Читать книгу Orange Blossom Brides - Tara Randel - Страница 10

CHAPTER TWO

OF ALL THE rotten luck.

Why did the one guy she needed to convince to attend the benefit end up being the guy she met on the beach twelve years ago? One night. One night she goes all crazy and sneaks out of the house, only to end up in police custody.

See, that’s what happens when you try to be something you’re not. You end up flirting with a cute boy who grows into an even more attractive man. At least now she was smart enough not to end up in a police car at the end of the night.

She hoped so, anyway.

She entered the historical society office, still shaking her head over her meeting with Max.

“How did it go, dear?” Mrs. Rumpold asked before Lilli made it all the way through the door.

“He refused.”

“Oh, no. Your mother won’t be happy.”

Yeah. Lilli already knew that.

“Didn’t you use your feminine charms to convince Max? It’s my experience that no man alive can resist a woman if she sends out the right signals.”

Okay. First, female charms had nothing to do with it. Max didn’t want to be a groom, as he’d so adamantly let her know. Now she had to figure out what to do, because knowing her mother, his refusal would definitely upset her well-organized life. Even, if she didn’t factor in the old anger at how that night had ended, he’d made it clear he would only attend Tie the Knot in a security capacity. She rubbed her temples.

And second, right signals? Lilli regarded the older woman with surprise. She hardly seemed the type of woman with...experiences. Not that Lilli would ask.

“Oh, I know what you’re thinking,” Mrs. Rumpold said. The historical society secretary had to be seventy if she was a day. “I may be a bit worn around the edges, but there are a few tried-and-true tricks to catch a man’s eye.” At least five inches shorter than Lilli and two times as wide with a halo of short, curly gray hair, there was clearly more to Mrs. Rumpold than met the eye.

“Mrs. Rumpold, what are you suggesting?”

“Please, call me Mrs. R.” The older woman gave a saucy grin, as if she were about to reveal some truly juicy secrets. “And I’m not suggesting anything. I’m saying. First of all, there’s the eye wink. Make sure you wear lots of mascara to make a statement. Next, the finger wave.” She demonstrated, and Lilli suppressed a groan.

“And the hair flip,” Mrs. R. continued. “Shows your fun, flirtatious side.” With a flick of the wrist she tossed her silvery curls. Since they were permed tight, not much happened, but Lilli got the idea.

“It works every time,” Mrs. R. intoned with sage wisdom.

Lilli held back a smile. Maybe in the nineteen-fifties, but not today. Today if she did that, people would think she had serious problems. And besides, she had no interest in catching a man’s eye right now.

“I can’t imagine any single men able to resist a lovely young woman such as you.”

Yeah, Lilli knew that by the oodles of men lined up at her door. Right now she only concentrated on her job. The promotion. The added headache of the charity event. She had enough on her plate—she didn’t need Max Sanders. He’d directed his smoky gaze at her once before, and she’d melted on the spot. Look where that had gotten her. She wouldn’t let it happen again.

But for a split second she’d wondered if he would find her attractive after all these years. Would he even want to flirt with her again? No. Not after the way she’d turned him in that night at the beach. She couldn’t change the past any more than he could, but his reaction when he’d recognized her said he definitely didn’t want anything to do with her.

“The display wedding dresses will be arriving this weekend.” Mrs. R. changed the subject as she rambled on. Her wrinkled face beamed with pleasure. “What a stroke of luck that you know the curator of the vintage collection. I’m sure you can’t wait to see the how they look.”

Actually, wedding dresses weren’t high on her priority list at that moment in time. Hard to get excited when she’d been dumped the night before her wedding, not to mention that she wasn’t even dating at the moment.

Mrs. R. jabbered on. “They will be exhibited here all spring and summer. We were so fortunate to get vintage gowns from the private collection of Renata Ogilvy. What a boost for the society. Your mother pulled out the stops this year.”

“Yes, she did,” Lilli agreed, more overwhelmed than impressed. But then, her mother often rubbed elbows with high-profile people like Renata, a retired fashion designer who had set the New York fashion scene on fire during her heyday.

