Maizy the Bear Charmer(Diving Creek Ranch 16)(113)

“I’ve got you, baby. Touch yourself. I want you to come with me.”

She buried her face against his neck, moaning as she reached down and stroked the throbbing bundle of nerves until she was on the verge. “Just a little more. I’m so close.”

“Look at me.” When she complied, he whispered, “I love you, angel. I love you so much.”

Each time he said it, she melted because she could feel the truth in his words. Each utterance felt like the first time. She tightened her arm around his neck and ground her pussy against him, crying out as her orgasm coursed through her in billowing hot waves as he also found completion. He stood there holding her, rocking her back and forth, still connected with her for a couple of minutes as they recovered. When it was time, she had to make herself let go of him.

She giggled as he rinsed her again, and then they stepped out and dried off. He left her to get ready for her full morning with a gentle kiss on her lips. She didn’t have much to do, beyond dry her hair, because she was getting it done in a fancy upswept hairstyle chosen by Lucy, and she planned to do her makeup at the spa so it would be fresh for the wedding.

At Madeleine’s, Lucy was trying hard to hide it but Maizy could see she was a nervous wreck. A couple of weeks before, she’d settled on an intricate updo for her hair and one stray comment that morning from her stylist about how beautiful her hair looked flowing down her back in simple waves had her second-guessing her decision.

The stylist sent Grace a pleading look while Lucy flapped her hands and wondered if maybe they should just leave it down.

From the next stylist’s chair, Grace finally cut her off. “Listen to me, Lucy. Everything’s going to be fine. You’re having wedding jitters, that’s all. Think of your dress. If you wear your hair down around your shoulders, like you’re suggesting, then no one will notice the lace, plus your hair will get hung up in all the beadwork.”

“Oh. You’re right. Well, I just want the guys to like it. Beck told me this morning that he loved my hair down, too. I’m overthinking it.”

“Probably. Listen to me. Don’t worry about the guys. The impression you’ll make in that dress is one that will last for their lifetimes.”

Lucy sat back in her chair with a smile and a fierce twinkle gradually came into her eyes. “Damn right I will.” Maizy giggled when Lucy turned her gaze to her stylist and said, “Bring it on, Danielle. And make sure you spray it good afterward.”

During the course of the hairstyling, Maizy discovered that Danielle was the stylist Chaz was dating—or had been up until recently. At one point in that lively conversation, while arranging Maizy’s sparkling hairpins, Danielle giggled and said, “Honey, it’s such a shame when a man peaks at the age of eighteen. After I’d heard that story about the football championships regurgitated for the tenth time, I gave his goofy ass the boot. Life is too short for that bullshit.”

Right then, Danielle earned a client for life as she and Maizy commiserated over the hazards of dating men like Chaz.

Once they were all done with hair and nails, had a light lunch, and then had makeup done, they used Madeleine’s large dressing room to get ready for the wedding. It was warm outside and they didn’t want to change clothes once they got to Grace’s, chancing ruining hair or makeup. Madeleine helped them with buttons, zippers, and last-minute touch-ups and then stood back as they gazed at themselves in the large mirrors. “You’re all perfect, ladies.”

Madeleine was Lucy’s former employer, before she’d become self-employed, and it was obvious that she was close with Lucy as she placed her hands on Lucy’s lace-sheathed upper arms. “You’re stunning, Lucy. I’m glad you invited me to your wedding because I can’t wait to see the looks on your men’s faces.”

Lucy smiled at Madeleine, blinking rapidly as she fought tears, and patted her forearms. “Thanks, boss.”

Madeleine turned to the whole group with shiny eyes and said, “Ladies, I can’t wait to see how the whole assembly reacts to you. It’s nearly one o’clock.”

Grace gasped and said, “We’d better hurry. Don’t want to be late for your wedding.”

Lucy eyed her wedding dress and shoes in the mirror one more time, that same confident smile and fierceness lighting her pale blue eyes from within. “I think they’ll wait.”

Maizy was a little awed by her about-to-be sister-in-law sometimes. She was tall and usually exuded a confidence that made Maizy think of an Amazon warrior woman. She was exactly what Patrick and PJ needed. And the good Lord knew she was exactly what Beck needed, too.