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  She pulled into the parking lot of the Norton Club with five minutes to spare. Seriously? The place had a parking lot attendant? She tried not to look wide-eyed as she approached the enormous front doors, lugging her makeup case, dress and shoes. The door swung open before she reached it and a uniformed man offered to carry her case. She gave him Alisa’s name and followed him into the fanciest elevator she had ever seen. They went up several floors. When the doors opened, he led her down the hall and knocked on a door.

  “Thank you,” she murmured as it swung open. He smiled and placed her case inside the door, heading back toward the elevator.

  “Thank God.” Alisa grabbed her hand and dragged her into the small bedroom. “I thought it was my mother.”

  Crystal shut the door behind them. “How are you holding up, sweetie?”

  Alisa’s china blue eyes filled with tears. “My parents are fighting.”

  Crystal felt the pull of her misery. “Of course they are. That’s what they do. Did you think they would behave because it’s your wedding day? Silly girl.” She put her arms around Alisa, fitting her snugly under her chin. “Relax. I’m here to make your life easier. Repeat after me: no wedding is perfect.”

  “What?” Alisa stiffened and pulled away from her.

  “Nope, it’s true. There are going to be hiccups and fuck-ups, and if you resolve not to let it bother you, then you can relax and enjoy the day. What’s the alternative? Letting your parents’ marital problems ruin your wedding? At the end of the night, you’ll be married to Mark. That’s all that matters. Just think about that.”

  Alisa smiled. She nodded once, then put her hands on Crystal’s shoulders and reached up to give her a warm kiss on the lips. There had been a time when that kiss would have held more heat, but those days were gone, ushered out by Crystal when she sensed Alisa was ready to find her Prince Charming. Being right about that kind of thing was hell on a girl’s love life.

  A swift knock sounded on the door. “I’ve got this.” Crystal opened it and saw Bonita, her boss, friend and all-around lifeline, looking elegant in a vintage sundress.

  Bonita swept into the room, carrying a six-pack of water and a large leather toy bag. “Good morning, ladies. How was the rehearsal dinner?”

  Alisa gave her a hug. “Amazing. It was fun to see so many people from so many different parts of my life together in the same room. Meeting Mark’s college friends was fascinating too.”

  Crystal hoped she wouldn’t mention anything about the best man, but she knew she would. She could feel it coming.

  Alisa crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “I like Ryan, Crystal. Anything you’d like to tell me about him?”

  A half-dozen things leapt to mind, but Crystal mashed them back into her repressed memory, where they belonged. Even that split second of thought made her pulse race. God, what was it about first love that made it so fucking vivid, so indelible, so impossible to forget?

  Alisa waved a hand in front of her eyes. “Earth to Crystal. Mark says you hooked up with his best friend at a frat party. How come you never told me you went to college together?”

  Crystal cleared her throat. “Ancient history. And we didn’t exactly go to college together. He was a senior and I was a freshman. I only ran into him a couple of times, and I was a different person back then. There’s a lot I would like to forget about those days, especially Ryan Anderson.”

  “Is that why you headed for the hills as soon as you saw him?” Alisa asked.

  “I was already heading for the hills,” Crystal reminded her. “I had a splitting headache.”

  Alisa sat at the vanity in front of a large mirror. “You know Ryan’s the reason we could have our wedding here at the Norton Club, right? It’s members-only with very few exceptions, but Ryan’s great-great-grandfather was a charter member. Ryan is an absolute doll. Sure you don’t want to hear about what he’s been up to since college?”

  “I’d much rather get to work turning you into a princess bride.” Crystal ignored her pout and set her makeup case on the bed. “Bonita, you want to do her hair while I explore this incredibly high-class establishment, spreading peace and joy in my wake? The parental units have gone rogue.”

  Thankfully, Alisa let the subject drop. She was wrapped up in her own issues today, as she should be, as Crystal wanted her to be. Bonita nodded and began pulling hair-related items out of her bag, but interest sparkled in her green eyes, telling Crystal they would be discussing this topic later, even if Bonita had to dig the information out of her with her French-manicured nails or the jeweled clip in her perfect blond chignon.