Even though her mother knew the designer, Lilli had a connection to the curator, Gabrielle, an old friend from college. When her mother first thought up the wedding show, she’d batted around some ideas with Lilli. Since Lilli kept in touch with Gab and knew she worked for Renata, she offered to get in touch. After a few calls, Lilli got the go-ahead to showcase priceless vintage gowns, Renata’s own along with other famous designers’, from Renata’s private collection. She’d thought that would be the end of her involvement with the benefit. Until her mother had left town.

“Oh, before I forget.” Mrs. R. thrust a full-to-overflowing accordion folder at Lilli, who barely caught it, glossy photos spilling onto the already messy desk. As she gathered them together, a flurry of lace and satin bridal designs dredged up an interest she refused to acknowledge. “Keep the file so you can give it a look-see. You’ll need the pictures when you write up the fashion show fliers and program.”

“When I what?”

“Your mother didn’t get that far before she left on her emergency, so you’ll have to do it. It’s all right there on the list.” The older woman tapped the paper she’d clipped to the side of the file. “You already do that for your day job, don’t you?”

She nodded. Lilli did media research on products and wrote up reports, sometimes put together descriptive brochures or information booklets for clients and worked to find ways to best promote her clients. Besides being involved through her contact with Gab and the designer gowns, she’d done some of the publicity for Tie the Knot at her mother’s request, playing up the charity and the chance to view one-of-a-kind wedding gowns and exquisite jewelry.

“There are also ideas for the reception decorations in there. You know, flowers and doodads that make up the whole wedding experience.”

“I have to plan a mock reception, too?”

“Oh, yes,” Mrs. R. nodded.

Please. Like she wanted to do that all over again.

“Some of the ladies have opinions, but your mother has been cutting ideas out of magazines for months now.” Mrs. R. leaned closer to Lilli, her tone conspiratorial. “A word of warning—Marisa Vandermere wanted to fill in as coordinator, but your mother turned her down. She’s not happy about that. She’ll most likely think she’s still in charge, because, well, she’s Marisa. Don’t let her railroad you. We’re on a tight schedule. The benefit is less than three weeks away.” Mrs. R. nodded at the file. “Everything you need to complete the fashion show is in the file.”

Great. She had to coordinate dresses, write fliers and plan an entire reception in just three weeks while trying to get a promotion at work. Now she had to work with her childhood nemesis, as well?

What have you gotten me into, Mom?

Lilli closed her eyes. She couldn’t renege now, not when her mother needed her. Just as Lilli had needed Celeste the night of the rehearsal dinner, doing damage control and canceling the wedding after Lilli fled the scene, demoralized beyond words. Yes, her mother had come through for her when Lilli needed her most. So she’d do the same as stand-in coordinator. Once the entire event ended, she’d go back to focusing entirely on her job.

With a sigh Lilli glanced at her watch. Just past ten. Her boss had given her this morning to deal with historical society business, but he wouldn’t be too pleased if she screwed up the Canine Candy presentation for the Natural Puppy account.

“Is there anything else, Mrs. Rumpold?”

“Mr. Sanders will be here tomorrow to test the security system. I’m assuming he told you.”

“He did. I can’t be here, but he is going to drop off a proposal I’ll need to read.” She couldn’t afford to take more time off. And, she admitted, she didn’t want to be around Max unless absolutely necessary.

Coward. Yeah, there was that, too.

Mrs. R.’s face went all dreamy. “I’ll make sure he leaves it here.”

Lilli blinked, then hid a smile. Someone had a crush.

“And don’t forget the event committee meeting. Nine o’clock Saturday morning. At the club.”

Of course. The club. She’d stayed far away from that place, hoping distance would dilute the miserable memories of the night Rob had dumped her. Time had anesthetized her heart, but her mind still carried the images as if they’d occurred yesterday.

“I’ll be there” she replied glumly, before escaping to work.

* * ** * *

AFTER MRS. R. DROPPED the news that she’d be planning the mock reception, Lilli sat in her car, staring at the file. More documents to add to the already overflowing files her mother had provided. She needed to get a huge tote bag to hold all this stuff. Sighing, she dug her mother’s files from her purse to place in the passenger seat until she had a chance to get a bigger bag. As she moved them, the top folder flipped open, revealing a newspaper article. Curious, Lilli started to read.

