Destination Wedding (Crimson Romance) (19 page)

“So go find Luke.”

Kate shook her head. “And say what? ‘Thanks for the best night of my life, can I get a copy of your vows?’”

Miles cracked a smile. “Best night of your life, eh?”

She shrugged. “Does it matter?”

“Kate, you can stop this wedding. Go claim your man.”

“That’s just it. He’s not mine. Everything happened so fast.” She threw her hands up in the air. “One minute I’m on cloud nine and the next his dad is marrying his assistant off to Luke, and the worst part about it — Jack only suggested it to save our asses.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Explain.”

“I was telling them how Janet was going to freak out when she arrived. Before I knew it, Jack offered up Luke and Olivia as the fifth-quarter replacements.”

He laughed. “It’s fourth quarter.”

“Whatever.”

“Somehow, I think even after Janet rips us both a new one, we’re going be fine even without Luke marrying that lunatic.”

Kate agreed. “Probably, but you should have seen Jack around Olivia. He adores her and he obviously thinks she’s the one for his son.”

“That’s because he doesn’t know that Luke has feelings for you.”

“Yeah, but Olivia and Luke have history. They were together for three years. I mean, he was supposed to tell her everything this morning but that obviously didn’t happen.” Her lower lip quivered. “Oh, Miles. What if he changed his mind? Maybe he didn’t tell her about us because he still has feelings for her? For all I know, she might not even know he was with me last night.”

“Oh, she knows,” Miles said, shaking his head. “Trust me, she knows.”

She stood. “It doesn’t matter. This is probably for the best.”

Miles smirked. “You don’t mean that.”

“No, really I do. I’ve only known Luke for a short time and he’s either pretended to be someone that he wasn’t or lied about having a girlfriend — those aren’t tiny white lies. Maybe he’s not the man I thought he was.”

Miles stood. “Well, let’s go back in and get this over with.”

Her phone buzzed and she looked down. The message took her off guard. “Um … Miles, I’ve got to go back to the hotel. Can you take it from here?”

“Sure.” He touched her arm. “It’s going to be okay, boss. You’ll get through this.”

“Thanks.” She peered into the shop’s glass window. Olivia had stepped out of her dressing room in a beautiful white dress with a full train. Kate stifled a laugh. Although she looked stunning, Kate knew the dress would be virtually impossible to move around on sand and rocks. A fall at some point was almost guaranteed. Not to mention, it would be hot and uncomfortable to wear for more than an hour. Her lips turned up into a devilish smile.

“Oh, and Miles. Do me a favor. Make sure she picks that one.”

• • •

Luke sat alone at the edge of the waterfall, staring out at the beautiful rushing water. He had sent Kate a text to meet him here. She responded that she would.

But that was over an hour ago. Maybe she had changed her mind. Could he blame her? It wasn’t like he knew what he was going to say even if she did show up.

I’m sorry.
That seemed like a good start. This latest event wasn’t his fault. He just didn’t know how to fix it.

Frustrated, he grabbed a twig and snapped it in half, throwing a piece into the water. Olivia and his dad had ambushed him earlier saying that the wedding was back on but now it would be his and Olivia’s. Luke had laughed it off as being ridiculous until his father explained that it would save Kate’s company and that she thought it was a great idea.

It couldn’t possibly be true. There was no way after last night that Kate would want him to marry another woman. No way. Still, Olivia had kissed him on the cheek and said she was off to meet Kate and Miles to pick out her wedding dress.

The trees rustled in the distance and twigs snapped. Kate emerged from the opening. She looked beautiful in jeans and a pretty top that showed off her toned arms. It was the first time he’d seen her dressed so casual.

“Hi.” He stood and brushed dirt and sand off of his pants.

“Hi.” She walked over to him, leaving a healthy distance between them.

“Thanks for meeting me,” he offered. “You look nice.”

“Shouldn’t you be writing your vows?”

He looked down at his shoes. “I deserve that.”

“Why are you marrying her?”

“Kate, believe me. I am just as surprised as you.” He walked over and reached for her hands, holding them tight. “Olivia’s doing this to get even.”

“What do you mean, ‘get even’?” She yanked her hands out of his. “Or do I even want to know.”

