"If you two are done, maybe we can go to the restaurant now," Lucern said, preventing any further embarrassment from the editor.
"Okay," Bastien agreed. "Lucern, you're riding with Kate. Terri's with me." He paused and eyed Chris and Leah with what might have been dread. "How did you two get here?"
"I had a car pick them up, just like with us and the girls," Lucern announced. He added, "The driver will take them to the restaurant too, then drive each of them home afterward."
Terri glanced at C.K. with surprise. "Are you back in your own apartment then?"
"Yes." C.K. grinned. "They finished the painting, which was the last of the repairs, last night. Tonight will be my first night home."
"Oh, good!" Terri exclaimed. "I'm sure it will be a relief for you to be back in your own bed."
"I'm looking forward to it," the editor admitted.
"Well, let's get this party moving," Kate said, gesturing toward the church doors.
"Good thinking." Bastien was much more relaxed now that he knew that he wouldn't have company in the car. "Come on, baby."
Terri blushed at the affectionate endearment as he steered her toward the exit. He'd called her baby! Right there in front of everyone! He wasn't trying to hide their relationship at all. Man, she was going to get so hurt if this went wrong.
Grimacing at her thoughts, Terri slid her arm around Bastien's waist and concentrated on matching her step to his.
"I missed you last night," he said, quietly pulling her into his arms as soon as they were in the backseat of the chauffeured car. Then he added, "When I wasn't worrying."
"Worrying?" Terri pulled back in surprise as he tried to kiss her. "Why were you worrying?"
He hesitated. "Well, you seemed to change once Kate and Lucern arrived. I was…" He shrugged. "Just worried that maybe you didn't want them to know about us, or something."
"Oh," she said softly, then smiled. "I was worried you might feel that way."
"I'm glad we were both wrong," Bastien said. He kissed her as the driver began to back the car out of its parking spot.
Terri sighed and leaned into him. A moment later, she caught his hand with a choked laugh. It had gone wandering down her upper leg, then tried to wander back up under the skirt of her baby-blue dress.
"Be good," she muttered against his mouth, trying to sound firm.
"I'd rather be bad," he whispered, trailing his lips to her neck.
Very aware of the driver, Terri caught back the moan that threatened to slip from her lips. Excitement raced through her, brought on both by Bastien's words and what he was doing. Bastien had already managed—with just a kiss—to make desire unfurl inside her. She was so glad that she had spoken up. Silence might be golden, but good communication was priceless.
Terri was really wishing they could skip the rehearsal dinner and go back to the penthouse for a quick refresher course on Bastien and Terri 101. Or a long refresher course. Possibly a really long one. Several days would have been good. But, of course, that wasn't possible. Bastien wasn't the only one sighing with regret when they arrived at the restaurant and had to untangle from each other's arms.
"I know we aren't going to get any time alone tonight," he said as he slid out of the car. He took her hand to help her out. "But it's occurred to me that we really have to get together tomorrow for a meeting."
"A meeting, huh?" Terri asked with amusement. She straightened on the pavement beside him.
"Yes. To discuss the stag and doe."
Terri blinked. Bastien had a wicked grin that told her he wanted to do more than just discuss something. But his mention of "stag and doe" made her realize that she had forgotten all about her intention of arranging a bridal shower for Kate. Terri had intended on setting to work on that the moment she arrived, and holding it whenever was possible. She'd known it would be last-minute, but being from England made it difficult to arrange, and she'd hoped Kate's friends would understand. However, the chaos that had ensued after she arrived had driven the thought from her mind. Now she was reminded. A stag and doe party would eliminate the need for a bridal shower, which was great. It would be more fun. The guys could be there. Bastien could be there.
"Yes. We'll have to get together. I could come to your office and meet you for lunch," she suggested.
"Perfect." Bastien kissed her again, then they walked into the restaurant.
"Hi." Terri paused before the desk in the outer office and smiled widely. "Meredith? I'm Terri."
"Oh." The woman was on her feet at once and taking the hand Terri held out. "Miss Simpson, what a pleasure to meet you in person."