Free Valentine's Dates by Rhian Cahill Page A

would do.”
    Soft music floated on the air and Brent’s heart raced with anticipation. He didn’t care if she showed up in her PJs or one of the shirts she’d pinched from his wardrobe, he just wanted to get this date started so they could make it official.
    Davie appeared at the top of the aisle, Emily by his side, and Wade let out a sigh beside him. “Damn. I’ll never get used to those two being in my life. Being my life,” he murmured.
    “Halfway there,” Brent reminded himself.
    “What?” Wade asked.
    “Nothing.” Now was not the time to have that discussion.
    The music changed and the strains of Nickelback’s Holding On To Heaven filled the air. A bark of laughter burst from his throat only to be cut off mid-breath when Vee came into view. It was so typically her to choose a song no one else would walk down the aisle to. She moved towards him, her long white dress swirling around her bare feet, the little bells attached to an anklet she wore on her right leg barely audible over the music and whispers of the crowd.
    He heard the celebrant say something, but his attention was completely on Vee and the damn bells she’d promised to wear. And she knew it. Her lips kicked up on one end and the sparkle in her eyes told him she had more ways to dazzle him planned. As she drew closer he checked the urge to meet her halfway. Not that he cared what anyone else thought, but Morgan might take offence to being pushed aside.
    Brent had been shocked and please when Vee had suggested their friend walk her down the aisle. She’d wanted Wade to stand up for him as best man and insisted it was the more important role of the two. It had taken some convincing, but eventually Wade had seen the wisdom of the move. To say Morgan had been thrilled with Vee’s request was an understatement. And as the two of them made their way the last few steps, his friend still had a proud smile on his face.
    The ceremony went off without a hitch. There were photos and toasts and finger food, and Brent soon found himself separated from his new wife. People milled about on the lawn in their designer-best. Spotting Vee over on the terrace, he made his way across the lawn. Sneaking up behind her, he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her in close. “Are you having a good time?” he asked.
    “It’s been the best date of my life.” Vee turned her head and kissed his jaw.
    “I’m glad. I wasn’t sure you’d go for the whole Valentine’s Day wedding.”
    “You do realise I accepted this date for a reason.”
    “My good looks and charm?”
    “Mm, those are certainly a bonus. But what I’m after is a second date.”
    “A second date?”
    “Same time next year?”
    “You want to do this again?” Brent glanced around them.
    “Well not quite this elaborate, but yes, same date every year for the rest of our lives.” She spun in his arms and stood on her toes to whisper in his ear. “And I’ll take your heart.”
    “A lifetime of Valentine’s dates?” He pretended to ponder the request. “I suppose I can manage that, but I’m afraid I can’t let you take my heart. I have no control of that traitorous organ. It was stolen years ago and never returned.”
    Vee laughed. “That was one of those sneak attacks I’m so good at.”
    “Valentine Coleman, there was nothing sneaky about it. You marched right in and plucked that thing out like you owned it. And you do. Then, now, always.”
    The End

ALSO AVAILABLE FROM ESCAPE PUBLISHING…
    High Stakes
    by Robin Thomas
    Kate Higgins is climbing the corporate ladder, and emotional entanglements just get in her way. When her boss tells her she’s in line for a promotion, Kate is thrilled — until she hears the catch. In order to win, she must complete a weekend project with her rival, Pete Forest. The candidate with the best performance wins the promotion.
    Kate and Pete have never got along, but in one tense, surprising, exhilarating weekend, they’re about to discover that