by Tara Randel
“Thanks, Max. I appreciate it.”
“After I fix the knob, I’ll still run a system check. Although it won’t do much good if the alarm isn’t set when everyone leaves.”
“I’m sure Mrs. R. will be on it now. She’s pretty upset.”
“I don’t mean to put it on you, but you are in charge of things. Make sure it happens.”
Her shoulders went stiff. “If I had known, I would have taken care of the problem.”
“Did Mrs. R. give you the code?”
Lilli hesitated, since he wasn’t going to like her answer. “Not yet.”
He ran a hand over his stubbly chin.
“I planned on getting it today.”
He looked less than pleased. “Make sure you keep it handy. Have you seen the keypad yet?”
“On the wall by my mother’s office.”
“Come with me.”
Max grabbed his toolbox and they walked back to the office. Max stopped by the keypad. “It’s your basic model. Easy to use.”
“I’m sure I’d have figured it out.”
“Give it a try.” He moved so close she felt his breath in her hair. “You don’t have to put heavy pressure on the keypad when you enter the number, but make sure you press firmly.”
Ignoring the jitters Max inspired, Lilli focused on the tiny green glowing button, indicating the system was turned off, then did as instructed. “Got it.”
It might have been her imagination, but it seemed he stood beside her a little longer than necessary, his body heat invading her space, making her flush.
He finally stepped away. “If the alarm is armed properly, we shouldn’t have any more close calls.”
Lilli nodded. From now on she planned to stop by the office on her way home from work every night to make sure the alarm had been set. “Is there anything else I should do?”
“As long as everyone follows protocol, both collections will be safe.”
“After this, I’m even more concerned about the Wingate collection. Do you think keeping it at the country club when it arrives is wise? Should we get a safety deposit box at the bank?”
“Klaus and I went over the security system at the club with a fine-tooth comb and when I make the upgrades, you can rest assured that no one will be able to access the safe.”
“Sounds like you have the situation under control.”
“It’s what I do, Lilli. Trust me.”
She didn’t have a choice, but he’d proved he was on the job. She couldn’t ask for more.
“If your mother still insists on displaying the jewelry here after the benefit, Sanders Security will work overtime.”
“Let’s not wait until then. Hopefully she’ll realize the risk isn’t worth it.”
Max raised an eyebrow.
“Because of the wedding dresses,” Lilli explained. “They’re a big draw for the event. Come look.”
She led him to the dress forms displaying the vintage collection. “These really pull the theme of the benefit together. To me, they are at least as important as the jewelry and we need to keep them safe at all costs.”
“We will, Lilli.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to go on about this. It isn’t about the money. If anything were to happen, neither the jewelry nor these gowns can be replaced.”
“Either way, I’ll make sure both collections are protected. Today I’ll fix the back door and check all the locks. I’ll file a police report and alert the chief to make sure this office is part of a regular patrol. I’ll also stop by frequently to check on things.”
“Thanks.”
A few seconds of silence passed.
“So, this is why women get all crazy over weddings?”
“You have to admit, they are exquisite.”
He reached out to touch the lace on one dress. His masculine hand should have seemed out of place beside something so fragile, but in the movement, Lilli saw the gentle strength Max possessed.
“I know men don’t get excited about the planning part of the wedding,” she said in a soft voice. “But it’s hard to ignore the look on a man’s face when he gets the first glimpse of his bride walking down the aisle wearing a dress like this.”
Max turned his head. Her blood warmed at the heat smoldering in his eyes. Once again she had more questions than answers. If she could have found her voice, she might have asked what was going on between them.
Behind them, Mrs. R. cleared her throat. Max blinked and the moment vanished.
“I guess we’re finished here.”
Lilli nodded. Max said goodbye to the ladies, then walked out with the toolbox in his hand. Mrs. R. and Jewel moved to stand on either side of Lilli.
“I don’t think he was very happy,” Jewel said.
“It’s his job to be upset when we don’t follow security protocols.”
“I don’t know what I would have done if the collection had disappeared.” Mrs. R. swiped at her eyes. “I should let your mother know what’s going on.”
Lilli stopped her. She did not want to have to explain this to Celeste. “Nothing bad happened, so let’s not worry my mother. We’ll be more vigilant from this point on.”
