Winter's Kiss (In Shady Grove 7) by Beth Andrews

Author:Beth Andrews [Andrews, Beth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Pennsylvania, Adult, Shady Grove, Series, Christmas, Stranded, Holiday, Seasonal, Holidays, Season's Greetings, Forever Love, Santa Claus, Holiday Season, Fairy Tales, Romantic Fantasy, Volatile Family, Temptation, Deserves, Prestigious, Career, One Night, Snowy
Goodreads: 26145116
Publisher: Harlequin Superromance
Published: 2015-11-02T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

SOMETHING WAS WRONG.

Oakes didn’t mean just the fact that over two hours ago Daphne had waltzed into O’Riley’s, Kane’s bar, looking like sin in a deep purple dress and high heels. Or that he’d spent a good portion of the last hour distracted by her presence, by her bare legs and the questions running through his head like “how did she even knew about the party?” and “why was she here?”

He’d kept his distance but had also kept an eye on her, had watched her mingling with the guests. And he noticed that she was missing her usual ease, the part of her that seemed so comfortable in any situation. Worse, the last time he’d spotted her she’d been standing alone, watching the other guests with a smile on her face, but he knew it wasn’t one of her real smiles, more like a polite, keep-your-distance smile. The kind he’d seen on plenty of people’s faces at social events he’d been attending since he was a kid.

He took a step toward her when C.J. joined him. “You brought Zach’s sister?”

C.J.’s tone was harsh. Questioning. Oakes didn’t let it bother him. His eldest brother was a pain in the ass, but he really did mean well. He took after their father in many ways, but in that way of meaning well and actually caring about other people was where Senior and Junior differed.

“You know I didn’t bring her,” Oakes said. “You saw me at the Ellisons’ dinner party.”

“Then what is she doing here?”

Oakes didn’t want to explain that she was his plus one to the wedding. Had hoped to avoid any and all discussion about it and just show up on Saturday with her on his arm. And that, he could see now, was a stupid plan.

“She and Charlotte got to know each other in Houston,” Oakes said. “When Zach was in the hospital. Maybe she told Daphne about the party.”

“No, that’s not what I mean. I already asked Kane and he said they didn’t invite her to the wedding. And, as you and she are friends, the question is what is she doing here, as in Shady Grove?”

Oakes sighed. Sipped his beer. “She’s my date to the wedding.”

“Oh.” C.J. paused. “Do you think that’s a good idea? Dating Zach’s sister?”

“We’re not dating,” Oakes said. “I’m doing her a favor for the weekend. And in case you haven’t noticed, she’s over there and I’m over here. We’re not together.”

“I’ve noticed that you’ve been watching her most of the night.”

Oakes frowned at his brother. “What the hell are you? A stalker?”

Kane joined them. Though they were full blood brothers and looked very similar, C.J. was broader, his blond hair cut short, his style conservative, more in tune with the CEO of a major American corporation. Kane, on the other hand, was leaner, rangier, with hair long enough to pull back into a ponytail and tattoos peeking out from under the edge of his shirtsleeves, his jeans dark and new, but his biker boots faded and worn.

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