Sterling New Year Read online

  * * * *

  Melody waited as Isa slipped into the bridal shower dress. “They put a camera in here?” Isa asked.

  Mel smiled. “Ryan wants your virtual wedding to be complete. Something about time-lapse footage of the dressmaking that he can put on the Web site. Great look for me: rushing around in fast-forward.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be wonderful. They like you. Oh, Mel! This is perfect!” Isa stepped out from behind the improvised privacy screen and twirled.

  The A-line dress was simple yet elegant. Mel studied her work, satisfied. The beads at the hem drew the eye to the skirt line, not to Isa’s waist. Similarly, the beadwork along the scoop neckline drew the eye in. The three-quarter-length sleeves covered Isa’s biggest complaint and fit the season.

  “Are you sure you have enough material? This material matches the bridesmaids’ dresses.” Isa studied herself in a full-length mirror.

  Mel wished she had her big three-way mirror, but transporting it would’ve been asking for trouble. “Yes. Don’t worry. There’s plenty. I brought an extra bolt of both fabrics, just in case. There’s plenty even if I goof up a dress or two. Now that everything is safe here, dry and stored, I’m less twitchy about it.”

  Isa did a twirl for the camera, then ducked back behind the screen. “I’m glad you’re settling in. Sorry I’ve been busy with other wedding stuff. We’re doing the favors by hand. I want to spend more time with you, but there’s just not much time.”

  Mel took the dress from Isa when she held it out. Mel slid it on a hanger and into a plastic dress bag. “I warned you about that. Weddings take over your life. Don’t worry about me. We’re both busy working. The three boat repair guys are keeping me out of trouble.”

  “Out of trouble. They love having you around. A pretty woman to show off for—men love that.” Isa giggled. “I need some help.”

  Mel hadn’t put in any layers underneath the bridal gown, so getting into it should’ve been easier. Shrugging, she stepped behind the screen and took the dress. “They’re a nice group of guys, but don’t get your hopes up. Dale is as cautious as I am.”

  “I don’t think that’s possible. Your parents messed you up on love. None of it was your fault.” Isa put a hand on Mel’s shoulder and stepped into the unzipped dress.

  Lifting the gown around Isa’s curves, Mel breathed a sigh of relief when it zipped. The open style showed off Isa’s neck and shoulders while covering the upper arms and not displaying too much cleavage. “I know it’s not my fault. I don’t want to be a statistic. Do you know how much repeat business I get? ‘I loved your dress, but that just wasn’t the right man.’ I don’t mind the money. It’s a business. It’s not what I want for my life.”

  Isa’s lip quivered. “You’re going to quote me divorce statistics while I’m in my wedding dress?”

  Mel could’ve kicked herself. “Sorry. I’m not talking about you. Ben and Jimmy are great, and any man willing to share like that must be totally and insanely in love with you. I think those challenges will make your marriage last forever.”

  “Thanks. I know it seems like I’m nudging. I don’t want you to be alone forever because of your fears.” Isa walked out to the mirror. “Wow. It’s perfect.”

  Rolling her eyes, Mel moved the wide step stool to the center of the room. “It’s just the base. I’ll add beading and embroider the train. Up you go. I need to pin the hem.”

  Isa stepped up carefully. “I know you see a lot of weddings. Don’t let it turn you into a jaded and bitter woman. Dale is cautious because his life wasn’t always a fairy tale either. If something good happens, he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

  “The right girl ditched them in college?” Mel guessed as she knelt, then pinned the hem.

  “No. Ben and Dale don’t discuss it much, so I’m not going to either. But don’t think he’s distant and unfeeling. Life dealt the guys a rough blow, and it hit him harder.” Isa waved and blew kisses at the camera. “Hi, Grandma!”

  “Keep still. I hope that thing doesn’t have sound.” Mel held the dress straight so the hem was even.

  “Sorry. Jason and Ryan are crazy about you. Dale is too; he’s not as vocal about things. Ben can tell.” Isa beamed.

