by Kim Loraine
“You’re my bridesmaid.” He grins, flashing perfectly straight, white teeth. “I’m Sawyer Harrison.”
He holds out a hand and I stare at it. The man is enormous. His palms are big enough I bet he could hold a basketball in one without a struggle. Coming to my senses I take his offered hand and shake. “I’m Clover Danvers.”
He cocks an eyebrow. “Clover?”
I shrug. “My mom took the whole flower child thing literally.”
“I like it. It’s different. I’ll never forget your name. There’s a sea of Amys and Kristins. But only one Clover.”
My chest warms at his statement. There’s something about him that makes me want to stand out. I don’t want him to forget me. “Well, I’ll probably forget you because Sawyer is such a common name.”
“Oh, really? How many Sawyers do you know?”
“Plenty…Tom…Sawyer…” I start, but I can’t come up with another.
“My point exactly.” His smug smile has me fighting my own grin.
“So, did you bring a girlfriend who’ll be staring daggers at me while we’re trapped together?” I’m teasing, but I see the glint of discomfort behind his gaze.
“No. No girlfriend.”
“Oh…boyfriend?”
His eyes go wide and he frowns. “What? No. What made you think that?”
“I just…I didn’t want to assume—”
“How about you? Boyfriend?”
My cheeks blaze. “Not at the moment.” In fact, I’ve been single for way too long, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“Good. Then you won’t mind being my date for the next two days.”
Now it’s my turn to go wide-eyed. “What?”
“I’m not interested in everything that comes along with being in the bridal party.”
“Oh, you mean the whole available guy in a tux thing?”
He nods. “Right. I don’t have a girlfriend because I don’t want one. I’ve got way too much going on in my life to focus on a woman.”
“Ditto.”
Those lips of his turn up in a grin. “So, you’ll be my date? Keep the drunk singles away?”
I laugh. “I’ll beat them away with a stick if I have to.”
“And I’ll stake my claim tonight during dinner. No one will come near you once they know you’re mine.”
A thrill runs through me at the dominance and possession in his tone. I wonder what it would feel like to really be his, to be in his arms—his bed. I have to clear my throat before I can answer. “Sounds perfect.”
He threads my fingers with his and tugs us forward. “Come on, they’re starting.”
The feel of our hands linked together has a dangerous need building in my chest. I already like his touch too much. But as we approach the bridal party, I wonder if I can make the most of this wedding. Sawyer and I don’t want relationships, but he didn’t say anything about not wanting a no-strings weekend. Maybe Kelsey was on to something. Maybe tonight is the night I finally give up my virginity. There’s not going to be a more handsome man interested, and something about Sawyer makes me feel…safe.
Kelsey’s entire face lights up when she sees us holding hands. “Oh, wow. Looks like you two are getting along.”
I smile and nod. “You were right.”
“I always am.” She looks entirely too pleased. She’s probably already planning our engagement party.
The wedding planner bustles in and leads us to the beautiful garden area where the ceremony will be held. Then she lines us all up so we can practice the march down the aisle.
“Remind me to thank Dave later,” Sawyer whispers in my ear as he offers his arm.
“For what?”
Music filters through a speaker, an imitation of the live string quartet we’ll have tomorrow, and the line of the bridal party begins to walk.
“For setting me up with the most beautiful bridesmaid.”
Oh, no. He’s swoony. I wasn’t prepared for that. But then his jade eyes lock on mine and he grins. My heart stutters and I stumble, my toe catching on one of the uneven stones making up our path.
Sawyer is there, catching me before I hit the ground. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs, holding me in his strong arms, my face buried in his chest and my senses on overdrive. He smells amazing. Clean and crisp. Masculine. Perfect.
Embarrassment rushes over me and I let out a self-conscious giggle. “Thanks. I’m glad you’re here to save the day.”
He winks and starts us on our path once more. “It’s my job.”
“Aren’t you off duty?”
“I’ll never turn down the opportunity to rescue a damsel in distress. Especially when she blushes like you.”
“My, my, you’re good.”
We reach the end of the aisle and right before we part ways, he leans in and says, “I’m even better in bed.”
And just like that, I’m a little terrified but I also can’t wait for this rehearsal to be over.
Rescuing His Virgin
Acknowledgments
Writing these novellas has been so much fun. I love knowing these light-hearted love stories makes people smile. I’m lucky enough to have an amazing group of supportive people in my life.
Emily, ellie, Rachel, Nicole, Misty, Heather. You guys have helped me in so many ways. Thank you.
Social Butterfly PR, thanks for dealing with my crazy release schedule.
My writing group. Love you guys.
My family.
My Coven and my Loraine Lovers. You guys are amazing.
Keep your eyes out for more virgins soon. It’s been too much fun to stop with one series.
xoxo,
Kim
Also by Kim Loraine
Contemporary Romance
The Virgins
The Virgin’s Fake Fiancé
Rescuing His Virgin
His Hollywood Virgin
Until the Stars Fade (FREE)
The Cocktail Girls
His Whiskey Sour (A Stand Alone Rock Star Romance)
The Golden Beach Series
Restoration
Renovation
Foundation
Resonance
Redemption
Resolution
Devotion
Remnants
Paranormal Romance
The Siren Coven
Eternal Desire
Cursed Heart
The Fallen Angel Trilogy
Waking the Watcher (FREE)
Denying the Watcher
Releasing the Watcher