Page 2 of Casey's Hero

Jacob’s eyes widened. “I am surprised he let you two have the wedding here in Honolulu. Isn’t the Parkman Ranch set up for big shindigs like weddings?”

“Kalea wanted it to be small. She knew if she had it back on the Big Island, she’d have to invite the entire island. So, we’re doing it here and fast.” Hawk grinned. “I’m okay with whatever she wants. Big or small.”

Another woman followed Casey into the Big Wave. Dark hair, olive-toned skin and brown-black eyes, she wore a tailored white dress that fell to mid-calf. She towered over Casey and walked with her head held high, a sneer pulling her lip back on one side as she surveyed the bar's interior.

“That must be Casey’s potential hoity-toity client from Mexico. I hear she’s a real bridezilla,” Hawk said.

Jacob chuckled. “She acts like she smells something bad.”

Hawk’s lips twisted. “Well, the place is full of SEALs…and we tend to sweat.”

“Surely, Kalea’s Casey warned her about what she was getting into, coming here.”

“I don’t know why Kalea’s here anyway,” Hawk said, his brow furrowing. “This is supposed to be the bachelor party.”

“No females allowed,” Jacob agreed, nodding.

Kalea started toward them, Casey and her client in tow. When she reached Hawk, she leaned up on her toes and brushed his lips with hers.

“What’s that all about?” Hawk pulled her into his arms and deepened the kiss. When he set her back at arm’s length, he grinned down at her. “That’s more like it.”

“You might want to save some of that for after the wedding,” Jacob teased.

Kalea turned toward him. “You must be Rooster. Hawk’s told me all about you.” She held out her hand and gave him a direct look.

Jacob took it and received a firm handshake. “I hope he didn’t tell youallmy secrets.”

Her lips tipped upward. “He told me enough. He told me you’re not keen on weddings or marriage. I get that. But…” her eyes narrowed, “as his best man, you have two jobs. I’m counting on you to keep him out of trouble at this bachelor party and get him to the church on time. I’m only doing this once. I want it done right the first time. There will not be a second time.”

“We’ll get it done,” Casey said, checking her list. Then she looked up at Jacob and held out her hand. “Casey Wesson, wedding planner.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Casey Wesson, wedding planner,” Jacob said with a tight grin. He wasn’t entirely sure he liked this woman. Regardless, he took her small hand in his larger one, a ripple of electricity jolting him to awareness. He cleared his throat. “Who’s your friend?”

Casey shot a glance over her shoulder at the woman. She turned and gave her a brief nod. “Sylvia Rodriguez. One of my clients.”

Jacob continued to stare at the other woman, waiting for an introduction. When one wasn’t forthcoming, he held out his hand to her. “Hi, I’m Jacob.”

The tall, thin woman gave a brief nod and took his hand.

“So, what’s the plan?” Jacob said when Sylvia released his hand after the barest of contact.

Casey gave a brief nod. “The bachelor party begins when we leave,” she said, “and you will be responsible for Hawk during that time. I have the entertainment scheduled, your room booked in the hotel nearby and a courtesy call scheduled to wake you up in time to get Hawk to the church for the rehearsal. Your tuxedoes, shirts and shoes are staged in your room for Saturday. The boutonnieres are in the mini-refrigerators. All you have to do is get to the church for rehearsal and the following day for the wedding.”

“Who needs a best man when you’re running the show?” Jacob shook his head. “Don’t worry. I’ll have him there if that’s what he wants.”

Kalea’s eyes narrowed.

Hawk raised his hands. “It’s what I want. I love this woman.” He pulled Kalea up against his side. “I’ll be there come hell or high water.”

“I know what the entertainment is,” Kalea said. “Save the lap dances for the guests.” She pointed a finger at Hawk. “The only lap dances this guy gets are from me.” She winked at her fiancé and turned a stern glance toward Jacob. “I’m counting on you to keep my man safe from strippers and anyone who would interfere with him showing up for our special day.”

Casey’s eyes narrowed in Jacob’s direction. “Including you. As best man, you’re in charge of the bachelor party and getting the groom to the church.” She poked a finger into his chest. “That’s only two things. Don’t screw it up.”

“I think I’ve got it.” Jacob grabbed her finger. “Are you always this bossy?”

When she tried to pull her hand free, he held tight.

“Only when it means a lot to me.” The woman was small but didn’t appear to suffer fools kindly. And the way she was looking at him, she probably considered him a fool.

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