Beyond Reach Read online

  “Don’t complain. I wanted to take you to the hospital. Since you refused to go, this is the compromise.”

  “All I did was throw up, for Pete’s sake. It’s not a reason to sit in the ER all night. Oh God, your car.”

  “Don’t worry about that.” He used the key card on the lock. “Let me—”

  “Not on your life. I’m feeling better already.” She held up a hand to keep him from taking her into his arms and stepped forward. The room swayed, and she stumbled.

  Garner caught her and swung her into his arms. Against her will, he carried her to the bed and deposited her gently onto it. She complained halfheartedly.

  “Stay put,” he ordered. “I’m going to get you something to settle your stomach. Don’t try to change by yourself. I’ll be right back.”

  “You must be out of your mind. Did you forget you’re engaged? You can’t help me change.”

  Color flooded his handsome face. He actually seemed to have forgotten he didn’t have the right to help her to get undressed. It was as if no time had passed since they were last together. With her reminder, the present came flooding back. He was marrying her cousin.

  “I’ll call Marcella. She’ll come over and help.”

  “No, I can take care of myself.” There was no heat to her words. “I promise you I can handle it. I don’t want to make her work to help me when she’s already doing so much in preparation for your wedding day. All I’m going to do is shower and sleep. In the morning, I’ll be right as rain.”

  “Chanda…” He paused, watching her as if he had something else to say. She wondered what was on his mind and half wanted to hear it and half preferred him to keep his thoughts to himself. “I’ll be right back.”

  He was gone, and she rolled to a sitting position. The best move was to shower before he returned. Garner was sweet, but he was also stubborn. He wouldn’t decide she was fine and not return. He would see for himself.

  By sheer miracle, she made it to the shower and stripped before stepping inside. The cold spray sent a shiver down her spine and popped out goose bumps on her arms. She should have waited for the water to warm up.

  She hugged herself. After spending just a few moments in Garner’s arms, she picked up his scent all over her skin. Hurrying to wash it away before she lost her mind, she grabbed the soap and rolled it within one of the pristine white washcloths.

  “Get yourself together, Chanda,” she muttered to herself. “You’re never sick, but even if you feel like you want to die from nausea, suck it up!”

  She had to finish washing before he returned. Her stomach refused to listen to commands. It rocked and reeled. This was emotions and stress, she guessed. As soon as she saw her cousin with Garner, she would be better.

  The thought brought on another bout of sickness. She pitched forward and fell out of the tiny shower onto the bathroom floor.

  “Crap!”

  A door slammed. Wait, how long had she been daydreaming about Garner and Marcella? He couldn’t have found a drug store that fast. She scrambled to her feet and cried out as her stomach turned upside down. Bending over the sink, she drew in deep breaths.

  A banging started on the bathroom door. “Chanda?”

  He tried the knob. She panicked and reached for a towel to wipe away most of the suds still on her skin. “I’m fine. What are you doing back so soon?”

  “The front desk has nausea meds. They’re generic, but they may work. I bought you a soda too.”

  She grunted her thanks.

  “Are you okay? I thought I heard you moan.”

  “No,” she lied. “I mean I didn’t moan, not that I’m not okay.”

  She tightened the towel, which hardly fit around her broad hips and then leaned her head on the sink. The chilly surface helped. Garner called her name again and rattled the doorknob. She felt confident that she’d locked the door. That is until the lock clicked and the door opened.

  “What are you doing, Garner?” She didn’t even raise her head.

  “I didn’t break it. It unlocked on its own.”

  “Yeah right.”

  “More importantly, what are you doing?”

  “Drinking tea.”

  He wrapped an arm about her waist and guided her into the bedroom. After tucking her into a seat at the tiny round table, he popped open the can of soda and dropped two white pills into the palm of her hand. Afterward, to her relief, he moved away.

  She took the pills and swallowed a few sips of the soda. “Thanks. I don’t know what my deal is. Maybe I had some bad spaghetti or whatever.”

  “Your favorite food.”

