Susan Crosby - Mendoza's Return

“We have a history, and it’s not going to be easy.”

“Especially since the attraction is still there.” Might as well put that on the table, Rafe thought.

Melina hesitated then nodded. “Being attracted isn’t the issue. It’s what we do about it.”

He knew what he’d like to do about it. For the first time since they’d met, they had their own homes, which offered privacy, a place where they could spend a whole night together, where they wouldn’t have to check out by 10:00 a.m. They could shower together in the morning, linger over breakfast wearing only robes, easily disposed of.

The silence escalated between them. He wondered if her thoughts were headed down the same path as his.

Dear Reader,

Reunion stories pose a particular challenge for a writer. Readers sometimes ask, “If their relationship didn’t work the first time around, why should I expect it to work the second time?”

It’s a good and valid question. I happen to like reunion stories for a couple of reasons: because the couple’s past gives them an emotional footing for the present, and because “second chances” is a theme I love. Combine those reasons with the fact so many of our books feature heroes and heroines in their twenties and thirties, and it’s the perfect storm for me. We change so much in our twenties that it’s not surprising we’d be open to a second chance at love with someone from our past.

It isn’t easy, of course. Nothing worthwhile is, as the saying goes. But I think a complicated past can make for a richer, deeper and truer relationship.

Mendoza’s Return is a reunion story. Melina and Rafe are plunked smack in the middle of their own perfect storm to weather some rough seas in search of smooth sailing. I hope you enjoy their voyage.

Susan Crosby

SUSAN CROSBYbelieves in the value of setting goals, but also in the magic of making wishes, which often do come true—as long as she works hard enough. Along life’s journey she’s done a lot of the usual things—married, had children, attended college a little later than the average co-ed and earned a BA in English. Then she dived off the deep end into a full-time writing career, a wish come true. Susan enjoys writing about people who take a chance on love, sometimes against all odds. She loves warm, strong heroes and good-hearted, self-reliant heroines, and she will always believe in happily ever after. More can be learned about her at www.susancrosby.com.

Susan Crosby

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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For the Broderick family—

Sean, Kelly, Chase, Cameron and Jorie—

everyday heroes. You’re an inspiration.

Melina Lawrence looked over her shoulder and winked at her sister Angie, the most effervescent bride Melina had ever seen.

“Don’t trip!” Angie mouthed just as the wedding planner signaled to maid of honor Melina to begin her walk down the aisle.

Melina smiled, both at her sister’s teasing caution and the beauty of the moment. The church was full. Happy faces greeted her with each step. Then about halfway down the aisle she spotted someone who didn’t belong in the crowd—Raphael Mendoza. Rafe Mendoza. Rafe, the love of her life—in high school, anyway, and a little beyond. Homecoming king to her homecoming queen. They were voted most likely to wed….

But they hadn’t.

He came sharply into focus, the guests around him blurring into a muted montage of color. Why was he here? He lived in Michigan, fifteen hundred miles from Red Rock, Texas, where he was born and raised. Where they’d gone to high school together.

Don’t trip . The muscles of Melina’s cheeks ached as she tried to maintain her smile. All of her senses overloaded so fast it was dizzying. He gave her the slightest of nods as she moved past him, her pulse pounding in her ears so loudly she couldn’t hear the music.

Don’t trip . Her legs kept moving but felt numb.

When she could see clearly again, she noticed the expressions on the faces of old friends—sympathy, but also people’s blatant curiosity of a gossip-worthy event.

Angie must have invited him to the wedding but hadn’t bothered to tell Melina he was coming. Then again, her sister still believed in fairy tales and happy endings. She’d never given up on Rafe and Melina finding their way back to each other. Angie had adored Rafe as the big brother she’d never had. Adored him so much, she’d gone into an extended and dramatic period of mourning for him ten years ago, after Melina and Rafe broke up when Angie was only twelve….

It was the look on her mother’s face—full of understanding and maybe even a little annoyance—that drew Melina back into the moment. She managed genuine smiles for her mother and Gramps, seated next to her, then noted the panic in her about-to-be brother-in-law’s eyes. She smiled consolingly at the very sweet Tommy Buchanan, then took her position alongside seven bridesmaids. The guests rose for the bride’s shining moment, Angie’s gaze locked with Tommy’s all the way down the aisle.

The music faded out, then the family’s longtime minister asked, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

Jefferson Lawrence eyed his daughter, seeming to ponder the question, until she whispered loudly, “Daddy!”

He chuckled but dutifully said, “Her mother and I.” He lifted Angie’s veil a bit, kissed her, then presented her to Tommy and took a seat next to his teary-eyed wife of thirty-two years.

Melina went through the motions. She passed the groom’s ring to the minister without fumbling, then handed back Angie’s white-tulip bouquet after the celebratory kiss, during which Tommy bent her over to much laughter and applause. Then Melina slipped her hand into the crook of the best man’s arm and followed the newly weds up the aisle, leading a parade of bridesmaids decked out in lemon-colored chiffon gowns escorted by ushers trying not to trip over the voluminous dresses.

Because everyone was standing, Rafe was blocked from Melina’s view until she was a few feet away. For years, she’d anticipated running into him again. He wasn’t supposed to look this good, this sexy. This tempting.

And he’d come alone.

And everyone there knew their history, used to have bets on how it would turn out. Now what would happen? Melina feared she’d be back in the spotlight again, with Rafe an unwilling focus as well.

The guests departed for the reception at the nearby Blue Sage Inn, then a lot of picture-taking ensued before white limos carried the bridal party to the reception. The festivities were well under way with music, appetizers and an open bar.

Because the early March day had crept into the low eighties, many guests had wandered into the courtyard from the main room, but Melina spotted Rafe instantly. He was crouched down, talking to Gramps, who looked so different without his usual Stetson and Wranglers, wearing a tux instead, his horse long ago replaced by a cane, and for today, a motorized wheelchair.