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    The Bodyguard And The Bride (Book 3 A Very Charming Wedding)
    The Bodyguard And The Bride (Book 3 A Very Charming Wedding)
    The Bodyguard And The Bride (Book 3 A Very Charming Wedding)
    Ebook118 pages2 hours

    The Bodyguard And The Bride (Book 3 A Very Charming Wedding)

    By Laurie LeClair

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    About this ebook

    NEW!! A Very Charming Wedding is the first romantic comedy spin-off series of the bestselling Once Upon A Romance Series by Laurie LeClair!!

    ***
    A Very Charming Wedding

    Three best friends, Three heartbreaks later. They’re done with love. But when the most eligible billionaire bachelors in Dallas want them, can they just say no?

    ***
    Can The Bodyguard And The Bride secure the perimeters of their hearts before falling head over heels?

    Supermodel Ashley Moore longs to land a big, juicy contract—or half a dozen—to set up her mom and dad for permanent retirement and her on a new path. Only there’s an obsessed fan on the loose. Caving in to her beloved parents’ wishes and submitting to supervision seems like the only answer to give them peace of mind and her acid indigestion.

    Billionaire security expert, Barrett (Brock) Rockdale is desperate to protect Ashley, his latest high-profile client. However, spending time alone with the sexy, sassy spitfire leads him to believe he might be the one needing a guard—especially when it comes to his secrets and his heart.

    In a rush to protect her family and her future, Ashley fulfills her prior commitments, including a charity event for King’s Department Store. But she takes one too many chances. Escape attempts lead to fireworks and explosive showdowns with Brock! Oh and those mind-blowing kisses of his do, too!

    Forced, intimate confinement with a hot model isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Brock needs to safeguard her. Not seduce her. His honor and integrity are put to the test. Also, his promise to take care of her looms large. Will he keep his head on straight and not allow her to sway his baser instincts while drawing out the fan? Yeah, try that, if you can!

    With Mr. Sexy Bodyguard breathing down her neck every second how can she dismiss the highly desirable distraction? Plus, she soon finds she’s not immune to wanting his comfort and big rock-solid shoulder to lean on when things go wrong.

    When push comes to shove, is Brock willing to risk it all and expose his vulnerabilities where Ashley’s concerned? And are all bets off for Ashley and Brock when the case unfolds and they’re free to walk away?

    Start reading the new romantic comedy series A Very Charming Wedding and find out what happens to The Bodyguard And The Bride...

    Books by Laurie LeClair:
    A Very Charming Wedding Series (Once Upon A Romance spin-off):
    The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1
    The Boss And The Bride – Book 2
    The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3
    ***
    Once Upon A Romance Series:
    If The Shoe Fits – Book 1
    Waking Sleeping Beauty – Book 2
    Taming McGruff – Book 3
    The Reluctant Beauty – Book 4
    Awakened By A Kiss – Book 5
    Tangled At First Sight – Book 6
    Finding Mr. Just Right – Book 7
    Making A Splash – Book 8
    Hoodwinked By A Wolfe – Book 9
    ***
    Wanted: Fairy Godmother
    ***
    The Sweet Spot Series:
    The Dating Dilemma – Book 1
    ***
    Tempted By A Texan Series:
    The Callahans – Prequel
    Travis – Book 1
    Cassie – Book 2
    ***
    The Heart Romance Series:
    Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1
    Crimes Of The Heart – Book 2
    Lies Of The Heart – Book 3
    ***
    The Bounty Hunter Series:
    Murphy’s Law – Book 1
    Riley’s Rules – Book 2
    ***
    The Long Journey Home
    ***
    Runaway Wife
    ***
    Sweet Summertime
    ***
    An Angel Mountain Novel:
    The Heart Remembers

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLaurie LeClair
    Release dateApr 24, 2016
    ISBN9781310550676
    The Bodyguard And The Bride (Book 3 A Very Charming Wedding)
    Author

