Heat of Passion Read Free Page B

shifted his head ever so slightly, seeking out what had snagged his attention. A short brunette stood a few yards away, next to the long buffet table that had been set up for the reception. Her back was half turned, so he only caught a glimpse of her profile, but the black skirt and white blouse she wore told him she was part of the catering staff.
    Question was—why did one of the catering staff have her hand down her own shirt?
    And was that fondling going on under there?
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    Heat of Passion
    Carson studied the strange display. No, not fondling. Looked like she was fumbling with…a bra strap? Her hair fell onto her face like a curtain, further shielding her features from him, as she fiddled with the bra in determination.
    He squinted. Then choked back a laugh when he realized what was happening. The girl’s bra strap had ripped—and she was attempting to tie the two ends together.
    Priceless.
    He couldn’t help it. A chuckle slid out of his throat.
    Unfortunately, the chuckle came out at the exact moment the preacher demanded to know if anyone had a reason why the bride and groom shouldn’t be together.
    Garrett and Shelby instantly swiveled their heads in his direction, shock clearly etched in their faces.
    “What? No,” Carson said quickly, keeping his voice low. He turned to the preacher.
    “No. I’m not speaking. I’m forever holding my peace. These two belong together. Please, just go on.”
    “I’m going to kick your ass for this,” Garrett muttered before turning his attention back to the ceremony.
    Shelby just glared at him.
    Fuck. Wonderful. Now everyone and their mother would think Carson objected to this union. Damn caterer and her broken bra.
    He forced himself not to glance in that direction again, instead concentrating on the end of the ceremony and then applauding after Garrett and Shelby locked lips. The newly married couple walked down the sandy aisle, hand-in-hand, immediately swarmed by well-wishers and teary-eyed relatives.
    Carson shoved his hands in the pockets of his crisp white Navy uniform and followed the rest of the wedding party down the aisle. As they headed for the reception area, he glanced over at the buffet and sought out the bra-challenged waitress.
    There she was. Talking to a curly-haired blonde and gesturing wildly.
    His eyes suddenly narrowed as she turned her head. That face…green eyes…pouty lips…Jesus, he knew that face.

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    Elle Kennedy
    He took a few steps closer, bewildered, a tad angry, still focused on the familiar pixie-esque features, the long brown hair, the round little bottom…
    The brunette latched her hand on the other waitress’s arm and proceeded to drag her toward the steps leading away from the beach. A second later, the two were out of sight.
    But not before Carson caught another glimpse of her face, which confirmed what he already knew.
    The mysterious Jessica had made another appearance.
    And this time, there was no damn way he was letting her get away from him again.

    “What am I going to do?” Holly Lawson wailed, waving her ripped bra around like a matador taunting an irate bull.
    Zoe Shickler grinned. “You go without, that’s what you do.”
    “This shirt is white, Zoe. And it’s see-through. Vanessa will freak.”
    “Vanessa will be too busy bustling around and making sure the guests are enjoying themselves to notice her assistant’s tits,” Zoe answered.
    “I’ll notice! And so will all those Navy SEALS. In an hour or so they’ll all be plastered and making cracks about my nipples.”
    “So? If you’re lucky, maybe one of them will offer to suckle you for a bit.” Zoe’s grin widened. “Did you see the best man?” She promptly began fanning herself.
    “I’ve been too busy setting up the buffet to notice the best man, Zoe. And this isn’t a joke,” Holly grumbled. “I can’t serve drinks topless.”
    “You’re wearing a shirt, for God’s sake.” Zoe