Destination Wedding (Crimson Romance) (18 page)

It wasn’t a bad idea. She rushed out of the bathroom for her phone. Sending a short text to Miles, she asked him to peruse the online celebrity gossip sites. She set the phone down. Worth a shot.

She thought about Luke’s suggestion that their parents stand in for Drew and Lauren. Over her dead body. She needed more time for the engagement to sink in. She’d rather lose her job than see her mother this weekend in a wedding dress.

She knew it would be inevitable but it certainly wasn’t going to happen tomorrow. Maybe after things settled down, she could invite Jack and her mom to visit her in LA for a long weekend. Assuming her mother would be moving to New York City this fall.

That’s a perfect idea. Then, she could take her time getting to know Jack on her turf. Maybe Luke would join them. She stopped and looked in the bathroom mirror. Luke lived in New York City. That could be a problem.

If this thing between them evolved, they’d have to figure out a way to see each other. Maybe once a month she could travel east or perhaps they could meet in the middle in Kansas City or Indianapolis. She loved the thought of a Midwest rendezvous.

After a quick shower, she decided to go casual in a pretty floral top, slim jeans, and black strappy sandals. Heading out the door to meet Miles, the bright sun smacked her in the face. She was going to miss Hawaii. Now that there wouldn’t be a wedding, perhaps Luke and she could take a couple of days and explore the island. Just the two of them. She’d like that. First, she needed to get through the next twenty-four hours with her job intact.

“Aloha.” She spotted her assistant in the courtyard, seated on the fountain. He was busy scrolling through his phone.

“Aloha back.” He studied her and set his phone to his side, flashing his joker smile. “You had sex last night.”

Kate sat next to him and crossed her legs. The fountain spray tickled the back of her neck. “Honestly, Miles, You shouldn’t say things like that to me. I’m still your boss.” She sighed. “At least for the next few hours, anyway.”

“We’re not getting fired.”

“You sound so confident.”

“Everything always works out.” He turned to face her. “So … was it Luke?”

“Of course it was!”

“How would I know?” He shrugged. “You’re kissing first Drew, then Luke, then Drew. I can barely keep it straight.”

“You’re wrong it was first Luke, then Luke, then Drew.” She smiled and winked. “Then Luke all night long.”

“You little tart.” He slapped her back. “Good for you. Wait. What do you mean ‘first Luke, then Luke?’ I thought Drew was first?”

“Long story. I’ll tell you later. Did you check the celebrity gossip sites?”

He nodded, reaching for his phone. “I went through all of them. No one seems to be in Hawaii this week except for that reality show train wreck who was dumped by the bachelor.”

Kate’s face twitched in disgust. “She was a train wreck. No one will marry her anytime soon. Oh, well. Thanks for checking.”

“Yeah, between that and informing all of the wedding guests that the wedding is off, it’s been a busy morning.”

Kate sighed. “I guess there are worse things than traveling to Hawaii for a wedding that’s called off. Hopefully their guests enjoy exploring the island. Maybe we should send tourist brochures up to their rooms?”

“Kate! Miles! Good morning.”

She looked up to see her mother walking toward them. Accompanying her were Jack and Olivia. “I don’t need this right now,” she mumbled and mustered up a bright smile. “Hello.”

“Kate, have you met Luke’s girlfriend, Olivia?” her mom asked.

Kate gulped. “I have. Good morning, Olivia. This is my assistant, Miles.”

“Nice to meet you.” Miles stood and shook her hand. He turned so only Kate could see him, mouthing the word, ‘girlfriend?’

Kate ignored him.

“I love your blouse,” Olivia said, pointing to Kate.

“Thanks.” Kate noticed that both Olivia and her mom were dressed in similar Hawaiian dresses. Had they gone shopping together? “Where’s Luke?” Kate asked Jack.

Olivia interjected. “I just left him upstairs. You know how men are. Work, work, work.” She laughed and flipped her hair to the side.

“Indeed.” Something was wrong. Luke had been with Olivia this morning, yet she didn’t correct her mom and say she wasn’t his girlfriend. Had Luke not talked to her?

“Kate, I have so many questions for you.” Olivia sat down next to Kate.

“Questions?”

She laughed. “About wedding planning.”

