still see this place as it was back then… There was a long counter over there. I used to come by after work with my buddy and sit and drink cup after cup, just to watch her, just to hear her… It took me nearly three weeks to work up the nerve to ask Judi out. I knew I was a goner when she poured that cup of coffee in my lap.”“But… what happened?”“She tried mopping it up with a towel.”“No, I mean… Uhm… Why didn’t you two marry?” He shook his head.“It was a stupid thing, really.” His eyebrows furrowed.“We got into this stupid fight… The church double-booked us. I wanted to elope, but Judi wouldn’t hear of it. She had to have her church wedding.” Jackson paused, dragging his ragged hand over his face.“I thought she was getting cold feet… That she was stalling or something. All the churches around were booked solid for months.”“And what happened next?” Mackenzie asked.“My
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 37
With a scowl, Wyatt adjusted his sunglasses. Summer had hit the state with a vengeance, rolling in with record-breaking highs. The sun beat down on him. Heat shimmered off the road as he peered across at Mackenzie’s shop. He’d been a dedicated cynic for most of his adult life… So, how on the hell was he going to change into a true romantic overnight? Pacing the length of Benjamin’s office, while racking his brain hadn’t gained him anything but his partner’s frustrated glare. Wyatt had meant to escape to his favorite thinking spot, the roof, but lost in thought, he’d stepped onto an elevator headed for the street level. Wyatt exited, then kept walking. He hadn’t realized where he was headed until he arrived at this place. Somewhere along the way he’d lost his tie, and rolled up his sleeves. In spite of that, sweat soaked his shirt. All that walking, and he still hadn’t come up with a fail-proof, knock-her-socks-off kind of plan. He squi
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 36
A light breeze ruffled Wyatt’s hair as he paused inside the threshold of Mackenzie’s shop. So many memories… He glanced toward the space in front of the long counter, where he’d first laid eyes on Mackenzie, and closed his eyes.“Hi,” a friendly voice broke his reverie. A sturdy brunette approached, bearing a plate of sweet-smelling cookies. She extended the plate.“Would you like one?”“No, thanks.” She shrugged, then nodded toward a far corner.“We always provide a little something for our readers to nibble.” Wyatt followed her gaze to a cozy sitting area, furnished with numerous mismatched, but comfortable-looking chairs. Nearly a dozen women filled the area, all chatting at once. A center coffee table already held a tray with a pitcher and glasses of pink lemonade.“Our reader’s group,” the brunette supplied without his asking. He nodded, quite impressed. Not only was Mackenzie a knockout, she had a good head for business.“Is your
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 35
The constant murmur of voices mingled with the clink of silverware against fine china. Mackenzie set down her water glass and pasted on a brave smile for Kenneth.“What will I do until you get back?” He reached over to squeeze her hand.“You’ll be just fine. You’re tough.”“I wasn’t so much this week. I’m not usually so mopey.”“You had your moments. But were just moments. I saw fire in your green eyes. I know who you are.” Mackenzie pulled her hand from his to fiddle with her fork.“How long will you be away?”“I don’t know. But I’ll be back before you know it.” Her throat tightened.“I’ll miss talking to you, Kenneth.” His eyes warmed.“I’ll miss you, too. But you’re not getting rid of me. We’ll still see each other when I get back.” She nodded as sadness settled over her.“Mackie, may I ask you something?” The serious look in Kenneth’s eyes sent a ripple of apprehension through her.“Of course.” He scoo
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 34
“No! Absolutely not!” Mackenzie shook her head. “You can’t do that. You two love each other. You are the definition of true love…” She pointed to her mother. “You always said she was your Little Dove.” Serena took the handkerchief Hank offered. She blew her nose with a hardy blast. “It’s true, darling.” Her eyes glittered. “I’m sorry. We didn’t want you to find out this way. We were going to tell you and your brother sometime after the wedding. We didn’t want to spoil things.” “Spoil things?” Mackenzie’s throat burned. She blinked, but this time her tears refused to be tamed. They spilled down her cheeks in hot torrents. “My God! You’re ruining everything!” She was acting like a spoiled child as she turned, then ran from them. All Mackenzie wanted to do was throw herself onto her bed, then kick and scream until she had no breath left in her. How could they? Had the world conspired to prove to
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 33
Wyatt’s heart thudded as Mackenzie moved down the aisle. Why was it that now that she was so beyond his reach, she’d become even more beautiful? His gaze swept over her slim form in the satin dress. Mentally, Wyatt caressed each hollow, each curve of her luscious body. Benjamin coughed beside him, jolting Wyatt back to the present. Good God, he stood before the altar of a church, lusting after Mackenzie. If there was a hell, he’d just gained entrance. She stepped up onto the raised platform, then maneuvered into place beside the petite brunette. Once Georgina joined them, the organist broke into the ‘Wedding March’. Estelle appeared at the back of the church, radiant in a pearl-colored gown, her father at her side. Clamping his mouth shut, Wyatt stood stiffly beside Benjamin as Estelle approached. The ceremony itself proceeded in a blur. Concentrating on the nuptials proved impossible for Wyatt when all he could thi
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 32
The next morning dawned sunny and bright. Kenneth called to say he’d be a little late, but they’d make it in plenty of time. Just hearing his voice was balm to Mackenzie’s aching heart. He’d shown up for the rehearsal dinner and she’d made it through by keeping her smile plastered on and nodding and agreeing with everyone. She’d left as soon as politely possible, feigning a headache. Kenneth arrived close to the time he’d promised. They’d just entered the vestibule when they ran into Mackenzie’s parents. Serena fussed with her husband’s tie.“Why did you wear this one? I had a nice one picked out for you. I don’t think this tie is right for this outfit?” With an impatient grunt, Hank batted her hands away.“This is a perfect tie. Sonia bought it for me for my birthday. At least she had the decency to celebrate with me.”“I was ready to celebrate with you. You just chose to go off with that floozie trainer of yours before I got back from my group
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 31
Mackenzie forced her feet in the direction of the main doors of St. Thomas’s Church. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders as she headed up the wide steps guarding the front. Her legs wobbled unsteadily and she wished desperately that Kenneth was by her side. Dread filled her at the prospect of seeing Wyatt again. Fresh pain seared through Mackenzie at the memory of finding Kimberly at his door, dressed in nothing but his robe.“I’m such an idiot…” she murmured. Humiliation filled Mackenzie at the thought of all the times she’d thrown herself at him. She really thought he cared for her. In his own way, Wyatt probably cared for all the women he slept with. He’d never made any promises and had been honest about his intentions. Like a fool, she’d let her emotions get all blown out of proportion, convincing herself he simply hadn’t yet realized his true feelings. She paused before the double wooden doors. Why had she l