  She glanced over at him. He stood in front of the A/C vent, and she questioned whether the room was too chilly. Right then, she was on fire.

  He remembered her favorite food? What else did he recall? Should she tell him the secret she kept from him? Did it matter? No, she decided. It didn’t matter because he had moved on, and so had she.

  “I’m doing better now. You can go.”

  “I’ll leave when you’re in bed.”

  “That’s inappropriate.”

  “I fully intend to tell Marcella that you were ill and I looked after you.”

  She gazed at him.

  “We are honest with each other.”

  “You mean you make a habit of helping sick women and going to their hotel rooms with them?”

  He smiled. “No. I did it because it’s you.”

  Be still, stupid heart.

  Why should his words affect her?

  “In that case, I’m getting into bed so you won’t have any more excuse.”

  He strolled quickly to the bed and turned down the sheets. Fresh memories tormented her. She gulped too much soda and choked. He checked on her over his shoulder. She pretended his touching the bed sheets—and just plain being too close to where she would lie—did nothing to her equilibrium.

  “This bed is hard, and the pillows are flat,” he complained. “Why did you choose this place? There are many other hotels ten times better.”

  “Which cost ten times more. I’m good.”

  “If you need—”

  She held up a hand and climbed into the bed. Garner’s color running high, he tucked the covers around her. She laid back on what she found to be exactly what he described—flat pillows.

  A huge yawn didn’t make him back off. He settled on the side of the bed, his leg brushing her hip. Even with the sheet and comforter separating them, she felt vulnerable.

  She drew the covers up to her nose. “I’m fine, Garner.”

  He brushed fingers over her cheek, and she froze. Something came over him. Maybe he realized what he was doing, and he drew his hand away from her face. Still, she noticed the regret in his expression. She dared not read into what it could mean, that he wished he could go on touching her, or maybe that he regretted letting her get away in the past.

  “I’ve missed you, Chanda.”

  “Don’t.”

  “I’m glad to see you again. When I heard you accepted Marcella’s offer to be her maid of honor, I was happy to hear it. I thought it might be too awkward between the two of you.”

  “Oh it’s awkward alright.”

  He went silent, and she bit her lip. Tension charged the room. She wanted to get out of there or to change somehow what happened up until that point. Shutting her eyes, she drew in a breath and blew it out. Warmth stirred on her chin, and she looked up to find him closer. Her breath caught.

  “W-what are you doing?” she whispered.

  “Chanda.”

  She waited for him to explain himself, but he said nothing. Her throat dried. He took her hand in his. Part of her wanted to pull away. The other half stayed still because his touch felt good.

  “When you left,” he said in a low tone, “you took my heart.”

  Chapter 4

  Chanda shut the car door to her rental. She’d sprung for the vehicle because there was no way she was going to live through Garner picking her up again.
After that confession last night, he left the room like he didn’t just floor her.

  What the heck was she supposed to say to him? How should she take his words? His statement wasn’t a declaration that he wanted to get back to together. Was it?

  She faltered on the walkway up to her cousin’s apartment. No, she couldn’t think that way. Garner belonged to Marcella now. She might as well get that straight in her head. Then again, she should be ticked off that Garner would say some mess like that when he was getting married to someone else. Wasn’t it a betrayal?

  “Maybe he’s not as sweet as I always thought he was. Maybe I got off scot-free.”

  She liked that idea because it allowed her to continue on to her cousin’s place without turning around and screaming as she ran for her life. And forget the nerves. This was just a small hurtle, the first meeting after so long, her failed relationship too big in her memory.

  She pasted a smile on her face and rang Marcella’s bell. Her cousin flung the door wide like she’d been watching for Chanda. “Cuz! Get in here. I’ve missed you!”

  Marcella dragged Chanda into a bear hug, making her feel guilty for her feelings. She brushed them aside and embraced Marcella. “I’ve missed you too. Let me look at you.”