Kate watched her smile up at Jack. Why was Olivia talking about wedding planning and grinning at Luke’s dad? She could feel her stomach churn. Something wasn’t right.

“I know I shouldn’t jump the gun, but we are in Hawaii, the most romantic place on the earth. I hope it’s okay to pick your brain.”

“Sure,” she hesitated. “Sure, it is.”
It was so not okay.

“That’s a lovely idea. Maybe we’ll have another engagement to celebrate soon,” Jack piped in and winked at his assistant.

“Oh, Jack. From your lips to your son’s ears.”

Kate sat stunned. Was this conversation happening? Where the hell was Luke to straighten this out? The way Jack and Olivia were talking, Luke and his father’s assistant would be picking out their wedding bands by lunch.

“Kate and Miles, why don’t you join us for breakfast?” Jack asked.

Before Kate could say no, her mother had grabbed her by the hand and led her to the hotel restaurant. Miles decided to forgo breakfast to work. Smart choice. She suspected he wanted to Skype with Lauren and make sure she was all right. Kate made plans to circle back with him in an hour.

Taking a seat that Jack had pulled back for her, she reached for her orange juice. “Jack, I’m really sorry about Drew and Lauren.”

Jack sat down next to her and opened his menu. “Me, too. I’ve always been fond of Lauren. But, if it wasn’t meant to be, I’m glad those kids called it off before it was too late.”

“Have you told Janet?” her mom asked and handed Kate a plate of muffins.

“Thank you.” Kate chose a chocolate chip muffin and handed the basket to Olivia. “No. Not yet. We’re hoping for an eleventh hour miracle.” She plopped half the muffin into her mouth “Know anyone ready to get married?”

Jack put his menu down. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

Kate grimaced. She knew what was coming and needed to stop it quick. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Nonsense. You need a bride and groom and we’ve got one right here.”

Kate set her muffin down. “Um … if it’s all the same Mr. Cannon, I don’t think you should marry my mother tomorrow just to save my job. It’s kind of you to offer but definitely not necessary.”

He laughed. “Heaven’s no, dear. Nessa and I can’t have our wedding here. We want to marry in New York City at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.”

“You do?” The sick feeling in her stomach came back and was much stronger. “Then who did you mean?”

“Why, Luke and Olivia. It’s time they tie the knot. Olivia what do you think?”

Olivia laughed. “Oh, Jack. I think Luke needs to be part of this conversation.”

“Let’s go talk to him right now. I’ve wanted you in this family for years. This is the push Luke needs.”

Push Luke needs.
Kate sat speechless. This couldn’t be happening, but indeed it was and she had a front row seat.

Olivia picked up her coffee cup. “Well … I’ve always dreamed of a beach wedding.”

“Wonderful.” Jack stood. “We save Kate’s reputation and my son marries the love of his life. It’s a win, win.”

Olivia put her hands to her face. “I can’t believe this is happening. You know, Luke told me this morning how much he loves Maui.” She stood and grabbed her purse. “Oh, Kate. If Luke says yes — ”

Jack put his arm around Olivia. “Correction. When Luke says yes.”

“Okay, when Luke agrees, Kate do you think we could pull it off? What should I do first?”

Jump into an active volcano.
Kate forced a smile. “You’ll need a dress.”

• • •

Luke stepped out of the shower, humming his favorite Maroon 5 tune. He couldn’t stop smiling, nor did he ever want to. Last night had been more perfect than he ever imagined. It was so much more than the sex, though that had been amazing. Their long talks in between their lovemaking was something he’d never experienced before. Certainly not with Olivia. It felt amazing to connect with a woman beyond moving around in the sheets. It had made the sex even better.

He couldn’t wait to see Kate again. He planned on tonight being every bit as incredible as last night. With one notable exception. He’d tell her he was falling in love with her.

It was a big step for him. In his thirty-four years, he’d never uttered those words to any woman he’d been involved with and meant them with one hundred percent certainty. It felt so right with Kate. He couldn’t keep these feelings to himself any longer. He needed her to know how much she meant to him.

He dressed in khaki shorts and a white polo and headed to the couch to check his e-mails. His father did in fact update their communications team last night that he was ready to announce his retirement. Luke congratulated him and then excused himself to find Kate. Thank God he had caught her before she had taken off for the airport or last night might have not happened.

