Read Online Speaking of Love (Perfect Kisses) by Ophelia London - Free Book Online Page B

asked.
    “Smokin’ hot.”
    Jack chuckled. “Classy, Charlie.”
    Rick rolled his eyes. “Anything else?”
    “I haven’t seen her in a few years. Last I heard, she was working at a TV news station.”
    “She’s a broadcaster? Mac didn’t mention that.”
    “Not a broadcaster,” Charlie amended. “I think she wants to be, but right now she’s mostly working behind the scenes. But buddy,” he elbowed him, “she should be on camera. I’m not kidding, she’s gorgeous. She was Miss… something back in the day. Lived the whole beauty queen circuit. Did pretty well.” He zipped his bag. “I didn’t follow it much because it creeped me out.”
    “Why?” Rick asked.
    Charlie was lost in thought for a moment, then chuckled. “Because we’re almost like family. And there’s a code: Hands off friends’ sisters and sister’s friends.”
    Jack cleared his throat. “Present company excluded, of course?”
    Charlie laughed. “I’m only letting you marry my sister because you’re taller than me.”
    “So, wait a minute,” Rick said. “Do you mean you used to have a thing for Brandy?” he asked. “Or Mac ?”
    Charlie chuckled again. “Brandy—no. She was out of my league, even I knew that. But Mac…”
    Rick didn’t like the way Charlie trailed off. He felt his fists clench. “But Mac, what?”
    “Nothing,” Charlie finally said. “Like I said, there’s a code. I never hit on any of Tess’s friends. Not then, not now. That’s just not cool.”
    “Yeah,” Rick said, nodding. But he still felt like Charlie wasn’t telling him the whole story. Rick knew he and Mac had basically grown up together, but just saying that he followed some “code” and never hit on Mac, didn’t mean he hadn’t wanted to when they were younger. Or didn’t want to now.
    “Well, good luck, buddy,” Jack said, slinging his gym back over his shoulder.
    Rick chuckled at Jack’s lack of enthusiasm. He didn’t know how good he had it. Jack had already found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. A few months ago, Rick didn’t think that was something he wanted for many years to come. But seeing Jack and Tess together, he totally got it. And he totally wanted it.

Chapter Seven
    “How do I look?”
    Silly question.
    “You’re gorgeous,” Mac assured her cousin as they climbed out of Mac’s car.
    Brandy’s tall, amazon frame towered over Mac. When Mac looked up at her cousin’s face, she realized how very different they looked. Genetically speaking, the comparison was not in Mac’s favor.
    They were both blond, but Brandy’s hair was much lighter, almost silvery, and it hit the middle of her back. Mac tucked some of her own shoulder-length—frighteningly conservative—golden locks behind one ear.
    Brandy was lean yet substantial, and, well, she had one of those faces. Saying it was perfect was an understatement, and calling it beautiful was just plain silly. She was tall and blond and gorgeous. For the sake of her own ego, Mac decided to leave it at that.
    They crossed the parking lot of the restaurant. It was March and chilly, but the sky was crisp and blue and lovely. Mac held the collar of her thin coat together.
    “I’m glad we’re doing this,” Brandy said, linking her arm through Mac’s. She ran her free hand through her hair; it was all glimmery and swishy. “I’m really in need of some fun.”
    Fun. Brandy was all about fun. Perfect.
    “He’s cute, right? That’s what you said. This Rick guy I’m meeting?”
    Mac grinned, recognizing the look in her cousin’s eyes. “Very cute.”
    Brandy actually squealed, clapped her hands, and did a little jump.
    Mac giggled. She was realizing that doing good deeds was its own reward, even something as little as introducing two people who just might end up being soul mates. She gave herself a very firm mental pat on the back.
    Jeremy was already at the table when they arrived. That was one great thing about him—he was always on