Return to You (24 page)

“I can't make friends with these people,” she finally said with a disheartened sigh. “I'll hate them too much.” Because they had everything Selena had always wanted, and she was left with a solitary life, living in a boring condo and helping other people celebrate the milestones in their lives while she struggled to find anything to smile about these days.

The trek back across the yard was made on leaden legs. Once she was back on the deck, she took one last look at the yard and sighed. An image of James's small yard came to mind, and she knew he would have made this space spectacular for them.

Then she cursed herself. As if dealing with losing this house wasn't enough to depress her, she had to go and add James to the scenario? She pushed thoughts of James aside and went back toward the French doors. She was getting ready to climb into her car when another vehicle pulled up behind her. Thinking she was about to meet the new owners, she began to panic. Hadn't Mackenzie Williams said this was supposed to be a surprise? Thoughts of jumping into the bushes came to mind, but Selena knew she was too late. Whoever was in that car would have certainly seen her by now. What could she possibly say to explain her presence there?

A very pregnant woman climbed from the SUV, spotted Selena, and smiled. “Hey!” she said as she approached. “You must be Selena.” She held out her hand and Selena shook it.

“Yes, I am. And you are?” she asked warily.

“Oh, don't worry. I am not the unsuspecting bride-to-be. I'm Casey. This is my brother-in-law's new place. I was coming over to scope it out.” Selena didn't know what to say to that so she simply smiled. “He told me all about his super-secret plan and all that, but I wanted to come and check the place out for myself. Men never give good details.” Casey stepped around Selena and took a good look at the front of the house. “It's so much more than what he described.”

“It's an amazing place,” Selena said. She looked over at Casey and saw her walking along the front of the house as if she was trying to figure out what was on the other side of the walls. Before she could second-guess herself, she asked, “Would you like to see the inside?”

Casey looked at her with pure glee on her face. “You have a key?” Selena nodded.

“I have to get back to my office, but I can unlock the door and then you can go in and look around.”

Casey reached out and grabbed Selena's hand. “No! I mean… You really don't know who I am. For all you know I'm not related at all and just some crazy pregnant woman who likes to look at fabulous beachfront homes.”

“Are you? Crazy, I mean?”

“Nah, just a nosy sister-in-law who was tired of waiting for an invitation.”

Hoping she wouldn't regret this, she helped Casey up the front steps and into the house. Together they walked around, talking about what they would each do with it. It was amazing how much alike they were in their visions for the place. “So what do you have planned for Friday night?”

Selena gave a quick rundown of flower and table placement, lighting, the basics. “While personally I love the open floor plan, I think it may be awkward to have me standing right there in the kitchen plating their food while he's in here proposing.”

“Mmm…maybe. Maybe he'll wait until after dinner to pop the question.”

“That's a possibility.” Selena looked at her watched and frowned. “I hate to rush you, but I really do have to get back to the office.”

“Me too,” Casey said, securing her purse strap on her shoulder. “Thanks for showing me around. Who knows when I'll get an actual invite?” They laughed. “It was really nice to meet you, Selena. I hope that we'll see each other again.”

“Do you live in the area?”

“I'm over in Wilmington, about two hours from here.”

“And you work here?”

Casey shook her head. “Oh no. Like I said, I was just being nosy, and I own my own business, so I can take off when I want to.” She placed a hand over her swollen belly. “Although once my husband finds out that I went so far on my own without telling him, he'll watch me like a hawk and not let me come down here on my own again.”

“It is a long drive. What kind of business do you own?”

“I'm a wedding coordinator.”

“Really?” Selena said, delighted. “It's a shame we don't live closer together; it would be fun to collaborate on an event together.”

They walked out the door; Selena locked it behind her. Back by their cars, Casey gave Selena a hug. “Thank you again. I'm glad I had the chance to see the place. Now I'll know what to expect when we actually get invited.”

“It was my pleasure. And if you ever do get to come around to the Outer Banks or need help on an event here, look me up.” With a smile and a wave, she was off.

Oh, I will,
Casey said to herself.
I
most
definitely
will.

“
So
not the time for a migraine,” Selena muttered to herself as she picked up her attaché case and put on her shoes. “Why didn't I put my foot down and insist that you handle this?”

“Because Mackenzie Williams has the potential to be a huge client for us, and you are a big softie,” Kate said as she waltzed into the room and handed Selena a glass of water and one of her prescription migraine pills.

“Hmph. And look where it's gotten me. I'm dressed in this ridiculous outfit…”

“It's a little black dress…”

“I should be dressed like one of our servers, black pants, white tuxedo shirt, tie, apron…not this.”

“That wouldn't have fit with the way Mr. Williams wanted the night to go. You needed to blend a little more. If you had gone over there dressed in one of our serving uniforms, the poor bride-to-be would have felt self-conscious.”

“Oh, and having a complete stranger hovering nearby grumbling about how much her feet hurt in these heels isn't going to be awkward?”

“You look fabulous. I knew your hair would turn out great. Isn't my stylist awesome?”

