Free Skin Deep by Cher Carson

that includes you, Ryan.”
    He respected the kid’s nerve. “I understand, buddy. I’d never do anything to hurt her.” He decided to lay his cards on the table. “I’m in love with her, whether she chooses to believe me or not.”
    Justin grinned. “If you decide to be the best man at my wedding, you’ll have a whole week on a tropical island to convince her.”
    Ryan stood, coming around the desk to face him. Extending his hand, he said, “I’d be honored to be your best man, thank you. And I want you to know, I’d feel the same way even if Alana wasn’t a factor.”
    “Thanks,” Justin said, clasping his hand. “I think you’re exactly the kind of man my sister needs in her life. But if you’re still interested in playing the field…”
    “I’m not,” Ryan said, holding up his hand. “Believe me; I’m ready to slip a ring on her finger the first chance I get.”
    Justin laughed. “Good luck with that, buddy. She won’t make it easy for you.”

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    By the time Alana arrived at the airport, she was exhausted. Leaving the dealership for an entire week meant she had to do twice as much work to prepare for the trip.
    “There’s my maid of honor,” her future sister-in-law said, claiming the chair beside her.
    “Hey, Jackie,” Alana said, reaching over to brush a kiss across her cheek. “Anything you need me to do to help you prepare when we get there, just say the word, okay?”
    “We’ve taken care of everything, hon. You just need to show up.” Jackie pointed across the waiting area. “Hey, look. There’s Justin’s best man now. Wait ‘til you meet him, Alana. He is just about…”
    Alana followed Jackie’s gaze and then felt nauseous. “Are you telling me that my brother asked Ryan to be his best man? What happened to Joe?”
    “He’s got mono, couldn’t make the trip.” Jackie squeezed her knee. “I’m surprised Justin didn’t mention it to you. You okay? You’re looking kind of pale.”
    “No, I’m good,” she said, fishing through her carry-on for a bottle of water. She didn’t even have to look up to know he stood in front of her; his sports sandals gave him away. She forced herself to meet his eyes. If they were stuck on an island together for the next week, she had to find a way to be gracious, even if it killed her. This was her kid brother’s wedding, and if he chose a dirt bag to be his best man, she had no choice but to support his decision.
    “Hello, Ryan,” she said, forcing a smile. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
    “Does it bother you?”
    That voice poured over her like warm, sticky honey, clinging to her like his…
    Looking confused, Jackie asked, “You two know each other? Justin didn’t mention that to me.”
    “ Must have slipped his mind,” Alana muttered.
    “Oh, I see my parents over there. Will you excuse me?” Jackie asked, getting up.
    “Of course,” Ryan said, wasting no time claiming the seat she vacated. “I just met your parents. Lovely people. Your father must be making great progress; his speech and cognitive skills seem to have returned to normal.”
    Glaring at him, she said, “I thought you specialized in the superficial. Since when do you know anything about neurology?”
    Clutching his chest, he said. “Ouch. I was merely making an observation as a lay person, not as a doctor.”
    Sighing, she cursed herself for treating him differently than she would her brother’s other guests. He was there for Justin, not her, and perhaps that’s what made her so cranky. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
    “No problem,” he said, quietly. “You look beautiful.”
    She had rushed out the door wearing black yoga pants, a hot pink tank top, and flip flops. According to her perfectly coifed mother, she didn’t look fit to walk to the corner grocery store. “You’re lying, but thank you,” she said, thinking it had been a long time since someone had taken the time to compliment