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“Well, from the email I got, you want to make it happen within a few weeks. Which means a traditional venue is almost impossible at this point. So we’ll get creative and consider other options.”
“Actually, I wanted to have the reception in my backyard,” she said. Another idea that would land her in hot water, but the more she heard her own words, the more it made sense. Why not? She had a beautiful yard she’d designed herself, and most people complimented it. It was her home, and the place where she’d like to have family and friends come for her big day.
“Are you sure?” Troy asked. “A venue may be easier, less stressful for you.”
Less personal, too. He hadn’t said it, but she could hear the implied tone in his voice. She’d have to live with the memories of her short-lived wedding celebration at the end of her marriage. It would be easier to have the event somewhere else—much like the same decision she’d made when she agreed to move in with him instead of inviting him to move to her house. To make sure they’d have a clean break. “I’m a professional landscaper,” she said to Reagan. “I’m quite proud of my backyard, and I’d love for you to come take a look. Besides, this way we won’t have to stress over venues.”
“I’d love to go see it,” Reagan said.
9
Troy opened his fridge and reached for a bottle of imported beer. Sighing, he twisted off the cap and gulped down a generous amount. After the meeting with the wedding planner, he went to the office to catch up on things, and now couldn’t wait to relax. Lara had taken the woman to her home to show her the backyard. He’d used the excuse of work not to go to her home.
Why had she suggested them celebrating the wedding in her turf? Wouldn’t that make things harder later? Or maybe, a cynical side of him warned, she’d used the opportunity to show off her work and elevate her business. She had to know pictures of their wedding day would surface on social media, and if her backyard was so wonderful like she claimed, people would talk about it, and the buzz would attract more clients.
He glanced at his watch. A strange sensation swept over him—disappointment. He could feel Lara wasn’t home yet. Something about her presence pumped the blood in his veins, energized his heartrate and made him dangerously aware.
The previous night, he’d fucked her.
It should have cooled some of the simmering attraction between them, but it only worsened his state of unrest when it came to her.
The doorbell rang, and he set his bottle on the counter. Who could it be? His father had returned to LA, and Lara wouldn’t ring the front door. She’d come through the garage.
He opened the door to find a woman standing in front of him, holding a baby as two boys stood next to her. He took in the image of the slim brunette. Nikki. One of Lara’s friends. “Hi,” he said, opening the door wide.
The boys didn’t wait for his invitation and dashed into his house, pushing each other like they were racing. “Where’s Aunt Lara?” one of them said.
Nikki followed them inside and grabbed the huge bag from her and dropped it on the floor. “Yes, where’s Lara? She didn’t forget she’s babysitting tonight, right?”
Troy cleared his throat. Lara hadn’t mentioned anything to him, but judging by the sparkling dress that Nikki wore, she had somewhere important to go. “Yes. She went out to grab some food and asked me to stay and welcome the kids.”
Relief poured over her expression. “Oh, great. You guys are lifesavers. I’m sure she told you, my sitter bailed on me and the boys love Lara. My ex-husband is out-of-town too.”
He lifted his hands in a silent suggestion she didn’t need to explain further. “I got it. You can go now.”
“Are—are you sure?”
“Yes, she should be here soon.”
She put her daughter on the floor, and the cute toddler stood up holding on to the sofa, then made an exciting sound. A pang of apprehension stabbed at him. Lara better show up soon, otherwise he’d be stuck with not one, not two, but three kids. Couldn’t be that hard though, right?
He’d dealt with unsavory types before. He’d had to fight men more than once. How complex could it be to watch three little ones for a few hours?
Nikki flashed him a smile. “Thanks so much. Lara knows all about what they like to eat and stuff. David and Henry will fill you in too.”
“All right. Go enjoy your date night.”
“Thanks. We both have our cell phones, so let us know if you have any problems. The boys know them by heart.”
“There won’t be any problems. Off you go.”
She gave him another look of gratitude and scurried out of the house. He turned around to find the little girl exploring the living room. The boys began pushing each other and screaming, and he hurried to stop the fight.
“Hey. Hey, hey,” he said, getting in the middle of the two.
“Stop it, David.”
“You started.”.
