Always A Bride by Darlene Henderson Read Free Book Online Page A

the car and returned Harvey's kiss. His body pressed into hers. He wound one of his hands into her hair, pulling her deeper into his kiss. With his other hand he sought out every inch of bare skin he could find. When his fingers grazed her leg just below the hem of her skirt, she quivered in excitement. While she wanted to give in to her desire, this wasn’t the time or place. She mustered her strength, placed a hand on Harvey’s chest and tried to push him away. The pounding of his heart beat in unison with hers. His lips moved to her throat.
    She tilted her head back and moaned . “Ohhh...Ha—”
    S omeone screamed from across the parking lot.
    “ Oh no.” Harvey pulled Alex to him and kissed her hard and fast. “I love you. Go inside. Go to the bar and have a drink with Ben. Let me handle this.”
    Harvey released h er and Alex did as he had asked.
    She didn’t have to look to know Molly was storming across the parking lot. Her screams let everyone in earshot know she was coming and she was not happy.
    “ Come back here,” she shrieked. “Don’t run away from me. What do you think you’re doing with my fiancé?”
    Alex didn’t look back .
    “ Molly, what, exactly, are you doing here?” Harvey demanded.
    I nside the lobby of the motel, Ben greeted Alex with a hug. "Hey, you look great."
    “ Thanks, Ben. You look pretty great yourself.” His dark hair was cut short and neat. The short-sleeved shirt he wore made it evident Ben had been working out. Alex couldn't help but wonder how he was still single.
    “ Where’s Harvey?”
    “ Out there.” Alex turned and pointed toward the parking lot. “Life must be treating you well.”
    “ Yeah. My band just got our first recording contract. We’re playing all over town and traveling a bit too. It’s all going great. What’s Harvey doing out there? It sounds like somebody lost it.”
    “ That would be Molly and she has,” Alex responded.
    “ What the heck?” Josh came from around the counter. “Do I need to call security?”
    “ No, I think Harvey will calm her down,” Alex answered.
    The gold jacket with the Fairmont logo on it looked good on Josh. It fit perfectly, and she knew Josh well enough to know he'd probably had it tailored. Josh had always been too cute for his own good. His good-looks and charm had probably gotten him out of as much trouble as they got him into over the years. His brown hair was carefully tousled. But it was the infectious smile lighting up Josh's face that gave him something special.
    Ben stood at the plate glass window, reporting to Alex and Josh what was happening in the parking lot. “They are getting in Harvey’s car.”
    “ Harvey said we should have a beer. I think I need one,” Alex said.
    “ You two go on,” Josh said, “I’ll call in my relief and join you.” Josh went around the front desk and picked up the phone.
    Ben continued standing at the window. “But we might miss something.”
    “ No, Ben. Harvey has this under control. Let’s drink. First round on me.”
    “ I’m off work as soon as my relief is here, and I’m up for a drink.” Josh smiled, taking off his jacket. A young woman dressed in the female version of Josh's uniform stepped behind the desk. “And there's my relief now. Let's go.”
    Ben, Josh , and Alex headed to the bar. The bartender seemed happy to see them as the bar was otherwise empty. They each ordered a beer and settled in to get caught up. They choose one of the small round tables near a window. Ben and Josh swiveled in the black vinyl chairs and, just like they would have in high school, laughed when the vinyl squeaked.
    After about fifteen minutes , Alex's cell phone buzzed on the table. Looking at the phone display, she said, “’Scuse me guys. It's Harvey. Hello?"
    Harvey 's voice was husky when he asked, “Honey, can you get Ben to drive you home?”
    “ Yes, but why? Do I hear crying?” Alex didn’t like the sound of this.
    “ It’s okay, Alex. Molly and I