The article—eleven years old, she noted—from the Cypress Pointe Weekly, announced Max Sanders’s admission into the navy. Her gaze moved over the picture. Tall and lean, with short dark hair and austere features, a very masculine Max Sanders filled out his uniform. His stern expression said, “Don’t mess with me.”

And she had.

She slapped the file shut.

The guy still got to her, although she couldn’t say why. Then or now.

When she’d met him that night at the beach, he’d spelled trouble. The long, shaggy hair and cocky attitude had been the first sign. But when he focused on her, with that lopsided grin and those intense gray eyes, he’d had her. She’d ignored the warning bells clamoring in her head. She’d always been the good girl, the one who’d gotten straight A’s and never made her parents miserable. She’d already had her goals set out, knew which college she would attend.

That evening long ago, her parents had gotten into the worst argument ever, and per standard operating procedure, had drawn her into the middle, the convenient pawn in their troubled game. This was the first time divorce had come up in the conversation. As much as she had anticipated a split between them, it had still rocked her world. Disgusted and angry at the situation her parents had put themselves and her in, Lilli hadn’t thought twice when her friend Nealy had called to see if she wanted to sneak down to the beach.

She hadn’t known what to expect, since she’d never done anything like that before. Then Max walked by and the earth shifted. He stopped to talk to Nealy and the guy she’d come to hang out with. Then he glanced at Lilli. Their eyes met. Her stomach tilted and tipped. A slow smile spread over his lips, and he made his way over. Her inner flirt, which she didn’t even know existed, materialized. They bantered and teased. For the first time in her life, Lilli felt powerful and in control.

And when he kissed her? Let’s just say she’d experienced a little bit of heaven.

Lilli frowned down at the folder. This time her stomach burned with regret. Never in her wildest imagination had she thought she’d ever run into Max again. And when she did? He still held a grudge.

Against her better judgment, she opened the file to stare down at his photo again.

The young man in the picture had matured from the teen she remembered. The uniform and serious expression threw her off, because she still recalled him as the cocky guy who’d swept her off her feet. After years of hanging around country-club boys, she’d found Max’s bad-boy vibe very exciting and had fallen for his charm.

When the group of boys decided to throw firecrackers, which were illegal on the public beach, into the bonfire, her excitement level skyrocketed. Why had she missed out on all this fun? Her parents didn’t care about her. Why should she care about them? She had the attention of a cute guy and she’d never felt more alive.

Soon, firecrackers progressed to cherry bombs, with a few bottle rockets thrown into the mix. It wasn’t until she sat in the squad car, with the police chief calling her parents, that reality set in. Some wild girl she’d turned out to be.

After that night, especially when she’d been sent away to a new school, she’d had time to think. Her walk on the wild side had been reckless and breathtaking, but not practical. Not for the girl who made lists, planned out her future with exacting care, never expecting anything less than accomplishing it all. So she’d reverted back to dating the type of guys she knew were safe and drama-free.

She may not have seen Max again, but in the very depths of her soul, she never forgot him or the excitement of that night. And always wished she hadn’t told the police chief that Max was involved.

She closed the folder and started the car. Already late for work, she needed to get her mind on more serious matters. She drove to the office, thinking about the adult Max.

His choice of office dress was downright appalling, as if he’d thrown the idea of professionalism out the door. But she had gotten a whiff of his tangy cologne, which had affected her more than she cared to admit. And the way he’d needled her? She wanted to...to...scream.

She parked and hurried into the building, more than ready to get back to her desk and finalize her workload. An hour passed, and she should have been focused on the dog food account, but her mind kept going back to Max and their meeting in his office. He’d come across as annoying and rude. A pain in her...shoulder?

A constant poking brought her out of her snit.

“Earth to Lilli.”

Lilli shook her head to clear the images of Max superimposed over the graphics on her computer screen. “What?”

She blinked, having forgotten she sat at her work desk or that the intern’s current choice of hair color was a deep plum with streaks of pink. The outrageous do framed large hazel eyes and brought out the natural blush on the girl’s cheeks. With her wild hair, fun personality and desire to work hard, Jewel had become a welcome addition to the KLC family. Also a good friend.

At the lowest point in her life, Lilli only left her apartment to go to work, until her mother threatened to come over to cheer her up. Not happening. So she’d thrown on an oversize T-shirt, baggy shorts and flip-flops to wander downtown, window shopping to get her mind off the sad state of her life.

