Rules of Engagement

by Kay Lyons

  "Only when I'm interested."

  She rolled her eyes and shook her head with an uncomfortable laugh. "Well, I'm not interested," she said, throwing his choice of words back at him.

  "Why not?"

  "What, hasn't a woman ever said no to you?"

  "I get the feeling you're saying no for the wrong reasons," he said, ignoring her question.

  Wrong reasons? Oh, she had all the right reasons. "Relationships muck things up," she said, reminding herself, aloud, while staring at his gorgeousness. "And I don't do one-night stands."

  No matter how tired she was. No matter how much she'd like to be cradled against Carter's broad chest, held in those tatted arms, if only for a moment.

  "Good to know. But what things?"

  What?

  Oh, things. Like friendship things. Relationship things. Business things. "Everything."

  "How so?"

  She shoved her hair out of her face. "People fall in love and trust people and then… it doesn't work. Take today for example. Bridezilla, for all her faults, seems to be in love. Whereas the groom propositioned me before and after the wedding." The jerk had even offered to throw in a "bonus" if she'd agree.

  "All men don't cheat, sweetheart."

  She blinked, drawn to his words and the sexy tone used to say them.

  Thankfully the doors opened with a musical chime, and she shoved herself off the elevator wall but then tripped exiting into the hallway.

  Carter caught her from behind and kept her from taking a nosedive into the floor. The crazy carpet pattern and colors beneath her feet swirled like a sick carnival ride.

  But him holding her? Those muscled arms wrapped around her as he helped her straighten?

  She turned and wound up pressed against his equally muscled chest and held on to those tattooed arms for dear life until the world stopped spinning. "Thanks," she mumbled. "Th-that wasn't from drinking."

  "Uh-huh."

  "Really. I can be clumsy. It's a fact."

  He smiled again and her stomach did a somersault.

  "Sure it wasn't the shock of what I said?"

  "Men say that, then they do what they want anyway."

  As fast as he'd caught her and saved her from the fall, Carter released her to keep the elevator doors from closing behind him. She watched as he swiped her purse up off the elevator floor and handed it over before he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

  "You obviously haven't met the right man."

  The right man? Meaning him?

  Any woman in her right mind would steer clear of someone like Carter, if for no other reason than the fact women would be constantly throwing themselves at him and eventually… Well, what were the odds he'd always say no? "I'm a realist," she said dryly.

  "You believe everyone cheats?"

  "I don't want to argue with you." Her entire body ached with fatigue, and her cool bedsheets called her name.

  "We're not arguing. We're discussing. So tell me. Have you ever cheated in a relationship?"

  "What? No!" She glanced up at him and found him looking curiously… relieved?

  "No?"

  "No," she repeated, lifting her chin. "Absolutely not."

  "Well, neither have I, sweetheart. When I'm with someone, I'm theirs. Which," he added, "proves your theory wrong."

  She was still stumbling over the thought of him being… well, hers. "Fine. Maybe not everyone cheats. But the odds? Not good. Because maybe they haven't because they haven't been together long enough, or they haven't had the opportunity… but they want to."

  "That's a little dark."

  "Yeah, well, I've planned many a vow renewal ceremony for couples trying to repair a marriage after cheating. And that's just the ones who get caught. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who've cheated and managed to get away with it."

  "Okay, then."

  Uh-huh. Pretty Boy wasn't loading up the charm now. Not after that rant. Score one for the cynic! "See? I win." A laugh bubbled out of her before she shrugged, unapologetic. "Marsali says I'm jaded."

  "Marsali seems to be right in your case. But I'd hardly call that a win. I think you just haven't met the right guy. Because that guy would never give you reason to doubt your relationship."

  "Doesn't matter at this point. I'm done. Done, done, done."

  Carter stared down at her with an expression she couldn't quite pinpoint, and she looked away and busied herself by opening her bag to try to find her key card.

  "Need some help?"

  She dug around inside the abyss with no luck. After waiting patiently for several long moments, Carter held out his hand in a silent offer to take a look. She normally wouldn't hand her bag to a stranger, but her head was starting to pound from the champagne and hunger, and she felt exhaustion creeping into the very depths of her soul.

