AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m not into games. I’m not going to ask Nora if she’s sure or apologize for raining on her parade with this place. It’s not a good fit for her. She knows it. I know it. And this ridiculous wedding planner needs to learn it if she wants to keep my sister as a client.
Cassie walks by me, her shoulder nearly brushing mine, and my senses are immediately taken over by a soft smell of amber and vanilla.
“I’m so happy that you were able to join us today,” she says softly. I look down at her. She’s a few inches shorter, and the sparkle in her eyes is mischievous.
Clenching my jaw, I don’t reply as she walks on by, but the urge to wrap my hand around her arm and pull her back to me is strong.
I think what gets under my skin the most is that she has yet to drop the smile this whole time. Is it stuck on her face? Is this a Botox gone wrong? She doesn't look like the type of woman to be obsessed with Botox, but what the fuck do I know?
I close my eyes for a minute to gain my wits.
One, two, three…
I turn on my heel and follow her out of the room. There isn’t much conversation as we leave the cathedral, but as we approach the door, Cassie tells Nora that she has an Uber on its way. I consider offering to drive us, but the last thing I want right now is Cassie’s scent filling my car and her sunny attitude in my space.
I let them know I will meet them there and head to my car. This is not how I wanted to spend my Thursday afternoon.
Nine minutes later, I pull up to a free-standing building called INDUSTRY. I’ve never been here before, but I know it’s a venue that is relatively new. Eli Co. briefly considered it for an event several months ago, but ultimately the space wasn’t big enough. I’ll admit, this place seems more Nora and Mateo’s style.
I sit in my car, checking my email while I wait for the Uber to show up. A few minutes later, it pulls into the parking lot and out climb Nora, Mateo, and Cassie. Out of my own car quickly, I open the front door for them, Cassie the last one in.
Shit.
It’s been fifteen minutes and I somehow forgot how attractive the woman is. Her long legs are clad in tight navy pants and her black heels are sensible but sexy as hell. A green sweater highlights the softness of her hair. Her fair skin radiates under the sun.
She catches me staring and her lips twitch and she winks at me. Fucking winks.
I grumble my disdain and let the door close behind us.
Cassie is chatting with an employee, they laugh, and the employee walks back through the giant open space, leaving us be.
It strikes me as odd that at both places, the tours of the buildings were left to Cassie and not handled by an employee. But I don’t dwell on it.
“So, this is the INDUSTRY. I think it’s much more your guy’s style. It’s smaller, more intimate and again, we can do both the ceremony and reception here.” Cassie walks farther into the space. The ceilings are high and open, exposed pipes and beams, giving the space a rustic but more industrial feel. Brick walls and cement flooring match the space perfectly.
Surveying the space, I realize that this place is perfect. It would be my pick if I had a say. I suppose I do, but I already gave my opinion on the cathedral. Nora probably will want to have words later. Great.
“I really love this, but something just doesn’t feel right.”
I dart my gaze to Nora as she considers the room. Mateo just looks confused.
“Honestly, babe, I thought this would be the place.” He rubs a hand over her shoulder.
“I know. Me too.” She bites her lip.
I keep my mouth shut.
But Cassie speaks up instead. “Well, without the decorations and the setup, I can see that. But I promise you, the place comes together well. This is actually one of my favorite venues. I haven’t planned a lot of weddings here, so the potential is still untapped.” The click of her heels echoes as she walks toward the second room.
I don’t need to see the second half of this place, but my feet move on instinct and follow her.
Nora and Mateo wander around. I hover in the doorway, gaining control of my body and forcing myself to steer clear of the woman. I study Cassie as she focuses on Nora. I can see her thinking, the wheels turning.
Good. She’s trying to understand my sister.
Took me long enough, but I would expect her to do it quicker with the small fortune I’m paying her.
Nora sighs after several minutes.
