Entranced: A Halloween Box Set by Lori Handeland & Leigh Morgan & Dale Mayer & Michelle Diener & Edie Ramer & Nancy Haddock & Liz Kreger & Mary Hughes & Elle J Rossi

Author:Lori Handeland & Leigh Morgan & Dale Mayer & Michelle Diener & Edie Ramer & Nancy Haddock & Liz Kreger & Mary Hughes & Elle J Rossi [Handeland, Lori]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 7th Octave Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

“Dammit, Dorine, how can I have forgotten to turn on the champagne fountain?” Zoe Singer Blackwood, successful motorcycle dealership owner and secret wolf shifter, sailed through the ballroom, dodging waiters tending the laden buffet tables lining the back of the room.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Blackwood.” Her stalwart event planner, clutching her ever-present clipboard, scurried to keep pace. “That was my job.”

“Maybe, but it’s my responsibility. Granted, I’m not expecting much, romance-wise, from tonight’s crop of bachelors. But I’d like to give them the best chance. Speaking of…” Zoe caught sight of her nearly naked breasts in the wall of gold-encrusted mirrors. “Your taste in decorations is impeccable. Your advice in clothes, not so much.” She tugged up the spangled bodice of her little black strapless number. On the model, it was cut to showcase feminine assets; on Zoe’s lush figure, it was a rubber band with a ruffle. “I want to make romance, not a porno.”

“Still getting dressed?” The deep voice in her earbud was amused. “Hasn’t your shindig already started?”

“Bite me, Noah.” She adjusted the ear piece. The phone was a hundred feet away, in her purse in one of the prep rooms. For the first time, she wished the earbud’s range wasn’t so long.

“I can’t bite you,” he said reasonably. “We’re related.”

“Just because you’re going to be my alpha one of these days doesn’t mean you can be a jackass.”

The center serving table was dominated by a three-tiered crystal fountain. She crawled under its impeccable white-linen tablecloth to flip the fountain’s rocker switch. The burble of liquid started, then splashed as champagne cascaded.

As she backed out, she found Dorine staring at her backside.

“You might be right about the dress,” Dorine said. “Um, cute panties.”

“Thanks,” Zoe said dryly. She stood, brushed hands and knees, then tugged down her hem. Her breasts bobbled dangerously. “How’s the rest of that checklist?”

“Good.” Dorine’s face was red, but she ticked efficiently on her clipboard. “Decorations complete, food laid out, bartenders here, and bars fully stocked. Orchestra assembling. The doors opened early but we were ready.” Her eyes flicked to Zoe’s bosom, and her cheeks practically went bomf. “Except for you, that is.”

Zoe caught sight of herself in the mirrors. One nipple waved hi. Sighing, she tugged the dress up—which bared her stocking tops. She shook her head and gave up. “This party isn’t about me. This is for all the women like me who’ve had enough of pawing guys and want romance—or at least a few candles and cuddles before the mauling.”

“Candles and cuddles. Yes, Ms. Blackwood. I’ll go check on the greeters.”

“Thanks, Dorine. For everything. The place looks enchanting.” Zoe’s gaze swept the room. Red streamers, sweet-smelling flowers, champagne, and choice tidbits of shrimp, cheese, and petits fours.

If guys couldn’t get their romance on with all this, they weren’t trying.

She’d had one glimpse of romance, in high school. One rich, classy, untouchable boy amid all the bleacher gropes.

Even years later she remembered the sweet-down-to-her-toes feelings. So when the time had come