She hadn’t liked the lack of direction in her life, but couldn’t seem to drag herself out of her funk. The scent of freshly brewed coffee had snagged her attention as she passed Cuppa Joe, so she’d ventured in. After placing her order, she’d taken a seat on the couch located in the corner just as Jewel breezed in. Before Lilli knew it, Jewel had engaged her in conversation and somehow managed to drag Lilli, kicking and screaming, back into the real world. For that, Lilli would be forever grateful.

After the horrible night when Rob left her, she’d questioned herself and her decisions. She knew he’d have preferred she stay home rather than work. He’d wanted someone to take care of him and had seen her job as competition. They’d had a few arguments about her quitting, but she’d attributed that to the wedding stress as the date drew near. The night of the wedding rehearsal, he told her the truth. The excuses about her working were a ruse. He didn’t know what he wanted out of life, but knew he didn’t want to get married. At least, not to her. It had taken her two-point-five seconds to realize she couldn’t marry him, either. She’d finally found her identity after years of hiding in her parents’ shadows. Finally found peace with who she had become. She wasn’t going to give that up for any man.

If she did ever manage to fall in love, the man would have to prove to her, without a shadow of a doubt, that she came first in his life. Until then, her job gave her purpose, and when she’d found out about the promotion, she’d gone all-out after it.

The poking stopped. “You’ve been out of it all morning,” Jewel said. “Ever since you got back from your meeting. How about we take a break? Go get some lunch?”

“It’s lunch time already?” Lilli frowned. “I should skip. I haven’t gotten much done, and Jim needs my report by the end of the day. He’s finally on board with me going for the promotion and I can’t blow it. Not with Nate after the same job.”

And she wouldn’t. She had all the qualities to make a good account executive.

She had a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She was calm under pressure. Being well-organized and self-motivated was a plus when hunting for new clients. She communicated with skill, although her mother might argue that fact since Lilli couldn’t get Max to volunteer as a groom. And lastly, she worked well with others. A team player. Until she got placed on her mother’s team, apparently.

“What’s up with you, anyway? You’ve been here in body, but your mind is elsewhere.”

“Hmm? Oh, I have a lot of things to think about.” Like brides and grooms and handsome private-security consultants, to name a few.

“Your mom’s project?”

“For one. She’s got this list and committees and...way too much for me to handle while working full time. Did you know my mom has a volunteer committee working for her? Working for her! And still she wants me to handle all the little details. Has she ever heard of delegation?”

Jewel’s perfectly arched brow rose.

“Her lists are so detailed she must have spent hours putting them together. I have to admit, they’re almost better than mine, and that’s saying a lot. After seeing what she has in store for this show, I realize handling all this is a big deal.” Blowing out a breath, she rested her chin on her upraised hand, sure she conjured up a picture of pure dejection. “Can I run a fashion show and go after that promotion without messing up? Especially when there are others in the office after it, too?”

“If anyone can do this, you can. The timing is perfect. It’s been a year since, well, never mind. Look at this as your get-out-of-the-rut card.”

Lilli laughed. “I hadn’t looked at it that way.”

“You should. And it’s my job, as your friend, to be there for you. You know, to remind you to get out and have a life. To meet guys. Although I have to admit, you’ve been too picky in the men department, but I’ll keep on trying.”

“Along with my mother,” Lilli said dryly.

“Well, you’re not easy to work with. All guys aren’t like Rob. If you’d give someone a chance you’d find out.”

Yeah, her head knew that, but her heart hadn’t made the leap—witness the wave of unwelcome memories plaguing her this morning. She realized she didn’t want to go down that road again. Not if the ache in her stomach that had started at the mention of the country club became a permanent ailment. Eventually she’d have to step into that place, but not right this moment. Steering the conversation back to the present, Lilli told her friend, “You know, just for spite, I should make you help me out.”

A flash of surprise lit Jewel’s eyes, then a slow grin spread across her magenta lips. “This could work, you know. I do have an eye for fashion.”

Lilli scrutinized the bohemian outfit of layered black and fuchsia tank tops matched with a flippy cotton skirt and sparkly sandals before glancing down at her own conservative outfit. What had happened to her sense of style? Standard blouse and skirt. Blend into the wall, why don’t you?

