Kerri Carpenter - Bayside's Most Unexpected Bride

Always a Blogger. Never a Bride?

Word on the street is that Sawyer Wallace, editor in chief of our favorite—but financially strapped—local paper, has been offered a hot deal to save the Bayside Bugle! All he’s got to do is reveal the identity of the Bayside Blogger. Even if doing so means losing Riley Hudson, his oldest friend. And, maybe, the woman making him rethink his singleton status!

Riley’s just as crazy about her best bud and boss—which is why she’s always kept him at a distance. Plus, only Sawyer knows her real identity. Talk about compromising positions... Would revealing the truth destroy their chance at leaving the friendzone? Or perhaps there will be wedding bells for this couple, who truly are meant for each other!

He placed the blanket around her shoulders and adjusted it so that it covered all of her. But he lingered. And his fingers brushed over her collarbone, inciting another shiver that had nothing to do with the weather.

Sawyer must have noticed and his eyes focused on her lips. Before she could protest, he was tugging the blanket toward him, which had the added effect of bringing her right to him. Riley raised her head. Big mistake. It only put his sumptuous mouth in front of her.

How could she resist?

They stood like that for a moment. A long, heated moment. She didn’t know who moved first. Maybe they both did. She let out a gasp and then once again, their lips met.

Who knew Sawyer Wallace could kiss like this? If he wasn’t holding her up by the blanket, her knees would have given out.

After what felt like hours, they parted. Gently, he kissed the tip of her nose before pulling her in for a long hug.

“Riley, that was—”

“Something that absolutely cannot happen again,” she finished sadly.

* * *

Saved By The Blog: This matchmaking gossip columnist won’t stop until true love wins!

Bayside’s Most Unexpected

Bride

Kerri Carpenter

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Award-winning romance author KERRI CARPENTERwrites contemporary romances that are sweet, sexy and sparkly. When she’s not writing, Kerri enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in Northern Virginia with her adorable (and mischievous) rescued poodle mix, Harry. Visit Kerri at her website, www.kerricarpenter.com, on Facebook ( Facebook.com/AuthorKerri), Twitterand Instagram(@authorkerri), or subscribe to her newsletter.

For my very own small town,

the place that made me who I am today.

To my hometown of Monessen and

all of those fellow Greyhounds

who have been supporting me since day one.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Always a Blogger. Never a Bride? Word on the street is that Sawyer Wallace, editor in chief of our favorite—but financially strapped—local paper, has been offered a hot deal to save the Bayside Bugle! All he’s got to do is reveal the identity of the Bayside Blogger. Even if doing so means losing Riley Hudson, his oldest friend. And, maybe, the woman making him rethink his singleton status! Riley’s just as crazy about her best bud and boss—which is why she’s always kept him at a distance. Plus, only Sawyer knows her real identity. Talk about compromising positions... Would revealing the truth destroy their chance at leaving the friendzone? Or perhaps there will be wedding bells for this couple, who truly are meant for each other!

Introduction He placed the blanket around her shoulders and adjusted it so that it covered all of her. But he lingered. And his fingers brushed over her collarbone, inciting another shiver that had nothing to do with the weather. Sawyer must have noticed and his eyes focused on her lips. Before she could protest, he was tugging the blanket toward him, which had the added effect of bringing her right to him. Riley raised her head. Big mistake. It only put his sumptuous mouth in front of her. How could she resist? They stood like that for a moment. A long, heated moment. She didn’t know who moved first. Maybe they both did. She let out a gasp and then once again, their lips met. Who knew Sawyer Wallace could kiss like this? If he wasn’t holding her up by the blanket, her knees would have given out. After what felt like hours, they parted. Gently, he kissed the tip of her nose before pulling her in for a long hug. “Riley, that was—” “Something that absolutely cannot happen again,” she finished sadly. * * * Saved By The Blog : This matchmaking gossip columnist won’t stop until true love wins!

Title Page Bayside’s Most Unexpected Bride Kerri Carpenter www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author Award-winning romance author KERRI CARPENTER writes contemporary romances that are sweet, sexy and sparkly. When she’s not writing, Kerri enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in Northern Virginia with her adorable (and mischievous) rescued poodle mix, Harry. Visit Kerri at her website, www.kerricarpenter.com , on Facebook ( Facebook.com/AuthorKerri ), Twitter and Instagram (@authorkerri), or subscribe to her newsletter.

Dedication For my very own small town, the place that made me who I am today. To my hometown of Monessen and all of those fellow Greyhounds who have been supporting me since day one.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Well, kind of. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and before we know it, the Yuletide season will be here. Looks like everyone’s favorite editor in chief is starting the festivities early by spending time with local hottie Holly Carron. The duo were spotted at The Brewside yesterday looking quite cozy. And right when everyone thought Bayside’s forever bachelor would never settle down! Stay tuned for more developing details...

Riley studied the screen in front of her and pursed her lips. Yep, Sawyer was going to be pissed. The Bayside Blogger strikes again. He hated when she wrote about him.

Who didn’t?

Riley fluffed her red hair, held back with an oversize blue headband to complement her green-and-blue-plaid dress with the adorable white collar. She’d seen this dress in the store and knew instantly that she could rock the retro vibe. What would the ubiquitous Bayside Blogger say about her outfit? Riley grinned. She knew exactly what she’d say.

Everyone’s favorite ex-Manhattanite Riley Hudson is sporting her wannabe New York fashion in small-town Virginia. Hard to be fashion forward when she’s just copying Kim Kardashian’s recent ensemble. Always the bridesmaid, Riley.

“Hey, Ri, did you file that article on the upcoming holiday movies?”

Riley glanced up to see her coworker Claudia Thomas hovering above her cubicle. Claudia was the most striking woman Riley had ever seen, with her long, jet-black hair, delicate features and statuesque six-foot height. Definitely didn’t fit into their quaint coastal town on the Chesapeake Bay. She was also the senior editor in the Style & Entertainment section, which Riley wrote for.