  Crystal stood. “I’m off to do what I do best then—eavesdrop on emotions and tell people what they need to hear to be happy.”

  “Just like you are doing with me?” Alisa frowned in the mirror.

  Crystal leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Exactly, sweetie. I told you I’d always be your friend, rain, shine or dysfunctional family. Because I love you.”

  “I love you too.” Alisa sniffed.

  Before Alisa could get truly weepy, Crystal teased, “Not half as much as you are going to love me when you get your wedding present. I sent it to your hotel in Hawaii. I think you’ll find it very stimulating. Mark hasn’t come up with anything quite this crazy yet, but I’m sure he’ll hit the drawing board when you get back home. Feel free to send naked pictures with the thank-you note.”

  “Pervert.” Bonita pointed at the door. “Out.”

  “Gimme a break, Bonita. You think we don’t know that leather bag is designed to hold dildos and butt plugs, not curling irons and hairspray?” Crystal rolled her eyes.

  Her boss shrugged. “Function over form. Pockets are pockets.”

  “Such a practical soul.” Crystal winked at Alisa. “I’ll be back in an hour to do your makeup. Any idea where your parents might have gone?”

  “Find the bar,” Alisa suggested.

  Crystal nodded. “An excellent idea.”

  Ryan stopped in front of Come Again to read the sign on the door. The store would only be open in the early morning and late afternoon today. Were all the store employees going to the wedding too? With such limited hours, he wondered why the shop was open at all, but that question was answered when he walked inside. Sex sells. There were several shoppers already.

  He nodded at the salesgirl, a petite brunette with dreadlocks, before he browsed toward the back. He had to be at the Norton Club in an hour, but it was just around the corner. Since he had showered at his hotel and his tux was in the rental car, he had plenty of time to check out a porn shop, but this was not what he had expected. There was none of the usual crap he associated with adult novelty stores—no tacky cards, no buttons, no pornographic candies. The first aisle he passed held at least a hundred different brands of lube and every battery under the sun. The next aisle was full of books and magazines. He paused to flip through the pages of one particularly eye-catching pictorial, tempted to sink into one of the cushy reading chairs to check out the accompanying article, but time was ticking. Reluctantly, he tucked the magazine back into place on the rack, making a mental note to buy some feathers.

  A black leather sex swing caught his eye as he scanned the store for some sign of Crystal’s business, Get In Touch. He recognized the swing as a DoublePlay product, as were the inclined cushions and foam wedges scattered on the floor at his feet, and he was glad. Investing in Mark’s company, SoloPlay Enterprises, had been one of the best business decisions he’d ever made. He continued to the back of the store and found a wall covered with vibrators and dildos. Some toys were true to life—at least if you had a cock like a bull—while others ranged through every color of the rainbow. He searched the wall for SoloPlay and DoublePlay devices and discovered Come Again carried the entire line of products. No wonder Crystal was Alisa’s maid of honor. They’d probably bonded over batteries, God bless them.

  The girl at the front counter looked like his best bet. From their conversation last night, he had assume
d Crystal wouldn’t be at work this morning, but he was counting on her being here this afternoon. He paused at the condom rack, figuring he had to buy something before he could pump the cashier for information. Thanks to his Christmas basket from SoloPlay Enterprises, he was all set for sex toys, but a guy could always use more rubbers.

  He stared at the rack in front of the register, confounded by the selection. He knew the world held more than Trojans, but he’d never seen studded condoms. He picked up a box and read the back. Super-sensitizing gel, both inside and outside the condom? Seemed like overkill. He picked up two more boxes and compared the merits of a contoured fit versus a light bulb shape. Hmm. He pictured his erection. Did he need extra head room?

  “Can I help you pick something out?”

  The counter girl was grinning at him.

  He held up the boxes. “I don’t think you have the answer I need.”

  She laughed and reached over the counter to pull a pack off the rack. “This is our best seller.”

  He replaced the two brands he’d been holding and took the package from her. “Are Japanese condoms as reliable as Japanese cars?”

