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amayapowell · 5 years

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The Wedding Weekend

*Bing* Ladies and gentleman, on behalf of our flight crew, we would like to welcome you to San Francisco International Airport. Local time is 8:23 am and the current temperature is a pleasant 62 degrees.

Eleven hours was a long flight for a weekend, but it was worth it to see two of her best friends get married. It’d been four years since their Hartfeld graduation; when everyone went their separate ways and it was their wedding weekend that would bring them all back together. She takes out the rehearsal invitation for an old Hollywood night of dinner and dancing, where they’ll all arrive as the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema. Lucky for her; the hottest up in coming designer on the New York Fashion scene is another best friend.

Her cab pulls up in front of the Hotel Majestic to a crowd and a familiar frame. Tall, broad, defined, herculean. His hair was a little greyer since she’d seen him last but he was unmistakable. The sound of the paparazzi cameras flashing was barely audible over the hoard of screaming girls reaching out for an autograph or a picture or a feel.

“Oh my gosh Chris Powell, can I have your autograph too?” She screams out with an embellished girlish squeal.

Without turning around, his head lifts with a beaming smile growing across his face. He’d know that voice over any crowd. And in an attempt to not sound too eager, he apologies to his wading fans.

“I’m sorry guys, that’s it for today. My dates here.” He turns around to the disappointing moans of the dispersing crowd, to dip down and meet her in a hug that only he gives. She throws her arms around his neck while his hands meet at the small of her back.

“Is this ok? Or is security gonna tackle me?”

“They’re checking the hotel for bombs so you should be good for a few minutes.” He flashes that boyish smile she loves so much.

“You look amazing Laney come here.” She smiles at the nickname he gave her when she started at the Knightly News their Sophomore year. She was his Lois Lane to her Clark Kent. He picks her up once more and holds her in a tight hug; slightly swinging their bodies together. After setting her down and grabbing her bag, they both make their way inside.

“You don’t look so bad yourself Rookie of the Year. Look at you…new title, new city...You’re having a pretty good year Kent. How are you liking Seattle?”

“I love it! The hiking, the water, the seafood. It’s not Maine, but it’s a close second.” Chris looks around the lobby as if to verify that they were alone. “Where is everyone?”

“Looks like we’re the first. We’re still a little early though; it’s only a little after 9:30 and you know how Abbie is with her schedule, so they should be here soon.” The air is heavy between them, as his stare stints the rest of her speech.

“Soooo your date huh?”

“How else was I going to get them to leave?”

“So, does this mean I’m going to be on tonight’s highlight reel? You know I’m more CNN than ESPN?”

“Probably just local, nothing national.”

She shoves him playfully. “Alright Kent, so where’s your real date to this little shindig? I see from your fan club that you’re not lacking any options.”

“HA!”

“What about that Chelsea what’s her name? I saw those pictures of you two looking pretty cozy after your signing.” Chris tilts his head and raises an eyebrow.

“Stalk much?”

“I’ve got contacts at TMZ.” Chris laughs and shrugs his shoulders.

“Publicity. My agent’s bright idea. Those were the longest three dinners of my life. Besides Laney, you know Clark Kent only has eyes for Lois Lane.” He says while giving her a sly little wink.

“What about you, famous journalist? Who are you here with Anderson Cooper, Trevor Noah?

“Why is Trevor Noah here?” Her eyes jolt around the lobby until they settle back on him with a smile.

“Hardly famous. But nope, flying solo. After three months in Korea, I still haven’t gotten used to the accents or the food. So that doesn’t make me much of a date. I can’t tell you how much I’m dying for some greasy American fast food.”

“Sounds like we need to welcome you back properly.” He claps his hands and rubs them together. “Alright then, that settles it, burgers and beers on me tonight.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that Kent.”

“I hope so.” Silently they stare into each other’s eyes when another familiar voice breaks the tension.

“Holy shit I won already. Pay up Laio!” They both turn to see Kaitlyn, Zack and Audrey heading their direction.

“This is not a part of the terms and you know it.”

“Please, we’ve been here two seconds and they’re already making out.”

“Um hello?”

“Laney and I were just catching up guys.”

“Overruled. They haven’t seen each other in what four years, judges allow for catch up time.”

Amaya and Chris steal a glance through their bickering.

“College nicknames and an almost make out…I rule I’ve already won.”

“You would.”

