AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She looked hesitant. He wasn’t so sure she’d shake, but at last she slipped her much smaller hand into his. As her fingers slid over his palm, his will was severely challenged. The desire to tighten his hold on her and pull her close grew within him.
His gaze shifted to her shimmery lips. He’d dreamed about those lips many, many times since the night they broke up. And he’d never been tempted by any other lips. No other woman had ever made him feel one-tenth what Clara could stir within him with just a look.
He’d never wanted to kiss her more than he did at that moment. He was doomed… Unless he were to steal just a quick kiss. It’d put this silly notion out of his mind.
He glanced down, noticing that her hand was free of rings. She was still unattached. The revelation struck him profoundly. For some reason, he’d been imagining her all of this time with her own family, happy and loved.
She deserved a full life filled with all things good. He wanted to ask if she was seeing anyone, but he’d just finished promising her that he could be professional. He couldn’t mess this up already.
As though sensing the direction of his thoughts, she quickly extracted her hand. “As for the bachelor party, you didn’t give me many details to work with.”
“That’s because I’ve never been in charge of a bachelor party. I’ve been to some, but most were tacky. I don’t see my brother wanting something scandalous, especially with a chance that it’d get leaked to the press. He wants to be taken seriously as a director and businessman.”
“Understood. I have some venues lined up for you to see. I was just about to call you after my meeting with Tula to arrange a time tomorrow to go over some party options.”
“Oh. I guess you’re busy today.” Disappointment settled over him.
“I am.” She paused, fidgeting with the pendant once more. “But I suppose it’s nothing Brooke can’t handle. And since you’re here, it might be best to get the ball rolling since these plans are all last minute.”
“Great. Thanks for fitting me in.” He smiled, happy to be able to spend more time with her. “That’s a pretty pendant.”
She glanced down as though she hadn’t realized she was fidgeting with it. Immediately, she lowered her arm. “Thanks. I found it when I was out shopping with a client. I thought it would be a nice accessory since I’m a wedding planner.”
So it wasn’t from a guy. Suddenly his steps were a little lighter. “It must be quite valuable.”
She glanced around as though not wanting to be overheard. Then she whispered, “They aren’t real diamonds.”
Andrew’s smile broadened. “Well, I was certainly fooled.”
A pleased smile lit up her face and warmed his chest.
The field was wide open, but he’d just given her his word that he’d be professional. He inwardly groaned. He needed to pretend he was back at his old desk job, and she was just another co-worker. A very beautiful, very tempting co-worker. A co-worker he desperately wanted to kiss.
He was in so much trouble.
CHAPTER SIX
Hadshereallyagreedto spend the rest of the day with Andrew?
Clara headed toward the chapel’s exit, hoping the sunshine and fresh air would clear her mind. Her body still tingled, not only from Andrew’s touch, but also from the way he’d looked at her. There’d been more than general curiosity in his lingering glances.
She’d swear that at one point he’d been entertaining the notion of kissing her. The most shocking part was that for a moment she’d wanted him to do it. What had she been thinking? Or maybe the problem was she hadn’t been thinking—at least not clearly.
She should have waited until tomorrow to take him around the city like she’d originally planned. But regardless of whether she put off this outing, sooner rather than later, she’d have to do it. And since they didn’t have much time before the party, sooner was better.
Just pretend that he’s Mr. Cross. A paying client. Not the man who broke my heart.
Clara swallowed hard. “Okay. I have a list of venues. I thought we’d visit them in person. Since you’re not quite sure of the entertainment you want, an in-person tour would give you a feel for what each place has to offer.”
“Sounds good.” There was a definite note of approval in his voice.
She breathed easier as she headed for her car. When she realized he wasn’t beside her, she turned around. “Are you coming?”
“In that?” He pointed to her car.
She glanced at her convertible with its white leather upholstery. It had been a splurge, requiring a loan, but the price had been too good to pass up. Less than half of the blue book value, but that was because it had been rebuilt from two wrecked cars. But as a bonus, she’d been able to choose the paint color—a pale metallic pink. Her signature color.
Her father would be appalled that she’d sunk to such a level of purchasing not only a used car but one merged from two totaled vehicles. Her father insisted on new vehicles. She’d never noticed until she’d supported herself that all of those status symbols her family worried about weren’t that important to her.
