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CHAPTER 24
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IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 25
Mackenzie rolled to her back and stared up at the ceiling. Damn that man! How could he have walked out on her like that? Her heart contracted. ‘I care about you, Mackie…’ Yeah, right… How could he care about her and leave? She didn’t need him to protect her... She needed him naked beside her… deep inside her. Mackenzie clutched her pillow and moaned. To think she’d let him touch her, kiss her… everywhere. Sure, he’d given her orgasm after orgasm. Having sex with Wyatt had surpassed her wildest fantasies. Yet, he’d left her wanting more… Sighing, Mackenzie smacked the pillow into the mattress. “I want a man to care about me, to put my needs above his, to want to make me happy,” she said slowly looking at the ceiling. Wasn’t that exactly what Wyatt had done? From the start, everything he’d done had contradicted the picture she’d held of him before they met. Wyatt, the ladies’ man, couldn’t have had a chivalrous bone
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 26
The elevator door opened. Wyatt squared his shoulders and stared down the long hallway leading to the suite of offices he shared with Benjamin. Drawing a deep breath, he stepped onto the carpeted walkway. He’d spent a good part of the morning on his trip back, but he could still put in a few hours. He had time to make a couple of trades. Besides, the sooner he faced his partner, the better. The trip to the double glass doors took an inordinate amount of time. He paused with one hand on the brass door pull. Fluorescent light shone on the gold lettering spelling first Benjamin’s name, then his. Guilt burned in Wyatt’s belly. When he’d had his fill of Denver, Benjamin had taken him back without question, welcoming him with open arms. Then, in less than a month’s time, his sister had done the same. Only Mackenzie had done so literally. ‘Make love to me, Wyatt.’ Scowling, Wyatt pushed through the door. Now was not the time to brood
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 27
Mackenzie played with her wineglass and glanced around ‘The Stumble Inn’s. The bar was quiet this evening, with only a few scattered patrons lounging about its tables and high-backed booths. A clock glowed in the dim light. Where the hell was Helen? Mackenzie was near bursting with the need to talk to her. Who better than Helen to understand her remorse over giving in to her physical cravings for Wyatt, a man who was completely wrong for her? Helen would know what to say to ease the sick feeling that had settled in the pit of Mackenzie’s stomach. Talking to her would be such a relief. Maybe all Mackenzie needed was to spill the entire story about her horrid weekend… The debacle with Wyatt, and the subsequent visit she received from Estelle’s uncle, Kenneth Stevens. She took another sip of wine, then let out a heavy sigh. Kenneth had taken her to the most charming Italian restaurant that afternoon. Though her appetite had been lacking,
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 28
Helen glanced at the clock on the wall.“Tom’s counting down. I’d better go. He’s promised the naughtiest punishment if I’m late…” She half rose, then stopped.“Mackie, did you need to talk to me about something?” Mackenzie bit her lip and shook her head.“No, sweetie, I’m fine. You go and have a good time with your future hubby-to-be-again…”“Are you sure, babe? You seem a little… I don’t know, off somehow.” Helen narrowed her eyes and plunked herself back into her seat.“You’re not still upset about Ben bribing your date? Tell me you didn’t spend the weekend sulking, and that’s why you didn’t go through with your plan...”“I… No, sweetie… I’m just a little tired. You run along unless, of course, you’re looking for a little of that naughty punishment.” Helen stood, then moved to Mackenzie’s side. She threw her arms around her in a quick hug.“You’re the greatest, Mackie. I’ll let you know all the details as soon as we work them out.”
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 29
A trickle of unease passed through Wyatt. He shrugged as if to dislodge the feeling.“Good for him! Estelle must be so happy.”“Oh, she’s thrilled.” Benjamin paused, raising his eyebrows suggestively.“Seems it’s a great house… Mackenzie saw it. It has a huge yard, and a picket fence, and off the master bedroom is a nursery. He told Estelle he’s a man with a plan.” Wyatt jerked his head toward Benjamin.“Oh, I forgot to warn you.” Benjamin’s eyebrows arched in apology.“I’ve invited Kimberly… you know, before you said you weren’t interested.” Perplexed, Wyatt followed his gaze to where the blonde, drink in hand, threaded her way toward them. She still had all the right curves in all the right places, but somehow his hormones failed to appreciate that fact.“Hello, handsome.” She slipped her arm through his.“Kimberly.”“Baby, come on…” Estelle rushed over to grab Benjamin.“Crystal wants us to open the presents.”“Oka
IT HAD TO BE YOU CHAPTER 30
The amber liquid swirled, then settled in Wyatt’s glass. He lifted it for another long swallow and closed his eyes as it burned down his throat. Then shook his head. He could still remember the look of outrage on Mackenzie’s face as he’d left her. When she’d walked out with Kenneth, Wyatt had quietly slipped from the back room to the bar at the front of ‘The Fiddler’. He caught the bartender’s eye as he glanced up from filling a mug of beer.“Another!” The man frowned but brought Wyatt another drink.“You look like you’ve lost something pretty special.”“I did.” Staring into his glass, Wyatt set his jaw. A vision of Mackenzie, her eyes wide, her lips parted in invitation, flitted across his mind’s eye. He’d lost big time.“Fucking loser,” he muttered. What did Wyatt know about giving a woman like that all she wanted in life: a home, children… love? How could he give her something that didn’t exist? Wyatt tossed back
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
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
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