Orange Blossom Brides (19 page)

“That I am.” She held out a pink message slip to him. “Klaus called. The courier company bringing the jewelry for the benefit confirmed delivery to the country club today. He needs you and Lilli to come by at one this afternoon.”

“Great.” He couldn’t talk to Lilli just yet. Bad enough he’d have to see her in a few hours and fight all his conflicting feelings. Right now he needed to concentrate on something constructive, like work. “Would you mind calling Lilli to let her know the time?”

Blanche’s eyebrows rose.

“Please.”

“No problem, boss.”

“Thanks.” He took the paper and headed to his office. When he got to the threshold he stopped and looked back. “Really, thanks.”

Her attention back at the computer, Blanche waved him off.

* * ** * *

L
ILLI
STOPPED
AT
Cuppa Joe. She’d gotten up early this morning, wanting to hit the coffee shop before she met Gabrielle at the historical society office. She had ulterior motives; she was hoping she’d run into Max. Disappointed when he wasn’t there, she made up for it by ordering a killer cup of coffee.

“It’s been a while since I came by,” Lilli told Dorinda after her first sip of the rich roast. Usually she stopped by another shop more convenient to work. “I forgot what I was missing.”

“My special blend. Best-kept secret in town.” The older woman sighed and glanced around the store. “This place could use some sprucing up. I wish my granddaughter were here. She has a knack for these things.”

Lilli had noticed photos on the wall when she came in. “Is your granddaughter Nealy Grainger?”

“Yes. Do you know her?’

“We went to the same school and hung out for a while. Lost track of each other over the years.”

“I miss her.” Dorinda’s eyes misted. “We always had a special bond. Even though she left town years ago, it feels like yesterday.”

Lilli didn’t know what to say. She’d never felt that kind of bond with anyone.

Dorinda waved off her mood. “Enough of that. I hear Max did some work at the historical society office.”

“Work?”

“Mrs. R. said something about having a lock changed?”

“Oh, yes. Last week.”

“It was the Merchants Association, wasn’t it?”

“Pardon?”

“They’re always after me to fix this or that. Picky people. Whenever I need something done, I call Max and he takes care of me.”

That explained the toolbox he carried in his truck.

“The Merchants Association didn’t have a problem with the office. Just needed a new lock.” Lilli didn’t want the older woman to know someone might have tried to break in. Since Lilli didn’t know for sure, and nothing had happened since then, she hoped their conclusions had been wrong. Besides, no need worrying Mrs. Hobart about people trying to break in.

“He’s very dependable.”

“Max?”

“And cute.” She winked at Lilli.

Lilli nearly spit out her coffee. What was it with these women and their crushes on Max?

“I may be in my twilight years, but I can appreciate a good-looking man.”

Lilli felt her face warm. “He is that.”

Dorinda motioned them to an empty table. “My regulars won’t be in for a bit. Let’s chat.”

“Okay.” Lilli joined her.

“So, you’re coordinating Tie the Knot. I understand you asked my friend Laverne to share her love story with you.”

“Yes. And in return, I reserved a table for her.”

“I know.” Dorinda’s eyes twinkled. “I’m attending.”

Lilli smiled. “Tell me about Laverne and her husband. It’s obvious they were crazy about each other.”

“I knew them well. They had a wonderful life together.”

“That’s something to strive for.”

“Do you have a man in your life?”

A man? Max fit into that category, since he was a man and in her life, but Lilli suspected Dorinda meant in a romantic context. “No one serious. Still looking.”

“Hmm. You young women today. So busy with your careers.”

“Guilty. But not for lack of interest.”

“Haven’t found the right man?”

“After I got dumped last year, marriage is currently way down on my wish list.”

Dorinda put a gentle hand over hers. “I’m sorry.”

Lilli shrugged. “I’m over it.” And to her surprise, she found she meant it.

“Marriage is a wonderful institution.”

Lilli pictured her parents. “Are you sure?”

“You’re not?”

“I guess I haven’t had real good role models.”

The older woman raised an eyebrow.

“My parents. Their relationship wasn’t very awe-inspiring. I grew up as the go-between during their arguments.”

“Not easy for a child to deal with.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Doesn’t mean every marriage is that way.”

“I realize that. But my folks’ example, then Rob breaking up with me, has made me a little gun-shy.”

“All it takes is the right man. The man who is your match in every area of life.”

“That’s the thing I was missing with Rob. We weren’t in tune with each other. I think I was in love with the idea of being in love. I won’t let it happen again.” She sighed. “In the long run, I’m glad it didn’t work out.”

