The Bridesmaid's Checklist: Laura's Wedding (BCL Book 1) by K.T. Castle Read Free Book Online Page A

every single wedding-related salesperson said the same.
    Nevertheless, if it made Laura happy, I’d remain silent.
    It had been a very productive day.

Chapter 7
    “ I thought I asked you to respect the budget, Kassandra,” Edward angrily barfed at the phone as soon as I answered it. It was easy to know who it was; his name didn’t appear on my iPhone’s screen, since I didn’t have his contact, and then he was the only person who liked calling me by my full name.
    “How did you get my number?” I asked.
    Edward didn’t even acknowledge my inquiry, just continued on his quest. “I trusted you to help me keep Laura under control.”
    “I did everything I could, but it isn’t exactly easy.” By now, I would expect him to know that Laura liked spending money. She was the most spoiled of my friends. “Laura’s used to getting her way.”
    “Well then, I overestimated you, Kassandra.” There it was—he still always found a way to make me feel like crap. I’d forgotten that. He usually presented me with a challenge, and when I was unable to meet his standards, he made sure I would never forget.
    But I wasn’t the same girl anymore.
    “Whatever, Edward. I just got home. I’d like to rest.” I’d had enough of this conversation. I was ready to end it and dedicate the rest of my long Friday night to relaxing.
    “Next time, please keep the budget in mind,” he reminded me.
    I wasn’t about to keep my mouth shut. “Next time, stay and tell her yourself.”
    I hung up.
    He needed to grow some balls. So did I.
    Why was he calling me at 10:00 p.m. after a long day of dress-shopping to grill me about not staying inside his budget? The worst part was that a tiny piece of me still felt the need to please the guy.
    The bastard. I needed to learn to send him to hell.
    I went inside my room and undressed. All I wanted was a bath and some rest. Sadly, I was interrupted in the middle of my relaxing wash. My phone rang again some minutes later, and since no name displayed on the screen, I was sure it was Edward again. I was going to let him have it this time.
    “You can freaking go talk to someone else about your stupid budget. I’ve had it with you for the night. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
    “Well, hello to you too, babe,” a laughing voice said on the other line.
    That wasn’t Edward.
    “Who’s this?” I was done with those mysterious calls. Right there, I decided I wasn’t going to answer the damn phone if a name didn’t display on my screen.
    “It’s Josh, gorgeous.” Now I connected the husky voice to the person on the line. “I heard Ed talking to you and completely agree that he acted like a dick. I wanted to check how you were doing.”
    Wow, he was concerned for me. I definitely hadn’t expected this.
    “Why?”
    He laughed again. It was amazing how my body tingled with the sound of his laughter. Not good, really. I had to remind myself once more that he was up to nothing but trouble. “Haven’t I said it enough times, already? Because I happen to like you, Kass.”
    “Well, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” I was more annoyed than fine. It wasn’t Josh’s fault, but his friend’s. However, I just didn’t feel like talking about it. “Goodbye, Josh.”
    “Hey, Kass, wait.” This time he sounded serious.
    “What now?”
    “Would you like to have a drink with me tonight?”
    Really? He’d just asked me out on a date? It wasn’t that late, but I certainly wasn’t in the mood.
    “No,” was my simple, cutting answer.
    “Oh, come on, Kass. I know you need a drink.” He was completely right, but I was completely drained.
    “I might need one, but I’m tired,” I replied.
    “Then I can come visit and rub some oil on that rockin’ body of yours.” Oh yeah, I’d caught that tint of mischief on his voice. He was throwing bait, and he certainly wasn’t going to catch me. At least, not tonight.
    “No, thanks.”
    I didn’t count on Josh persisting so much. “Come