Kate had convinced Selena to have a personal day yesterday. It had seemed unnecessary at first, but by the time she had been manicured, pedicured, and massaged, the haircut had just been a perk. “Yes, yes, she was wonderful, and I have to admit, I really needed a day like that.”

“Every woman should have a day like that once in a while. Having a sister who owns the salon is an excellent perk sometimes.”

“Your sister's generosity is much appreciated. Thank you for arranging it for me.” She looked at her watch and finished grabbing her things. “I have to go and meet the rental company at the Davidson estate. They're delivering the table and chairs and the candles, and the florist will be there not long after. Wish me luck!”

Kate smiled like the cat that ate the canary. “You got it!”

* * *

Several things were happening at once. First, her cell phone was ringing; second, her shoe was caught on the car floor mat; third, the rental people had arrived early and were angrily pacing on the porch; and lastly, Selena's stomach was growling in a most unladylike manner because she had forgotten to eat lunch. “Dammit.”

First things first, she pulled her foot from her shoe and reached down to grab the offending object. Fortunately, she rejected the idea of simply hurling it across the lawn. Opening the car door, she motioned to the rental crew that she'd be with them in a minute as she answered her phone. “Hello?”

“Miss Ainsley, it's Mackenzie Williams. How are you doing?”

“Fine, sir, just fine. I just pulled up to the house, but no one seems to be home. The rental company is here with the dining set and the candles, and no one is answering the door.”

“I'm afraid that's my fault. I held things up here on my end. Do you still have the key?”

“Yes.”

“Splendid! Go on in and do what you need to do, and my nephew will be along just as soon as possible.” Before Selena could comment or say anything more, the call was disconnected. Slipping the phone back into her purse, she hurried up the front steps and unlocked the door to the house and began directing the crew on where she wanted everything placed.

As candles were arranged and the dining set was assembled, she searched through her purse for something to eat. “Thank you, Lord, for my emergency granola bar.” The migraine meds were making her feel a little loopy, so she quickly devoured the granola and walked over to the refrigerator to help herself to a can of soda. “A girl can only get so far on granola; caffeine is a necessity.” She cursed her own stupidity for not eating lunch and did her best to distract herself with putting the final touches on the candle placement before turning her attention to setting the table with the fine china and crystal she had rented for the evening.

Never in her wildest dreams would she imagine hiring a company to organize a romantic dinner.
This
guy
must
be
seriously
lame
if
he
can't even pull together a dinner
, she thought to herself. Although there was something to be said about a man who wanted everything to be perfect for the woman he loved. Selena had never experienced that for herself, but she imagined that it would be a good thing. She took back the “lame” comment.

The doorbell rang and she was pleased to find the florist there holding the first batch of flowers. “Okay we have two arrangements of lilies,” she said and looked around the living room. “Let's place them on either side of the mantel.” When the next two arrangements came in—two dozen white roses—she directed the florist to place one on the dining table and the other on the granite countertop dividing the kitchen and living room.

“Interesting setup, Selena,” the florist commented. “I think setting the table up in here rather than the dining room is spectacular. With the view of the sunset and a fire in the fireplace…very romantic.”

“Thanks,” she said and looked around. “We have two more arrangements coming in, don't we?”

“All greenery as you requested. The plants are beautiful, and I think if you place them on the floor on either side of the fireplace, they'll flank the fire and candles perfectly.”

“Sounds great. If you don't mind, I'll leave you to that while I finish setting this table.” They worked together silently, and by the time the florist felt that everything on her end was picture-perfect, she bid Selena a good evening.

“If only this show would get on the road, I'd be thrilled,” she grumbled. Luckily she didn't have to wait too long for the next round of distractions; the food had arrived. Adrienne's was one of the best restaurants in the area, and normally it took the average person about two months to get a reservation. Lucky for her, she had done several events for the owners, so when she called them with her request, they were more than delighted to help out.

Chef Marco delivered the food himself and coached Selena through everything she would need to keep it all warm and how to serve it. She had secretly hoped that Chef would stay and do it himself, but on a Friday night, Adrienne's couldn't spare him. Plus, she knew it would go against her agreement for the evening. One person. No staff. Just her. She smiled at Marco and thanked him for helping her out. It was fortunate he had been able to get away at all and guide her through at least these seemingly simple instructions. With a kiss on the cheek and a reminder to keep an apron on until she was done serving, he wished her a good night and was gone, leaving Selena alone to wait.

What was the plan? When was anyone getting there? The clock on the wall ticked loudly, showing that it was almost six o'clock. She had hoped to be out of there by eight, so she could swing by the other event and make sure everything was ready to go there, but if Mackenzie Williams's nephew didn't show up soon, all of her careful planning would be shot to hell. And she hated when her careful planning got thrown out of whack due to someone else's tardiness.

The food smelled heavenly; she carefully stirred the bisque to keep it smooth and warm. What she wouldn't do for a bowl of it herself! And some bread…and honey butter. She was just about to search for a teaspoon when she heard a car door slam off in the distance.

Showtime.

She gave the bisque a final stir before straightening her apron, then Selena walked to the front door and pulled it open.

And froze.