  “Super-thin, super-strong, as close to bareback—”

  “Sold.”

  He tossed the condoms on the counter and watched her ring them up, wondering if her gray suit was work-wear or wedding-wear, but not wanting to ask. Instead, he dug a twenty and the pink business card out of his pocket. After she made his change, he asked, “Is Crystal LaRusso working today? I’d like to make an appointment.”

  She nodded. “She’s working, but she’s booked solid. How about Tuesday?”

  He’d be back on a plane to California Tuesday. “Tuesday will be too late,” he said, putting sadness and a little desperation in his voice. “Is there any way I can see her today? I don’t have that many options.” He didn’t dare look her in the eye. Would the restless line of customers forming behind him sway her?

  He heard her sigh. “She’s not going to be happy about it, but I’ll book you for a half hour at four-thirty. Make sure you tell her you begged.”

  “Thank you.” He didn’t have to feign appreciation when he smiled and gave her a fake name. She scrawled it down in an appointment book, then looked up at him with a frown. He met her gaze with as much innocence as he could muster, afraid his sense of humor had blown his cover. “No relation,” he said.

  A customer behind him cleared her throat with unmistakable impatience, so Ryan gave them both a polite nod, picked up his purchase and made a slow beeline for the door. He was looking forward to surprising Crystal. After all these years, she deserved a taste of her own medicine.

  Chapter Three

  Crystal stepped back and surveyed her handiwork. Alisa’s makeup was understated yet emphasized all of her best features. Her blue eyes looked enormous, thanks to volumizing mascara and some creatively applied shadows. A bit of bronzer on her cheeks played up her natural glow and the sparkle of pink gloss highlighted her happy smile.

  Crystal had found Alisa’s parents arguing over spiked coffee in the salon earlier. She had introduced herself and immediately sensed they felt useless. Mark and Alisa had handled all of the wedding details, and there was nothing for them to do except sit around feeling intimidated by the extreme wealth surrounding them. Although she had been tempted to find a copy of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and pop it into the DVD player to show them what true misery was like, she put them to work instead.

  She had brought Mrs. Mane up to Alisa’s room to make sure the bride had something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, and she had turned Mr. Mane over to Mark to do whatever guys did before weddings. She was grateful that Ryan hadn’t arrived yet, so she could hang onto her serenity and get on with her job. Mark’s emotions were steady and filled with joy and anticipation as he welcomed Mr. Mane into his room. Crystal had never liked him more than she had in that moment.

  “How’s Alisa?” he had asked.

  “She was freaking out because her parents were fighting, but she’s got her eye on the prize now. That’s you, so be a good little prize and keep Daddy occupied, hmm?”

  Mission accomplished, she’d done a quick sweep of the club to check in with the wedding coordinator, look at the flowers and grab another cup of coffee before returning to do Alisa’s makeup. While she had been gone, Bonita had created a dramatic updo with tendrils curling around Alisa’s face. Diamonds glittered in her hair, making her look regal and youthful at the same time.

  “It’s time to get dressed. Are you ready?” Crystal asked.

  Alisa nodded, smiling at herself in the mirror. God, she was beautiful. Crystal’s heart squeezed in her chest. She put her hands on her friend’s shoulders and caught her eyes in the mirror. “You look breathtaking,” she whispered as emotion flowed between them in a poignant stream.

  Alisa’s fingers touched hers, sharing her joy.

  Mrs. Mane dithered in the background, but it was a good kind of dithering. “Something old—she’s wearing her great-grandmother’s diamond earrings. Something new is always easy—the dress. She’s wearing my pearls, so she has something borrowed, but what about blue? Honey, do you have something blue?”

  “My eyes?” Alisa suggested.

  “Doesn’t count,” Crystal said. “But I’ve got you covered.” She retrieved a signature pink bag from the corner. She handed it to Alisa. “Open it.”

  Alisa pulled pink tissue paper out of the way and giggled. She pulled out an ice-blue bra and panty ensemble that was light enough not to show through her dress but blue enough to fulfill the rhyme. “It’s perfect!”