Amaya walks in between them reaching out to a tall buxom blonde standing behind Kaitlyn.

“Audrey thank God for a friendly face.”

“You love me.” Kaitlyn says while pushing her into Audrey’s embrace.

“This is nothing. They went on like this for the entire plane ride. But least I had Henry to keep me company. Although now that I see you in person, I can see what all the fuss is about.” She extends her hand towards Chris.

“Chris Powell, I presume.” Chris blushes reciprocating the gesture.

“Guilty. It’s nice to meet finally you Audrey. Although from the stories and your pictures, I feel like I already know you.”

“What pic…”

Amaya’s eyes widen as she clears her throat.

“Ugh…Where’s Hankie?”

“He’s on the phone, he’ll be right in.” Zack says setting down his carryon some nearby couches.

“Save some of that love for me.” Hank breezes through pulling Amaya into a hug. “Amaya. Gorgeous as ever. When are you going to run away with me?”

“Play your cards right and this might be your weekend.”

“He’s too high maintenance for you.”

Henry stops short of his next thought and leans around Amaya.

“What about you handsome…Run away with me?”

“Hey Henry. Lookin’ sharp!” Hank scoffs behind a wink.

“I know.”

“Seriously love. When are you going to let me do a spread on you?”

“When I am worthy of a Henry Cavendish spread.” She dips her head while giving an embellished bow.

“It’s true, not many are.”

“And so modest.”

“But you are perfect for this seasons cross overs. An AP award-winning journalist and recent Emmy nomination would look great in Vooogue...”

“This is who your next spread should be on. The newest Seattle Mariners Ace Pitcher. A top pitching prospect with 131 strikeouts and 117 innings. From college football God to Rookie of the Year? I’d say you can’t get a much better crossover than that.”

The group stairs silent and wide-eyed back at her.

“Groupie. How do you know all that?” Kaitlyn asks while sitting down next to Zack.

“Journalist…it’s my job.”

“Sounds like you should be my agent.”

“It’s probably a pay raise so I may take you up on that.”

“I’m sure she’ll take the perks of the job as well.”

“I’ve been gone for three months…Is this going to be pick on Amaya weekend?”

Kaitlyn and Zack respond in unison.

“Probably.”

The six of you sit in the lobby talking and catching up when Zack starts whistling and clapping loudly. The rest of the group all turn to see Tyler and Abbie walking in hand in hand and join in the cheers of welcoming the soon to be Bride and Groom.

“Guys!” Abbie squeals as she lets go of Tyler’s hand and runs towards the group.

“Amaya, you’re here!”

“Of course, I’m here. There’s no way I would let you get married without me. Trades smadge. They’ve got nothing on your wedding. Soooooo are you guys ready for the next step?”

“I think prepared is more of the question?”

“Actually guys, there's a subtle distinction between the two. ‘Being prepared’, I think means having done work in advance so that there is a plan in place to ensure that everything runs smoothly as our life as a married couple begins. ‘Being ready’, I think refers to an emotional preparedness or readiness. And although extremely anxious, I can’t wait to make this woman my wife.”

Abbie shakes her head at her husband-to-be’s response. “That was ‘yes’ the long way.”

All of the girls coo and aw as Abbie snuggles up to Tyler for a kiss.

“Tyler thanks for the advanced copy of your new release, but I cannot get past level three.” Chris questions Tyler, while Abbie huddles alongside the girls.

“I am so excited! This weekend is going to be so much fun!” Abbie says practically bursting with excitement. “I cannot wait to get all dressed up for tomorrow night.”

“Whose idea was that anyway?”

“That was I.” Zack yells over his should half eavesdropping on the girl's conversation.

“An idea he stole from one of my recent Vanity Fair shoots.”

“Oooo fancy.”

“And this place is the quintessential turn of the century location for such an occasion. A photographer’s dream!”

“Speaking of which. Amaya here’s your dress. I’ll stop by your room tomorrow for any alterations.” Kaitlyn hands her a garment bag with red sequins shimmering through the clear plastic label spot from a nearby luggage rack.

“Thank you. I’m sure it’s perfect! And Audrey you’re still gonna do my hair and makeup right?”

“Of course. I’ve brought all my stuff for the weekend.”

“And I will be stopping by everyone’s rooms to get a few time machine transformation shots.”

“Hankie you’re not going to be working the entire weekend, are you?”