  Chanda drew back to study Marcella. Her cousin was tall and in perfect physical condition. Big boobs, curvy hips, thick thighs, but everything was in proposition. She looked like a model. The only thing out of place was her hair, which was pulled back into a ponytail. The scraggly hairs around her forehead said she needed a touchup.

  Marcella chuckled. “You’re looking at my hair. I get the full treatment on Wednesday, and you’re going with us.”

  “Us?”

  Another woman elbowed Marcella aside. She wrinkled her nose when she spotted Chanda and stared wide-eyed. “This is her? God, I thought she was—you know—cuter than you. She don’t look like anything special.”

  Chanda’s eyebrows rose, and she planted a hand on her hip. “Excuse you?”

  Marcella rolled her eyes and waved a hand. “Don’t pay Lanae any mind. She says whatever pops into her head. I try to control her, but you know how that goes. Lanae, stop playing. I told you my cousin is beautiful. Come in, Chanda.”

  Lanae’s nose didn’t uncurl as she followed the two of them inside the apartment. “What kind of name is Chanda? Oh! You said her nickname is Chandelier. I get it.”

  “Lanae.”

  Chanda was doing all she could not to clock this woman. She was just as hippy as Chanda, probably just as big. Her hair needed a new weave, and one of her fake eyelashes was crooked. But she had complaints about Chanda’s appearance? The nerve.

  “Oh, okay,” Chanda said as she stepped farther into Marcella’s tiny living room. “Lanae is jealous. She thought you were going to ask her to be the maid of honor, and when you didn’t she got her feelings hurt.”

  “You want to take me on?” Lanae got in her face.

  Chanda pursed her lips and turned her head. Lanae came up to her chin if that much. Plus, she was young. Chanda put her at twenty-five at the most. Her cousin was twenty-nine. “Don’t get yourself hurt, little girl. I’m not here to get into fights with children.”

  Lanae screeched in outrage. She stepped back and snatched her earrings off. “Them’s fightin’ words.”

  “Lanae!” Marcella yelled. She jumped in front of Lanae and shoved her away from Chanda. “What did I tell you?”

  “I—”

  “What did I say?”

  Lanae froze to think about it. A slow grin spread over her face, and she nodded. “You’re right, Marcella. This is your time, girl. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pick a fight the second your cousin came. I want you to get everything you want. I’ll behave. I promise.”

  Lanae strolled up to Chanda and held out her hand. “I can be the bigger woman. I’m Lanae if you haven’t figured it out.”

  Chanda took her hand, although she didn’t know how Lanae was being the “bigger woman.” Chanda didn’t roll in trying to start immature mess. She wasn’t going to argue the point. Fact was, she was glad for the distraction. Those first few moments of meeting her cousin were over. The tension and pain in her shoulders could ease.

  “Okay, ladies, we have a full day,” Marcella announced, clapping her hands. “We have to try on the dresses I chose, and the seamstress will adjust them.”

  Chanda stilled. “I thought we were buying our own dresses. Tailoring takes time, Marcella.”

  “They’re already chosen. That’s why I asked for your size when we talked. The lady I’m working with says she can get everything together no problem. I’m paying her extra.”

  Lanae snorted. “You mean Garner is.”

  “Garner?”

  “Your ex,” Lanae supplied as if she’d forgotten. “He’s paying for everything. Marcella’s mom and dad don’t have to pay a thing. That’s what you get when you marry rich people.”

  Chanda bit her tongue, but words slipped out anyway. “I’m sure my cousin isn’t marrying Garner for his family’s money.”

  “I would,” Lanae admitted. “That is, if I was into white guys, which I’m not. To each his own, I say. Come on. Let’s go, Marcella. We can stop for lunch first. I’m starving after waiting forever for Chanda to get here.”

  Chanda rubbed her temple.

  “We eat after we do the fitting,” Marcella said, grabbing her purse. “I want to be as thin as possible for my wedding day. I’m not going to eat a lot from now until Sunday. I put on three pounds last month.”

  “Three whole pounds?” Chanda looked from herself to Lanae and back again.