  The topic of conversation sucked, too, because she knew she was a little bitter and jaded, but if anyone had walked in her shoes, they would be, too. She saw the best and worst of the couples who hired her, as well as their families and friends.

  She let Carter have the carry-all that served as her purse, and after a poking around several seconds, he produced the lost key card still inside the paper case with her room number. Thank goodness she didn't have to try to remember it. "Yay," she said softly, cheering in her relief, because the last thing she wanted was to have to go back to the lobby to the front desk and get another.

  Carter smiled that sexy smile of his that had no doubt lured many a woman to do bad, bad things, but before he gave her back the bag, he pulled something else from the depths and held up one of her business cards. She watched as he tucked it into his pocket. "What are you doing?"

  "Getting your number."

  "Why?"

  "Because I want it."

  He gave her back the tote and took her hand in his, and she couldn't help but think how big and strong and masculine his palm felt as he tugged her along the hallway. "Are you going to post a bad review?"

  "No."

  "Recommend me to an engaged couple?"

  "Don't know any other than Lincoln and Amelia."

  Then why take her card? She pondered the possibilities and glanced around, frowning at the numbers posted at the beginning of various hallways. "We're lost," she said. "I think my room is the other way."

  "It's this way," Carter countered without pausing. "So what's his name?"

  "Whose name?"

  "The man who left you so jaded you don't believe in love."

  "Shhhhh," she said, digging in her heels and forcing him to stop. "It's not marketab-ble to be a wedding planner who doesn't believe in love." She shook her hand loose from his to lift it, pinky raised, toward him. "You can't tell anyone. I mean it. Promise."

  Carter looked like he was torn between laughter and disbelief, but he dutifully lifted his hand and pinky swore to keep her bitterness to himself.

  "Eliza… can I tell you a secret?"

  "I s'pose." Oh, her head felt really fuzzy. Maybe she shouldn't have downed the last of her champagne before leaving the lobby.

  Eliza tried to pull her hand away again, but his finger tightened over hers. Carter used his hold to gently tug her closer, and he leaned low, until his lips were near her ear.

  "I don't like it that you don't believe in love."

  "You… don't?"

  That smile. This one made her tired toes curl in her comfortable flats and, dang, it made her want to be one of those women who did bad things. To him. With him. Had he always smelled so good?

  "Hey? Eliza?"

  She blinked up at him and found his gaze narrowed on her again, even though the hallway spun around them like those shots they did in the movies that always made her look away before she lost her popcorn and cherry Twizzlers. "Yeah?"

  "You still with me, sweetheart?"

  "I need to lie down."

  "Come on, sweetheart. Let's get to your room before you pass out on me."

  Her room. She couldn't wait to lie down.


  And yet… her bed was big and cold and empty.

  Maybe she should get a dog? Then she'd at least have someone to sleep with who wouldn't cheat on her. Someone loyal and loving and always happy to see her when she got home. "Doodles are cute."

  "Pardon?"

  "I need a dog."

  His expression sharpened at her statement and the change in subject, and he urged her a little faster down the hall.

  Finally they made it to the door of her room, and she watched as he swiped the plastic over the pad and the door unlocked with a flash of green and three short beeps.

  Carter pushed the door open and held it with his foot, gently ushering her inside, where she leaned against the closest wall for support.

  "Here's your key card. Don't forget to lock the door behind me."

  "I won't," she mumbled, forcing her tired lashes up to meet his gaze. "I'm sorry."

  "For what, sweetheart?"

  "Just… forget everything I've said, okay? I'm… really hungry."

  She felt his hand brush her hair back from her face, and the moment he touched her skin, she forgot how to breathe.

  "You're asleep on your feet, aren't you?"

  "She was an awful bride. And James keeps hiring my staff out from under me and… she was awful."

  Carter's thumb drifted over her cheek, her lower lip. The pad felt a bit rough, sandpapery, but once again he left a trail of fire behind. And the look on his face, his eyes…

  "Sweet dreams, Eliza."