  “To match your eyes,” Crystal said softly.

  Alisa’s smile was tender. “Thank you.”

  Crystal clapped her hands, dispelling the emotion in the air. “All right, Mrs. Mane, you’re on. Can you get our girl dressed while Bonita and I finish getting ready?”

  Bonita shook her head. “I’m all set.”

  Of course she was—Bonita never had a hair out of place and lived in perfect makeup. Well, Crystal might be slightly more challenged in that regard, but she made up for it in speed as she slid into Alisa’s spot at the mirror and touched up her makeup.

  Ten minutes later, she and Alisa stood side by side, looking into the mirror.

  “My work is done.” Alisa’s mom kissed her cheek. “I’m going to go check on your cousins.” The young bridesmaids had arrived in a flurry of nervousness and had been sent into the gallery to watch the crowd.

  Crystal tugged at her neckline. Her black dress was knee-length and she was wearing a conservative amount of makeup, but she was showing way too much cleavage for a morning wedding. Would Alisa mind?

  “What did you do to that dress?” Alisa asked. She was frowning too.

  “Nothing,” Crystal said, feeling guilty anyway.

  Alisa stepped behind her and pulled the dress down to bare Crystal’s tattoo, then tightened the back of the corset until Crystal’s boobs looked twice as big as they had a second ago. “Whoa, hey. What on earth are you doing?” Crystal gasped.

  Alisa rolled her eyes. “You don’t buy Gaultier and wear it like Laura Ashley, for God’s sake. It’s supposed to look like this.”

  “For a wedding?”

  “Don’t argue with the bride.” Alisa leaned to whisper, “I’d never ask you to change for me, Crystal. I love your style. Now you’ve got five minutes to fix your makeup. I don’t want a pale imitation of my best friend standing beside me today, got it?”

  Gratitude, warm and overwhelming, made her voice husky as she said, “Got it.”

  Crystal took a long, slow belly breath to calm her jumping nerves. It was showtime. Time to show Ryan a strong front, impenetrable, confident, unaffected…which could only happen if she left the room. Bonita had taken Alisa down for pictures five minutes ago.

  Since then, she’d been sitting on the bed with her eyes shut, trying to find balance. It wasn’t working. Every time she tried to go downsta
irs to join the wedding party, she thought about Ryan and a tidal wave of emotion knocked her sideways. She couldn’t dam her emotions. Like water, they kept slipping through the cracks in her shield. Usually she spent her energy shielding herself from the emotions of others. It had been a long time since her own feelings had caused so much trouble.

  Maybe it was better to take a Zen approach—acknowledge the feelings and let them flow away. She opened her eyes, but she no longer saw the luxurious room around her. She saw a frat house bedroom, walls covered with movie posters. She heard the sounds of a party, smelled Ryan’s cologne and tasted tequila on his breath. She felt an incredible, powerful connection.

  Breath rushed out of her lungs as she abandoned herself to the memory.

  Mahogany eyes, warm, like bittersweet chocolate, gazing at her with infinite tenderness. He slid inside her walls with the reverence of one receiving a benediction, and the boundaries of her mind expanded, exploded, changed forever.

  She gasped, trembling. She had instantly fallen in love.

  Alone.

  That night with Ryan had been a life-changing experience for her, but just another hookup for him—and that was okay. It was okay to be young, dumb and innocent. She had forgiven herself for that, but it was impossible to forget the man who had somehow turned her into a walking emotional minefield, and it was damn near impossible to pretend she had never cared about him.

  The door opened, startling her out of the past. Bonita poked her head into the room. “Hey, what’s the holdup? They need you for the group shots.”

  “Nothing.” Crystal stood. She looked in the mirror to make sure her armor was in place, but even though she looked as exotically outrageous as ever, she still felt exposed.

  “Crystal? What can I do to help?” Bonita asked gently.

  Relief rushed through her as she remembered she didn’t have to handle this alone anymore. Thank God for friends. “Will you be my date for the reception tonight? You aren’t bringing anyone else, right?”