Kissing the Maid of Honor

by Robin Bielman

  “I’ve been thinking about that and I’ve got a few ideas.” God, she loved the way he held her close. He could throw out any idea he wanted and she’d agree from this position. “First, I’m thinking about opening a studio here. Watters Photography.”

  She pulled back slightly. “Really? Are you sure?”

  “I made my escape from Cascade when I needed to. And I’ve made a name for myself, away from any family influence. But now my world is where you are. The sun wakes and the moon sleeps with you. Home is you and I have missed it here.” He lifted his hand so his thumb grazed her cheek and her heart did a jig.

  “What else are you thinking?” she asked.

  “Well, when I travel for a gig, there’s often a medical professional included as part of the team. It wouldn’t be on every job, but I’m all for a certain nurse being at my side whenever possible.”

  Sela bounced up and down. “That would be fantastic.”

  Luke laughed. “I’m glad you think so.”

  “I’ve got something to tell you, too, but you have to promise to keep it a secret.” She glanced around to be sure nobody was lurking in the bushes. In a small town like Cascade, and gossip a favorite hobby, Sela couldn’t be too sure.

  “Afraid someone’s eavesdropping?” Luke whispered, canting his head so his lips grazed her neck.

  Flutters erupted inside her.

  “I’m passing Jane on,” she said softly. “To Candace Brewer.”

  “Interesting,” Luke said in a gentle tone before smiling and adding, “You know what this means, don’t you?”

  She shook her head.

  Luke scooped her up. She giggled and once again put her arms around his neck. “It means you are all mine, Miss Sullivan, and whatever daring, crazy, naughty, inappropriate, wild things you want to do, I’m all yours.” He kissed her then, slow and sexy, and the words Vanessa said to her that day at the wishing well floated through her mind: Your heart’s got to be in it, or it definitely won’t work. Sela thanked her lucky stars that the wishing well’s guardian knew her heart had always belonged to Luke.

  CASCADE GAZETTE

  Extra!

  July 7th

  Luke Watters and Sela Sullivan caught in the act again, this time during the Fourth of July celebration.

  The twosome can’t seem to get enough of each other.

  Can an engagement be far off?

  Rumors say a winter wedding could be in the works.

  Others say the two plan to elope.

  Whatever they do, rest assured you’ll read it here first.

  In other news… Did you notice Shane Sullivan and a certain waitress getting cozy during the fireworks display? To which we say, friends our *ss.

  Acknowledgments

  Huge thanks to my awesome editor, Stacy Abrams, who scooped me up and made me hers. I am so blessed to write for you. You know I stick for life, right?

  Thank you to my fantastic associate editor, Wendy Chen, who knew exactly what I needed to make this story better. It’s such a pleasure working with you!

  Thank you, Julie Gardner, for reading, supporting, talking, laughing, and listening. Your friendship means the world to me. To my fellow Entangled author, the funny and wonderful Samanthe Beck, thank you for your kind words, your smarts, and your incredible support. I will forever treasure your friendship. To another fellow Entangled author, Hayson Manning, thank you for reading my first draft and falling in love with Luke, for giving me feedback in just the right places, and for always making me laugh out loud. You are a gem and your friendship is a precious gift.

  Many thanks to the whole Entangled gang, in particular my publicists, Tara Gonzalez and Kym Roberts, and the incredible group of authors whose support is unmatched and truly makes me feel a part of something special.

  Thank you Stella Balogh and Jennifer Jovis, the winners of my Goodreads “Name a Character” giveaway. Stella Muloway and Mrs. Witt (Tildie) are two characters made so much more special because of your input. Thanks, ladies, for your support and kindness.

  Thank you Leilie Javan, MD, for answering all of my medical questions—and being a great cheerleader. I appreciate it very much.

  Really, there are no words to do this next thanks justice. Hugs, kisses, and special thanks to my husband for his amazing support, love, and confidence in me. You are my hero.

  And to everyone who has read my books, thank you, thank you, thank you!

  Mwah!

  About the Author

  Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and crazy-cute mini Labradoodle, Harry. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also loves to run, hike, and dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real. She is also the author of Worth the Risk and Yours At Midnight from Entangled’s Ever After line.

  Visit her online:

  robinbielman.com

  Twitter @RobinBielman

  Facebook.com/robinbielman

  Goodreads.com/robinbielman

  Find your Bliss with Real Men Don’t Quit by Coleen Kwan

  His warm breath stirred the hair at her temples. “I’m uncontaining right now.” Lifting his hand, he brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. “And all because of you.”

