A Calculated Romance by Violet Sparks Read Free Book Online Page A

his head over hers and rested his chin atop her updo.  She felt good tucked beneath him, enveloped in his arms.  She didn't respond to his comment, still struggling with maintaining her composure.
    "I'm not going to hurt you," he added, his voice a low rumble.
    He tightened his arms about her waist, pulling her closer against his body.
    He continued, "I can feel your tension, but you're safe with me.  I promise."
    Somehow, she believed him.  His deep, masculine tone reassured her, and she allowed herself to relax.  Melting against his body, she enjoyed the warmth and the secure touch of his rock hard muscles.  Trapped within the steel bands of his arms, she felt protected.  She closed her eyes, forgetting all about Rick. 
    Someone made an announcement about dinner.  James guided her to the ballroom, where the wedding party waited in the hallway to be announced.  This part had not been included in the rehearsal.
    "What's going on?" she asked Jim, panic in her voice.
    He gave her a reassuring smile.
    "It's no biggie.  They call our names and we walk in, all smiles, wave to everyone, and sit down.  Once we're all seated, they'll announce the bride and groom.  We clap, and dinner is served."  He paused and brushed a stray curl from her face.  "You've never been in a wedding, have you?" he added, more a statement than a question.
    Sensing no ridicule or shock in his comment, she answered, "No," but still dropped her eyes by force of habit.
    James grabbed her by the wrist and tugged her towards him, trapping her in an embrace.  He held her face against his chest and resisted the urge to run his fingers through her hair, remembering that the impressive updo needed to be preserved until all photographs had been taken.
    "Do you know how exquisite you are, Ireland?" he whispered.
    "Miss Ireland Lincoln and Mr. James Crimshaw," a voice boomed from a microphone.
    He took her hand, smiled, and said, "Show time!" then pulled her towards the ballroom.
    "Mr. James Crimshaw is the brother of the bride, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Navy Officer, and world traveler.  Miss Ireland Lincoln is the friend of the bride, hails from Cadiz, California, and is pursuing a career in gemology.  Please welcome Jim and Landi!" the mistress of ceremony yelled, as if announcing a goal in a South American soccer match.
    The girl cringed at the mention of Cadiz.  At that moment, James squeezed her hand, hard.  Did he sense she wanted to leave her past behind?  She looked at him, questioning, but he returned her gaze with an innocent smile and led her to the large table prepared for the wedding party as guests cheered.
    The rest of their group filtered in, followed by the happy couple.  The best man made a toast, and although she raised her champagne flute, Ireland chose to take a sip of water instead of alcohol.  The minister said grace and pronounced a blessing on the newlyweds.  Salads and bread appeared, and she tucked in, hungry from the strain of the day.  Beef Wellington followed, accompanied by delicious sautéed green beans.  Waiters poured white wine with the first course, and red with the second.  She allowed herself a sip of each, not wanting to fall asleep in her chair again.  James did the same.  More toasts followed before the jazz quartet gave way to a DJ.
    The announcer called Katrina and Robert to the floor for their first dance.  I Only Have Eyes for You played as everyone watched.  No one doubted the couple was a match made in heaven.  As the song dissolved into Lionel Richie's Hello , the DJ asked for the wedding party to join the bride and groom. 
    James guided Landi to the dance floor and took her in his arms.  She placed her hands on his shoulders, like he'd taught her the other night, then slid them around his neck.  Unlike his actions at Sinclair's, he kept a distance between them now.  She couldn't help feeling some rejection.  Instead of placing both hands on her hips, he slid one to her