"They are," Emmy conceded, joining me to look out over the strip of sandy paradise. "But not every wedding or anniversary is full of love and romance. Sometimes it appears to me as if people are just going through the motions."
"That's sad. They shouldn't settle for anything less than the real thing."
I wasn't going to, either. I'd wait until I found the right woman. It didn't appear that Emerson Grant was that female, though. I'd have to keep looking.
Whether she agreed with my sentiment was a mystery because she didn't reply, instead sweeping am arm toward the far end of the pavilion.
"I was thinking we'd set up the buffet on that end and the DJ over there. Dan said that Lisa and her friends liked to dance. They're going to have so much fun."
I nodded in agreement. "It sounds like it. How can you get a DJ on such short notice?"
"The resort sort of has one. He's mostly a waiter but he has DJ equipment if needed for emergencies."
"An emergency DJ. Who knew there was such a thing? Do we need to provide him a music list?"
Emmy shook her head. "I used Dan and Lisa's reception music list as a starting point. Took out ‘The Chicken Dance’ and added a few more dance tunes."
I tried to hide my wince but apparently, I wasn't fast enough. Emmy's brow raised in question. "Which one do you hate? ‘The Chicken Dance’ or dance music?"
"Neither. Well...both, actually. I'm not a fan of most modern dance music. I like a nice slow ballad for dancing and jazz for listening."
"I don't know much about jazz."
"I could recommend some."
"Um, that's okay. I don't get to listen to much music anyway. Usually just at wedding receptions and parties."
In other words, she hated jazz. Another item where we differed. Clearly the only thing we had in common was this wedding. Too bad.
Emmy glanced at her watch and then toward the resort. "Thank you for the help but I really do need to be going. I have quite a bit of work to do to put together the details for Lisa's party. Do you have any more questions or concerns?"
"You seem to have everything well in hand."
She was damn good at her job. I had to give her that. Competence was sexy.
"I think that I do. If I have any more questions, I'll contact you."
There wouldn't be any more reasons for us to spend time together and that was fine. There might be a spark between us but eventually we had to talk to each other. "That sounds fine. Thanks for showing me the venue."
"It was no trouble."
I bid goodbye to Emerson Grant, feeling a pang of regret as I watched her walk away. Beautiful woman, but we weren't compatible in the least.
Emmy
Awkward. It was the only way to describe my time with Owen Campbell.
We didn't have a damn thing in common other than we found each other physically attractive. At least I assumed he did from the way he'd looked at me. I certainly found him yummy but it had been so hard to talk to him. We didn't have much to chat about other than the two people who connected us - Dan and Lisa.
I'd checked off the last item on today's to-do list and headed back to my room. Kicking off my shoes, I fell back on the bed and checked my text messages.
One from my mom.
One from my friend Mia who was currently residing in Scotland.
One from my friend Ashlyn.
Mia and Ashlyn were part of my friend circle, along with Mia's older sister Shelby. The four of us were a tightknit group and more like family than friends. I'd trust them with my life and my secrets. If I had any secrets.
I pressed Ashlyn's contact and her phone rang a few times before she answered.
"It's fifteen degrees here."
"And a hello to you, too," I laughed. "Is that any way to answer your phone?"
"It is when one of my best friends in the world is sunning herself in the tropical Caribbean. Tell me all about it. I can live vicariously through you. Is it warm? Can you feel the sun on your skin?"
Ashlyn knew better than this so it must be really fucking cold back home.
"You know that I'm not on vacation. I'm working. I am not lying in the sun ordering drinks from a handsome cabana guy. I'm working my tail off here."
"Is it warm?" Ashlyn persisted. "Tonight the wind chill is supposed to be zero."
Normally, I really like winter weather but even I had to admit that it was getting old. It was time for spring.
"It is warm," I admitted. "Very warm. Hot, really. And my hair is curling because of the humidity."
"I don't feel sorry for you in the least," Ashlyn replied, her tone tart. "Did I mention that it's supposed to snow here? Again. We may never see the ground at this rate."
"It does always feel like that this time of year, doesn't it?" I laughed. "But summer does always come and then you're complaining about the heat."
"I never complain about the heat."
"You do."
"I have no memory of what you're talking about. You must be delirious...from the heat there. Now tell me about how the wedding plans are going. It should all be on cruise control by now."
Normally, it would be and the only work I'd need to do would be to make sure what was supposed to happen actually did happen.
"Groom threw me a last-minute curve ball. The bachelorette party last week was cancelled due to the bride's work commitments. Her entire office got the flu and she was practically the only one standing. He wanted to give her a surprise bachelorette party tomorrow night, so I've been working on that today."
"No rest for you, then. Is it going to happen?"
Of course. I made dreams come true. At least that's what my business card said.
"It is." I paused for a moment, not sure whether to mention Owen but something was pushing me to do it. "The groom lent me his best man to help with the preparations. You know...answer questions and such. That way he wouldn't be getting texts from me and it wouldn't raise any suspicions with the bride."
"Is he?"
I didn't have a clue as to what Ashlyn was talking about.
"Is he what?"
"The best man."
Oh.
"Why do you ask?"
Delay and deny.
