Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
She heard a commotion outside and glanced out the window to see Howie and his sons, save for Archer, putting up the awning in the backyard. The awning was for two reasons. One, it would shield the guests from any strong sun, but two, it would keep prying eyes and drones from seeing what was going on. Mila was glad she wasn’t a big enough celebrity that she had to worry about reporters buzzing her in helicopters on her wedding day. However, Crystal and her team were doing an excellent job of throwing everyone off the scent.
She’d seen the reports on TV and online about Archer Davenport’s big wedding in Scotland and had watched Tessa become more and more comfortable under public scrutiny and the glare of the spotlight. She was impressed at how Tessa managed to keep her dignity intact, even when she was asked the most intrusive questions. When she thought of some of the women Archer could have ended up with, she was so glad he’d chosen someone so sensible and down-to-earth. And, even better, somebody who fit in with their family so well.
As she had the thought, she noticed there seemed to be an extra brother down there in the garden. It was Hersch. Without even turning her head, she said, “Mom, what’s Herschel doing down there? Has Dad put him to work?”
Betsy joined her at the window. “I think since Archer wasn’t available and Herschel already knew about the ceremony today, your dad decided he could use the extra pair of hands.”
She did not believe that for a second. It was her dad’s way of bringing Hersch into the fold. She couldn’t deny the fact that he was pretty handy with a hammer as he banged in tent pegs to secure the awning. As she watched the way his muscles bunched and flexed, her mouth went dry.
She made sure her hair and makeup were perfect and then slipped out to the garden. Herschel had a rivulet of sweat running down one side of his face as he straightened to face her. A slow grin transformed him from tired laborer to sexy date.
He took a moment to really study her. “I have never seen you look so beautiful. I thought you were pretty damn hot when you were covered in chocolate icing. But I had no idea.”
Delighted by his compliment, she gave him a quick kiss. “I’m sorry my dad’s put you to work already. I should have warned you, if he sees a strong pair of arms, he tends to find a job for them.”
He chuckled. “I don’t mind at all. I like your dad. I like your family.”
Her voice caught a little bit as she said, “And they like you too.”
He said, “This is such a high-tech security operation that I had to bring my suit disguised in a gym bag. It’s hanging inside somewhere, and I’d really like a shower before the festivities begin.”
“I think I can help you with that,” she said.
She waited until he’d secured the last peg and tested his work thoroughly. That tent wouldn’t come down in a hurricane. He put away the tools, and then she led him inside to the bathroom that she’d always shared with Erin. Fortunately, Erin was busy with the wedding party. She stepped in with him and, shutting the door behind them, locked it.
His eyebrows went up, and another slow grin spread across his face. “Are you planning what I think you’re planning?”
“I was all ready for the wedding, but just seeing you out there made me all hot and sweaty. Want to work up another sweat before you shower?”
He came forward and kissed her slowly and deeply. His moustache brushed her lips. She could smell the heat on his skin and the healthy scent of perspiration. Then he said, “Better not crease that beautiful dress.” With his gentlest touch, he helped her out of it and the underwear that cost at least as much as Tessa’s wedding lingerie.
He said, “I want you so bad I don’t think I can be gentle.”
She grabbed him and kissed him. “Good.” He took her up against the bathroom tiles. It was hot and fierce and exactly what she needed.
Afterward, she took even more pleasure in watching him soap up and then rinse off. Rubbing himself dry with a fluffy white towel, Hersch said, “I don’t even know where my suit is.”
She grinned at him. “It’s hanging in my closet, of course.”
Wrapped in towels, they scooted across the hall to her old bedroom, fortunately unnoticed. Hersch ran a comb through his astronaut-short hair and, to her delight, even combed his moustache. When he put on his suit, it was her turn to tell him how good he looked. She’d never seen him formally dressed, and she liked what she saw.