Page 2 of September's Kiss (Loving the Curvy Girl)

“You’re drooling,” Geoff said, wiping a hand across my chin.

“Fuck off,” I said, snapping back to his attention. “Go on. You are my best friend and this is your job.”

“This is not my job,” he scoffed.

“Who introduced you to Kathy?” I reminded him.

“You can’t keep calling in the same favor over and over again, Ember” he said, his hands going to his hips in agitation.

“No,” I agreed, glancing back at the man by the bar. “But this is an even one. You’re going to marry her and I’m going to marry that guy. Now go.”

“It’s your sister’s wedding,” he reminded me as he started to walk away. “You better hope you didn’t just vow to marry a cousin or something.”

Shit.

No. No way was I related to him.

Right?

Shit.

Chapter Two

~Joshua Crane~

I hate weddings. Even with an open bar these things were brutal. And being dateless to this one wasn’t helping. But the groom, Tommy, was an old military friend and it had been important to him that I be there.

Honestly, it was important to me, too. We’d served together for eight years. He was more like a brother to me than a couple of my actual siblings. And it was an honor to be invited.

His bride was beautiful, but I hadn’t been able to take my eyes off the maid of honor since I’d watched her walk down the aisle. She was absolutely stunning. Too bad she was here with some doofus who obviously didn’t deserve her.

A doofus who was now making his way to the bar next to me. Great.

“Hey,” the man said, nodding toward me. “How’s it going?”

“Fine,” I said, looking down at the man.

“Cool.”

The dude seemed really uncomfortable. Of course, I was almost a foot taller than him and twice as broad, so a lot of guys acted that way around me.

“How do you know the happy couple?” I asked, trying to be friendly.

“Oh, I’m best friends with the bride’s sister.” The man turned and pointed at the goddess still out on the dance floor.

The woman saw him pointing and even across the room I could see her cheeks flush and she turned away from us.

“Friends?” I asked, wanting clarification but not sure if it was an issue I should push.

“Yes. Platonic. Always.” Doofus blew out a sigh and stretched out his hand. “My name is Geoff, and she asked me to come over here and find out who you are.”

“Damn, that’s a good friend,” I said, reaching out and shaking his hand. “I’m Joshua. I served with Tommy.”

“So, not related.”

I couldn’t tell if Geoff was relieved or worried.

“You okay?” I asked him.

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