"Because you sounded strange when you mentioned him. So give it up, girl. What gives? Is he gorgeous? He is, isn't he? Tell me every little detail and don't leave anything out, especially the really salacious stuff."
"I'm working, Ash. There is no salacious stuff. That's my rule, and I never break rules."
"But there is something going on. Spill it."
"It's not a big deal."
"It was enough for you to mention."
I did, didn't I?
"There's this man–"
"I'm listening," Ashlyn interrupted. "Is he handsome? I bet he is."
"Who's telling this story?" I teased my friend. "If you already know it, then I don't have to tell you."
"Sorry, keep going."
"So there's this man," I began again. "And yes, he is handsome. Quite good-looking. Sexy."
"What's he look like?"
"Dark hair. Nice eyes. Keeps in shape. He's a doctor, too."
"Oh," Ashlyn breathed. "A doctor. A real one? Or like Shelby?"
Our friend Shelby had a PhD in psychology, so she was a real doctor, just not a medical one.
"Don't let Shelby hear you say that. As for what kind he is, I don't know. I only heard him addressed as Doctor. He could be either one. Honestly, I don't care which. Either way he's extremely accomplished and probably intelligent, too."
"Handsome and successful. A powerful combination. So what's the problem? Is he married?"
"I don't think so. There's no ring."
That didn't mean he was single, though. I was making assumptions based on how he'd looked at me, which in hindsight was rather naive. Married men looked at women.
"Emmy, you're dancing around here. What's going on with this guy?"
"We don't have a thing in common. Not one thing e
xcept this wedding."
There. I'd said it out loud.
"How do you even know?"
"I was showing him the venue for the bachelorette party," I explained with a groan. "We got to talking. He's one of those people that likes hot weather, jazz, and the outdoors. Dear heavens, Ash...he goes camping. Like outside. On purpose."
My distaste for the great outdoors was well known among my friends and family. There were bugs and dirt and no plumbing. Maybe snakes and bears, too. S'mores simply weren't enough of a benefit to compensate for all the negatives.
I could hear Ashlyn's laughter through the phone.
"So glad I could entertain you," I said, acid in my tone. "With friends like you–"
"Okay, calm down. It is kind of funny though, if you think about it. You meet some great guy and he's like some Outward Bound dude. Does he climb mountains, too?"
Ashlyn's boyfriend Kyle had climbed a mountain once.
"I don't know and I wouldn't care as long as he didn't want to drag me along with him."
"Maybe he doesn't care if you go camping, either," Ashlyn suggested. "Maybe he only goes with his guy friends. Like a male bonding kind of event."
"Maybe..."
Except I kind of got the idea that he hoped that I would like it too by the way he'd said it. As if he wanted me to jump in and say how much I loved camping as well.
"But why does it matter? You're only just getting to know each other. You know, in Shelby's book it talks about how differences are good and that you shouldn't try to date yourself, basically. Being with someone the same would be boring."
Glancing down at my carryon bag, I could see the corner of the blue binder sticking out. Shelby's book. I'd promised to read it and I always kept my promises.
"You didn't think disagreeing was so great when you met Kyle," I reminded her. "You hated his guts."
"And I was wrong," she replied. "We're actually more alike than we are different. The most important is morals, values, and goals. Those are the same. As for whether he hates rom-coms or I hate thrillers...that's minor. We simply compromise every now and then. For example, the other day we went for Thai food even though Kyle hates Thai food. So later I let him pick the movie. Compromise."
"I don't want to eat food I don't like."
Outdoors. With no bathroom.
"He found a dish on the menu that he was okay with. He didn't hate it. When you fall in love, you'll want to make compromises."
I'd heard that before from couples in love. They were probably right which could only mean one thing.
I'd never been in love.
Not really. Just flimsy facsimiles. It didn't say much for my taste in men. Or me, for that matter. Perhaps I was one of those people that didn't inspire love. Or compromise, for that matter. I might be destined to be alone for the rest of my life, except for a bunch of cats.
Wait...I'm allergic to cats. Could I be a crazy dog lady instead? Did they allow that? How about fish? With my busy schedule I could probably take care of an aquarium.
"I'm sure I will," I finally replied. "But until then I'm not going camping. It doesn't matter, anyway. He's a member of the wedding party which means he's off limits. No going there."
"You really need to read the book."
"I will. In fact, I'll order room service and read some of it tonight."
"Excellent."
"Right after the welcome cocktail party."
"Em," Ashlyn sighed. "Do you even ever sleep?"
"I'll sleep when I'm dead."
"If you don't slow down, that may be sooner rather than later."
Less time to be a crazy cat lady then.
"If I make it through the night, I'll call you tomorrow."
"Read the book," Ashlyn said as I ended the call.
Pulling it out of my bag, I threw it down on the bed and glared at it.
"You're a pain in the ass, you know that?"
The book didn't answer, of course, but it did sort of lie there...mocking me. It had the upper hand at this moment because I'd promised.
Tonight, I was going to keep that promise. But first I had to attend a party and avoid Dr. Owen Campbell.
How difficult could it be?
