AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My entire body tingles as I sit next to him on the small piano bench. My mind goes to the wedding, and I ask, “Do you think it would be too out there if you played the Wedding March when the bride comes down the aisle? I think that might be super romantic. And, let’s face it, this wedding could use some romance.”
“Could it now?” Grinning, he begins to play the song, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
I hold my hand over my pounding heart, and tears begin to burn the backs of my eyes as I picture the bride, waiting in the wings and hearing her sweetheart calling to her with the notes of the song. “Can you imagine how full of emotion your bride will become when she hears you playing this song for her to come to you?”
“I can.” Leaning his shoulder against mine, he smiles. “You have a romantic spirit.”
I blush fiercely at the physical contact. “I think that’s what makes me a great wedding planner. I’m so thankful you’re letting me do this for you. I’ll have loads of pictures and videos to add to my portfolio after this wedding. I just know I’ll become successful. And it’ll be because you gave me a chance.”
Leaning against him, I realize what I’m doing and move over. This is my client. My first real client. I have to set a precedent for myself.
Flirting with the groom has to be something I just do not do. Not ever. So, I have to start right now and hold myself accountable for everything I do.
No matter how attracted to him I am.
“I’m sure you will find success in anything you do, Isabella. You’re extremely talented. I feel confident in you planning my wedding.” His fingers stop moving and rest on the keys as he looks into my eyes. “I have a favor to ask you.”
“Anything you need, I’m here for you.” I bite my tongue, knowing that it came out way too flirtatious. “As a professional wedding planner, of course.”
“Of course,” he says with a sly grin that makes me wonder if he’s perfectly aware of the way he makes me feel. “I’ve had several wedding dresses brought here that I would like you to try on.”
“Me?” I ask with a shrill voice as I shake my head. “I could never do that. What would your fiancée think?”
“She wants you to do it. She can’t be here anytime soon. It would please me if you would try them on.”
The idea of pleasing him is affecting me in such inappropriate ways. I know I shouldn’t be trying on another woman’s wedding dress, but maybe it’s not as bad as I’m thinking it’ll be. “You just want my opinion on which one is best?”
“I want you to model them for me.” His grin grows, and I can see he’s getting a ton of satisfaction out of asking me to do this. “Then I will pick the one I want my bride to wear for me on our special day.”
“Model them for you?” I can’t take a breath. This has to be a dream. Surely, no other wedding planner in the universe has ever been asked to do such a thing. “I really don’t think it’s appropriate.”
“In this home, being appropriate isn’t a thing anyone cares about. So, will you do this for me?” He plays a few notes from the Wedding March. “I’ll play for you as you walk to me, modeling the dress.”
This is way too much!
Biting my lower lip, I think of what I can say to get myself out of this terrible situation. “I’m probably not the same size as she is. I’m a little curvy. I’m sure your fiancée is perfectly proportioned.”
“You’re exactly the same size as my bride. They’re in the room to the right when you exit the ballroom. I’ll be right here, waiting. You won’t make me wait long.” It’s more a command than an observation.
Getting up, I know what I must do. “If you really want me to do this, then I will. As long as the bride wants it too.”
“She does.” He plays another song as I leave the room to go dress in his soon-to-be wife’s wedding gowns.
Mirrors adorn the walls of the dressing room, and three gorgeous dresses hang from hooks on the ceiling. I select the dress nearest me and try to put it on but find it impossible to do on my own. Just as I’m about to put my own clothes back on and go tell Carlo it’s impossible for me to do this alone, there’s a knock on the door. I let the woman in, and she says, “I’m here to help you dress.”
Well, there goes that excuse. Damn!
A few minutes later, I’m in the dress and walking into the ballroom. Carlo is all smiles as he stands from his seat at the piano. “That is lovely.”
Turning around so he can see the whole dress, I ask, “Do you think this is the one she’ll want?”
“I’ll have to see the others, but this one is wonderful. The royal blue lace brings out the blue in your eyes.”
“Are her eyes blue too?” I ask since he made the comment about the lace.
Nodding, he waves me away. “Go try on the next one.”
I go through the same motions as before, and his eyes light up as soon as I come into the room. He’s nodding as he looks at this last dress. I can tell he really likes this one.