Coming up the stairs and looking far too handsome for his own good in a beautifully tailored suit was none other than James Montgomery.
What
the
hell?
When he was no more than two feet away from her, he smiled. He actually had the nerve to smile at her when she felt as if she was about to pass out. What was he doing here? Now? He decided that
now
was a good time to come after her? She was in the middle of a job for crying out loud! Her jaw tried to work, opening and closing, but no sound came out.

The sight of Selena nearly brought James to his knees, and there was a possibility of doing just that, but Selena looked like she was about to faint, so he figured he needed to be the one to stay standing. Stepping forward, he leaned in and softly kissed her cheek. “Hi,” he whispered, wrapping his arm around her waist as he stepped into the house and took the door from her hands to close it. “Are you okay?” She had really paled. “Do you need to sit down? Have something to drink?”

“What…what are you doing here?” Finally snapping out of her stupor, she realized how inappropriate this all was. “You can't be here right now. My client is due home any minute. You should have called! Maybe we can get together tomorrow and talk. I've got another event to get to this evening.” Her telltale nervous sign was babbling and she instantly closed her mouth.

“Two events in one night? Business must be doing well,” he said casually as he walked into the living room. The fire was roaring in the fireplace, and there were tower candles set up strategically around the room. The sun was setting and the pot lights were on low. It was perfect.

She came into the room after him. “Seriously, James, you can't be here now. My client…”

“Paid a lot of money to ensure privacy. I know.”

“But…wait…how…?”

“My uncle William has a way of setting things up to get the desired results.”

“Your uncle? No, no…my client's name is Mackenzie. Mackenzie…” And then it hit her. “Williams.”
Dammit.
“I don't understand. Why would he…?”

“Go through all of this for me?” Selena nodded. “It seems that in his old age, my uncle has taken to playing the role of matchmaker. He managed to get all three of his sons, my cousins, to the altar and even helped my brother Ryder with his wife, Casey.”

“Casey?” she repeated and then gasped. “Pregnant woman, lives in Wilmington?”

Now it was James's turn to look confused. “How do you know Casey?”

“She came here to snoop when I was here the other day. I was leaving and she pulled in and introduced herself, and I kind of…well, I let her in and showed her the house.”

“That little sneak,” he said with a laugh. “Ryder will freak out if he finds out she drove all that way by herself.”

“She wanted to see the house because apparently no one would give her an accurate description.”

“Nah, she's just nosy. But that's okay. She's family, and I don't mind.”

Selena could sense a change in him: the way he spoke of his family, the relaxed posture, it was like a different person standing before her. The transformation was almost unbelievable. “So…what? Your uncle comes and sees me, gives me a fake name, throws money at me to get his way, and for what? What am I doing here, James?” It hit her that she should be annoyed. Once again, she had been lied to. She stormed over to the kitchen to check on the food. “Was this some kind of cruel joke?”

He was behind her before she even heard him. He spun her around gently to face him. “No, this isn't a joke. If he had come to you and said his name was William Montgomery, you don't think you would have questioned that?”

“Montgomery is a fairly common name,” she snapped and pulled free of his grasp. “I might have thought it was a coincidence, but then I would have moved on. You don't own that much space in my head that I think everything is somehow about you.”

James stood back and watched as she frantically stirred the bisque before checking on the food warming in the oven. She was crackling with angry energy, and she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. When she had nothing left to stir or check on, she turned and faced him, her stance defiant.

“So what exactly does that mean?” he asked casually. “Are you saying that you've forgotten about me?”

“Well…no,” she said.

He took a step closer.

“Are you saying that you don't think about me?”

“Not anymore,” she lied.

And he took another step closer.

“Do you think of me at all? Even a little bit?” His voice dropped, and it was no more than a low rumble.

“No,” she whispered.

He was toe-to-toe with her.

He could see the pulse jumping at the base of her throat, could feel the tremble of her body, and when those big green eyes looked up at him with something akin to longing, he was lost. “Liar,” he whispered right before claiming her lips with his.

She didn't even try to put up a fight. Selena's arms came up and wrapped around his neck just as James's arms banded around her waist to pull her close. Tongues dueled, hands wandered as they feasted on one another after too long of a drought. He couldn't breathe, and yet the thought of taking his mouth from hers was the bigger threat. Her nails scratched his scalp as his hand traveled down and cupped her bottom to pull her even closer to him.

Selena pulled back and directed his mouth to her throat and when he flicked his tongue over her pulse point, she shivered. “Tell me why you're here,” she said right before she moaned with delight at what he was doing to her.

“My uncle told you.”

His uncle told her? Wait…what? Her brain fought to catch up, and when it did, she thought her heart would burst. “Maybe I want to hear it from you.”

James lifted his head, did a quick look around, quickly placed his hands on her hips, and lifted her onto the nearest surface. She squeaked at the cool feel of the granite through the thin layer of her dress. He stepped between her thighs as he reached up and cupped her face to kiss her again.

“Maybe there's something I want to hear from you first,” he finally said.

Shifting her position, she shamelessly rubbed herself against him; the need she felt for him threatened to overpower her. “What? What do you need to hear?” she gasped as he stepped in close and mimicked what he'd like them to be doing. She'd tell him anything if it meant they could get naked faster.