The Chocolate Garden (Dare River Book 2) Read Free Page A

could get. It seemed as though she came up with three new questions for each hour of business research she did. Everything from calculating overhead costs to figuring out how to pay taxes as a small business.
    “I’m a brilliant guy, or hasn’t Rye mentioned it?” he teased.
    He was brilliant. That much she knew. He and Rye had gone to law school together at Vanderbilt. Rye had dropped out just weeks shy of graduation to pursue country music, breaking with family tradition…and up until recently, his family. John Parker had continued with the law, even though he was also in demand as a songwriter for the country’s top artists, including her brother. That man had more left and right brain action going on than should be legal.
    Rye appeared beside them, swaying to the country music playing over the speakers. “How are my two favorite people in the world?”
    “We’re wonderful,” she responded, her voice soft. She loved seeing him this happy. “But I’m surprised Tory’s not in your top two.”
    “Aw, sugar, you know she’s in a category all her own,” he drawled.
    She gave him a smile and said, “And how are you faring on this fine day?”
    “Better than I ever imagined I could be,” he said, his grin contagious. “You two need to dance.”
    When Rye’s hip bumped hers playfully, her mouth twitched. She’d grown more at ease with her brother’s sometimes outlandish behavior and his emotional intensity. She imagined the same current ran through them both, as strong as the current in Dare River, but she hadn’t tapped into hers yet. She’d dammed her feelings up so tightly the water had grown still and stagnant. Even so, she could feel something shifting inside herself, and she was afraid of where all that emotion might take her if she let it run its course.
    So she was only planning to open one gate of the dam at a time.
    “This music isn’t quite my style,” she responded, knowing it wasn’t wise to dance with John Parker. His touch was too electric by half.
    Rye swung an arm around her shoulders. “Do you want me to see if they can play something from our ol’ cotillion days, honey?”
    She knew he meant it in fun, but her stomach tightened. Images of white dresses and gloves swam in her head. She’d been thinking way too much about Mrs. Augusta today, particularly when she’d promised herself to shut the door on such unhelpful habits.
    John Parker removed the champagne flute that was now clenched so tightly in her hand it was in danger of shattering. “Perhaps if we can find something you like, you’ll let me have a dance. Don’t the maid of honor and best man always share a dance?”
    In her old circles, they certainly did. Weddings had an order to them—they followed tradition. Even if it made them suffocating, like her own had been.
    As she watched her family, she realized they, at least, were cutting loose. With the exception of her mama, of course. Tory was laughing with gusto while Rory twirled and wiggled his little hips in time to the music.
    Thank God Tory was not one to follow convention. Just watching her was like having a front row seat in a whole new class about life.
    “Tory looks so free and happy,” she murmured.
    Rye’s grin stretched even wider at the mention of his bride. “Isn’t she beautiful? I mean, I used to sneer at all that sweet talk, but seriously… J.P., have you ever seen a more beautiful woman?”
    Her brother was right. With her black hair, porcelain skin, and petite figure elegantly displayed by a simple long white wedding dress, Tory made a stunning bride. Tammy and her sister had helped her pick out her gown, and it had been a special day for all three of them. Of course, the dress only accentuated Tory’s happy glow.
    John Parker nodded. “You’re a lucky man, Rye. Rhett, Clayton, and I are all breathing easy now that you’re settling down. We won’t have to worry about any of your wild antics anymore.”
    “Hey, Rhett,” Rye called out to