  Mel worked on the hem. Most women were fanatical over their wedding days because they were the stars. Deep down, Melody knew Isa loved her guys like crazy and wanted to look great for them. All the rambling was nerves. “I’m thrilled you found your men and your life here, Isa. Don’t think I’m not.”

  “But?” Isa prompted.

  Mel moved around to pin the back of the dress. “I don’t think I could do what you’re doing. I like them—”

  “They’re insanely hot and good men,” Isa cut in.

  Mel stood, then walked around to look her friend in the eye. “One of them is going to be your brother-in-law, so you might want to dial down the attraction angle.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that. He’s too moody for me. I think he’ll understand you better.” Isa folded her arms.

  “No, don’t crease the material. Arms loose at your sides,” Mel nagged. She wasn’t sure how to tell her friend the truth without sounding disapproving or judgmental.

  “What? What is it?” Isa poked Mel’s arm. “The guys are hot. They’re sweet to you. The town is talking about you going to dinner and lunches with them.”

  Mel took a deep breath. “I’m around them all the time. They’re being nice to me because of the wedding. Good hosts.”

  “That’s not all.” Isa stared Mel in the eye.

  “I’m happy for you. And yes, the men are attractive and tempting. I could have fun. It seems like they’re into bigger women. Me, at least. But if I explored that…” She fingered the pins in her pincushion bracelet.

  “If…” Isa tapped her foot.

  “I don’t want you to get your hopes up. Or Ben’s, or anyone’s. Even if the guys are great…I don’t know if I could do what you’re doing.” Mel checked the sleeve lengths and pinned one. The plumpness wasn’t perfectly the same on both arms. She’d have to even it out later.

  Isa laughed. “You don’t have to have a big wedding.”

  Mel knew that Isa had misunderstood her on purpose to lighten the mood. “Wedding! If you don’t want to talk seriously, we can just focus on your wedding. I meant marriage to one man or more than one. Moving to a strange place. It’s not me.” Mel wanted to add that it was impulsive, but she’d hurt her friend’s feelings. On the phone over the past several months, Mel had listened to Isa go on and on about her great men and how sure she was even if it sounded crazy.

  If Isa felt right about it, Mel wasn’t going to trample on those dreams. That didn’t mean she shared Isa’s opinions.

  “Did you think it was me?” Isa asked.

  Mel had to admit she hadn’t expected it of Isa. Not at first. Isa was orderly. A planner. She’d worked in public accounting for years. She’d opened a small tax business, and there were plenty of self-employed people in Sterling who needed her. “No. You planned our spring break trips further in advance than you did this life change.”

  “Exactly. When life throws you some luck or a gift, you don’t throw it back because the timing isn’t right. I had to fall overboard and be rescued to learn that. My vacation was planned, and that tourist boating company over in Homer had the best record. No accidents in years. The reviews were stellar.”

  Melody laughed. This was more like her friend! “Stuff happens.”

  “It does, and you roll with shocks and changes so much better than I do. You just have to be open to what you want. Give it a try. That’s the only way.” Isa looked down at her gown and beamed. “I didn’t know overnight or even in one day. But after a couple of weeks, I couldn’t imagine my life without my guys. I don’t expect anything.”

  “Right.” What a load of crap! Melody went back to pinning the hem.

  Isa rolled her eyes. “I want you to be happy. I want Dale, Ryan, and Jason to be happy. If i
t works, it works. If not, there are plenty more men in Sterling, I promise.”

  “So move to Alaska? Just give up my friends back home? Sell my house and relocate…for men?” Mel focused on the hem. She could have this fight in her sleep.

  “No. Not if you don’t like it here. After working in a big city, it’s a wonderful change for me. You like the burbs. Your studios were always on the edge of the city. This is sort of like the burbs.” Isa smiled.

  “Anchorage is over two hundred miles away. This isn’t a suburb. I’d have to rebuild my business. Revolving your life around men isn’t a smart idea.” Melody knew it was a pointless fight. Her attraction to the men was undeniable. She’d give in to exploring it. But she didn’t want to get her hopes up as well. Moving for men. Changing her life for men?

  “Life is full of compromises. If the relationship is all one-sided, I agree with you. These guys aren’t like that. All men aren’t the same,” Isa said.