    Laurie LeClair

    Bestselling author Laurie LeClair writes about love, laughter, and happily ever after in her contemporary western romances, romantic comedies, sweet romances, contemporary romances, and contemporary women’s fiction books. Laurie’s habit of daydreaming has gotten her into a few scrapes and launched her to take up her dream of writing. Finally, she can put all those stories in her head to rest as she brings them to life on the page.Laurie considers herself a New Texan (New England born and raised and now living in Texas). She lives in Central Texas with her husband, Jim, who thankfully appreciates her sense of fun and love of travel. (Not so much the endless picture taking while hanging out the passenger window!) She loves to hear from readers!You can connect with me online:www.laurieleclair.comhttps://twitter.com/LeClairbookshttps://facebook.com/laurieleclair.75Books by Laurie LeClair:Once Upon A Romance Series (Romantic Comedy; Fairy tale retelling)If The Shoe Fits – Book 1Waking Sleeping Beauty – Book 2Taming McGruff – Book 3The Reluctant Beauty – Book 4Awakened By A Kiss – Book 5Tangled At First Sight – Book 6Finding Mr. Just Right – Book 7Making A Splash – Book 8Hoodwinked By A Wolfe – Book 9Baking From The Hart – Book 10Melting Her Heart - Book 11Princess In Hiding - Book 12Her Frog Prince - Book 13Forget Me Not - Book 14Three Wishes - Book 15Her Brave Heart - Book 16His Tiny Dancer - Book 17***A Very Charming Wedding Series (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1The Boss And The Bride – Book 2The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3***Once Upon A Royal Wedding Series boxed set (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)His Beloved Princess - Book 1Her Forever Prince - Book 2***The Cormac Family: Billionaire Sweet Romance (clean and wholesome, sweet romance)CEO Billionaire - Book 1Boss Billionaire - Book 2Best Friend Billionaire - Book 3Bride Billionaire - Book 4Bachelor Billionaire - Book 5***The McCall Brothers Series (Contemporary Romance; Western Romance)The Cowboy’s Rebellious Bride - Book 1The Cowboy’s Renegade Bride - Book 2The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride - Book 3The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride - Book 4***Cupid’s Corner Series (romantic comedy, clean and wholesome, sweet romance)Dear Cupid - Book 1Picture Perfect Bride - Book 2Falling For Her - Book 3***Wanted: Fairy Godmother (Romantic Comedy)***The Sweet Spot Series (Romantic Comedy)The Dating Dilemma – Book 1***Tempted By A Texan Series (Contemporary Romance; Western Romance)The Callahans – PrequelTravis – Book 1Cassie – Book 2***The Heart Series (Contemporary Romance)Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1Crimes Of The Heart – Book 2Lies Of The Heart – Book 3***The Bounty Hunter Series (Romantic Suspense)Murphy’s Law – Book 1Riley’s Rules – Book 2***The Long Journey Home (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***Runaway Wife (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***Sweet Summertime (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***An Angel Mountain Novel (Holiday Romance; Contemporary Romance)The Heart RemembersThe Gift Of HopeIf you enjoy my books, please leave a review.

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      Book preview

      The Bodyguard And The Bride (Book 3 A Very Charming Wedding) - Laurie LeClair

      THE BODYGUARD AND THE BRIDE

      By

      Laurie LeClair

      Copyright 2016 by Laurie LeClair

      All rights reserved. This work is not transferrable. Any reproduction of this work is prohibited without the permission of the author due to the infringement on the copyright. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the creation of the author or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or people, living or dead, is coincidental.

      Dedication

      To my sweet husband, Jim. Always and forever.

      Chapter 1

      Ashley Moore’s hopes died the moment the music stopped.

      Rack up another dud of a wedding.

      The groomsman she’d been about to target with the dance request glanced her way and did that icky up-and-down sweep.

      Can’t hide the grimace at the ridiculous peachy-orange mermaid bridesmaid dress, can you? Or the thirsty look, either. She pictured him, wide-eyed and tongue hanging out, panting heavily and dripping sweat smack-dab in the middle of relations—as her mother so kindly put it. Ash shook her head to clear it and hightailed it in the opposite direction.

      The other groomsmen were out of the question: either married, dating, or a friend slash coworker slash the bride’s cousin. Not going down that bumpy road.

      She didn’t want a man anyway. She wanted a job. A big, fat juicy contract to end all contracts and then she could retire from cray-cray once and for all. Now, if only she could find one and set her folks up for permanent retirement and herself on another path.

      Two teensy-tiny steps taken in the god-awful gown and she slammed into a humongous chest, and then bounced back. What the hel—? Her gold masquerade mask slipped to her chin, dangling there.

      Nice look.

      Warm, large hands settled on her bare upper arms, making her shiver at the contrast to her cool skin.

      Tilting her head back, she looked up, taking in the immaculate tux, slightly crooked bow tie, long column of his neck, strong jaw, and landing on his lips, one side angling up at the corner. Ash gulped. Hard.

