Beachside Kisses With My Bodyguard: A Brother's Best Friend Sweet Romantic Comedy (Hallmark Beach Small Town Romance Book 1) by Kristin Canary

Author:Kristin Canary [Canary, Kristin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blue Aster Press
Published: 2023-10-10T18:30:00+00:00

fifteen

CHLOE

I’ve been complete rubbish today at anything having to do with wedding planning.

All I can think about is that kiss. The way Frederick took charge, but also gave me a choice. The way he held me like I was the most precious gem in the world, but also handled me like he wanted to break me open. A whole day later, I still shiver thinking about it.

“You need to wipe that lovesick grin off your face, chickadee.” Lucy tuts at me as we walk along Main Street, where a plethora of different colored awnings and tented canopies dot the closed-off road. Pedestrians mill about, collecting wine samples, cake samples, coffee samples, you name it. It’s a beautiful afternoon, bright and clear with a bit of extra warmth that feels like a hug.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” But of course, I do. I peek back at Frederick, who’s walking along at a good distance behind us with Jordan and Ryder. He’s laughing at something Ryder’s saying, but I know he’s always got one eye on me, making sure I’m safe. He’s such a good man, and last night, I allowed myself to get lost in the fantasy. I know that, despite what Lucy said last night, Frederick’s just playing a role—he confirmed as much on our drive home from the winery.

“I hope I didn’t take things too far,” he said.

Too far? Not far enough was more like it. “No,” I managed. “It was all right.” I nearly kicked myself at the gross understatement because that was like saying breathing is “kind of” important to sustaining life.

That kiss … it was pure euphoria and the barest whisper of a dream—one I only got to live for a few suspended moments in time.

Because it was over far too quickly.

“Good.” He glanced over at me as he turned onto Main Street. “It’s just that I thought Stephanie needed convincing of our feelings for each other. Our fake feelings, I mean.”

Fake feelings. Right. The good thing is that she was most definitely convinced. The bad thing? I nearly was too. Because I’m not sure someone can manufacture a great kiss like that. But even if Frederick feels a little bit of attraction for me, he’s clearly committed to the crown. I wish I knew why he’s given up on his dreams of traveling to work this job. Maybe someday, he’ll tell me.

I sigh.

Lucy’s elbow finds my side with a playful jab. “Oy, girl, we need to get you married off.” She fans her face as we dodge around an elderly couple holding hands and toddling along like there’s nothing more important in that moment than experiencing the world together. “I can feel the heat between the two of you coming from a mile away.”

I force a smile. I should be glad that we’ve been so convincing, but I only feel sad that I can’t tell her the truth. Not only could I use someone to talk to, but I don’t want to lie anymore.

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