Single and Searching (26 page)
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Authors: Rita Herron
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You also might like Rita's other sexy romantic comedies:
 | A woman gives her boyfriend an ultimatum on a talk show — Marry Me or Move on! Then her brothers' best friend steps in and the battle for her hand begins! |
 | A dating game switch leaves a man sleepless when the woman he wants ends up with another man! |
 | A famous marriage counselor hires a man to play her husband when her real one leaves her for a man! |
 | A woman takes a class to find a husband! |
 | A twin switch, a fake fiancé — a real wedding? |
Excerpt from
Husband Hunting 101
The Author's Cut Edition
by
Rita Herron
Chapter 1
Zachary West stifled a groan as he stepped inside the lace-filled lingerie shop and caught sight of the colorful garter belts dangling from padded hangers. A tiny bell tinkled above the door signaling his arrival, but the red-headed beauty who owned the shop didn't even look up. She was too busy showing an assortment of silk panties to an older male customer.
"Dora would love these," Zack heard her say.
"Just wrap it up, Ms. Barrett. Whatever you think's fine with me." The man blushed. "Oh, and you might want to throw in one of those girdles that Dora always wears to church."
Jenna laughed softly. "Sure thing, Mr. James. I keep them in stock just for her."
"And add one of those silky negligee things Dora likes. You know, it's our thirty-fifth wedding anniversary," the man said.
Jenna selected a classic pink set and folded it neatly into a gift box. "I know and I think it's wonderful. Are you planning a special celebration?"
"Thought we'd go away for the weekend, up to the mountains." The man gestured toward the gift. "This is part of the surprise."
Jenna reached for some tissue for the gift box. "She should be pleased."
Zack smiled. Just as his brother Mark had said, Jenna Barrett seemed to know her business well. The fiery redhead had asked Zack to do a new advertising campaign for her store,
Love 'N Lace.
Since Mark was her accountant and Zack had met Jenna at Mark's wedding, he'd jumped at the chance.
Spying the lingerie now, he considered the possibility that taking the job would be a mistake. He didn't have a clue how to advertise women's lingerie, and the owner looked tempting enough to tie his tongue in knots. Dragging his gaze away from Jenna's enticing curves, he tried to curb his reaction.
Her long legs were encased in sheer black pantyhose with a nondescript black suit covering the rest of her voluptuous body. She was dressed modestly, just as she'd been at his brother's wedding.
His last steady date, Simone, had accused him of watching Jenna throughout the ceremony and later the reception. Well, he had noticed her. With that pale, porcelain skin, those high cheekbones, and the sexiest green eyes he'd ever seen, it was hard not to.
That wedding had been the beginning of the end for him and Simone. Once they'd left the ceremony, Simone had immediately started hinting about marriage.
Hinting, then pressuring.
Pressuring, then demanding.
Simone had hounded and hounded until she'd gotten her wish. She'd be married tomorrow—only not to
him.
He clenched his fists by his sides, desperately avoiding physical contact with any of the erotic bustiers on the lace-draped table. Jenna glanced up in recognition and flashed him a smile. He nodded to let her know he'd wait until she was finished with her customer.
While she rang up the man's purchases at the antique cash register, he decided he might as well pick out a wedding gift for Simone. Something to show her he didn't harbor any ill feelings.
If she wanted to get married, it suited him fine—as long as it wasn't to him.
His libido kicked into overdrive as his gaze swept the sweet-scented room. Sheer silky teddies. Crotch-less panties. Body liqueurs. Simone would love them. Any one of the sexy undergarments would be perfect for her wedding night. But he couldn't give her anything quite so personal.
He headed straight toward the rack of thick, fuzzy robes. Perfect. Her husband couldn't get too upset over a plain housecoat. He'd even throw in a silver picture frame for a wedding photograph. That would show Simone and her new love he was a good sport.