      You’re, um, big. Never in her life had she felt eclipsed by a man. At five eleven, she’d posed with taller guys on modeling shoots. But never like this one; he commanded space.

      His chuckle, deep and rough, arrowed through her, leaving a delicious tingle in its wake. She sucked in a sharp breath.

      Replaying her words, she felt the sting of heat hit her cheeks. I mean…wide, broad…not the other.

      Did I say different?

      Gazing higher, Ash noted his features, yet there was something more to him then handsome, classical good looks. His eyes, dark and fathomless, captured hers.

      Ashley Moore, I presume.

      The way he said her name made her melt. Do I know you?

      Not yet. His answer held promises. Unmistakable. Your photos don’t do your sky-blue eyes justice.

      She’d heard hundreds of compliments through the ten years since she began modeling as a teen and earning her way to the top of her field; however, his words were somehow more sincere in their simplicity than all the others lumped together.

      Finally, she pulled away. The noises around her returned, growing clear and sharp now. The band struck up a slow number, couples nudged her to get by, and the bride and groom squabbled less than five feet away.

      Not again! Couldn’t they put a cork in it? The rumblings began from the moment they were introduced; her not-so-close former classmate whined at one thing or another. Her bridezilla mother joined in.

      Train wreck about to happen, she whispered, aware of the just married twosome’s voices rising. It sounded like someone stabbed her ears with an ice pick. Run! Far. Fast. Anywhere, but here.

      In that? he asked, but he’d already turned to shield her from the embarrassing barbs.

      You…you’re… Meagan, the shrill bride, sputtered. A cheapskate!

      I’m trying to protect our future! Something you have no idea on how to do, Rodney, the unlucky groom, fired back.

      In bed, too! You finish first and leave me hanging.

      The men groaned collectively. The women gasped.

      She went there? Ouch! Right for the manhood, Ashley muttered.

      It happened one time and you hold that over my head?! Rodney defended himself.

      Doomed. The man at her side cupped her elbow, directing her and sticking his other arm out to ease back the mass of onlookers straining to get closer to the spectacle taking place in the center of the dance floor. All marriages are.

      Had she heard right? An expert?

      I’ve seen my share.

      Been in one, have you?

      The band seemed to play louder as he maneuvered her to the Westbrooke Museum lobby, drowning out the fight.

      In the hallway now, she hurried to keep up with his long strides headed in the opposite direction of the main entrance. You didn’t answer.

      He slowed his steps, adjusting to her pace. Never married.

      His short, clipped answer pleased her. Me, either, that’s if you wanted to know.

      I didn’t.

      Her cheeks flamed. No man, remember? Single pact with your two besties, Lacey and Heather, or have you forgotten so quickly? She came to an abrupt halt. Ah, thanks for saving me back there, but I’m good now. Ashley shrugged, pointing a thumb over her shoulder. I’ll just go.

      Don’t.

      A man of few words. I don’t even know your name.

      You will.

      She shook her head, wondering what intrigued her so much about him to hesitate in her escape.

      Come with me.

      Doubts crept up. He looked normal—whatever that looked like nowadays. But anyone could, right? The series of strange letters she’d recently received rushed back to her now. An overzealous fan perhaps? Ash backed away, one tiny step at a time. No. I’m good. She raised a hand in a geeky wave. See ya.

      I have something you want.

      What?! Is that a pick up line? She raked him with a gaze. He didn’t seem that type at all.

      He laughed, long and hard, making him seem human again. The way his features softened and his eyes danced caused a swirling sensation in the pit of her belly.

      Ash let out a shaky breath. And you are…?

      Your new best friend.

      His stare unnerved her, seeing deep inside her. Wrong. I already have two of them. Don’t need any more. So why are you following him as he backs away?

      "Those are old friends."

      Are you joking with me? That also did not appear to be in his nature, as if she knew.

      Very observant.

      Before she realized it, they were just outside a closed door. A rugged man with short, cropped dark hair, in a less expensive black tux than his, stood there. Ashley swallowed hard. Fear kicked in. Ah…you planned this?

      That will be all, Felix. The man left soundlessly. This one smiled at her. I will never hurt you, he whispered fiercely.

      His words shook her. No one had ever been able to make good on that promise, especially a man. Don’t believe him! You can make people vanish? She nodded to the now empty space where the man named Felix had been only a few moments ago. Trying to inject some humor here, she whispered, Are you in the mafia? ’Cause I have a few people I’d like to see, you know, disappear.

      Those fascinating lips of his twitched. Not the mob. But I could possibly… He

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