Free A Cadence Creek Christmas (Cadence Creek Cowboys) by Donna Alward Page B

you.”
    Maybe he did see more. She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. “I’ll tell Jack,” she repeated.
    “I’ll warm up the engine,” he answered.
    She turned around to find her brother and when she turned back again, a cold gust of wind from the just-opened door hit her like an icy wall.
    She had to keep her head about her today. Weddings made people do strange things. It was just as well, then, that she planned on remaining behind the scenes as much as possible.

CHAPTER FIVE
    T HE RECEPTION WAS going off without a hitch. When Taylor arrived at the club, the guests were already circulating and enjoying the cocktail hour. Platters of crackers, cheese and cold cuts, shrimp rings, crudités and fruit were set out on tables close to the bar, where people were lined up to be served either punch or hot cider.
    The place looked lovely. The centerpieces had been lit—boy, Melissa had really outdone herself with those. White candles enclosed in glass sat on real rounds of wood, surrounded by aromatic greenery and winterberries. Each chair was covered in white fabric, a wide red ribbon around the back with more cedar and a single pinecone adding a festive, homey touch. The pew markers had mirrored the design perfectly. She couldn’t have planned it any better. Hadn’t, actually. Funny how some things worked out.
    Rhys showed up at her elbow and handed her a cup. “Have something hot to drink.”
    “I should check the kitchen.”
    “You should relax. Maybe enjoy yourself.”
    “I’ll enjoy myself later.” But she took the mug anyway. The sweet, spicy scent of the cider was too tempting to resist.
    “You look beautiful by the way,” he said quietly.
    Her pulse fluttered again. “Thank you,” she answered politely, but inside she glowed. She was used to dressing up, but her style usually ran to the classic and conservative. Tailored fits and solid colors that spoke far more to class, confidence and efficiency than femininity and whimsy. But the dress today made her feel very girly indeed. The bodice was strapless and the lace overskirt to the emerald tea-length gown was far more dainty than she normally wore. Not to mention the gorgeous satin shoes on her feet, or the way her hair was gathered in a low chignon with a few pieces left artfully around her face.
    “Do you want something to eat? I can bring you something if you like.”
    What was she doing? Last night she’d lost her senses, but it was the clear light of day now. Sure, weddings brought out the romantic in anyone but she was smarter than that. This wasn’t anything. One kiss in a truck at midnight didn’t make them a couple today. Or any day for that matter.
    “I can get it myself, you know. You don’t have to act like we’re a couple just because we’re paired up in the wedding party,” she answered, making a pretense of scanning the room even though everything was moving along seamlessly.
    Her breath squeezed in her lungs as she waited for his reaction. When she didn’t get one, she turned to say something only to discover that he’d walked away. He’d gone to the buffet table, and she wondered if he’d stay true to form and simply ignore her wishes. But when he’d put a few selections on his plate, he never even glanced her way. He walked over to the other side of the room, greeting a few guests with a smile.
    It made no sense that she felt empty and bereft when he’d done exactly as she’d intended.
    Fine. She’d go to the kitchens and check on the dinner prep, and then make sure the sound system was a go for the emcee. That’s where she should be anyway. Not trying to impress a stubborn groomsman.
    * * *
    The words had sat on Rhys’s tongue but he’d kept them to himself. At a wedding reception was no place to tell her exactly what he thought of her rude response. But he was plenty put out. He’d only been trying to be a gentleman. Sure, he enjoyed pushing her buttons. But after last night...
    Never mind that. Even if