Always A Bridesmaid (Left At the Altar) Read Free Page B

paper. No doubt about it. This was the place.
    Fiona had said her grandfather had rented a house in Toronto to accommodate her wedding party for the weekend. But she hadn't expected anything like this. She smoothed a hand over her grey wool pants and hoped they hadn't creased too much on the plane. Despite wearing one of her best outfits, she suddenly felt underdressed.
    Taking a deep breath, she climbed the stairs to the front door, pausing a moment on the threshold to gather her courage to ring the bell. She'd thought long and hard before agreeing to be Fiona's bridesmaid. She loved Fiona and had remained friends with her since university, even though she lived in Ottawa and Fiona now lived in Toronto. But she was sick of being a bridesmaid. How many times had it been now? Fifteen, sixteen? Twenty? She'd lost count.
    Unluckily for her, Fiona had wanted her in her wedding party. She knew it would be expensive, considering the cost of the dress, travel and gifts. With her big project coming up soon she needed to save every penny. But she simply couldn't say no. As usual.
    It was too late for second thoughts. She'd made her decision and there was no going back. She pushed the bell.
    The door swung open, and for a moment Dani could only stare. Zach Morrison stood holding the door and looking even more handsome then he had a year ago. She'd learned from Fiona that he'd be here, that they'd be paired together in the wedding party. But even though he'd had a starring role in her fantasies for the last year, she hadn't expected her insides to go all mushy at the sight of him.
    Finally, she remembered her manners and held out her hand. "It's nice to see you again, Zach."
    He took her hand and held it tightly. "It's nice to see you, too. In fact, I'm really glad you're here."
    Her mouth went instantly dry. "You are?"
    "Yeah." He squeezed her fingers, the look on his face intense. "I know we don't know each other well, but I have a favor I need to ask you. A really big favor."
    "Okay." She couldn't imagine what kind of favor he'd want from her. "Why don't I come inside and you can tell me about it."
    He looked furtively over his shoulder. "I haven't forgotten your kindness when I saw you last. My mother told me how considerate you were to her and Camp as well. Thank you."
    "You're welcome. But I really didn't do anything." Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it.
    "It meant a lot to me. Listen, there's not much time. I wanted to ask you--"
    "Zach! Who's at the door?"
    Dani started. She knew that voice. Chantal.
    Zach visibly shuddered at the demanding tone in Chantal's voice. His blue eyes implored her.
    "Please, play along with me. I'll make it worth your while."
    "What?"
    "Daniella, help me, please!" he whispered.
    How could she say no to a handsome man asking for her help?
    "Okay, but--"
    Before she could articulate a question, he pulled her into his arms, his mouth descending on hers. Dani was too shocked to object. For a full ten seconds she remained rigid and unyielding. Then she relaxed slightly, sighing at the sweet sensation of his lips touching hers. Her hands seemed to move on their own accord, first exploring his muscular chest, then winding around his neck. Her body trembled as it molded itself against his.
    "Dani? Is that you?"
    Chantal's voice doused the pleasant awareness. She stepped back with a jolt, shocked that she'd been so intimate with someone she hardly knew. She cringed. And in front of an audience, too.
    Zach put his arm around her waist, pulling her against him and kissing her cheek. "Just follow my lead. Please," he whispered urgently in her ear. Dani looked up into his eyes and saw his desperation. Without thinking, she gave an imperceptible nod. He grinned and turned to face Chantal.
    "I was just saying hello to Daniella."
    Chantal looked her up and down. "Since when do you say hello to Dani by sticking your tongue down her throat?"
    Dani blushed furiously, but she'd be damned if she'd let