  Lanae sucked her teeth. “I’m okay like I am, girl. I know I look good. Men like curves not skin and bones, Marcella. Remember that. You might have done some modeling when you were younger, but that’s for the ads not real life.”

  “I have to agree with you.” Chanda smiled, thinking she’d try to be friendly with Lanae.

  “Then again…” Lanae changed her mind. “Marcella, didn’t Garner say you look perfect and beautiful the other night?”

  Marcella squealed with delight. “He did.”

  Chanda followed the two women out of the apartment. She thought about sticking her fingers in her ears to cut off some of the squealing but didn’t figure they’d take that well. Now that she was with Marcella and her friend, she was glad she’d had the foresight to reserve a room at the hotel. The very second she could extricate herself from this girl time, she would.

  Chapter 5

  “Aunt Hope,” Chanda said. “How have you been?”

  “Chanda.” Her aunt, Marcella’s mom, was almost as thin as her daughter and just as attractive. She’d aged over the last decade, but time had been kind. “It’s so good to see you, baby. It’s been too long.”

  Chanda stepped into Marcella’s parents’ house. “Yes, it has. How’s Uncle Bill?”

  “Hateful as ever. I don’t know why I’m still with him.”

  Chanda coughed away a laugh. She followed her aunt into the kitchen, where her aunt liked to entertain company. Chanda’s mom had done the same. It must be a family thing. Chanda had vowed when she grew up and had people over to her house, she’d see what the living room looked like. Funny, since she grew up, she hadn’t had one person over. It was pretty pitiful.

  “Your uncle is at work.” Her aunt checked the clock over the TV. “Come to think of it, he should be off. Probably stopped at the bar to have a drink with his friends.”

  “Well, since he’s still working, and you look good, I’m assuming you’re both in good health. Glad to see it.”

  “Never mind about us. Sit down here and tell me about you. Should I expect my invitation in the mail some time soon?”

  “Huh?”

  Her aunt poured her a glass of lemonade, and Chanda took it with thanks. “I’m asking if you’re about to get married any time soon. I don’t see a ring on your finger.”

  “Me? No.” She covered her discomfort with a sip
of the cool beverage.

  Her aunt sat down in front of her and took one of Chanda’s hands in hers. “My poor baby. Tell me your heart is healed after all that tragedy you endured. You’re doing okay, right?”

  “I’m fine.”

  The older woman narrowed her eyes and stared into Chanda’s. “You look just like my little sister, just like her. It still hurts thinking about her dying so young, but I know she’s in a better place.”

  “Yes.”

  “And you should know that too, sweetheart.”

  Chanda looked away. “Of course I know that, Aunt Hope. You’re right. I’ve done a lot of healing over the years, and that’s why I’m here.”

  “And the other thing?”

  “What other thing?” She didn’t have to ask. She knew where her aunt was going and wished she’d let it go.

  Her aunt brought out a chocolate cake from the fridge. Even before she cut into it, Chanda could see her aunt had smeared a pound of frosting on top. The frosting must be an inch deep.

  “Don’t try to fool me, Chandelier. I love my daughter with all my heart, but Marcella… Let’s just say she fixes her eye on something and that’s all she sees. I bet it never occurred to her how hard it would be for you to come back and have to watch her marrying your college sweetheart.”

  “It’s not like that. I’ve had tons of relationships since Garner,” she lied. Too late, she realized she sounded like a ho. “I mean…”

  Her aunt cut off the biggest slice of cake Chanda had ever seen and plunked it on a plate to slide in front of Chanda. “He’s a sweet man, perfect for my Marcella. Do me a favor, Chanda, and I’m begging you.”

  Chanda’s mouth fell open. “You don’t have to beg me for anything, Aunt Hope. What is it?”

  “Don’t take him away from her.”

  Chanda gaped. “E-excuse me?”

  “You could. I know you could. I don’t like to admit it, but Marcella is, I guess I want to say, special. She’s different, and it takes a lot to embrace all of her. Garner can do it, and he’ll make her the most wonderful husband. She won’t have to look up twenty years from now and regret her choice.”