  Melody wasn’t sure she believed that. She wanted to, but most of the men she’d dated expected her to change for them. Work around their schedules. Impress his family and let the guy do what he wanted with his friends. If she asked for anything, she was being difficult or smothering.

  “If you don’t take a leap and trust a man once in your life, you’ll never know what you might have. You’ll be old and alone with a bunch of cats. Or maybe you’ll find a woman you can trust.” Isa squared her shoulders in that Ms. Know-It-All routine she was so good at.

  “I won’t go for a woman. Sorry, just not wired that way. That would make things easier. And no cats. The cat fur would be all over my gowns. I couldn’t possibly have a pet unless I had a work space outside of my home. For the record, I did trust my father to some degree.” He just didn’t keep his promise to love and take care of Mom. Divorce happened, but as a child, she’d trusted the odd dynamic her parents had. Their divorce threw her. Mom had had to retrain for a new career in her forties.

  Mel wasn’t here for therapy. She stood and surveyed the dress. The hem looked even. She walked around it twice to be sure.

  Isa grabbed her hand to stop her. “You’ve got to let a guy—or guys—in and trust them or you will end up alone. I know you can take care of yourself. You’ll be safe, happy in your work, but alone.”

  “That’s not the end of the world.” Mel squeezed Isa’s hand. “I appreciate the concern, but not everyone gets the fairy tale.”

  “You won’t find out if you don’t go to the ball and dance.” Isa stepped down and looked at herself in the mirror. “I know I dragged you here to work, but try to have fun too.”

  “It’s your wedding. You’re the star.” Melody glanced at the three bridesmaids’ silver dresses pinned to their mannequins. There was a lot of detail work left, but she’d made progress.

  “No pressure. Bury yourself in your work and be jealous of me. Maybe Gretchen or Bethany will appreciate the men around here.” Isa twirled. “Are we done?”

  “For now.” Mel followed Isa behind the privacy divider and unzipped the dress.

  As Isa dressed in her regular clothes, Mel carefully returned the wedding dress to the mannequin. Jealous! She’d never be jealous. She loved her friends.

  Besides, Jimmy and Ben weren’t Mel’s type. They were coast guard officers with uniforms and duty. Endangering their lives. Honorable, yes, but it’d make her worry every time they went to work.

  At least Dale, Ryan, and Jason weren’t risking their lives on a daily basis. They also understood her. They cared about their boats as much as she did her dresses. They’d never mocked her protectiveness toward the fabric. Instead, they tried to make her feel better by assuring her they could get more supplies if needed, even in Alaska.

  And they certainly were attractive. Not like the bearded mountain men in some reality shows, wanting to live solo in the wilderness and snaring animals in traps. This town felt very civilized.

  “Mel!” Isa shouted.

  Her head snapped to the right. “Sorry. What?”

  “Are you okay? You were seriously lost in thought there.” Isa slung her purse over her shoulder as she slid on her boots.

  “Thought. Lots of thoughts. Whatever happens, if more happens, promise me no pressure or expectations. Not for me or the guys?” Melody wouldn’t let men dictate her life. However, she didn’t want to look back on her life with regret either.

  Isa gave a huge smile. “No pressure. It’s okay. That’s the best part of ménage. A third point of view can help you see the other person’s side. It’s not you versus a guy when you disagree. It’s more of a big discussion to sort out stuff.”

  “You’re not even married yet.” Mel rolled her eyes.

  “Nope, but I will be very soon because I was willing to try something new.” Isa grabbed the bag that held her dress for the shower. “Thanks so much. You’re sure I can’t pay you for this one, at least?”

  Mel shook her head. “The dresses are my gift to you and the other bridesmaids. They’re perfect. At least I know I’ll look good in the dress.”

  “We’ll all be gorgeous! These guys happen to like plus-size women. That counts for something in their favor as well.” Isa headed for the door.

  Watching her friend leave, Mel rubbed her forehead and wondered where the guys kept the aspirin. A simple fitting shouldn’t involve so much emotion. It made her smile, even if she was nervous. She didn’t want to regret not exploring this fantasy.