  His feathery touch had her tingling. She gulped, amazed he could affect her so much with so little. The spark in the depths of his black eyes hinted he was experiencing the same response. She leaned back, moistening her lips, waiting for the inevitable—for him to lower his head and kiss her.

  But he didn’t. Instead, he trailed his fingers through her hair, lifting the strands one by one. “Your hair…I’ve been racking my brain trying to find the right description for it. It’s like fire and marmalade and cranberry. So soft, too…”

  His caress transfixed her, the sight of him fondling her hair more erotic than she could have imagined. “Um, most people just call me carrottop.”

  “Huh. That doesn’t do you any justice.”

  He tangled his fingers around the back of her hair, tipping her face up. He gently skimmed his lips down the length of her exposed neck. She caught her breath as hot sensations rolled through her, the feel of his lips exciting her. With his body pressing up against hers and his fingers twined through her hair, she was at his mercy, but instead of using his advantage, it seemed he wanted to tease her, tantalize her, control her and the situation.

  She wasn’t used to the man calling the shots. If it had been anyone else, she would have tired of the game and taken over. But Luke was different. With him, it was exciting to allow him the upper hand. As he continued his leisurely exploration of her neck and earlobes, she felt herself melting, giving in to him. She coasted her hands over his chest and shoulders, aching for his mouth to crush hers, but willing to let him set the pace, for now at least.

  Using his hips, he nudged her into a better position and wrapped his free arm around her waist, bringing the full length of his body against hers. She traced the outline of his torso, relishing the tautness of his muscle until her hands rested on his hips, the urge to pull his shirt out of his waistband almost irresistible. Luke licked the underside of her jaw, the wet flick drawing a gasp from her.

  “What are you doing to me?” she whispered, her desperation growing, her rules against making out now a distant memory. “The way you’re nuzzling my neck, I could swear you’re a vampire.”

  He chuckled, mouth still nestled against her throat. “Tyler, you have a very kissable neck. It’s enough to turn anyone into a vampire.”

  She squeezed his waist. “I have other kissable parts, you know.”

  Straightening a little, he gazed down at her, eyes brilliant as jet. “Are you telling me where I should kiss you?”

  “Only if you’re looking for directions.”

  “Angel, I’m not lost. I’m taking the scenic route.”

  Find your Bliss with His Reluctant Ran
cher by Roxanne Snopek

  Des cast a cautious glance at Zach’s expression. Maybe it was okay. So she knew more of his history than she was comfortable with. That didn’t have to mean anything. He was just a nice guy who could use a little comfort and Lord knew she could stand some tension relief. But it wasn’t too late. They weren’t involved. There was no reason they couldn’t still have a good time together, without anyone getting hurt. Maybe it was time to test the waters.

  She closed her laptop, pushed her plate away, and stood up. “Come with me.”

  He rubbed a hand over his face. “Where to?”

  “Just shut up and follow me, okay?” She smiled and tugged his sleeve. “No arguments.”

  He seemed empty after his outburst and he trudged after her wordlessly. She led him to the barn, where he’d shown her the kitten.

  But when they reached it, she no longer remembered whatever she’d been thinking of when she first grabbed his hand. She slammed the door behind them, then shoved him to the wall and pressed herself tightly against his body, holding his hands.

  His eyes widened. “Des,” he said, his voice raspy.

  “Shut up, cowboy.” Keeping her eyes on him, she slowly brought her lips to his. The instant they touched, she felt a quake run through him and pass into her. A tsunami of sensations roared over her, his lips, cold from the outdoor air, then warm, then hot. His tongue, sending sparks up, down, and sideways. His arms, so strong, his embrace wide enough to hold even a girl who’d never let herself be caught. She felt the connection between them like a lightning bolt, shared knowledge, desperate fellow travelers down a lonely, rocky road.

  Zach kissed, she thought dimly, like a starving man, grabbing and enjoying and remembering against the day when the feast was gone and he went hungry again.

  Damn, damn, damn! What was this? Des struggled to slow her breathing, but it felt so good in his arms that she pushed whatever that might mean to the back of her mind and reveled in the warmth of his embrace.

  She had no idea how long they stood there, necking like teenagers, tasting and touching and teasing. But she could have stayed forever.

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