Bride Interrupted by Taylor Anne Page A

something. Was he unhappy with his job? Women problems? Whatever caused him to look so unapproachable was his problem, not hers. Except that she wanted everyone working there to portray a happy face. The next thing she noticed was that he was the only person in the bar wearing long pants. It was the beginning of summer and already dreadfully hot. He had to be sweltering in those soft, faded blue jeans. But damn, they fit him so well. He set their drinks in front of them, turned, and walked away. And from the back, those jeans…
    Christi cleared her throat, bringing Kayla back to the table.
    “Anyway, like I was saying.” Kayla shifted in her seat, took a huge gulp of her wine, and wiped her sweaty palms on her gauzy cover-up. “The deli bar is on the beach, steps away from the water. Listen, you can hear the waves crashing against the shore. Imagine that late in the evening with the sun setting and a warm breeze blowing. My brides would be so happy and high on nature and life itself.”
    “I don’t know, Kayla.”
    “I think it sounds wonderful.”
    Kayla turned her head when the female voice spoke behind her. She was greeted with the smiling face of a pretty, young woman whose hands were full of books, magazines, and cloth samples. “Hi, Christi. And I assume you are Kayla.” The books landed on the table with a thunk .
    Christi was out of her seat in an instant, hugging the newcomer and making introductions. “Marcy, meet Kayla. She will give you the wedding of your dreams.”
    “Marcy, it’s so good to finally meet you face-to-face. Now we can finalize everything for yours and Jerry’s wedding and make you a happy, blushing bride. I see you brought some pictures and info for me.” Kayla eyed the pile before her.
    “I did. Don’t worry, half of this stuff can be tossed. I just wanted you to see all of it before I trashed some of the ideas.” Marcy waved her hand at the waitress and when she had her attention, pointed to the wine.
    Kayla picked up the cloth samples from the top and ran her fingers over the silky material. “Beautiful. Your dress?”
    “Yes ma’am. I have a picture of it here somewhere.” She rummaged through the pictures, pulled out a glossy print from a bridal magazine, and handed it to Kayla.
    Kayla smiled, picturing the young woman in the dress. She would make a beautiful bride. “Look, I know we only have two weeks before your wedding, but I want you to know everything is set. Really, all we have left to do is decorate the hall. The caterer, band, photographer, and minister are all scheduled. I’ve been in contact with all of your bridesmaids and the groomsmen. It took more work doing this by email and phone calls, but we did it.” For the next half hour, Kayla helped Marcy tie up loose ends on the wedding plans.
    Needing another refill, Kayla looked around for the waitress. She was busy taking orders at a full round table. The sexy bartender was behind the bar, so Kayla waved her hands to get his attention. He nodded, acknowledging her request.
    Marcy gushed. “I don’t know how I will ever thank you. And Christi, thanks for recommending her.”
    The bartender sauntered up to their table and replaced empty glasses with full ones. They watched as he headed back to the bar.
    “Damn,” Kayla muttered. “Too bad I don’t have time to play.” Laughter erupted around the table. After another round of drinks, Kayla had wrapped up her plan for Marcy’s wedding.
    “Thank you. This is perfect.” Marcy’s pleased smile beamed, giving Kayla a warm glow of satisfaction. She stood and hugged Marcy. Christi did the same.
    Kayla looked around the bar. There was an entirely different crowd inside now. The calm afternoon patrons gave way to more rambunctious partygoers. People were laughing and drinking, swaying to whatever music played. With the variety of pop, country, oldies, and reggae, everyone was bound to hear something they liked.
    She liked the atmosphere there. It was open,