Hearts and Aces (Kelsey's Burden Series Book 7) by Kaylie Hunter (dar e dil novel online reading txt) 📕

His smile widened as he looked around. “Maybe we should make plans to meet up for a few drinks when you’re done today.”

“That’s very brave of you,” Wild Card said from behind me. “You’d have to get in line, though.” He walked around me, closer to the man as he crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s a long line, too.”

“Not funny,” I said, walking over to straighten out another customer who had all the wrong merchandise picked out. “Why are you here?” I asked Wild Card.

“I was looking for the two of you. Figured you were here covering for Lisa and Anne while they were doing your dirty work. Are you aware that several women are crying in the parking lot?”

“They’re still out there?” I asked, walking over to the window. “Damn it. I need to get rid of them before Lisa gets back.”

“You can’t shoot them,” Wild Card said as he followed me out the door.

“Both of you!” I yelled at the brides, pointing at them. “Come back inside.”

They both glared.

“Now!”

They both scurried back inside the store. I looked at the first girl and then at the size six rack. I flipped through the dresses and found one that would work.

“Take your shirt off,” I said as I unzipped the dress.

“What?”

“Shirt. Off. Now. I don’t have all day.”

She pulled her shirt over her head and I dropped the dress in its place before zipping it up.

“Turn.”

“What?”

“Turn!” the bridal party yelled at her.

“Now listen to me. I don’t bullshit people. That dress looks great on you. If you want to spend the next three months shopping for a dress—whatever—but don’t bitch at us later when you realize you missed out.”

She looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes starting to water. “I’ll buy it.”

“Great. Maxine, can you help her box it?” I didn’t wait for Maxine to answer. I turned to the other bride instead. “Having a big ass can be a good thing. Your husband to-be wouldn’t be marrying you if he didn’t like your body. Let’s find something more ‘fit and flare’ to show off that golden rump. Take off your shirt.”

She removed her shirt and leaned over for me to drop a dress over her. I held the front in place while her friend zipped her in.

“Damn, girl. She’s right. Your ass looks great in this dress,” her friend said.

“The lace detail in the bodice is beautiful, too,” her mother said.

“Go to the mirror and take a look,” I said.

“Maybe if you go to spin class a few more times a week, it will look good,” another woman said.

“Mother of the groom?” I asked the bride to be.

Tears pooled in the girl’s eyes as she nodded.

“Does your groom share her opinion? That you need to take more spin classes?”

She nodded again.

“Here’s my advice.”

“Oh, boy,” Wild Card said from where he was leaning against the far wall. Maxine inhaled sharply, her head swiveling my direction as she handed the first bride a receipt.

I ignored them and focused on the bride. “Buy the dress, dump the guy, and find a man who will love that ass.”

“And there it is,” Wild Card said, laughing.

The bride looked over at him. “Is she crazy?”

“Definitely,” Wild Card said. “Doesn’t mean I don’t agree with her. You have a great ass. If your guy can’t appreciate it, find someone who does.”

“I agree,” her friend said.

“Me too,” her mother said. “The dress is perfect for you. Roger is not.”

“You should be grateful my son even wants to marry you,” the mother of the groom scolded.

The bride looked at her, threw her shoulders back and raised her chin to the woman. “If the choice is Roger or this dress, the dress wins.”

Her friends cheered and her mother clapped. The mother of the groom pivoted and walked out of the store, fuming.

“My work here is done,” I said to Wild Card.

Lisa was almost to the door when I walked out of the store. “How’d it go?”

“Great! I sold two dresses!”

“Really?” Lisa asked with a raised eyebrow.

I decided it was best to change the subject. “How’d the sheet changing mission go?”

“It was a snap. Jerry practically ran to let me inside their rooms. Let me know if you need anything else.”

Wild Card laughed, taking the keys from Lisa. As he got behind the wheel of the SUV, I climbed into the backseat.

Bridget came out of Menswear and jumped into the front passenger seat. “Did they say Yes to the Dress?” she sing-sang.

“Yup. Both of them.”

“One of them is no longer getting married, but she’s still buying the dress,” Wild Card said, laughing.

“You broke up an engagement?” Bridget asked, turning in her seat to face me. “How is that even possible in such a short amount of time?”

“Roger and his mother want the bride to lose weight for the wedding.”

“Oh. Well, then, good riddance, Roger.”

“Exactly. I’m all for losing weight to be healthy, but not for a man.”

Wild Card had an odd expression, a slow grin appearing.

“Whatever you’re thinking, just stop thinking it.”

His smile widened.

“Good grief. What time is it?”

“Almost time to confront Grady,” Wild Card said. “Jackson is at the airport picking them up. Sebrina’s awake. Grady’s starting to stir. Jackson plans on driving fast.”

“I promised Farmer I’d be back in less than an hour.”

“Which one is Farmer?” Wild Card asked.

“The one with the marijuana tattoo on his bicep,” Bridget said.

“Yeah, I know which one now,” Wild Card said, nodding. “The big guy with the black hair. He’s a nice guy. Kind of quiet.” Wild Card looked at me in the rearview mirror. “I’ll keep Nicholas