“Connection is important, especially during hard times. Marriage is a lifetime of work, a joy in sharing the good times and bad. When you work together as a couple, love sees you through.”

“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

“We were married a long time before my husband passed away. He’d always dreamed of opening this coffee shop. In honor of him, I’ve kept it open.” Dorinda’s smile faded. “I wish Joe could be here. We complemented each other. Saw life very much alike. Not that we were boring, mind you. We just...fit.”

“That’s why I’m waiting for the right man.”

Dorinda chuckled. “My Joe used to quote Henry Ford who said the key to a successful marriage was to ‘Stick to one model.’ That’s what Joe and I did.”

Before Lilli could respond, her cell phone rang. When she saw Sanders Security on caller ID, her heartbeat picked up. “I should take this call.”

“Go ahead, dear.” Dorinda rose and walked behind the coffee counter.

“Lilli Barclay.”

“Lilli, it’s Blanche. I wanted to let you know that the courier is delivering the Wingate jewelry today. Klaus wants you and Max at the country club at one o’clock.”

“Okay,” she said, hiding her disappointment. She’d hoped Max would call her personally, not treat her like just another client. “Thanks for letting me know.”

“Max would have called but he’s busy.”

“That’s fine. I can talk to him later.”

“Really, he is busy.”

Why was Blanche harping on what Max was doing? “Thanks for the call.”

She disconnected and picked up her to-go cup to discard on the way out. “I should get to work.”

“Our visit flew by so quickly,” Dorinda said. “Please come back anytime.”

“I will. And please say hi to Nealy for me when you speak to her.”

Lilli took one last look around the room, watching as Dorinda greeted her regulars, before hurrying off to the historical society. She needed to start her day, knowing she’d be especially swamped with the one-o’clock appointment added to her schedule.

When she walked into the historical society office, both Gab and Mrs. R. had smiles on their faces.

“I hope this means good news.”

Gab help up a needle and thread. “Nothing a few stitches couldn’t take care of. Good as new.”

Lilli placed a hand over her heart. “You don’t know how happy I am to hear that.”

Her friend packed her sewing tools away. “I’m relieved, too. I couldn’t sleep last night, worried the dress might be permanently damaged.”

“So we’re okay continuing the display?”

“I don’t see why not. Renata is in Italy for a month. I’ll tell her when she gets back.”

“Gab, I’ll understand if you have to take the collection back.”

“Don’t worry, Lilli. I’ll handle it.”

With a sigh of relief, Lilli smiled. “Thanks.”

Gab grinned back. “My pleasure. Please, be careful from here on out.”

“You have my word that nothing will happen.”

“Then I’ll see you Saturday morning when we move the collection to the country club.”

Thirty minutes later, Lilli sat down at her desk at KLC. Mondays were hectic enough and she only had three days to get everything in order for her real job, so when she took two days off later in the week for her volunteer job, her boss wouldn’t be all over her. With Tie the Knot this weekend, she had tons of coordinating to do.

She opened a file on her computer as Jim ambled out of his office.

“So guess who I just got off the phone with?”

At his satisfied smile, her heart raced. “Mr. Danielson?”

“With all the wooing and face time you put in by calling and stopping by the dealership, Mr. Danielson decided he wants you to work on his account.”

Lilli whooped.

“You really went for it, and you got the job done.”

“Wow, I can’t believe it. I guess it’ll take a while to sink in.”

“Especially since you’re bogged down with the fund-raiser.”

“Thankfully it’ll be over this weekend. After that I can completely throw myself into the Danielson account.”

“That’s another thing I want to talk about.” He leaned his hip against her desk, crossed his arms over his chest. “Since you’re on a roll, I have another account I’d like you to work with. I had a request come in a few minutes ago from Reardon and Company. They requested you draw up a presentation. I told them yes.”

“Starting when?”

“Tomorrow.”

She bolted upright. “Jim! I just landed the Danielson account. As of Thursday I’m off. I won’t have time to work on a presentation before then.”

He held his hands up. “Hear me out. I have a good reason.”

“This better be good.”

“Mr. Reardon heard about the charity benefit you’re coordinating. I kind of bragged about you, hoping to clinch the account. He was so impressed with the last-minute presentation you did for his company last month he offered to make a donation to the historical society as long as you head up a full marketing campaign.”

“How can I possibly meet him this week?”

“You can meet him at Tie the Knot. He’s hoping to score tickets.”

She glowered at him. “You realize there are no tickets left.”

He reached inside his suit jacket and pulled out the two tickets Lilli had given him to smooth over her time away from the office. “I’ll donate my pair.”