“Oh no. I brought my assistant Claire with me to shoot the majority of this weekend’s events. But I’d still like to get a few shots in myself. And don’t worry you two, I trust her with my life. Now she’s not as good as I am, but what can you do?”

“Humble, isn’t he?”

Ignoring Zack’s remarks, Henry continues his thoughts. “She’ll be here in time to set up for the rehearsal dinner tomorrow.”

“You guys are the best friends…everything is going to be just…perfect.” Abbie's face starts to frown and her eyes appear to well.

“No, no, no, no, no. No crying already.”

“I’m just so happy we’re all together again. Wait, where’s Zig and Dan?”

“Oh, they couldn’t get an earlier flight out of Tokyo, so they’re coming in on a red-eye tonight.”

“That sucks. It’s bad enough that James and Jules couldn’t be here.

“Thus the life of a big shot movie director. Gotta tour the rounds.”

“Well since the whole gang’s not here yet, why don’t we all rest up a bit and then we can meet up for drinks later?��

“Oh, you read my mind! I don’t know about you guys, but jet lags a ‘B’ and I don’t want any bags under these eyes for wedding pictures.”

“So, we’ll all meet in the Butterfly Lounge for drinks tonight and then make our way back to the 1950s tomorrow.” Abbie squeals clapping her hands together.

Everyone hugs and retires to their separate rooms. Leaving Chris and Amaya to look around and notice that they are the only two remaining, so they take the last elevator up together. Once the doors are closed and with no time wasted, they both drop their bags slamming into each other in a passionate, long awaited kiss. He eases her back towards the wall with his hands cupping her face. While her hands wander aimlessly behind her, fishing for the emergency stop button. The elevator comes to a jerking halt, leaving her hands to now wander freely beneath his shirt.

This was nothing new. They had been sneaking off to see one another since “technically” breaking up when school ended. After Chris’ stint in the NFL didn’t pan out, he caught the eye of a baseball scout and moved to Utah to play triple-A ball, and with Amaya staying in New York after graduate school, a traditional relationship was hard to continue. It wasn’t ideal, every few weeks or a month (if they were lucky) but neither could stay away. Their friends, of course, didn’t know. It was just easier to say you broke up with no communication; than to answer any questions.

“I missed you last month. I thought you were going to meet me in Arizona after Spring Training.” His voice barely above a whisper, hovering over her mouth as his hands tilt her head to the side giving him access to the hollow of her neck.

“I know me too. But trade negotiations were getting heavy and…mmmm.”

Pleased with himself, his lips curl up from the sides.

“I love it when you talk about trade negotiations.” She giggles; still enjoying the feel of his mouth against her skin.

“I had big plans for us.”

“Oh yeah? What kind of plans?” Her eyes flash with fire, bolting down to her hands as they move further up his shirt.

“This is a good start.”

Just then, a voice comes through the elevators loudspeaker.

“This is emergency service, is everyone alright in there?”

A breathless ‘Yes’ barely escapes her, until she clears her throat, trying to get her mouth to form at least somewhat of a proper response. But it’s his mouth that’s making it hard for her to find the words.

“We’re fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oohh yeah.”

“Well we can’t see anything wrong from our end, so just hang tight and we’ll check things out as quickly as possible.”

“Mmm hmm…Take your time.” She says letting his mouth finds its way back to hers.

“God, I missed these lips. I swear they’re my kryptonite. And this body.” He leans back slightly to admire her form as his hands slowly make their way down from her neck, to her arms, finally settling on her hips. “But these thighs. These thighs…will be the death of me.”

His hands gradually start to inch up her dress, as he continues to kiss the straps down from her shoulders; following his own map from memory. When he suddenly pulls back, eyes wide with curiosity and darkening by the second.

“But what a way to go. Now…do you want to know what I miss?”

“I’m more of a visual learner.”

She inches up on her toes and kisses her way up to his ear lobe and gives it a little nibble just before whispering.

“Your. Flourless. Chocolate. Torte.” Then she curls her tongue up the back of his ear lobe and presses it between her lips; lowering herself back to the floor and tugging in a downward motion. Her eyes never leaving his.

“You’re evil. You know that?” He pulls her tight against his body.

“How about we continue this without Oz listening in?”

She bites her bottom lip and raises her eyebrows suggestively, using her hips to nudge him backwards; leaning around him to push the emergency stop button again. He groans at the feel of her hips connecting with his growing excitement.

