Melissa Schroeder - Infatuation: A Little Harmless Military Romance

The sound of Hawaiian music drifted lightly through the air as Kade took a small sip of his beer. He stood on the side of the dance floor watching the wedding guests. It was one of those days Hawaiians took for granted he was sure, but Kade didnt. The sweet scent of plumeria tickled his nose, and the sound of the ocean just a few hundred yards away combined with the music to ensure that the entire day seemed magical. The groom, Chris Dupree, smiled like a man who had just finished Hell Week with honors, while his new bride, Cynthia, glowed with more than that happily just married glow. Her gently rounded tummy was barely visible, but everyone knew she was pregnant.

Never thought he would settle down, Malachi, Chris brother, said from beside him. One of Kades best friends, Mal had dragged him across the Pacific Ocean to make the wedding.

Really? Hes been with her for years. It only took him this long to convince her to marry, right?

Mal laughed and took a long drink out of his bottle.

Aint that the truth, Mal said, New Orleans threading his voice. Their friendship was an odd one, that was for sure. Mal had grown up as part of a huge family in New Orleans, and was half creole. The name Dupree meant something in circles down there, especially in hospitality. Francis McKade grew up the child of Australian immigrants, both scientists recruited to work for the US Military.

At least there are lots of lovely ladies here for the picking, Mal said, his gaze roaming over the crowd. Theres something about Hawaiian women, you know?

Kade said nothing but nodded. He wasnt particularly interested in most of the women today. The woman he wanted set off signs of being interested in him, but she had never acted on it.

Are you two flipping a coin to see who gets what woman?

The amused female voice slipped down his spine and into his blood. Before turning around, he knew who she was. Shannon Dupree, youngest sister of his best friend, and the woman who had starred in most of his most vivid sex dreams. He turned to face her, thinking he was ready for the impact, but of course he wasnt. As usual, she stole his breath away.

She was dressed in red, the main color of the wedding. The soft material draped over her generous curves. Shannon was built like Kade loved his women. Full hips, abundant breasts, and so many curves his fingers itched to explore. Every time he was near her, he had to count backwards from ten and imagine that he was taking a shower in freezing water. Sometimes that worked.

What makes you think were doing that? Mal asked.

One eyebrow rose as she studied her brother. Ive known you for twenty-eight years, thats how I know.

Shannon turned to Kade expectantly, and he couldnt think. Every damned thought vaporized. It was those eyes. Green with a hint of brown, they were so unusual, and they stood out against her light brown skin. He could just imagine how they would look filled with heat and lust.

He finally cleared his throat and mentally gave himself a shake. Staring at her like a fifteen-year-old with a crush wasnt really cool. Dont lump me in with your brother, here. He doesnt have any standards.

Except for that stripper last time you visited?

There was a beat of silence. Stripper?

Mal ratted you out.

He gave his friend a nasty look. His last visit to New Orleans hadnt gone that well. Shannon had gotten very serious about her current boyfriend, and there had been talk of them moving in together. Kade had done the one thing he could to ignore the pain. He got drunk and went out to strip clubs. And Mal had been the one with the stripper, not him.