Lilli knew her boss’s generous spirit only meant one thing. He wanted another way into the event. “In exchange for?”

“Let me be one of the volunteer grooms.”

“Jim, the event is Saturday. Everyone is paired off.”

“I know, but it occurred to me that not only could I make nice with a client by giving up my tickets, KLC could get even more exposure if I’m in the show.”

Lilli rubbed her throbbing temples.

“So, what do you say?”

“How about I put you on standby. I can’t promise you’ll be in the show for sure, at this late date.”

“I can live with that.” Jim beamed at her. “I’m a smart man for hiring you. And to show you what a magnanimous boss I am, you can leave Wednesday afternoon to get ready for the fund-raiser. What do you say?”

“Wow. A whole half day.”

“Yep. I bet you’re far from finished organizing.”

No, she was never finished, and today she would have to spend her lunch hour at the country club. “Anything else?”

Jim pushed away from the desk. “That’s it. You’re a good employee, you know that?”

Lilli thought about her workload and Jim’s expectations and decided to go for broke. “So do I get a title now? Account Executive?”

Jim stopped in his tracks. She could imagine the wheels turning in his head. “After pulling in two accounts this week, I’d say you earned it.”

She grinned, mentally giving herself a high five. Oh, yeah, she’d nailed the promotion. Now all she had to do was get through the fund-raiser with as much success and she’d be one happy woman.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

L
ILLI
BARELY
MADE
IT
to the appointment with Max and Klaus in time, still giddy about landing the Danielson account. She careened into the parking lot with minutes to spare, jumped out and zigzagged between cars as she hurried to the front door, noticing Max’s truck out of the corner of her eye.

She smoothed her purple, pink and white skirt, straightened her pink tank top and fluffed her hair one last time. Her sandals sparkled in the bright noon sun. Jewel had put her stamp of approval on the outfit, which pleased Lilli...especially since it had been so long since she worried about her choice of clothing.

She refused to acknowledge that lately she’d taken time to dress to impress. Max didn’t need impressing. He needed a keeper. One to keep his mind on the job at hand, not on her lips.

Pathetic,
her inner voice scoffed. She hadn’t been able to get Max or his kisses off her mind. She rushed inside to find Max waiting. “I’m here,” she announced as she breezed into the lobby, her gaze tangling with Max’s.

He studied her face for a moment. “What’s up?”

When had he come to read her so well? “I got the promotion and Gabrielle repaired the loaner gown.”

“Congrats on both counts.” His wide smile added to her excitement. “Let’s get started.”

They walked to Klaus’s office, passing the courier on the way. They entered the office. Lilli tried to ignore the heat in her cheeks brought on by Max’s smile. She concentrated on the large box in the middle of Klaus’s desk, not Max standing next to her. Klaus crossed the room and locked the door. “Precaution,” he assured them.

The three gathered around the desk as Max slowly unlocked the box to reveal the magnificent gems nestled in white velvet.

“Oh, my,” she whispered.

“Yeah,” Max replied.

Her mother’s description of the jewelry didn’t compare to seeing the pieces up close. Deep blue sapphires and bright diamonds glittered in the overhead light. A shiver ran over her skin. She peered at Max out of the corner of her eye. His brow was wrinkled. Was he worried?

“Rest assured, Miss Barclay,” Klaus told her in a serious tone. “The club safe is state-of-the-art. We’ve never experienced a problem with the system. Mr. Sanders has reviewed club protocol for keeping valuables on the premises, as well as going over the security system with a fine-tooth comb. He has already updated our current system. On the night of the event we will have extra staff available to make sure all is secure. My assistant, Tom, and the entire staff have all been brought up to speed. The jewelry is in good hands.”

One less thing to worry about, since she’d promised to keep a better eye on the dresses.

“I’ll leave you to discuss details. Call me when you’re ready to put the box in the safe.” Klaus crossed the room. “Please lock the door behind me.”

Max made sure he checked the door. “What do you think?”

“That you have your work cut out for you.”

“I can do this.”

“Trying to convince me or yourself?”

“You, of course. The client.”

She grimaced. The client. Not the woman he’d kissed last night. Pushing that aside, she reached out and brushed her fingers over the exquisite necklace.

“Now that you’ve seen the collection, what do you think?”

“Magnificent.”

She felt the weight of his gaze on her and couldn’t help but look at him.

She felt as if the heat in the room had risen ten degrees. Finally cutting the electric connection between them, Lilli turned away, reaching into her purse to remove the drawings she’d done the night before. She hadn’t been able to sleep—with visions of Max kissing her clear in her mind—so she’d done some work. With shaky fingers she passed the pad to Max, her hand brushing his. A current of heat snaked up her arm.

