Nothing Like Love by Abigail Strom Read Free Book Online Page B

Zach.”
    “I—” She started to deny it, took a deep breath, and continued. “Fine, yes, I have a crush on Zach. Which only validates one of my major theories about life. Being into a person you’re attracted to only screws things up. It brings out every single insecurity you ever had and turns you into a pathetic idiot. No offense,” she added, remembering that Kate herself was madly in love at the moment.
    “Hey, none taken. I totally agree with you. But there are some people it’s worth being an idiot for. You know?”
    “No, I don’t. As far as I’m concerned, no man is worth being an idiot for.”
    “Jason Bourne.”
    “No.”
    “Thor.”
    “No.”
    “Zach Hammond?”
    “Absolutely not.”
    Kate started to say something else, but the door to the hotel room swung open and Jessica came in.
    “All right, ladies, how are we doing?”
    She was in full bridal regalia, and she looked like a queen.
    Her dress was beautiful. The full skirt was frothy and ornate—layers of honeycomb tulle overlaid by handmade Chantilly lace—with a simple, strapless bodice accented by a side-swept gather at the waist.
    Her silky blonde hair was loose, held off her face by a jeweled diadem to which a gauzy, waist-length veil had been attached. Her only other accessories were a pair of diamond drop earrings and opera-length gloves.
    The bridesmaids all spoke at once.
    “Oh, sweetie, you’re gorgeous.”
    “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
    “Where’s the photographer? We should take some before-the-ceremony shots.”
    Jessica smile was a little stiff. “I told the photographer to meet us at the church. He took a lot of getting-ready pictures with my mom and me, and I got tired of it. Not every second of the day has to be documented.”
    That was strange. Kate or Simone might have voiced a sentiment like that, but it was odd coming from Jessica, who could easily have been voted Most Likely to Document Every Second of Her Wedding Day.
    Jessica’s sister, Vicki, who was also her maid of honor, stepped forward and took Jessica’s hand. “We’re almost ready, too. We’re just putting on the finishing touches. What do you think?”
    Jessica surveyed the seven women with a critical eye. “Not bad,” she said after a moment. “Not bad at all.” She smiled again, more naturally this time. “Actually, you all look beautiful. I almost wish the photographer were here after all.”
    “I’ve got you covered,” her friend Maria said, pulling her phone from her purse. “It’s time for some bridal party selfies.”

    A little while later the bridesmaids pulled up in front of the church, spilling out of their limo in cheerful confusion as they mingled with late-arriving guests. Simone bumped into someone and dropped her bouquet, and when she reached down to pick it up, someone bumped into her. She would have fallen if a strong hand hadn’t grabbed her by the arm.
    A moment later she was blinking up at Zach Hammond. He looked even better than he had last night, and she suspected that his suit had cost more than her bridesmaid dress.
    He held out her bouquet. “Here you are.”
    Their hands brushed when she took it, and she took a deep breath. She couldn’t let him know that his behavior last night had left her feeling confused.
    “Thank you, Lord Zachary.”
    One of his eyebrows lifted. “Lord Zachary?”
    She gestured at his suit. “Savile Row, I presume? You look like you’re dressed for an audience with the queen.”
    He grinned at her. “A gentleman should meet certain sartorial standards when attending a wedding. Especially when one of the bridesmaids looks like you.”
    As his blue eyes moved over her in obvious appreciation, Simone felt a rush of annoyance. Did he think he could pick up where he’d left off before he’d turned her down last night?
    He stepped in a little closer. “Simone—”
    “Enjoy the wedding, my lord.”
    She gave him a quick smile and then hurried up the stairs