Free The Great Texas Wedding Bargain by Judy Christenberry

figured he was going to need some more space in his tuxedo pants if the ride was a long one. But fortunately, he knew the restaurant was only a couple of blocks away, on the town square.
    Much to his relief, Jessica chatted about the wedding during their short trip.
    “What a beautiful wedding!” Jessica enthused. “Isn’t it amazing what those women can do in a hurry? I guess they’ve had so much practice now, it’s becoming quite routine. Was everything okay, Megan?”
    “It was lovely,” she said softly.
    Rick couldn’t help tightening his hold around her waist. Okay, so their marriage wasn’t real. He was still her husband until she decided otherwise. It was his job to support her.
    “Yeah, and the bride was beautiful,” Rick said, just as softly. Then he abruptly remembered the couple beside him. “And the matron of honor, too.”
    “No argument here,” Cal assured him, hugging Jessica to him. She laid her head on his shoulder, and Rick wished Megan would do the same.
    On his shoulder, he meant.
    Just for appearances, of course.
    It was a relief to discover they’d reached the restaurant. Putting some distance between him and Megan would be a good idea.
    Before he kissed her again.
    Once they were out of the car, with Frank promising to return as soon as he parked, Rick looked at Cal, his guide.
    “Do we go anywhere in particular? I mean, is there a table reserved or—”
    “Man, you don’t know anything, do you?” Cal teased. “The entire dance hall is reserved. There’s a band and everything. Jess has set up a buffet and there’s a huge wedding cake.”
    Rick stared at his friend. “All the people from the church are coming?”
    Jessica laughed. “Every last one of them. It’s the way we do things here.”
    He sneaked a quick look at Megan and then nodded to his friends. “Okay. Well, let’s go.”
    Jessica’s restaurant, the most popular one in Cactus, had a large room to the right of the main dining room that had a small stage. On weekend nights, the room was opened and local bands had an opportunity to show their stuff.
    Tonight, as Cal had said, it was a reception hall with a large wedding cake occupying the place of honor on the buffet table. With his arm still around Megan, Rick led her over to look at the delicate roses in cream, nestled among green leaves on all four layers.
    On top of the cake, a bride and groom stood arm in arm, both with dark hair and smiles.
    Megan reached out one shaky finger to touch the pair, as if to be sure they were really there.
    Before Rick could think of anything to say, the first of the guests arrived and Jessica herded them to the door to form a mini-reception line to greet them.
    Rick did his duty, shaking hands and smiling at his neighbors, but it wasn’t nearly as much fun as kissing the bride.
     

    M EGAN WAS still in shock.
    She’d recognized the attraction she felt for Rick Astin. But she’d assured herself it wouldn’t be a problem. After all, it was lust. She’d felt it before, sort of. She’d been attracted to a few men.
    But she’d never given in to it.
    When Rick kissed her at the altar, she’d prepared herself for a brief meeting of their lips. She’d even admit now that she’d been looking forward to it.
    Idiot!
    The man was an incredible kisser. The James Bond of all kissers. Or maybe it was just that her experience was so limited. What did it matter? The point was she was in trouble.
    Because she wanted him to kiss her again.
    And that mustn’t happen.
    Now that they were out of the car, she could put some distance between them, concentrate on other things. She shook hands with all the strangers, only a few of whom she’d met before. She concentrated on their names and faces.
    It kept her from concentrating on her husband.
    Husband. That word sent shivers through her.
    Rick leaned toward her. “Are you all right? Are you cold?”
    She shook her head, stiffening her shoulders. He’d felt her shiver? She obviously hadn’t