“Hey, we all can’t dress like we walked out of Vogue.”

She loved her young friend. Jewel’s fashion sense? Not always. But right now, her own wardrobe needed a major overhaul, so who was she to balk?

“I was thinking more of you helping me here, in case I get behind or if Jim starts piling on the work.” She flashed a pleading smile. “Please?”

Jewel laughed. “I can do that—as long as I get a shot at working the benefit.”

Lilli thought about it for a few seconds, glancing at the file folder sitting on her desk. Getting Jewel to help might not be a bad idea. She nodded to the file. “There are all kinds of reception pictures in there. Why don’t you take a look and put together some ideas for me?”

Jewel’s eyes lit up. “You’d trust me to do that? I’m still an intern here.”

“An intern who is about to be hired on as staff. You’ve proved yourself. Enough said. There’s already a committee set up to do whatever I need, but give me some ideas and we’ll go from there.”

“I still can’t believe Jim decided to hire me.” Jewel grabbed the large file, hugging it to her chest. “And now this. Thanks.”

“Well, that’s two jobs down for today. Since I bombed on the first one, knowing you’ll help has lessened my anxiety level.”

“Two?” Jewel asked as she took a seat and explored the file.

“I’d hoped to get my number-one priority out of the way this morning.”

“You mean getting your mother’s stuff from the historical society?”

“Yes and no. I got the lists, but first I was supposed to talk Max Sanders into volunteering as one of the grooms.”

Jewel’s head popped up and her eyes grew wide. “Max Sanders? The hunky new P.I.?”

“Private security consultant,” Lilli corrected.

“You know him?”

Boy, did she know him. She wasn’t ready to fill Jewel in on the details. She still needed to process the events of the morning.

When Lilli didn’t respond, Jewel continued. “I met him at Cuppa Joe last week. You know me—never met a stranger.”

Or a prospective date for Lilli. “You didn’t mention him.”

Jewel bent her head, busy searching the file. “Guess it slipped my mind.”

Hardly. Good-looking guys never slipped Jewel’s mind.

“Is there something wrong?”

Jewel’s head jerked up again. “No! Why would you ask that?”

“Because you didn’t try to introduce us.”

A few beats passed before a knowing grin flashed across Jewel’s face. “You’re interested in him.”

“I didn’t say that.” Nor would she ever admit it because that would lead to heartache. She didn’t do heartache anymore.

“You’ve never asked me about a guy before.”

Lilli shrugged. “I kind of have to work with him for the fund-raiser. I’m curious.”

“So am I. Now.” Jewel dragged her chair to Lilli’s desk. “Details.”

“My mother wanted me to confirm Max as a volunteer groom. That’s all.”

“And...?”

“He refused. I used my strong powers of persuasion, and he still turned me down.”

Jewel eyed her with skepticism.

“Okay, so my mother hired him to update the security system at the historical society office and provide security for the obscenely expensive jewelry she insists on showcasing at the benefit. But even if he hadn’t already signed up to work for my mother, I was still persuasive.”

Sure you were. Right up until he all but said you should take a hike.

He wasn’t overjoyed at the prospect of being part of the fashion show. She couldn’t blame him. She wouldn’t want to model in front of all those people, either. Her mother hadn’t gone as far as asking her to participate as one of the brides. Lilli would have refused. Wearing a wedding dress again would make the memories all too real.

But Max could look at this as a working gig. A great way to gain clients. So why turn down the opportunity? He may have been a bad boy years ago, but it looked as if he’d cleaned up his act and become responsible. She could give his business a boost by promoting Sanders Security around town, the least she could do for causing him trouble all those years ago.

She grinned when she remembered his appalled expression at the mention of wearing a tuxedo. It had been worth the visit to his office to see the look on his face. And when they shook hands... She shivered in memory. She couldn’t deny the thrill when those smoky gray eyes focused on her alone. His clean-scented cologne and the promise of excitement hung in the air between them. She’d been mesmerized. And alarmed at her strong reaction to the man. The rugged tough-guy thing? Too much. So not Orlando Bloom. So not her type.

Maybe he should be, an impish voice taunted her.

Lilli caught Jewel grinning at her. “What are you smiling at?”

“Nothing.”

