Haven Creek Read Free Page B

movie with a cast of thousands. Unfortunately, that day he hadn’t been so much a participant as a spectator at an event destined for failure. His gaze shifted to an enormous red-, white-, and blue-striped tent about the size of a traveling circus’s big top. Row upon row of tufted blue chairs were pushed up under round tables covered with alternating red and white tablecloths. It was Memorial Day weekend, and in keeping with the patriotic theme, vases of blue delphiniums and red and white sweet peas adorned the center of each table. There was a smaller tent from which wafted the most delicious aromas as the waitstaff circulated with trays of hors d’oeuvres and flutes of Champagne. A third tent was set up for the DJs, who played an upbeat tune that currently topped Billboard ’s Radio Songs chart through speakers set up around the property. Couples were already gliding across the dance floor.
    Bryce draped an arm over Nate’s shoulder. “Is it okay if I have a drink?”
    Shifting slightly, he met Bryce’s eyes. There was no mistaking the fact that they were brothers. Both were tall and slender, and shared the same complexion, high cheekbones, and even features. The only exception was eye color. Bryce’s were a sparkling hazel; Nate’s a clear golden brown.
    “Please try not to overdo it. Remember your actions have consequences.”
    Bryce patted Nate’s back. “I told you I’m not going to jail.” He headed for the bar while Nate picked up a flute of Champagne off the tray of a passing waiter.
    Nate didn’t want to quash Bryce’s fun, but on the other hand he didn’t want Bryce violating his parole, forcing him to serve out his sentence. A knowing smile tilted the corners of his mouth when he saw his brother reach into the pocket of his slacks for his driver’s license. It was apparent that Jeff had instructed the bartenders to card those they suspected were under the legal drinking age.
    He’d just put the flute to his mouth when he saw Morgan with David, and wondered whether she and the attorney were a couple. He was still stunned by her transformation, but then a lot of people and things on Cavanaugh Island had changed during his absence. Although both he and Morgan lived in Haven Creek, Nate had only occasionally caught glimpses of her when she and Francine went on their early morning bike rides. But once, when he saw her walking into a shop in the Creek’s business district, he’d given her more than a cursory glance, thinking that she was an anomaly compared to the casually dressed young women who lived and/or worked on the island. Everything about her radiated big-city sophistication and reminded him of the fashionably dressed women who lived in some of the large cities he’d visited.
    His gaze lingered on her long, shapely legs, rising up from a pair of strappy stilettos. Nate smiled. It was apparent that Morgan was very secure when it came to her height. The sexy heels put her close to the six-foot mark. He continued to stare at her while sipping the extra-dry Champagne.
    “Would you like to try the crab cakes, sir?” Nate shifted his attention when a waiter handed him a cocktail napkin. He speared a miniature crab cake slider topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and chopped green onions, then placed it on the napkin. “I suggest you also try the spring rolls. They’re incredible.” The waiter handed Nate another napkin.
    “Thank you.” Nate took a bite of the miniature spring roll, savoring the variety of spices on his tongue. If the appetizers were an indication of what the caterers had prepared for the buffet, then Jeff and Kara’s guests were in for a sumptuous feast.
    The tents were quickly filling up, and Nate scanned the crowd for his family. He’d planned to attend the ceremony, offer his personal congratulations to the bride and groom, and then leave. But Morgan had piqued his interest when she said she wanted to talk to him about a project. The fact that she’d left him two