“Then you should probably stop that.”

The elevator jerks once more; continuing its upward motion and emergency service comes through a final time. “It looks like we have motion again. Is everything back to normal?”

Grabbing her bags and his, he turns to back to her.

“It feels like it.”

“Great, have a wonderful day!”

The elevator dings when you arrive on the third floor. She exits first, making sure he has a good view of what’s to come until turning around to face him continuing her walk backward.

“So…how about that chocolate torte?

“Oh, trust me; I want some chocolate, but that’s not the one I want. When were you going to tell me you weren’t wearing anything under that dress?”

“I thought it’d be a nice surprise.” She winks back towards his direction.

“Don’t play with my emotions woman.”

He quickens his pace, reaching out for her, causing her to squeal and speed up to avoid his grab. Before you know it, he’s chasing her down the hall towards her room, reaching for the camera around his neck.

In her suite, there’s a bottle of champagne chilling on the edge of the bar, a bouquet of roses, a bath gift box, a box of Ghirardelli chocolates and a basket with an array of snacks. Chris gives a long drawn out whistle.

“Nice digs Laney.”

“Abbie and Tyler sure know how to show their bridal party a good time.”

“Are you sure this is all from them?”

“Who else would it be from? I’m sure your room has all the same stuff.”

“Believe me when I say that ‘mine does not’. My agent’s waaay too cheap to book me this nice of a room, let alone a suite with champagne.”

“Oooooh, big time pitcher too big to book his own rooms now.” She teases while grabbing her luggage for the bedroom.

“Take that back.” Chris slowly circles the room towards her.

“Or what?” Chris darts in her direction causing her to squeal, fending off his tormenting fingers to no avail. He tackles her to the bed tickling her mercilessly. Laughing hysterically, she pleads in between gasps.

“Chris! Stop!”

“What happened to or what?”

“Ok…Ok…Oookkk!”

“Ok, what?”

“Ok, I admit it.”

“I’m listening.”

“You’re the strongest, manliest, most handsome man in this room.” He finally lets her loose from his grip to let her catch her breath. She lays there next to him; resting her head against his left arm, as he slowly glides his free hand up her stomach pausing at her chest. Turning her head to the side, silently she stared back into his eyes. Words weren’t necessary. They’ve been here before, but this time was different.

“I’ve missed you, Laney.”

“Me too.”

He slowly gestures his head closer; so that his forehead was touching hers as if asking for permission to get closer. But knowing her own weakness and exactly where it would lead, she leans in only to give him a quick peck on the tip of his nose.

“Come on. Open that bottle, I believe I was promised a proper ‘welcome’.”

_______________________________________________________

“Mmmm…Oohh my God!”

“Is it bad that I am extremely turned on right now?”

She opens her eyes, just to give him a crooked smile while licking the sauce from the corners of her mouth.

“Welcome home Laney.”

“I can’t believe you brought that thing.” She says with her mouth still full.

“Why? I think I’m starting to get the hang of this photography thing. I might have a little side hustle on my hands.”

“Oh yeah? Let me see.”

She takes a few shots and reviews them from the comfortable spot she’s made herself on the bed.

“Oooh, this one’s a keeper. I wonder how much I could get for this on E-Bay?”

“I don’t think anyone’s going to pay for a picture of my eating a burger.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. I might not even need to go to E-Bay. I could start a bidding war just from that crowd this morning.”

He gives her an exaggerated laugh while standing to retrieve his camera.

“Alright, Annie Leibovitz, that’s enough out of you. Besides, it’s coming up on seven now. We should probably start getting ready for drinks.”

“You’re right. And maybe ease up on the picture comments when we get down there, huh? You almost got us caught.”

He reaches down to help lift her off the bed.

“I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t even think that they don’t know that I’ve been to your place yet.”

“Yeah, yeah…well if I hadn’t been so quick on my toes, you’d have a lot of explaining to do.”

“I see. So, you want a reward now?”

“What’d you have in mind?”

“Maybe we’ll talk about that chocolate torte?”

“But it won’t be yours.”

“I’ll give you something else that’s mine. Come on.” He kisses the tip of her nose and reaches around to give her a playful smack on the rear.

“I think this is going to be a good weekend.”