“It’s stupid. I didn’t realize that she still has strong feelings for me. I guess calling her my girlfriend yesterday sent her over the edge.”

“Wow.”

“But I don’t have feelings for her.” He touched her chin, tilting her head up. “You have to believe me.” He watched as Kate wrinkled her brow and then looked away. “Kate, you do believe me, don’t you?”

“Why should I? All you’ve done is lie to me Luke. You were supposed to talk to her this morning but guess where I just came from?” She didn’t wait for him to answer. “Picking out her dress to marry
you
in.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.”

She sighed. “Maybe so. But these lies and tricks. It’s … It’s just not for me.”

“Lies?”

“Pretending to be your brother and then introducing your ex as your current girlfriend.”

“Kate, I explained all of that last night. I thought you understood,” he pleaded. He was not going to lose her over this ridiculous turn of events.

“I did. I do.” She looked away. “You should have seen how excited your dad was when he came up with the idea. He adores her and obviously thinks you two should be together.”

She was right. His dad certainly had a soft spot for his executive assistant and always hoped Luke and she would get back together. His father would surely feel different if he knew Olivia cheated on him with his top accountant, a detail Luke never revealed. He did it to protect her reputation and her job. Now look where that decision had gotten him.

“I’m not getting married.” He reached down and threaded his fingers with hers. “You don’t want me to, right?”

“I don’t know.”

Wait. Rewind. She didn’t know.
She couldn’t be serious? This time, he pulled his hands away. “You think I should marry Olivia?”

“This has to stop, Luke. Our relationship, or whatever this is, isn’t supposed to be this complicated. Not this early on, anyway. But here we are again.”

“What are you saying?” He searched her water-filled eyes, trying to figure out what was going on behind them.

“I’m saying that last night was a huge mistake and we shouldn’t be together. You should marry Olivia. You both have history and obviously it would make your father happy.”

“To hell with my father. Kate, you’re being silly.”

He could tell he struck a nerve. “You were right to walk away from me the last time we were here. Now it’s my turn.” She turned and rushed down the path.

He wanted to run after her but couldn’t. Yes, he had deceived her. Yes, it wasn’t the ideal way any relationship should start out. The last three weeks barely made sense to him, but one thing he knew was certain. On that first flight to Honolulu, he’d met his soul mate.

And now he’d lost her.

Kate returned to the hotel, crossing through the courtyard. Her feet throbbed, but it was nothing compared to the pain in her heavy heart.

It was for the best. If she kept repeating those five words, it would eventually sink in. At least that was what she planned to continue telling herself.

It
was
for the best. This way, a wedding takes place and she gets the commission and accolades she deserved. That’s all she ever really wanted, right?

She sat down at the fountain and kicked off one strappy sandal, massaging her bare foot. Had she really walked away from Luke? He said he wouldn’t go through with it. All she had to do was tell him that she was falling in love with him and this nightmare would be over.

Or would it? Did he even feel the same way about her? When it came down to it she didn’t trust that Luke wouldn’t completely crush her heart the way her father had broken her mother’s so many years ago. No, she needed to walk away and get back to her life in Los Angeles. It was better this way. He had said it himself at the waterfall the first time.

“Kate Ashby!” Kate looked up to see her boss, Janet, walking toward her with Miles. “There’s my star wedding planner,” she shouted over the sound of the fountain.

“Hi, Janet.” She stood and hugged her. “I mean
Aloha
. How was your trip?” Her petite fifty-year-old boss looked surprisingly refreshed in a pretty beige pants suit. Kate was always in awe over her perfectly put together appearance, even after a long flight. Surely there were no tomato juice stains on any of Janet’s clothing.

“Oh, splendid. I sat next to this darling man. I think he’s loaded and ready to pop the question to his girlfriend. I gave him my business card.”

“Always working.” She looked over at her grinning assistant. “Did Miles fill you in on our situation?”

“That the grooms have changed?”

“Yeah, and the brides, too.”

Janet laughed. “Pretty crazy but hey, as long as they pay us the commission they promised, I don’t care if the executive assistant marries their second cousin. Plus, Jack Cannon is just as much of a fat cat as Phillip Kincaid.”

