One Hot Chase (Hot Brits #12)

Prologue

Sabrina

Picking out a wedding gown is no easy task. It's like trying to find the elusive Moby Dick in an ocean of chiffon and lace. But this gown isn't even for me. I'm hunting for the perfect dress for my sister. She's about to marry the sweet, sexy British man of her dreams.

I watch while Tabitha tries on yet another wedding dress, turning this way and that in front of a full-length mirror while biting her bottom lip. I love my sister, but she's kind of turning into a bridezilla. Okay, Tabby isn't that crazed about her upcoming nuptials. But she has tried on fourteen gowns in the last twenty minutes. Time for a sisterly intervention.

"Tabby, why don't you just close your eyes and grab a dress at random?"

My sister gapes at me. "Is that supposed to be a joke? It's not funny. This is the one and only time I'll ever get married."

"Yeah, I know. Sorry. I don't mean to be obnoxious. You finally found the right guy, and I'm so happy for you and Spencer. If you want to try on fifty more dresses, that's fine with me."

Tabby drags me into a suffocating hug. "Thank you, Bree. You're the best sister."

I'm the only sister she has, but saying so might trigger another suffocating hug. This time, I might not survive getting smothered. Maybe I lack enthusiasm for dress shopping because the only man I ever married turned out to be a skunk in men's clothing. Peter Levine was not my Prince Charming, though I'd thought he might be. I have the worst taste in men. Knowing that hasn't spared me from heartache.

Tabitha bows her head and sighs pitifully. "I can't try on any more gowns. It's hopeless."

I sling an arm around her shoulders, tugging her close. "No more doom and gloom talk. You found your Prince Charming, a guy who adores you and would do anything to make you happy. Not only is Spencer British and hot, but he's also completely devoted to you. So, turn that frown upside down. We'll find the right dress."

Tabitha kisses my cheek. "Don't know what I'd do without you, Bree."

"Why don't I go hunt through the racks to find something different? You should sit down and relax. Okay?"

She nods.

I walk out of the changing room and march down every aisle, even ducking inside empty changing rooms in case someone abandoned the perfect dress in there. Just when I think I should give up, I finally see it. The Dress. Not just any wedding gown, mind you, but the absolutely perfect one that was made for Tabitha. A sense of exhilaration energizes me as I nab the Moby Dick of wedding dresses.

Then I hoist it above my head and grin. "This is the one, Tabby."

My sister's eyes widen as she takes in the gown I've selected for her. It's a sleek, off-the-shoulder number with delicate lace detailing and a subtle shimmer that enhances Tabby's creamy complexion. I can already picture how it'll hug her curves and make Spencer's jaw drop when he sees her walking down the aisle.

"Oh, Bree," she breathes, reaching out to touch the fabric. "It's...it's perfect."

I beam, feeling a rush of sisterly pride. "I told you we'd find it. Now, let's get you into this beauty."

As I help Tabby slip into the dress, I can't help but feel a pang of...something. Not quite jealousy, but a wistfulness that catches me off guard. I push it aside, focusing on zipping her up and adjusting the bodice.

"Okay, turn around and look." I step back to give Tabitha a full view of herself in the mirror. The moment she sees her reflection, her eyes well up with tears. She turns slowly, taking in every angle, her fingers tracing the intricate lace patterns.

"It's...it's everything I dreamed of," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

I feel a lump form in my throat. Despite my earlier impatience, seeing my sister so radiant and happy makes my heart swell. "You look absolutely stunning, Tabby. Spencer won't know what hit him."

My sister laughs, a sound of pure joy that echoes through the fitting room. She turns to me, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Bree. I don't know how you do it, but you always know exactly what I need."

I shrug, trying to play it cool even as I feel a wave of emotion washing over me. "What can I say? It's a gift."

My sister pulls me into another hug, more gently this time. "You're going to find your happily ever after too, you know. Someone who deserves you."

"Let's focus on your fairy tale, not my non-existent love life," I say breezily, deflecting the issue with a forced chuckle. "Now, spin around again. I want to make sure this dress is as perfect from the back as it is from the front."

As Tabitha twirls amid the soft swish of fabric, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My messy bun has come half undone, wisps of strawberry blonde hair framing my face. I quickly tuck the loose strands behind my ears, trying to regain my composure. But as I watch Tabby beaming at her reflection, I feel a surge of emotions bubbling up inside me.

"You know, Tabby," I say, my voice softer than I intended, "I always thought you'd be the first one to get married. I might have walked down the aisle before you did, but you found your Prince Charming first. My failed marriage doesn't count. Funny how life throws you curveballs, huh?"

My sister's eyes meet mine in the mirror, her expression softening. "Oh, Bree..."

I wave my hand dismissively, forcing a laugh. "No, no, don't go all sappy on me now. I'm just thinking out loud. Besides, who needs a man when you've got a fabulous career as an insurance underwriter? It's every girl's secret ambition."

Naturally, my sister doesn't miss the self-deprecating sarcasm in my voice. Tabby turns to face me, her hands on her hips. "Sabrina Remington, don't you dare start that self-pity routine. You're brilliant, beautiful, and have so much to offer. Just because things didn't work out with Peter doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of loneliness and actuarial tables."

I roll my eyes, but can't help smiling at her fierce defense. "Okay, okay. I promise not to wallow in self-pity...at least not until after your wedding. Deal?"

Tabitha narrows her eyes at me. "That's not exactly the enthusiasm I was hoping for, but I'll take it. Now, help me out of this thing so we can go celebrate finding The One."

As I carefully unzip the gown, I can't resist asking, "By 'The One,' do you mean the dress or Spencer?"

Tabby laughs, her eyes twinkling. "Both, of course. Though right now, I'm dying to see my honey."

Once the alterations are done, and everything is paid for, we head for our favorite restaurant to celebrate. After that, Tabby wants to go home to Spencer, and I don't blame her for that. She's happier than I've ever seen her.

Will I ever find my perfect catch? I'll find out soon enough. I'm flying to England tomorrow to begin my search. Somehow, I just know I'll find my PC, no matter how long the search takes.