want to hear my terms first.”
“Terms?”
Kelsey nodded. As long as Connor thought he needed her, maybe she could get a few concessions.
Instead of balking, Connor grinned. “Let’s hear ’em.”
“First, we’re equal partners. I want to be in on this every step of the way. No hearing about anything you’ve found on Todd after the fact.”
“No problem. From this point on, we’re joined at the hip. ’Course, that will make for some interesting sleeping arrangements.”
“Second, this is strictly business,” Kelsey interrupted, as if cutting off his words might somehow short-circuit the thoughts in her head. But they were already there: sexy, seductive images of hot kisses and naked limbs slipping through satin sheets in her mind. She could only hope Connor couldn’t read them so clearly by the heat coloring her face.
“And third?”
“Thi-third,” she said, clearing her throat, “you stay away from Emily. If we get any dirt on Todd, I’ll break the news to her. Until then, I don’t want you filling her head with your ‘bad feelings.’”
Expecting an argument, Kelsey was surprised when Connor nodded. “I’ll keep my distance.”
“Okay, then, we’re partners.” She should have experienced a moment of triumph, but all Kelsey could think was that she’d just made a deal with the devil.
Certainly, when Connor smiled, he looked like sheer temptation.
“Got to hand it to you, Kelsey, you’re one hell of a negotiator. Two outta three ain’t bad.”
It wasn’t until Connor strode away that Kelsey realized he’d never agreed to her second condition.
As Kelsey stepped into the florist shop the next morning, cool, floral-scented air washed over her. She breathed deeply, enjoying the feeling of a refreshing spa treatment without the outrageous prices. She wasn’t a big believer in aromatherapy, but the stress of dealing with Connor might drive her to alternative measures. Anything to stop her pulse from jumping each time she saw him—and to keep her hormones under wraps and in control for the next ten days.
Why couldn’t life be easy? Why couldn’t she plan an elegant, trouble-free wedding? The kind where the biggest worry was the ice sculpture melting too quickly in the summer heat. Instead, she got Connor McClane, a man guaranteed to make women melt with nothing more than a look.
“Kelsey! Thanks so much for coming!” Lisa Remming, Kelsey’s friend and the owner of In Bloom, circled the checkout counter to greet her with a hug. As always, Lisa dressed in clothes inspired by her favorite flower—bird of paradise. Her long brown hair and blue eyes were complemented by a sleeveless fiery-orange blouse and swirling olivegreen skirt. “I feel so bad for calling you.”
“Don’t be silly.” Kelsey waved off her friend’s apology and pulled out her checkbook from her purse. “It’s no problem.”
“I still can’t believe I’m doing flowers for Emily Wilson’s wedding! There isn’t a florist around who wouldn’t kill for this job.”
Hiding a smile, Kelsey teased, “Wow, who knew florists were so bloodthirsty?”
Lisa made a face, then gave Kelsey another hug. “I totally have you to thank for this.”
The two women had gone to high school together, and Lisa was one of the few people in whom Kelsey confided. By the time she’d moved in with her aunt and uncle, Kelsey had gotten accustomed to blending in and going through her teen years unnoticed. Telling her fellow students she was a long-lost member of the wealthy Wilson family would have shoved her under a microscope.
The only worse fate would have been the exclusive prep school her aunt had suggested she attend.
“I really hate asking you to do this,” Lisa said as she reached behind the counter for an invoice.
“A deposit is standard practice.”
“I know, but—We’re talking about the Wilsons. It’s not like they’re going to leave me holding the bill. But with the flowers for the church and the bouquets and the boutonnieres, I have to pay my suppliers and—”
“And that’s why you need the money up front.” Kelsey tore off a check. The amount for the deposit alone would have depleted her own meager bank account, but Aunt Charlene had given her access to the special account established for Emily’s wedding.
“Thanks.” Lisa breathed a sigh of relief as she noted the deposit on the invoice. “This wedding is going to mean the world to my business.” She laughed as she pressed a button on the cash register and slid the check inside. “Like I need to tell you that, right? You’ll be flooded with calls after Emily’s friends see the amazing job you’re doing. Have you thought anymore about getting your own place?”
Excitement pulsing through her veins, Kelsey nodded. “I’ve put down first and last month’s rent on the space in downtown Glendale, near the antique shops.”
Lisa gave a squeal. “And you didn’t even say anything! When are you moving in?”
“As soon as the current renters move out. The landlord’s supposed to give me a call.”
“You must be so excited! I know I was when I first opened this place. Do you have all the furniture and office equipment you’ll need? Have you thought about hiring a support staff and—”
“Whoa, Lisa! Don’t get carried away,” Kelsey said with a laugh that sounded far too shaky.
“I’m not. Don’t tell me you of all people—with your day planner and your endless lists—haven’t thought of these things.”
In fact, she had, and only days ago she’d been riding high on her plans. Now, with Connor back in town, she feared she’d put the honeymoon before the wedding, and her stomach roiled at the thought of losing control. “I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.”
“What are you talking about?” Lisa challenged. “Emily’s wedding is only a week and half away. You aren’t too far ahead. If anything, you’re behind!”
“Well, thank you for giving me that combination vote of confidence and total panic attack.”
“I’m sorry. But I know how much effort you’ve put into this, and I want to see it pay off for you.”
I want Emily to be happy. What do you want?
With Connor’s words ringing in her head, Kelsey insisted, “Emily’s happiness comes first.”
“Honey, Emily’s happiness always come first,” Lisa deadpanned.
“That’s not fair, Lisa,” Kelsey insisted quietly.
Emily and Aileen could have turned their backs when their unknown and potentially unwanted cousin showed up to live with them. Instead, they’d done everything possible to include Kelsey. It certainly wasn’t their fault she’d never fit in.
“I know.” Lisa’s sigh expressed an unspoken apology. “But I also know you’ve played second fiddle to both your cousins for as long as I’ve known you. I don’t want you to be so focused on Emily’s wedding that you lose track of your dream.”
“I haven’t and I won’t.”
Despite her determined vow, a touch of guilt squirmed through Kelsey. She’d kept silent about renting the shop for exactly the reasons Lisa mentioned. Her aunt wouldn’t want her attention on anything other than the wedding. But the shop was nothing compared to Connor McClane. The man was a living, breathing distraction.
“Emily’s wedding is my dream,” Kelsey added. “A highprofile event with an extravagant budget and built-in publicity thanks to my uncle’s business contacts and