“I’m hoping to lay the collection on satin,” she said. “But wasn’t sure what color until I saw the gems in person. I’m thinking a robin’s-egg blue, like a Tiffany’s gift box, which is kind of appropriate and it matches the theme.”

Max continued to stare at her.

“Tiffany’s? You know, the signature box color for the expensive jewelry store?”

He gave her a vacant look.

He was such a guy. “Last week Klaus showed me the display case we’re going to use and the way the lights are placed. It will bring out the luster of the gems.”

“I’ve seen the case, as well. Shatterproof glass and the locks are all working properly.”

“Good. Then things are under control?”

“So far.”

A few minutes later, Klaus returned with his assistant, Tom. They took the box to be safely stored, and before she knew it, Lilli was headed for the lobby with Max at her side. She’d almost made it out the door when Marisa came waltzing in with Chandler in tow. She was wearing a trendy, tightly fitted tennis tank and skirt, swinging her racket beside her as she walked. Lilli wondered how she played in the restricting outfit, then remembered that Marisa planned everything she did with image in mind. The slinkier the outfit, the more eyes were on her. Including Max’s.

“Lilli.” Marisa smiled, all teeth and no substance, as if the incident the day before with the wedding dresses had never happened. Her eyes lit up when she glimpsed Max. “And Max Sanders. What are you doing here? Together?”

As if her being with Max couldn’t happen? “Benefit business,” Lilli informed her. Okay, she wished they were together because they were...together, but she wouldn’t let Marisa see that. She moved a fraction closer to Max, refusing to look at him to see if he’d caught on to her pathetic ploy.

“Did you happen to stop by the event room? Maybe you could take a walk down memory lane while you’re here.”

Lilli tensed immediately, angry that Marisa knew which buttons to push. She was way over Rob. Marisa’s obvious attempt to hurt her bothered her more.

Chandler placed his palm under her elbow. “Let’s go, babe.”

She held up a finger. “One moment.”

A brief frown crossed Chandler’s brow and his eyes momentarily flashed. From across the room, Tom waved to him. “I’ll be right back,” he told Marisa, his attention focused elsewhere.

“I don’t know how you can go in there.” Marisa shuddered as if she really cared what Lilli felt. “After the humiliation.”

The words hung in the air between them. It took a few seconds before she noticed Max’s body heat as he leaned close and placed his hand at the small of her back. “If you’ll excuse us, we need to get going.”

“By all means.” Marisa stepped out of the way. “I guess you two have to get back to work.”

“And you have the silent auction details to get to me.”

The other woman frowned. “I’ll have it.”

“The benefit is this weekend.”

“That gives me a couple more days.”

She turned on her heel and headed toward Chandler. He abruptly stopped his conversation with Tom when she approached, a look of annoyance on his handsome face.

Lilli held on to her temper as Max led her out the door and into the warm afternoon.

“You okay?”

“She’s just trying to stir things up.”

“How do you put up with her?”

“I try to remember that I’m a bigger person and should be nice to her.”

“Tough job.”

She laughed. “Sometimes, yes. But it is true, no matter the circumstance.”

“You sound like Gram.”

“Why? Because she’d tell you the same thing?”

He chuckled. “All the time.”

They arrived at her car and Max stood by her as she unlocked the door and tossed her bag inside. When she straightened up, he reached out as though he wanted to touch her cheek, but dropped his hand. All she could think was, he could be leaving.

“So, any news on your potential client?”

“I have the final appointment Thursday night. He’ll have an answer then.”

Thursday. “Wow. That’s soon.”

“I know. This opportunity is amazing. If I land the job I’ll be able to hire experienced help. I’ve got a buddy in Atlanta who wants to relocate. He can take care of the local jobs while I travel.”

“So you’re really going to leave Cypress Pointe?”

“Depends on Mr. Rawlings.” He tilted his head. “Does that bother you?”

“I thought you liked it here.”

“I do, but this is a huge. I can’t pass it up. You understand, right?”

Yes, she did. Wasn’t she ecstatic about her own promotion? How could she begrudge him this chance at success? “This way you won’t have to look over your shoulder to see if the good folks of Cypress Pointe are watching your every move.”

“They’re watching. Most of my new clients are Merchants Association members.”

“Oh, well, I guess maybe I hoped you’d miss...us.”

He frowned. “Lilli, I—”

She held her hand up. “We’re working together, right? Nothing more...except for the odd kiss, apparently.”

