Free The Wedding Day by Joanne Clancy Page B

wine and took a few deep breaths to calm down. What's wrong with me? I haven't felt this nervous around a man in years.
    She was desperately trying to think of something to say, but couldn't think of anything so she took another long sip of her wine and went back into the living room.
     
    "Cheers," Ben said as he opened his beer.
    "Cheers," Nicole raised her wine glass in a toast and spilled some of it on her skirt. She ignored the stain, hoping that Ben wouldn't notice it, but he was already absorbed in the sports news. Nicole sighed.
    "Typical man," she thought to herself, sitting back on the couch and beginning to relax a little.
    The wine was having the desired effect on her nerves and she was starting to feel a bit more at ease.
    "Would you like some more wine?" Ben asked.
    "Yes, please," Nicole passed him her wine glass which he promptly refilled.
    He helped himself to another beer from the refrigerator.
     
    "I think your business idea is inspired," he said as he plonked himself back down on the couch beside her. "Thank you," she said primly, drinking her wine quickly.
    "When do you think you'll venture back on the dating scene?" Ben asked her directly.
    She almost choked on her wine.
    "I don't know. I haven't really thought about it."
    She really hadn't considered moving on with her love life and getting back on the dating scene any time soon. She'd never imagined herself being with anyone except her fiance.
    "Paul's a fool if you ask me," Ben said, eyeing her over the top of his beer can.
    "Do you think so?" Nicole looked at him curiously.
    "Yeah, you're gorgeous," Ben replied, looking at her with his unwavering gaze.
    Nicole felt herself blush.
    "You're even more gorgeous when you blush," he teased.
     
    "Cigarette?" she asked, shoving the cigarette box in his face.
    "Oh, ok." Ben looked stunned. She almost pushed a cigarette up his nose in her haste to cover her embarrassment at his compliment.
    "We'll have to smoke outside," she said as she bounced up off the couch.
    "Ev hates us smoking in the apartment."
    She ran to the balcony and pulled the doors wide open. Ben followed close behind her. The cold night air hit her face and she winced with the shock of it.
    "It's a beautiful night." Ben stared up at the stars twinkling in the sky above them.
    "Yes. I love cold nights like this when I can see the stars," Nicole shivered slightly.
    "Are you cold?" Ben asked gently as he moved closer to her.
    He pulled off his sweater and wrapped it around her shoulders.
    "Thanks," she smiled shyly up at him, breathing in his musky scent.
     
    He smelled of lemon soap and expensive cologne. He held her gaze for a moment and brushed a strand of her hair out of her eyes. He gently touched her face and tipped her chin up. Then he bent to kiss her, all the while stroking her hair. She closed her eyes and felt his soft lips on hers. He kissed her gently; long and slow and pulled her close in his arms.
    She could feel his heart beating through his shirt. He held her tight, sliding his arms down her body and pushing himself against her. She moaned softly as his kisses became more urgent. She kissed him back.
    She wanted him and she knew that he wanted her. She closed her eyes and indulged herself in his tantalisingly gentle touch.
    "I want you," he whispered hoarsely.
    His eyes were dark with lust. She lost herself in his kisses and the heady scent of his cologne.
     
    "Let's go inside," he said, taking her hand in his.
    She followed him hesitantly. She began to feel unsure of herself and she couldn't stop thinking about Paul. Every touch and kiss from Ben felt like a betrayal of her ex-fiance.
    "I'll be back in a minute," she said. "I need to use the bathroom."
    She closed the door softly behind her and locked it.
    "What's wrong with me?!" she whispered to herself as she washed her hands and brushed her teeth.
    She splashed cold water on her face.
    "I can't do this.”
    The cold water seemed to have woken her up suddenly.
    "I don't want