He loved seeing his dad so happy. He deserved a long retirement and to find happiness with Kate’s mom. He was looking forward to spending some time getting to know his future stepmother. One thing was for sure. He hadn’t seen his dad so happy since … He scratched his head. Well, since his mother.

Drew was the first person he checked in with after leaving Kate’s room. His brother had spoken to Lauren this morning and she had promised not to leave Waikiki until they talked. He caught a commuter plane an hour ago back to Honolulu.

Even if they didn’t get back together, they needed to clear the air. Lauren was joining JDL Toys as the Vice President of Marketing next month. She was the best in the business and Luke didn’t want to lose her, not with their plans for a banner Black Friday like no other.

Perhaps she’d relocate from LA to New York City. It wasn’t part of the original plan, but now that the wedding was off, it might be an option. How would his brother take it?

It would be awkward at first, but Drew would get used to it. Maybe one day, his brother would have the same cordial relationship with Lauren that he had with Olivia.

He cracked his knuckles.
Olivia.
After settling things with Drew, he had gone to her room and confessed everything. As far as he could tell, she took the news well. She completely understood why he had grabbed her hand and introduced her as his girlfriend to Kate — at least she said she did.

She didn’t say much after he finished talking and had asked him to leave so she could take a shower before she headed down to have breakfast with his dad.

Before he left her room, he promised her that he would never pull a stunt like that again. She assured him he wouldn’t and then made some comment about paying him back. He had worried for a second, but she had been laughing while she said it. Her payback probably involved buying her coffee every morning for a year.

He grabbed a bottle of water from the mini-refrigerator and powered on his laptop. Jumping on the Internet, he went to the Tie Your Knot website and clicked on Kate’s headshot. “Just wanted to say hi.” He chuckled at this goofy act. If only the investors could see him now — love-stricken and all.

He checked his inbox. Staying on top of e-mails this week was a must. He paused at one from Olivia. It had come in ten minutes ago. The subject read Wedding News. “What is this?” He opened it. She must be sharing the news with the staff that had flown to Hawaii. Oh well. He was sure wedding or no wedding; their employees would take full advantage of the company sponsored exotic vacation. This would give them more time to play. He clicked open the e-mail.

Luke Cannon and Olivia Moore invite all staff already in Hawaii to join them on Saturday at one o’clock
P.M.
as they exchange their wedding vows. Reception and luau immediately following at the Grande Apolima Resort.

He slammed his computer down. What the hell? It had to be a joke. He opened the notebook back up. In italics at the bottom the e-mail read:

RSVP to Miles Payne at [email protected].

Luke rubbed his head in his hands. Did his ex-girlfriend just pay him back?

Kate plowed her way through one white satin fabric dress after another hanging on a long rack.

“God, none of these are right,” she mumbled. “Miles, see if they have more dresses in the back.”

“Kate, stop.”

“No time, Miles. Did you hear me? See if they have more dresses.”

Miles grabbed her hand. “You need to stop. That bridezilla’s got five dresses in the dressing room to try on. She’ll be in there for another hour. Let’s go outside and get some fresh air. The sales attendant’s got this.”

Kate glanced over to the dressing room. She could see Olivia’s perfectly pedicured feet in the stall. He was right. She needed to leave before Olivia stepped out in her first dress and Kate completely lost it.

“Let’s go.” Miles stood behind her and placed his hands firmly on her shoulders. He guided her to the glass doors. Once outside the wedding dress boutique, they found an empty bench and sat down.

“Oh, Miles.” Kate couldn’t stop the tears from falling. “Why is this happening?”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tissue.

“Thanks.” She took the tissue and blotted her eyes. “I can always count on you.”

“Have you talked to Luke? What does he have to say about all of this?”

She wiped her tears. “I haven’t seen him.”

“Does he even know he’s getting married to that woman tomorrow?”

“I don’t know. She e-mailed a wedding announcement to all the JDL staff here for Drew’s wedding. He must have agreed to it.”

His eyes narrowed. “I’m not so sure. I can sniff out an opportunist a mile away. That high maintenance woman in there is definitely one.”

“Maybe, but she’s not going to tell us the real story.”