Steal My Heart (Bachelors & Bridesmaids) by Barbara Freethy

"I like the sound of that."
    "Did you have any fun at all?"
    "Are you crazy?" she asked in amazement. "Who could have fun on that?"
    He laughed. "Millions of people. It's the most popular ride in the park."
    "It was horrible. I never ever want to do that again."
    "I wouldn't put that quote in your PR pitch."
    She made a face at him. "Believe me, I won't. And I hope my reaction stays between the two of us."
    "Of course." He stood up and sat down on the bench next to her. "But it still may be hard for you to sell something you don't love."
    "I know all the right buzzwords to use. And I don't have to love something to be able to sell it."
    "Charlie wants you to love it. That's the whole point of our time here at the park."
    "I love the rest of the park, so I'm going to be fine." She paused. "Thanks for being supportive, Michael. I do appreciate it. I'm not sure I would have actually gotten on that ride if you hadn't forced me to do it."
    "I think you would have made it. You don't quit, even when you're scared. I'm going to get us some waters."
    "I'd like that."
    As Michael walked away, she settled back against the bench, breathing in and out for a few more moments. While she still felt a little sick, she also felt proud of herself for doing what she needed to do. As Michael had said, she wasn't a quitter. She always fought to the end, even if she was losing. She just didn't know any other way to play.
    Her phone buzzed, and she pulled it out of her purse, seeing her friend Andrea's face pop up on the screen wanting to do a video call. "Hey Andrea."
    "Hi Liz, where are you?" Andrea asked.
    "I'm recovering from my roller coaster ride at Playworld."
    "Did you throw up?" Andrea asked.
    "No, thank goodness. What are you doing?"
    "I'm meeting with Kate." Andrea shifted and Kate Marlowe's pretty face popped up behind her.
    "We're having an early lunch," Andrea said.
    "And that's not all," Kate added.
    Liz could see the excitement on both of their faces. "What is going on?"
    Andrea held up her left hand and showed off a gorgeous square diamond ring.
    "Oh my God," Liz said in shock. "Is that an engagement ring?"
    "Yes, Alex proposed to me last night," Andrea replied.
    "It's gorgeous. But, wow, this is fast. It's only been a few months."
    "Super fast," Andrea agreed. "But Alex and I are in love, and we want to get married. There just doesn't seem any reason to wait. I know he's the one. And he feels the same way about me."
    "Well, that's great. I'm so happy for you. I'm a little shocked, but this is really wonderful."
    "I know you're supposed to be the next bride," Andrea said. "But—"
    "Please, don't even think about that," she said with a laugh. "Do you have a date already?"
    "We're thinking around Valentine's Day, if Kate can make the magic happen that fast."
    "It will be a challenge," Kate said. "But I am good at my job."
    "And of course you'll be a bridesmaid, Liz. Laurel will be my maid of honor, but I want the whole gang back for my wedding."
    "You know we'll be there for you," she promised. Liz looked up as Michael handed her a bottle of water. "Thanks," she said.
    "Who's that?" Kate asked curiously.
    She realized she'd turned her phone giving her friends a good view of Michael. "This is Michael Stafford," she said. "My good friends, Andrea and Kate."
    "You're the guy from high school?" Andrea asked.
    "That's me," Michael said, smiling at her friends.
    "Is it really true that you beat Liz at everything?" Kate asked.
    He laughed. "I see my reputation has preceded me."
    She'd forgotten that she'd told them about Michael at Andrea's birthday party on Friday. "We have to go. You can talk to Michael another time."
    "Maybe next weekend," Kate said. "We're going to have an engagement party on Sunday— location to be determined."
    "Let me know, and I'll be there," she said, ending the call.
    "Which one is getting married?" Michael asked.
    "Andrea."
    "Blonde or brunette?"
    "Blonde. Andrea is a journalist for World News Today ." Liz took a