Bachelorette for Sale by Gail Chianese Read Free Book Online Page A

twenty-five guys. In the end, the guy she picked broke up with her by the time the final show aired.”
    Jason stood staring.
    “What?”
    “When did you turn into a wuss and start watching chick shows? Next you’re going to tell me your favorite show is Project Runway and start crying over Hallmark Channel movies.”
    Dave threw his empty chip bag at him. “Brody’s secretary, Angie, brought me up to speed on Cherry Ryan when the proposal was sent out. And it’s called doing your homework, dipshit.”
    “Keep talking and I won’t be the only one going to the eternal basement when this life’s over.” Jason shot him a lopsided grin before laying the new tile in place. “I’ll go on the freaking date, but we need to start drumming up some new business or you and I will be asking people if they want fries with their burgers real soon.” He’d worked too hard for too long to pull himself out of the gutter he’d grown up in and make something of himself. Not that Stephanie could see his efforts paying off. Didn’t matter. She was gone, and he’d do anything to not land back where he started.
    “Listen, I’ve got to go. I need to swing by my mom’s place and do some rewiring for her. I’ve got a good feeling about this. Hang in there and have some faith.”
    Jason snorted. Yeah, faith hadn’t gotten him squat in this world. Hard work and learning early on you could only count on a few select people got him where he was today. Dave’s footsteps faded along with the tune he whistled, leaving Jason alone with his dark thoughts as he cleaned up his mess and double-checked everything they’d worked on throughout the church. He had plenty of time to worry about charming a princess later; right now he needed to focus on pleasing a pastor. The church had a healthy number of parishioners, and possibly a few might be impressed with the changes and refer their services or hire him straight out.
    Footsteps brought him out of his reverie. Jason turned to see a man in jeans and a button-down shirt headed his way. The pastor was only about fifteen years or so Jason’s senior but had a soul and aura about him that went years beyond his physical age. If the man’s smile and lively step were anything to go by, Jason would say the pastor was very pleased about something. Hopefully his work.
    “Ah, there you are, my boy. The church and the community room look wonderful. I hope you and David will join us tonight as we celebrate your accomplishments.”
    Step one down. “Thanks, Pastor Perky. We’ll try to be here.” Jason walked over to where he’d placed the stepladder. “I did have to replace this tile again. Not sure why, I’ve never had one break twice before in the same spot. Keep an eye on it and let me know if it cracks again, please.”
    The pastor patted him on the shoulder as he looked around the room, a satisfied expression on his face. “You know what they say, third time’s the charm. Have a little faith, my son.”
    He sure hoped the pastor was right. Otherwise this would be the third proposal turned down this month for his company.

Chapter Four
    C herry stood in front of the fountain at Piazza di Amore, the Plaza of Love, with no date in sight. Digging a penny out of her purse, she closed her eyes and mouthed the words she’d said since she was a child. So silly after all these years, but she made the wish anyway.
    The coin flew through the air, her wish cast, and it gently slipped below the surface of the water in the fountain as a hand landed on her shoulder. Spinning around, Cherry stumbled smack dab into the middle of Jason Valentine’s rock-solid chest.
    Drat, I was hoping he bailed .
    He looked down at her with a slightly amused tilt to his mouth. Tonight his eyes looked more green than blue, and with him this up close and personal, she realized he stood about a foot taller than her.
    He held her upright with strong, warm hands wrapped around her upper arms making her feel safe, protected. A