Takes the Cake Read Online Free Page A

the caterer much more of a challenge.”
    “If you applied as much effort into wooing one of those bridesmaids as you do me, you might actually get one.” She shook off his hand and stalked away.
    Keegan swung his head from side to side with a half smile. She was a piece of work. He glanced at his watch. It wouldn’t do to incur his sister’s wrath a second time. He needed to get outdoors to the rehearsal.
    * * * *
    Every time Liz turned around, Keegan was hovering, not saying a word. He perused her as she made her way throughout the kitchen. Assessing, calculating, seducing. She wanted to forget the man even existed. How could she do that when each time he entered the room her body went on point? His gaze was a physical caress, reminding her of their all-too-brief kiss in the pantry. Or the way he cupped her buttocks. By the time she was focused on work, he would show up again.
    Just two more days and she would be done with this crazy wedding nonsense. Or rather Keegan and his nonsense. Maybe when things were over with she would ask him why he kissed her. Even now she could still feel the firmness of his lips pressed to hers, the heat of his hand as it cupped her derriere, and the hardness of his erection as it pulsed against her core. She bit back a moan, hating that she wanted to feel those tingles and shivers again.
    Heat touched her cheeks, and she was glad for her slightly darker skin tone. No one would see her blushing. She moved the rumaki to a waiting tray and signaled one of the servers to take it out. They would be serving hors d’oeuvres until dinner, and the first course was a spicy gazpacho followed by a sorbet. Then the stuffed crab and duck breast for the main course, another sorbet, a light salad, and finally, a sampling of desserts.
    And once the last bit of food was put away and tomorrow’s prep done, she’d go to sleep, wake up early, and do it all over again. For now, she had to push on and set up the rest of the evening. She veered left, skirting a couple of warming stations, and pushed through a singular wooden swinging door that led into the dining room. She peered around the room.
    Three long tables were arranged in a U-shape. The bride and groom would be placed at the center with their respective families on either side. Pristine white linens adorned the tables, while expensive china and crystal waited for the evening festivities. Satisfied the room was ready, she returned to the kitchen to prepare the first course.
    * * * *
    Liz couldn’t have been more pleased. Wine was flowing, conversation was buzzing, and the occasional slurp indicated the food was delicious. She was placing several small containers on silver trays when the first ripple of unease tiptoed down her spine. Conversation was tapering off.
    “Janie, check the diners so we can begin serving the next course.” The young woman nodded and hurried from the kitchen. Liz readied a half-ounce ice cream scoop, grabbed a small, white cylindrical container from the freezer, and dished out the lemon sorbet. It would make a nice palate cleanser after the savory soup.
    At hearing pounding footsteps, Liz glanced up to find a flushed and wide-eyed Janie. “What’s wrong?”
    “They’re asleep.”
    Liz wiped her hands on a damp towel. “What?”
    “They’re nodding off in their chairs.”
    That couldn’t be possible. She hastened to the dining area, pushed through the door, and gasped. Indeed, several of the guests’ heads bobbed down and then jerked back as if startled by the change of position. Some were already asleep. A couple of people—including the bride—were facedown in their soup bowls, and Liz rushed to free their faces before they could drown.
    “Oh my goodness.” She ran from person to person checking pulses, relieved when she found them. “Call 911.”
    There were still a few untouched bowls, so not everyone had eaten yet. Keegan, the groom, and the maid of honor were missing from the table, as well as one or two