  * * * *

  That night she let the men take her out to dinner. The brightly lit restaurant was cozy, and like at the café, men’s eyes were on her. Small groups of men, some with women and some without, took notice of her.

  Her stomach finally settled from all the travel, she sampled local fresh fish and a little wine. After she refused dessert a third time, the waiter brought the check. She threw down her share. Dale snatched it up, then tried to give it back.

  “I can pay for myself, even if things cost four times what they should here.” She bumped her knee against his under the table.

  Dale slid his charge card into the plastic holder, set it on the edge of the table, then stuffed her cash in her purse. “You’re our guest. The local fish is actually the way to go from a cost perspective. It’s the items that need to be transported up here that are costly.”

  Outnumbered and annoyed, she kicked Dale. “Guest. You’re stuck with me because I need space and because you’re Ben’s brother. Don’t pretend you like me.”

  Ryan leaned in with a grin. “Oh, we like you. Stubborn, creative, and smart—you’re not a wallflower. We like you a lot.”

  Jason reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “We’d love to get to know you better if you’d stop hiding out in your cave.”

  Cave? Was that a bear joke or a hermit joke? “I do have dresses to make. Dale doesn’t seem to be on board, and your deal is an all-or-nothing sort of thing.”

  Dale slid his arm behind her shoulders. “You accepted the boots. One dinner won’t kill you. I like you, but you can’t always have it your way in a group.”

  She was in the group? No one had told her she was auditioning for anything. The confused look on her face must’ve clued in the sensitive men on the other side of the booth.

  “We want to see if we’re compatible. Some things you have to try.” Jason gave her a suggestive grin.

  “Very true,” Mel agreed. “Well, thank you for dinner. I think we all need some rest before going back to work tomorrow.” She grabbed her purse and nudged Dale until he let her out.

  Ten minutes later, she was heading back to the hotel in her rental. For a few miles, she followed the guys in Dale’s SUV. But instead of turning in to the hotel parking lot, she kept trailing them. They weren’t the only ones who could pull a fast one. They were attractive, frustrating…and interested.

  As they drove their SUV into a large garage, she parked her car in the driveway. Taking a deep breath, she got out. Using the key fob, she locked the car as she walked into the garage. />
  “You okay?” Dale asked.

  “Fine.” She kissed him hard. “Let’s see how compatible we are.”

  Jason tugged her in for a kiss as Dale unlocked the door to the house. Once inside, Ryan kissed her as the four of them peeled off layers of outer clothing. She sat on Dale’s lap as Jason tugged off her boots. Having help with some things was damn nice. Especially when Dale’s warm body triggered deep arousal in hers. The impossible-to-ignore presence of his growing erection stroked her ego.

  Ryan stripped down to nothing before heading into the living room. As she admired his form, she gave their house a glance as well. It was large and full of beautifully stained dark wood. Just how she’d imagined it would be. However, Ryan’s body was even better than she’d dreamed, hardened with muscle and confidence.

  Down to her bra and panties, she started to feel exposed. Jason took her hand and led her to the living room. A huge stone fireplace was the focus of the room. Ryan stoked the fire expertly.

  She stared at his body and tried to get a glimpse of his cock as he bent to add a few small logs to the fire. Jason stretched out on the fur rug in the middle of the room and yanked off his boxers. Jason was shameless and all man as his pulsing cock sprang free. She knelt and kissed him, letting her fingers slide along his hairy chest. Dale sat on the other side of Jason. Ryan returned from the fireplace and finally removed Dale’s briefs.

  His dick was long and already hard. Now Mel felt overdressed. Ryan kissed Dale, and her body was caught in the middle of the passion, pressed between the hunks. Jason pulled her free and unhooked her bra with steady hands before cupping her full breasts. She leaned over and kissed Ryan as she pushed her panties down. Jason tugged until she was free.

  The focus in the room changed from foreplay to a serious sexual need. Jason and Ryan helped her down onto the soft rug, which felt so good on her skin. Their strong hands made her wet and eager. Ryan sucked her breasts as Jason kissed her mouth and massaged her thigh until she opened for him.