Perfectly Pink - An It's Always Been You Romance (Complete)

Chapter 1

This was a mistake.

Mary knew it but could not stop herself. She looked forward to making it again.

Walking across the perfectly manicured lawn, her legs wobbled with anticipation.

It was too early. Mary knew she should wait till at least after the reception dinner. During the dancing. No one would notice her slipping away. Plus, she could use alcohol as an excuse for her bad behaviour. She had done it before. Simon did manage a bar after all.

So it was too early and she was not under the influence. Well of alcohol. She was most assuredly under the influence of Simon Wainwright. It infuriated her. And thrilled her.

The man had been tempting Mary all weekend. Little acts like brushing up against her arm, reaching for the salt at the same time during the rehearsal dinner yesterday, his hot breath on her neck as they raised a glass of cheer. Trying to break her resolve. She had managed to maintain control, resisting the urge to visit his room last night.

Simon was just down the hall. If she had knocked he would have answered. If...

Why did he have to look so good in that tuxedo? Mary almost jumped on Simon when she saw him this morning, his chocolate curls scarcely contained. Standing by the fireplace, slightly apart from the other groomsmen, he looked uncomfortable, to say the least. Those army buddies politely ignoring him as they gathered around his brother Finn, excitedly chattering about the upcoming nuptials.

At that moment Mary felt a tinge of guilt. After all, it was mostly her fault Simon and Finn were barely speaking.

Mary looked over at the beaming couple now as she passed by. Her younger sister Emily was radiant in her simple but elegant wedding gown. But the beauty was emanating from an inner glow. Emily had never looked so happy. Even the normally reserved Finn was grinning ear to ear. It was a well-known fact it was all because of Emily, she and Simon were allowed to even attend this event, never mind be part of the wedding party. Her kind, generous sister who promised she forgave Mary for her part in keeping Emily and Finn apart.

Still, Mary could not keep the pang of jealousy out of her heart. Both her sisters were now married. Both her younger sisters. When would it be her turn?

Mary did not dare look back at Simon. He was not marriage material. The man was great in the bedroom but not fit for the boardroom. Not that Simon ever expressed any interest in settling down. As far as she knew he still kept up his revolving door rotation of bar bunnies.

Simon was a fling she could control. Or so she thought.

The photographer had promised it was the last photo. Simon standing slightly behind and to her right, nudged closer. Mary felt Simon's hand on her back, lazily running it down her spine. No light touch this time. Full contact. She found it hard to concentrate on anything else. Down it went, past her hips, gliding by the small of her back. Heading lower.

Just as Mary was anticipating his hand cupping a cheek, Simon reversed course. Taking his same luxurious time making her insides clench. As he found the top of her strapless bridesmaid dress, a hot finger traced along her skin. A tingling sensation rippled through her.

Mary simply lost control. Her mind turned off and her body turned on.

Stepping into the deserted manner home, cool air brushed against her face. Mary sighed a breath of relief. Finally. Away from the prying eyes of all the wedding guests. From the world. For a moment, she could relax. With no one watching, she could let down her guard and stop playing the perfect daughter.

Making her way down the hall, she pushed open the door to the mansion's library. It was cute and cozy. No one will look for them here. And the books might dampen any sound they made.