#The Freshman #The Sophomore #The Junior #The Senior #Chris x Amaya #Abbie x Tyler #The gangs all here #Powell love #Chris Powell #Chris x MC

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mysteryshelf · 6 years

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BLOG TOUR - Bear Witness to Murder

Welcome to

THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF!

DISCLAIMER: This content has been provided to THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF by Great Escapes Book Tours. No compensation was received. This information required by the Federal Trade Commission.

Bear Witness to Murder (A Teddy Bear Mystery) by Meg Macy

About the Book

Bear Witness to Murder (A Teddy Bear Mystery) Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Kensington (May 29, 2018) Paperback: 288 pages ISBN-13: 978-1496709653 Digital ASIN: B075C38DMD

As autumn air settles into the quaint small town of Silver Hollow, there’s nothing more popular than Sasha’s teddy bears—and murder in cold blood . . .

Silver Bear Shop and Factory manager Sasha Silverman is cozying up to the fall season by hosting Silver Hollow’s Cranbeary Tea Party, the opening event of the village’s Oktobear Fest—a too-cute celebration themed around teddy bears. She barely has a moment to agonize over the return of her former high school rival, Holly Parker, whose new toy and bookstore in town could spell big trouble for the Silver Bear Shop and her cousin’s small bookstore . . .

But when Sasha discovers Holly’s shop assistant dead with a knife plunged in her body, the unpleasant woman suddenly looks like a real backstabber. So does Sasha’s ex-husband, rumored to have rekindled the fiery extramarital affair he once had with the victim. Now, before a gruesome homicide case takes the fun out of both the Fest and her personal life, Sasha must identify the true culprit from a daunting suspect list—or risk becoming as lifeless as one of her stuffed bears . . .

Character Interview

Can you talk about living in Silver Hollow? While I grew up in Ann Arbor, my dad opened the Silver Bear Shop & Factory while I was in college and getting married, so I didn’t actually move there until after my divorce. That’s when I began managing the shop – and fell in love with the small town “easy” atmosphere, got to know a lot of my friends who also moved there or married into families living there. It’s less hectic than Ann Arbor, less traffic, and more off the “beaten path” — everyone seems to hear about things that happen, no matter how much you may not want news to travel, but it’s all part of living in a community that cares. So I do enjoy it.

What is it like working at the family business, Silver Bear Shop and Factory? I enjoy setting up special events and conducting tours, selling bears, and keeping an eye on my Uncle Ross who supervises at the factory, and his ex-wife who is taking over office duties for my sister Maddie. Aunt Eve set up the accounting system, so I only have to catch her up on the technology, thank goodness! It’s not hard work, but time-consuming. We put in a lot of extra hours during our holiday season, and I’ve even filled in for packing/shipping whenever we have super large orders. Call me a Jill-of-all-trades!

You already experienced being part of a murder investigation once – did you ever think it would happen to you a second time? NO way! Especially in such a small town as Silver Hollow. There’d only been one “crime of passion” death in the community ( before last month, when our sales rep was killed), so Will Taylor’s murder really affected us all at the factory. And another? Wow. Any death is traumatic for family and friends, but deliberately killing someone takes a twisted person. Murder is a nasty business!

Is there anything about you people might not know you think would be fun to share?Well, everyone knows how much I love (love, love, love) cookies. I love dogs (more than cats? Hmm, not sure). I love eating kettle corn while watching a classic movie – My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn, Bringing Up Baby or North by Northwest with Cary Grant, and I love comedies of all kind – films, plays, books. I read cozy mysteries, but prefer historical fiction – mysteries or dramas like Ken Follett’s series, Sharon Kay Penman’s English Kings historical books, Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, or The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. Something meaty to read. I love history!

About the Author

Award-winning mystery author Meg Macy lives in Southeast Michigan, close to Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Dexter — the area she chose for the setting of her new “Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear” cozy mystery series for Kensington. She is also one-half of the writing team of D.E. Ireland for the Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery series; two books have been named Agatha Award finalists. Meg’s first published book, Double Crossing, won the 2012 Best First Novel Spur Award from Western Writers of America. She’s a graduate of Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction program. Meg loves reading mysteries, historical, and other genre fiction, and also enjoys gardening, crafts, and watercolor painting.

Author Links: www.megmacy.com Meg Macy on Facebook Meg Macy on Twitter

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BLOG TOUR – Bear Witness to Murder was originally published on the Wordpress version of The Pulp and Mystery Shelf with Shannon Muir

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