Page 8 of Fearless
Ibarely register the pastor’s words when he tells Roger that it’s time to “kiss the bride.” All I can think about is the sensation of Roger’s large palm sliding around my waist and pulling my body flush against his. The touch of his other hand as it wraps around the back of my neck sends warm shivers down my spine. Roger’s soft lips touch mine tenderly at first, testing the waters and waiting for me to reciprocate.
“I’m not breakable,” I whisper. A low growl emanates from Roger’s throat, and he unleashes the beast hidden within. His grip on my neck tightens ever so slightly, but it’s just enough that my mouth parts of its own accord. Seizing the opportunity, Roger deepens the kiss, allowing me to feel his soft and silky tongue as it tangles with mine.
Clicks of the camera—along with whoops and hollers of joy—snap me out of my Roger-induced haze and bring me back to reality. When I pull away and lick my lips, Roger’s eyes zero in on the action. His pupils dilate until the silver-grey irises become tiny rings around his dark orbs. Instead of a smile, hismouth curves downward. “I’m sorry, Harper. I shouldn’t have taken it that far.”
Not wanting to get lost in those eyes and needing to protect my heart, I take a step back to put some distance between us, waving away both his comment and my heartache. “Don’t worry about it, Roger. I know that kiss was just for show and nothing more. But the show’s over. Thank you for going out of your way to make this day feel special for me, even if it was only for a photo op and a piece of paper.”
I turn around to grab my bouquet from Savannah and notice most of the men handing money to their wives or significant others. When I glance at Roger to find out what is happening, all that greets me is his backside as he talks with Ethan and Ben.
Savannah nudges me with her shoulder. “Are you all right, Harper?”
“Oh. Um. I’m fine. I guess I’m just confused as to why money is exchanging hands.”
She giggles. “We often like to bet on the outcome of a situation, especially when it can go either way. In this case, we bet on the kiss at the end.”
“Isn’t that a guarantee? It’s part of the ceremony, after all.”
Jessie counts her cash before tucking it inside her dress. Having overheard the comment, she interjects while wearing an ear-to-ear grin. She pulls me aside as if she has a secret to share and whispers conspiratorially, “You’ve known Roger longer than any of us. When have you ever known him to publicly display his affections?”
I try to think back to all the times I’ve seen Roger with a woman, and the only person who comes to mind is BethanyBellefonte. Roger kissed her cheek or had an arm around her waist, but that’s about it. “Roger is a very private man. He doesn’t let emotion rule his actions.”
Savannah points at me. “Exactly! We’ve never seen him give a woman anything other than a peck on the cheek. Even when he’s undercover, he never takes it over the top.”
Jessie snickers. “The guys bet that Roger would keep the kiss G-rated, PG at most. But not us!”
“Keep your voice down, Jessie,” Savannah chides.
Jessie rolls her eyes but lowers her voice back to a whisper when she continues, “We knew that once Roger saw you in the dress that he picked out for you, he wouldn’t be able to control himself. You’re absolutely stunning. Daughter of his best friend or not, you’ve got that man all flustered.”
I’m the one who’s all flustered. “Thanks for that reminder, but it was all ‘for show.’ Roger already apologized for taking it too far. Since he promised that he would never lie to me, then he must have truly regretted it.”
Savannah wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Whatever you say, Harper. If I know Roger as well as I think I do, then he’s apologizing more for his loss of self-control than he was for kissing you. Enjoy it for what it was and spend the next week trying to get another smooch like that one! It was H-O-T hot!”
Amelia walks up and hugs me. “Congratulations, Harper. That kiss was…something. I have a very good feeling about the two of you.”
“I just want to find my parents. The sooner we get through this, the sooner that can happen,” I reply curtly.
Amelia’s face falls. “Oh. Okay. Let’s get a few more pics, andthen you can be on your way.”
I feel remorse for my outburst and apologize to her. “I’m sorry. This was all very lovely, and I appreciate all the hard work you went through to make this happen on such short notice. You are truly gifted, Amelia.”
Amelia nods, thanks me, and then waves everyone over. As the rest of the wedding party gathers around, Roger does an excellent job of playing the adoring husband, smiling when he needs to smile and laughing to make the pictures look authentic. The moment the photos are done, he turns to me and says coldly, “The photo session is over, and we have reservations at the resort. We should change and be on our way.”
With that, he turns and walks away.
The flight is awkward and stilted; the tension between Roger and me is thick enough that even a knife couldn’t cut through it.
There are six of us sitting around a table that folds out from a wall panel inside the Gulfstream G650. The large seats areivory colored and made of soft leather that feels amazing against my skin. Everything inside the private jet is designed for comfort, yet I’m as far away from comfortable as one can get.
I swivel in my seat as Roger sits across from me and passes out maps of the resort property. “Leanna, I wanted you to be a part of this meeting even though you won’t be playing an active role in the investigation. You’ve seen how we operate and are aware of how vital an extra set of eyes and ears can be. If yousee anything out of the ordinary, communicate it with Carter or any one of us. As a paramedic, you have been trained in the use of handguns. As such, when we arrive at the resort, Carter will supply you with one of our modified Glocks and a holster to conceal the weapon.”
“What about when we’re wearing swimsuits and out by the pool?” she asks. Before Roger can answer, I jump in.
“You’ll need to carry it in a beach tote or purse. However, this isn’t a vacation, so time lounging about should be kept to a minimum.”
Jessie raises an eyebrow in my direction. “Harper, how many undercover operations have you been assigned to?”
“A few.”