“I know.” Kate shifted on her aching feet. She wished she could just chuck her heels into the fountain.

Miles smirked. “Wait until you hear who Jack Cannon is dating.”

“Who?” Janet asked, nearly pouncing on Miles for the answer.

“I’ll tell you later,” Kate interjected. She did not want to see her mother’s picture in every gossip magazine.

“Fine. I love a good mystery.” Janet switched gears. “Is everything all set for the ceremony?”

“I think so. The new bride is getting her dress fitted. Other than that all the other details are taken care of. The rings are being delivered to the hotel this afternoon, and Miles will meet with the minister and Luke and Olivia tonight for a quick rehearsal.”

Janet raised an eyebrow. “Only Miles?”

“I mean Miles and me,” Kate corrected. No way in hell would she be there to see Olivia practice walking down the sandy aisle toward Luke. She’d think of some excuse.

“Terrific, let’s go to the bar and celebrate.” Janet linked arms with Kate. “You, my dear Kate are getting one fat commission check for pulling this off.” She whispered into her ear. “And a new title when we get back to the office, Ms. Partner.”

Kate put on her best smile. Everything she ever wanted, she was about to get.

They entered the bar area where Janet snapped her fingers and a round of Mai Tais appeared shortly after. She squeezed Kate’s shoulder. “I hope you’re ready.”

“Ready?”

“For the good life. Once word gets out that this wedding went off without a hitch, you are going to be the toast of the town. Every A-lister within a hundred-mile radius of Santa Monica is going to want you to plan their wedding.”

“Me, too.” Miles chirped.

She chuckled. “You too, Miles.” Janet picked up her drink and waved for both of them to do the same. “I really am very proud of you both and all you accomplished in such a short time. Tomorrow is a big day for Tie Your Knot.”

She continued, “A toast to you both and to many more weddings just like tomorrow’s.”

Kate fought back the tears and hoisted her glass. How ironic the best day in Tie Your Knot history would also go down as the worst day of her life.

• • •

Two hours later, Kate took the long way around the resort to her room. In doing so, she hoped to avoid anyone with the last name Cannon. She had left Janet and Miles to play hostess to the arriving paparazzi, while she made her way to the private cove.

The beach had looked simply beautiful. Rows of chairs for now fifty guests were set up leading to a small platform for the minister, bride, and groom. Tomorrow the runner and flowers would be added. The Maui coastline was going to be a magnificent backdrop and tomorrow’s forecast promised a picture perfect day. Lauren would have loved it.

Speaking of Lauren, she vowed that once she returned to Los Angeles, she would do all that she could to make things right. Miles had spoken to Lauren this morning and assured Kate she was fine and looking forward to starting her new career with JDL toys in New York City. Kate hoped the distance was all Lauren and Drew needed. Perhaps absence would make their hearts grow founder.

Now that she was back at the resort, she longed for a hot bath and a glass of wine. Reaching her room, she looked down to see a light blue gift bag stuffed with yellow tissue paper laid outside her front door. “What is this?”

She picked it up and entered. Pulling out the tissue paper, she could see a book wrapped in more tissue. Who would have sent her a book? One of their vendors?

She pulled the book out. Her hand immediately flew to her lips as her heart pounded.
The Secret of the Old Clock.
The first Nancy Drew book in the series. She knew immediately where the gift came from.

Had this been the surprise Luke had wanted to go back to his room to retrieve? He must have remembered their conversation onboard the Kincaid jet on how much she loved these books and that her mother had bought this very book for her in his store.

Crossing her room, she opened the door to her balcony and sat down on the lounge chair. The sun had already disappeared, leaving a beautiful pink horizon in its wake. Gently opening it, she noticed a note scribbled on the first page.

“Kate. For your next plane ride. I’m right there with you. Luke”

Kate clutched the book to her heart, overwhelmed by Luke’s incredibly thoughtful gesture. How was it possible that in less than twenty-four hours he would belong to someone else?

A knock at her door caused her to jolt. She rose and rushed over to answer it. Could it be Luke? She flung the door open. It wasn’t him.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, dear. You busy?”