Read Online Careless Rapture by Dara Girard - Free Book Online Page A

in mock honor. “Dare
you mock these sacred words?”
    Clay looked down his nose. “I do not mock, my
dear. I merely wish people would choose another damn verse. I
believe God himself must roll his eyes, thinking, ‘Not again.’”
    “We’re not being kind.”
    He nodded. “I rather like it.”
    “What can we do now?”
    “Let’s go for a walk.”
    “We have to be back for the send-off.”
    “Why? To throw stones?”
    She playfully pushed him. “You’re being
mean.”
    “He is your ex -boyfriend.”
    A wicked grin spread on her face. “Perhaps
tiny pebbles then.”
    Under a canopy of trees cringing against the
wind of an uncommonly balmy day, they walked up the street toward
the main road. When they reached the road, they spotted a food
cart. Without words they headed toward it.
    “What would you like?” asked the vendor, a
big man with a bigger smile.
    “Mike and Ikes,” they said in unison.
    He checked his supply, then said, “Sorry,
only have one left.”
    Clay turned to her. “So what are you going to
get?”
    She narrowed her eyes. “There are words for
men like you.”
    “Come on, little girl. Don’t waste the man’s
time.”
    For the first time she bristled at the
reference. He’d called her little girl before, but this time it
vexed her. She wanted him to see her otherwise. She asked for
Skittles. Clay paid, then they headed back to the church. Once
there, Clay peeked inside and saw that the ceremony was still
going. They sat on the top step. Jackie watched shadows drift on
the ground and squirrels sprint across the street and under cars.
Clay handed her the box of Mike and Ikes. “You can finish it.”
    She grasped her chest. “Oh, my goodness. You
do have manners.”
    Clay grinned. “No, I just want some of your
Skittles.”
    She sent him a look, then traded candy.
    “So if you were to get married, what would
your wedding be like?” she asked.
    He leaned back on his elbows. “Well, I’d have
them play ‘The Wedding Song’ and then—”
    She hit him. “Be serious.”
    “I don’t know. Something quick. Get the deed
done and go on with my life.”
    “Me, too.”
    He looked at her, surprised. “Really? I
thought women liked big affairs. Haven’t you dreamed of this moment
your entire life?”
    “No. I’d like a small wedding and a big
honeymoon.”
    He nodded. “Good idea.”
    “Yes,” she said dryly. “I have them
sometimes.”
    He jerked his head in the direction of the
church. “Do you regret coming?”
    Jackie thought about it as she felt the
breeze against her face and watched a robin dart between the trees.
A bus rumbled past in the distance as she glanced down at the cold
cement step. She was at her ex-boyfriend’s wedding and she didn’t
care. She didn’t feel heartbroken or discarded, and she knew why.
Jackie looked up at Clay with his shadowy eyes that at times were
so serious, yet could hint at fun, then glanced at his mouth and
wondered if it was as tender as his hands. “Not at all.”
    He patted her on the back, nearly pitching
her forward; unfortunately, he didn’t know his own strength. “Good,
that saves this day from being a total disaster.”
    “Why did you decide to come?”
    “I didn’t have a date lined up and thought I
might as well go with you.”
    “So this is a date?”
    He shook his head, popping a Skittle in his
mouth. “No, this is two people spending a Saturday doing something
ridiculous.”
    Jackie looped her arm through his. “And
enjoying ourselves.” She smiled.
    He felt a warmth move through him. He’d
always wanted her to send one of her bewitching smiles his way. But
to his surprise something twisted inside him. A feeling he’d never
expected. He wanted her. The realization nearly knocked the wind
out of him. He could no longer explain his feelings away as a mere
curiosity. It was pure lust. He drew away.
    “What’s wrong?” she asked when he abruptly
stood.
    “The ceremony should end soon.” To his relief
they