Riiight.

“So, as of right now, phase one of mission ‘Return Favor to Celeste Barclay’ is a failure.”

“You’ll just have to come up with a better plan.”

“Like what?” Lilli asked.

“I have no idea. That’s your department.”

Lilli thought back to their conversation. “He was adamant about not being a groom. I wonder if the vision of him and all those brides locked in one room made him nervous?” She paused a beat. “Oh, wait, that’s my nightmare.”

Jewel chuckled. “So, what’s he like?” she asked, scooting closer to Lilli’s desk so she could settle in to hear all the dirt. “I only got a few minutes in Cuppa Joe with him. Not a chatty guy. More interested in getting his morning coffee and heading out the door.” Lilli knew perfectly well her friend wouldn’t budge until she had her fill of information. “A real bad boy, right?”

“How would I know?” But yeah, a bad boy. She’d known that the first time she’d laid eyes on him. Today’s meeting only confirmed her first impression. Because of that, she had a hard time loosening up around him and probably came off sounding very starchy. But he just oozed masculinity. Did he have to be so good-looking? And smell so good? Exceptionally good. When their gazes had connected over the desktop, she’d had to ignore the urge to ask what he’d done with his life since the summer they’d met.

Jewel continued. “So, we know he’s gorgeous—”

Yeah, that, too.

“—if you like that kind.” Jewel eyed her with suspicion.

“What kind?” Lilli had lost track of the thread of conversation.

“Tall, built, alpha attitude?”

Oh, yeah. All those things.

“You got all this at a coffee shop?” Lilli asked, busying herself with papers on her desk, hoping to hide her sappy smile.

“It’s the vibe he sends out. Can’t miss it.” Jewel watched Lilli tidy up. “So that’s why you haven’t gotten any work done.”

“Huh?”

“And you’ve got the look.”

“What look?”

“Interested.”

“No way.” Did she? She hadn’t been dwelling on him all morning, just snatches of time here and there. “And I can prove he’s not my type. Not only did his clothing leave something to be desire—”

“What was he wearing?”

“What was he what?”

“Wearing? Obviously it bothers you.”

“I don’t know. Faded jeans. Tight black T-shirt. Five-o’clock shadow first thing in the morning.”

Jewels eyebrows arched. “I didn’t know shaving qualified as a fashion accessory.”

“It’s just unprofessional.”

“He’s a private investigator.” Jewel threw her a look. “The last thing he wants to do is stick out in a crowd.”

“I guess.” Lilli pursed her lips, exasperated by her friend’s interrogation. Cringing, she hoped she hadn’t come across as uptight with Max, but she was very afraid she had. “Then explain this. When we were in his office, I noticed a wall calendar. Penciled in every Saturday is a woman’s name. A different woman’s name. Cards with Terri. The gazebo with Margaret. Drive with Carolyn.”

“Which means what?”

“I don’t know. He’s a player?”

Jewel laughed.

“What?”

“That sounds so funny coming from you.”

“Hey, I can be hip if I want to.”

Jewel continued laughing. “Keep telling yourself that, but I know better.”

“You know I don’t go out with guys like him.” Even to herself Lilli sounded uppity.

“Problem is, you don’t go out at all,” Jewel muttered, then flushed at Lilli’s hurt expression. “I’m sorry. I call ’em like I see ’em. And you’ve got Max on the brain.” Jewel placed the wedding file back on the desk. “Let’s go eat. You need a break from all this charity-event talk and I want to check out the new place downtown, Pointe Café.”

Lilli glanced at her computer screen again, knowing she wouldn’t get any more work done. Max Sanders had captured her thoughts, thanks to Jewel’s prodding. She needed a change of scenery. After saving her work, she stood. “Let’s go.”

Lilli grabbed her purse, knocking over the accordion file Mrs. Rumpold had given her earlier. Wedding gown photos spilled to the floor. Exasperated, Lilli knelt down to collect the pictures, her eye catching on an image of a beautiful gown. The white strapless creation hugged the model’s body before flaring out in an embroidered trumpet skirt and train.

“Coming?” Jewel called.

“Be right there.” She took one last look at the gown before scooping up the remaining pictures, securely placing them in the file and out of her sight before her resolve to stay unaffected by weddings unraveled.