“It’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

“I like you...us. But I don’t know about marriage. Family.”

“Hey, don’t get ahead of yourself, Max. I just like spending time with you and want to see where this goes.”

“If I get the job, then we’ll know.”

Yeah. Nowhere. Right back at square one.

They stood together for a drawn-out moment. Lilli was pretty sure she had her answer. She tried to read the emotion in his eyes, but he pulled his sunglasses from his shirt pocket and slipped them on.

“When are you decorating?” he asked.

Grateful for the change of topic, she said, “Thursday and Friday.”

He nodded. “I’ll bring the rest of Gram’s things then.”

“Okay.”

“I need to catch up on some work, so I’ll see you later.”

With that, he turned on his heel. Lilli watched him walk to his truck, wondering how she could possibly fall for another man who could so easily walk away from her.

* * ** * *

T
HE
WEEK
FLEW
BY
,
filled with finishing projects at work and last-minute preparations for the fund-raiser. Despite Jim’s offer, she ended up working all day Wednesday and most of Thursday on the new account, cutting into her benefit scheduling. Late Thursday afternoon, Lilli finally headed up the sidewalk to the club, ready to decorate the event room. She stopped short before entering the building, surprised to find Max lounging by the door and Bart hovering nearby. Her eyebrows rose in a silent question. He tilted his head toward the building. “I thought you might be uncomfortable, you know, with the memories.”

His concern touched her. She wanted to lean on him and let him be there for her, but she couldn’t help wondering about the days, weeks and months from now when he’d be traveling. He wouldn’t be there for her then. The lonely feeling that had subsided since Max had come into her life threatened to rear its ugly head again, but she firmly tamped it down.

“Thank you, Max, but it’s just a room. I’ll be fine.”

He opened the door and she stepped inside, nervously smoothing the well-worn jeans she’d thrown on along with a fitted scarlet cotton shirt and sandals. With everything on her plate today, she’d dressed for comfort to set up the room for the charity event.

“What’s up with Bart?” she asked as they crossed the lobby.

“This is his first official on-site assignment since becoming my intern. I have the meeting with Rawlings tonight, so I’ve asked Bart to stay with you ladies while you decorate. He’ll be working Saturday night, as well, and I want the volunteers to feel comfortable around him.”

“You’re serious about this internship.”

“Turns out he’s a natural. He’s a pro at installing equipment and he brought in three new customers this week alone.”

“Wow. Your business is officially taking off.” She tried to smile but didn’t think she managed it.

“If tonight goes well.” He held up his hand with two crossed fingers. “While I’m gone, don’t let Bart get in the way.”

“I’ll make sure he’s put to good use.”

“On that note, I’ll be leaving shortly.”

“Smart man. I’d keep you busy if you were staying.”

“I have no doubt.”

They reached their destination and Max held the door open for her. Like the other day, when she looked in, she found the event room fairly empty. Max flipped a switch and the chandeliers glowed. He continued to the wall of windows, stopping to take in the view.

Lilli roamed the room and realized memories of the rehearsal dinner didn’t dominate her. She could actually breathe, and as she calmed, visions of how the room would be arranged for the benefit took precedence. Celeste had worked hard for years and had gained a stellar reputation in the community. Lilli wouldn’t let memories of old disappointments ruin the work her mother had started or the event Lilli had promised to finish. Not even with thoughts of Max’s departure on her mind.

She didn’t need Max to fill her life. She’d done just fine by herself, so far. If he needed to travel for his job, well, she’d do what she’d always done: keep busy at work. Despite her reservations, she’d enjoyed working with the historical society. Maybe she could volunteer for more organizations. Before long, she wouldn’t even notice Max’s absence.

Right.

She stopped at the one table in the room, placing her list, along with the room layout, on the surface. Max walked over and stood close behind her as he peered over her shoulder. She tried to move aside to create some space between them, but he leaned in to read.

“You’ve planned this out.”

“You know I’m nothing if not efficient.”

He chuckled. His breath tickled her neck. She tried to control a shiver, but failed. Not good. Not good at all. Clearing her throat, she eased past him and walked to the middle of the room. Someone needed to keep this thing between them strictly business because any chance of developing a real relationship was going right out the door if this new client hired Max.

“Klaus had the runway put down this morning. The stage will be set up in front of the windows. I plan to keep the drapes open so the golf course view is the backdrop.” She spread her arms, pointing toward the walls. “The dinner tables will be clustered on either side of the runway. Along the back wall is the silent auction table.” She glanced at her watch. “Jewel should be here any minute to get started. Seems she’s a closet wedding planner. This is her big debut.”