Chapter 3
Emmy
I had Shelby's book spread across one side of the bathroom vanity and my makeup on the other, reading snippets as I applied mascara. I'd learned to multi-task years ago and I swear it's the key to getting shit done.
The book was actually pretty damn good. My friend had made massive revisions after Mia and Ashlyn had read through it. In her first draft, the beginning was a tad old-fashioned for me but now it read far more contemporary. The tone was extremely empowering and I appreciated the practical, down to earth step by step relationship advice.
Honestly, most of it seemed like common sense.
It wasn't rocket science to dump a guy if he never called. Or if he showed up late for every date. Or didn't show up at all without a good reason, like a car accident. I wouldn't have much heartburn about breaking up with a man if he constantly talked to his ex-girlfriend and was going over to her house several times a week. But I was the type that didn't take much crap when I dated.
Which might be why I'm single. Hey, I'm fine with it. I'd rather be alone than with the wrong man.
Tonight was the welcome cocktail party for family and others who were in the wedding. It was a small, intimate affair and the wedding party had come in early, wanting to get out of the cold and snow back home.
Twisting the mascara tube closed, I surveyed my lipstick choices. As an event planner I normally tried to blend into the decor, not taking any attention from the real stars of the show - the bride and groom. Tonight would be no different. I was wearing a simple black halter dress and black high-heeled sandals. If I'd been going out with the girls I would have chosen a red shade, but this was for work. A pink-beige nude would do the job. Quickly I swiped it on and checked my teeth for any transfer.
Satisfied that I didn't look a fright, I tossed the book on the bed and grabbed my evening bag. I wanted to be the first person downstairs in case there were any issues. Not that I expected any. This resort was first class and had been on top of every single request.
I pushed open my door and stepped into the hallway just as the door next to mine opened too.
Owen.
He was in the room next to mine? How did I not know that? Clearly, I was slipping as I was supposed to know all the details of this wedding.
Crap. It was going to be more difficult to avoid him if he was staying only a few feet from me.
"Miss Grant."
He looked good, dressed in a blue suit and blue and gold tie. Despite the casual vibe of the island and resort, Lisa and Dan had asked their wedding party to dress up for the event tonight.
So he's handsome. So what? Lots of men were good-looking.
"Dr. Campbell."
"Please call me Owen."
"Then you should call me Emmy."
We'd done this once before in the bar and it was even more awkward a second time. He shut his door with a loud click and slipped his key card into the breast pocket of his jacket. He had nice hands. Long fingers. Maybe he was a surgeon.
"Headed to the party?"
I nodded and tucked my bag under my arm. "I am. I wanted to be there early."
And I wouldn't be if I didn't get a move on. I hated to be late.
"That's where I'm going too. Dan asked us guys to be there early as well. He wants to talk to us about tomorrow night."
"The bachelorette party?"
Owen's smile widened. "Specifically, what we're going to do while the ladies party. I voted for beer and pizza."
"That sounds like a very wise choice as long as you don't drink too much."
Geez, I sounded like someone's uptight mother.
"We'll keep Dan on the straight and narrow." Owen held out his arm indicating that I should go ahead. He fell into step beside me. I wasn't going to be able to shake him
until we arrived at the party. "We don't want him hung over and miserable for his own wedding, but a couple of beers won't hurt."
The elevator doors slid open as if they'd been waiting for us. "You're a doctor. You don't know some amazing hangover cure?"
"I'm not that kind of doctor. But I do think that lots of water doesn't hurt. Honestly, I think my last hangover was back in college."
My last hangover was about three months ago. Too much wine. Another item we didn't have in common.
I kept my mouth shut during the elevator ride. I'd been determined to avoid him but the universe was clearly messing with me.
"How's the planning for the bachelorette party? Is there anything you need my help with?"
This man could not take a hint. I'd been studiously avoiding even looking at him hoping he'd ignore me as well, but he just didn't get it.
"It's fine. It's all set. No worries."
Now I just sounded bitchy. Not what I was going for. Time to reset.
"But I do appreciate the offer. It really is all set."
The doors slid open and I practically jumped out of the car but Owen - with those long legs - was right behind me. Damn. A girl couldn't catch a break tonight.
"How do you plan to get Lisa out to the venue? I might be able to help there."
I wanted to smack myself in the forehead and then do the same to Owen. Did he not see that I was desperately trying to get away from him? I'd done everything but burrow a hole in the floor beneath my feet and cover myself with dirt and tile.
"It's all taken care of. I'll call Lisa to tell her I found the perfect spot to have some wedding photos taken and I need her to see it."
I stopped just outside the entrance to the bar where the party would take place. It was perfect for the event and had a fantastic patio that overlooked the beach. We had it all to ourselves tonight from five to seven.
Nice. Be nice. Patient. He's a nice man. He could have been a real asshole.
"I appreciate so much all the assistance you've given me, Owen. It was very kind of you to help your friend out. If I need anything else, I'll let you know but I truly think it's all set up. You should just relax and enjoy your weekend."
He simply nodded, his gaze going over my shoulder. I could hear Dan and Lisa arriving behind me. "I'm sure you have it all in hand. Have a nice evening."
Touch Him (ManTrap Book 3) Page 2