  "Wait. Wh-what are you going to dream about?"

  Carter chuckled, and oh, that sound. It was low and sexy and it rolled over her skin and enveloped her like a warm blanket and a back rub combined. The kind that always led to more.

  "You. Definitely you, sweetheart. Now lock the door behind me. I'll be in touch."

  "No, no, wait," she said, forcing herself to focus with a brain-rattling shake of her head. She didn't want this to be his impression of her. This tired, tipsy, let-him-touch-her-and-say… Or to think… "I want my business card."

  He backed into the hallway and gave her that toe-curling grin again as the door began to swing closed. "Nope," he said, emphasizing the P just before it shut.

  Chapter 4

  The following day, Carter squinted across the expanse of the beach and wished he had a pair of binoculars to see whether or not the woman who'd caught his attention fifteen or twenty minutes ago was Eliza Bellefonte.

  It looked like her, but from this distance, he just couldn't be sure.

  "Daddy!"

  Piper drew his attention, and he followed her pointing finger toward the dolphins breaking the surface of the Atlantic. "Cool. How many do you see?"

  "Three!"

  He chuckled at her excitement. "Are you sure you don't want a dolphin birthday party instead of mermaid?"

  His adorable imp turned her back to the surf and placed both hands on her slim hips, lifting her chin high.

  "I'm Ariel, Daddy. See?"

  The last was said with a lift of her hands, palms to the sky, to indicate her blazing red hair, and there was so much attitude and sass in the statement that he couldn't help but chuckle. "So I see. Promise me something, kiddo."

  "What, Daddy?"

  "Promise me that when you're a teenager, you'll turn down the boys and still go on Daddy-daughter dates with me."

  She grinned at him, flashing her dimples, and nodded. "Of course!"

  Piper went back to building a mermaid army on the sand with a plastic mold, and Carter found himself glancing toward the hotel farther down the beach once more. "Hey, you about ready to go get some food?"

  "Ice cream?"

  "I never should've let you talk me into that," he said with a wry shake of his head.

  "It's only on Daddy-daughter Day, Daddy."

  True. Dessert first once a week wasn't that bad of a thing, was it? Especially when she ate well the rest of the time. "So what's the answer? You getting hungry?"

  "Yeah."

  "Let's get moving then."

  "Okay." Piper scrambled to her feet, and he held out the easy-on sundress she wore as a cover. Once dressed, she wriggled her tiny, freckled toes into her flip-flops, and he smiled at the mix of sand and the blue nail polish the last babysitter had applied.

  They left their chairs and lowered umbrella behind and headed in the direction of the hotel and the indoor-outdoor restaurant.

  "Where are we going?"

  "How does a big-girl restaurant sound for today?"

  "Okay. But I get ice cream?"

  "That's the deal." He squinted behind his dark sunglasses, but the woman had her back to them. If it was Eliza, she didn't look happy. She paced the beach in back of the hotel with a cell phone to her ear and some kind of notebook in hand.

  He and Piper closed the distance, and confirmation that it was Eliza came as a kick to his gut, a fact that wasn't lost on him.

  After walking her to her door last night, he'd spent the ride home and the rest of his waking hours pondering the beautiful mess that was Eliza Bellefonte.

  From what he'd gleaned from Mac about her business partnership/personal relationship going bad, she'd been put through the wringer and was still recovering on a multitude of levels.

  If he was smart, he'd leave things as they'd ended. Especially since she'd declared herself uninterested. But he remembered her humor and beauty and sweetness, and from thirty feet away, Carter shook his head at the man stupid enough to hurt her.

  Hearts were fragile and not to be toyed with, and he had a daughter growing up in a world where people trashed other people without a care as to the consequences to their lives. He wasn't okay with that. And even if he and Eliza were never more than friends, he'd at least like her to see not all men were cheating losers.

  He and Piper finally made it to the area behind the hotel and the woman occupying his thoughts. Eliza released a low sound of frustration and muttered to herself, a small foot stomping into the sand.

  "Is there a problem?" he asked.

  "Oh!"

