Baking Love by Lauren Boyd Read Free Book Online

stool. One of the groomsmen. His gaze met hers, and she quickly averted her eyes.
    “Hey there, bride!”
    Damn—not fast enough.
    The guy picked up his beer and moved over to the stool beside where Kate stood. “What’s going on, good-looking?”
    You mean other than your alcohol-laden breath? “Not much.”
    “I’m Matt.”
    “Nice to meet you.” Did you catch the insincerity in my voice? Kate noticed the bartender looking her way, so she waved to get his attention.
    “Your drink is on me,” Matt informed her.
    “Thanks, but I’ve got it.”
    The bartender came over to Kate. “What can I get you?”
    “She’ll have a ‘Sex on the Beach’,” Matt interrupted. “I’ll have another beer.”
    “Uh, no,” Kate told the bartender. “I’ll have a dry martini and a whiskey sour.”
    “Coming right up.”
    Matt whistled. “ Two drinks.”
    “One’s for my friend.” Not that it’s any of your business.
    He leaned toward her. “Is this friend male or female?”
    I would say something ugly to blow you off, but I don’t want Walter and Loraine to hear about it. “Good night.”
    Matt frowned. “Where are you going?”
    Kate turned to walk away empty-handed and nearly crashed into Eric. Instinctively, her hands flew to his chest. Did I do that to catch myself, or because I’m so glad to see him right now? She quickly lowered her hands.
    “You okay?” he asked. She noticed him glance at Matt.
    “Eric, my man!” Matt piped up. “I’m getting to know your lovely lady friend.”
    “Is that right?” Eric’s gaze dropped to Kate’s. “Is he hitting on you?”
    “Yes…and failing miserably.”
    Eric cut his eyes at Matt. “Knock it off, man. She’s not interested.”
    He tossed up his hands in a surrendering motion. “Easy! I was just being friendly.”
    “I’ll bet.”
    Matt mumbled something, then slid off his stool and shuffled away.
    “I’m sorry, Kate,” Eric said, his face flushed in seeming embarrassment.
    “Don’t worry about it. I know he’s drunk.” Although I doubt he’s any more charming when he’s sober.
    “Where are you headed?”
    Kate looked over at Jess and saw Mark now sitting with her on the sofa. They held hands and appeared to be having an intimate conversation.
    I’ve had enough of being reminded how single I am for one day. “I’m headed back to the inn.”
    “I’ll walk with you.”
    Kate blinked. “Really?”
    “Yeah. I’m tired of this scene—plus, I need to check on Cecilia. I’ll grab my coat and meet you outside, okay?”
    “Okay, yeah. Thanks.” This is unexpected. With excitement in her step, Kate hurried to the sofa and started putting on her coat.
    “You leaving?” Jess asked.
    “Yeah. Eric’s walking back with me.”
    “Alright. Y’all have fun.”
    “You, too.” Kate picked up her purse, then made her way around several groups of people to the tavern door. She pushed it open, and the cold night air rushed in to meet her. She stepped outside and buttoned her coat. Wow, it is quiet out here. She couldn’t hear sounds from inside the tavern or road noise or even an animal scurrying by—just perfect silence. She shivered. Come on, Eric.
    She heard the tavern door open, and her apprehension subsided. “Did you get what you needed?” she asked with a smile.
    “Not yet.”
    Her smile faded. I know that voice…and it’s not Eric’s. The unidentified figure stepped out of the darkness cast by the tavern’s awning and into the light cast by the full moon.
    Kate’s blood ran cold. Matt.
    “Good to see you again.” His eyes scanned the parking lot. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?”
    Eric, where are you? Kate forced her voice to stay steady. “I’m waiting for Eric. He’ll be here any second.”
    Matt sauntered toward her. “Well, he’s not here now—which is great.”
    Get away from this guy. “I’m going back inside.” Kate tried to walk past Matt, but he reached out and grabbed her arm.
    “Actually,