Forbidden Heat by Carew, Opal (most popular ebook readers .TXT) 📕

softening the strong line of his square jaw. He obviously cared deeply for Harmony.

As the ceremony proceeded, and Danielle heard the words of love they shared in their vows to each other, their gazes locked in a look of absolute adoration, a shiver ran through her. Cole handed her a handkerchief to wipe the tears trickling from her eyes. She felt truly honored to be a witness to this joining. Warmth washed through her as she realized, with a deep and unbending confidence, that these two were meant to be together and that their love would last a lifetime.

Harmony had found true love. Something Danielle hadn’t even known she believed in . . . until now.

Danielle dabbed at her eyes as Harmony and Aiden turned to face their guests.

“I would like to present, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Aiden and Harmony Curtis.” The minister beamed as he began the applause.

Harmony and Aiden kissed one more time, then proceeded down the aisle to a swell of organ music, followed by the wedding party. Once they had all left the church, the guests began their orderly exit.

The sun shone brightly as Danielle watched people take pictures of the happy couple, who stood at the top of the stone stairs outside the church. People milled around. Family members, reunited by this happy event, embraced. Children laughed and raced around the lovely park behind the church, happy to be out in the sunshine.

Danielle plucked at her skirt, uncertain whether it was too soon to leave. The reception wasn’t for another two hours, so she figured she’d return to the hotel and relax during the downtime.

“Did you bring your camera?”

She glanced up at Cole’s voice. “Camera?”

“We could go over and get some pictures of the happy couple.”

“Uh, no, I didn’t think to bring it. You go ahead,” she continued. “I think I’ll just go back to the hotel.”

She walked toward the parking lot and pulled her cell phone from her small purse to call for a cab.

“Hey, Danielle. Wait.”

Danielle turned around at the sound of Harmony’s voice. There was the bride, clinging to her full skirt, hurrying down the last few steps. Danielle walked toward her, and Harmony scooped her into a warm embrace, hugging her tight to her body.

“It’s been such a long time. I’m glad you could make it.” Harmony drew back and smiled brightly. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“Well, uh . . . thank you for inviting me.”

“I missed you when you left Carleton Falls U. It was never quite the same without you.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Danielle had always assumed the people she’d become close to there had forgotten about her after she’d left. After all, she had been there only a year. The friendships, if she could even call them that, had been short-lived. She had been quite shocked when she’d received the wedding invitation from Harmony.

And quite pleased. Now this show of affection and genuine pleasure at seeing her touched her heart.

“I . . . uh . . . missed you, too.” And she had.

“So how have you been doing?” Harmony asked.

“Well, I . . .”

A couple stepped toward Harmony.

“Oh, hang on, honey. This is my aunt and uncle and they have to leave.”

“Of course.”

Danielle rearranged her wrap around her shoulders as the couple congratulated Harmony and gave her hugs and kisses. Self-consciously, Danielle clung to her evening bag with both hands as several other people continued the congratulations, kissing Harmony’s cheek, shaking her hand, giving her more hugs.

Harmony’s friendship had meant a lot to Danielle. It had started when they’d been assigned to share a residence room. Harmony had been intent on drawing out her quiet, introverted roommate. Slowly, Danielle had opened up to Harmony’s friendly warmth, and they’d become friends. It had been wonderful to have someone to talk to, whether just to talk about her day or to discuss her problems. Not that she’d done the latter very often.

When her financial situation had forced her to leave Carleton Falls, in favor of Northeastern University’s co-op program, Harmony had tried to keep in touch, but Danielle had let the friendship fizzle out, probably because she’d believed they’d only drift apart anyway.

“Now, Dani, you were saying.”

A couple more people came up and stood beside Danielle, waiting to talk to the bride.

“Darn, we’re not going to get a chance to talk here. You are still coming to the reception, right?”

“Of course,” Danielle answered, though she wished she could just leave shortly after dinner. She wasn’t good at these social things.

“Good. I’ve put you at the table with Trey and Jake.” Harmony winked.

Danielle’s heart skipped a beat. Back at college, Danielle had confided in Harmony about her attraction to the two men, and her frustration. She had forgotten how much she had opened up to Harmony back then.

“Are they still a couple?” Danielle asked.

“No, afraid not. But . . .” Harmony leaned in close to Danielle’s ear. “You know they date women now?”

“Really?” Shock rippled through her . . . followed by a surge of joy.

Harmony leaned in close again. “You know, tonight would be a good time to pursue that one particular fantasy of yours.”

Danielle’s eyes widened, her cheeks burning.

Harmony laughed. “Don’t tell me you forgot you told me about that. Of course, it was after a pitcher of beer in the pub, and it took a lot of cajoling from me, but you know, there’s nothing wrong with a little casual sex. Especially between old friends.” She winked. “Believe me, I’m sure it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.”

“You think . . . they might . . . consider it?” Danielle’s hand covered her traitorous mouth. She couldn’t believe she’d uttered those words out loud.

Harmony giggled. “I’m sure they would.” She hugged Danielle tightly. “Honey, don’t let this opportunity slip away.” Her voice had turned serious. “Everyone should grab their dream when they have the chance. No matter how wild or crazy.”

Danielle sat in the cab heading to the hotel, watching the buildings pass