  Eliza swung to face them, looking casual yet professional in white knee-length shorts and a blue sleeveless blouse, dark sunglasses on her nose. Her bag and sandals were tossed aside nearby.

  He took in Eliza's pinched features and the firm line of her mouth and still felt the same pull he had last night.

  "Hi, I'm Piper," his daughter said. "What's your name?"

  Eliza seemed to notice his daughter for the first time. She managed a smile.

  "I'm Eliza. It's nice to meet you, Piper."

  "What's going on?" he asked, eyeing the wood pieces scattered on the sand. Another glance revealed plastic standup signs stating that the area was closed for a private event.

  "I'm having… setup issues."

  "Meaning?"

  "The man who is supposed to be here putting this together right now didn't show and isn't coming," she said, voice laden with frustration.

  "Maybe I can help you out."

  "Oh, I couldn't… I mean—"

  The phone in her hand bleeped, and she glanced at the face only to exhale in a rush.

  "Okay. Well. That was my backup plan saying they're out of town."

  "Eliza? Let me help."

  He watched as she took a deep breath and came to terms with the fact she was out of options and going to have to accept the offer.

  "Okay. Yeah, I'd… appreciate it. If the bride looks over her balcony and finds the arbor in pieces, I'm likely to have an even bigger problem on my hands."

  "Okay. Where's the schematic?"

  "Here, but… are you sure?"

  "Yes. But I have to take Piper to the snack bar first.”

  “Oh. Of course. Unless…maybe I could do it? I’d be happy to, I mean.”

  She probably offered so he would get started on the project, but in the scheme of things, it didn’t matter. Both had to be done. “Yeah, sure. Thanks. Piper, Eliza is going to take you to get your ice cream while I be a good friend and help her
by building this, okay?" he asked.

  "Ice cream for lunch?" Eliza asked, looking appropriately shocked.

  "Only on Daddy-daughter dates," Piper said. "Dessert first is a rule. Then I have to eat my food."

  Eliza stared at him, lowering her voice. "This is your Daddy-daughter date?"

  He could feel Eliza about to protest his involvement and recant her acceptance and hurried to stop it. "Go get the ice cream while I get started. And don't worry, she's going through a growth spurt, so she's always hungry. She'll eat despite the treat."

  Eliza looked like she wanted to argue but was feeling that spot between a rock and hard place. He pulled cash from his pocket.

  "Oh, please. No. I'll get it," Eliza said. "It's the least I can do since I'm taking time from your date."

  He hesitated but then accepted the offer with a nod. "Piper? Only one scoop. Got it?"

  "Got it."

  "Have fun, ladies. I'll get to work on this. Piper, behave and mind your manners with Ms. Eliza, okay?"

  "Okay, Daddy."

  Piper grasped Eliza's hand and tugged her toward the hotel, and Eliza glanced over her shoulder at him one last time before turning away.

  Carter watched them go, enjoying the sway of Eliza's hips in her shorts before he finally forced himself to focus and got to work, glancing over the instructions quickly.

  The arbor wouldn't take long to build, but getting it securely anchored in the sand so it wouldn't topple in the breeze during the ceremony would be the more difficult task. He wondered how she did this multiple times a week, but then remembered her help hadn't shown up.

  Carter put together the long sides of the wooden structure before he worked on the more complicated top. Something made him glance up, and he spotted Piper a ways away, looking up at Eliza with a huge smile as they made their way toward him.

  His heart tugged at the sight. His baby girl deserved to have a loving mother in her life, but the handful of women he'd dated since Piper's mother had split had been so self-involved they'd demanded they come first, something that didn't work for him as a single dad to an infant or toddler at the time.

  He'd quickly learned few women were willing to take a backseat to a child even during the dating stage, and his relationships had never been more than casual since. His soon-to-be sister-in-law and niece would have to fill the void in Piper's life, at least for the time being, and instead of hiring a slew of babysitters, he'd decided to go ahead and promote someone within his business so that he could work after-school hours at home like Lincoln had when his first wife was killed. After all, it wasn't like he'd ever get these years with Piper back.