Free Kissing the Maid of Honor by Robin Bielman

Saturday.”
    “Okay.” She almost shouted, “Take care,” to his back before remembering no one else knew about his injury.
    He was obviously mad at himself for sharing his secret, if his quick departure was any indication. Maybe that was the way to keep her distance? Ask about his injury and hope he decided being around her wasn’t worth the risk of his accident coming out.
    It could work, and she needed something to work since her wish had failed so spectacularly. Because one more minute of feeling like Luke was the last person she could afford to get close to, but the first person she wanted to know better than she knew herself might lead her to do something foolish.

Chapter Five
    Sela put the last small vase on the table of the semiprivate area of the Moroccan restaurant and studied her handiwork. Filled with short-stemmed red and pink roses, the jewel-embellished vases she’d made last night looked perfect. The couches with oversized pillows in tones of gold and cranberry looked ultra comfy for sitting, and she hoped people used the Polaroid cameras she’d borrowed from Shane to take instant pictures.
    “I can’t believe you’re making me wear this,” Vanessa said, returning from the ladies’ room.
    Sela adjusted the small veil headpiece on her best friend’s head. “You look gorgeous.” Her cap-sleeved, short dark blue sheath dress looked stunning, too.
    “I look obvious.”
    “As it should be. And I’m telling you right now it’s going to get worse as soon as we leave the restaurant. So just go with it, okay? You only have one of these things, and it’s my job to make sure we’re on our worst behavior.”
    Vanessa gave her the puppy-dog eyes.
    “Sorry. Those are not going to work tonight. Tonight we’re going to be a little crazy, and there’s nothing you can do or say about it.”
    “Just remember what goes around comes around and it will be your turn one day.” Vanessa smiled.
    “I’m eloping with the man of my dreams and not telling a soul.”
    “What the hell?”
    Sela spun around. Shane’s eyes were wide, and his mouth was set in a grim line.
    “You’re eloping? With what sonofabitch? I’m going to kill him,” Shane added.
    “I was just making conversation. Chill out .” She playfully pushed her brother in the chest. “And my love life is none of your business, anyway.”
    “Your love life is definitely my business. After the last guy you dated turned out to be a real jackass, the next guy you’re with has to have my approval first.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous. I can take care of myself. I’m…” She stopped. Luke and Hayden approached and she really didn’t want to have this discussion in front of them. Erin and Vanessa’s other bridesmaids followed right behind.
    No matter how hard she tried not to look at Luke, she couldn’t stop herself. He wore an untucked, button-down beige shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, jeans, and an up-to-no-good smile. “Hi,” she said.
    “Hey.” When his gaze stayed caught with hers, her palms grew damp and her pulse hightailed it to unsafe territory.
    “Thanks so much for coming, everyone,” she said and turned away from Luke to talk to anyone else.
    A few minutes later, their whole party had arrived. Sela chatted and laughed and picked up a camera to snap a few pictures.
    “I’m insulted,” Luke whispered from over her shoulder, taking her by surprise. She gulped before turning around.
    And wished she had a stuffy nose and blinders on because up close he smelled minty and manly and looked good enough to forget herself. “Afraid someone else will take better pictures than you?”
    He laughed like that was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard. “No. I wanted to be your first subject.” He pressed his shoulder against hers, lifted her arm so she held the camera out in front of them, and then pressed the side of his face against her cheek. “Say cheese.”
    The stubble on his jaw, the way he touched her