Mrs. R. nodded and returned to her desk.
Lilli and Jewel returned to the area where they’d been working.
“Max probably thinks I’m incompetent. Why didn’t I ask for the pass code sooner?”
“I doubt it. He’s doing a job—simple as that.”
“I know. It’s just...”
“You seriously like Max.”
Lilli nodded, her cheeks going pink.
Jewel’s voice gentled. “Maybe you need to take a chance with him. Put yourself out there. You’ve been so busy with work you’ve cut yourself off from a lot of guys who would like to date you. Give Max the benefit of the doubt. You’re going to Tie the Knot together.”
“Not like a real date.”
“But it could be.”
“And then what would I do?”
Jewel grinned. “From the way he looks at you, girlfriend, I don’t think it’ll be long before you find out.”
“His business comes first. I can’t compete with that.”
“So make yourself unforgettable.”
Lilli groaned. “I’ve already done that. And not in a good way.”
“Then it should be easier from here on out.”
If only.
“Why don’t we get back to the task at hand.” Lilli glanced at her watch. They still had a good fifteen minutes before they had to get back to the office. “What else did you want to show me?”
Jewel grabbed a notepad she’d been using. “About the wedding favors. I have an idea.”
“That’s why we’re here. Shoot.”
“Okay.” Jewel showed Lilli a drawing. “How about a twist on the traditional wedding invitation. We take fancy card stock, emboss the front with the historical society logo. On the inside, on delicate paper, we print the fund-raiser particulars as if they were a wedding announcement. Only it’s information about the recipients of the benefit.”
“Clever.”
“We can punch a hole in the corner and add a blue ribbon for a finishing touch.”
“Perfect. See, I told Mary you’d have great ideas. She’s relieved to let you run with them.”
“I love it,” Jewel said as she gathered up her tote bag to return to work. “And I’m glad to be a part of it.”
“Me, too. Listen, tell Jim I’ll be there shortly. While I’m out I want to swing past the car dealership and see what Mr. Danielson has decided.”
“Okay. See you later.”
Jewel left while Mrs. R. chattered on the phone again. Trying to suppress the restlessness that came fr
om dealing with Max, Lilli wandered over to the display gowns. She hadn’t taken time to truly admire them.
After she’d flown out of here on Saturday, she’d realized she needed to let go of what had happened at her wedding rehearsal. Yes, she’d been dumped. Yes, it hurt. But she’d moved on. She wanted to open her heart to new possibilities, not close it off forever out of fear.
As she looked back, Lilli saw that she’d wanted to marry Rob because it had seemed like the next logical step in their relationship. It was what everyone had expected. She’d lost track of the girl who’d stepped out of her comfort zone one summer night to be free.
Spending time with Max reminded her of that all-too-brief time in her life when she’d been willing to put aside what her parents and society expected in order to follow her heart. Maybe it wasn’t too late to revive those dreams.
What if she’d been engaged to a man who respected her decisions and goals? A man she could partner with, not against? A man like Max? He certainly didn’t mind that she enjoyed her job. Treated her as a professional equal. He asked her opinions. But could there be more between them as Jewel suggested?
Changing her line of concentration, she admired a silk Chanel wedding dress. As she read the placard, she discovered the short dress worn just below the knee with a court train was from the twenties. A cloche cap with a long veil finished the look.
Next, a slim sheath gown of white lamé with fitted sleeves and a court train cascading from the shoulders to gather delicately on the floor. A tiara held a sweeping tulle veil.
The next dress form in the row showcased an ankle-length trainless gown of white organdy over a crinoline, paired with a short bouffant veil—clearly a style from the fifties. An off-white lace minidress with a long tulle veil made Lilli laugh. The groovy style of the sixties was not her thing, but she could appreciate the workmanship that had gone into the handmade lace.
Her heart stopped when she came to the next creation. Modeled in the spirit of romance, and clearly inspired by Princess Diana, the white taffeta with seed pearls, sequins and antique lace spoke of traditional pomp and circumstance, with a bit of nobility thrown in.
Finally, an exquisite, strapless Vera Wang of ivory satin graced its dress form. Any modern bride would love to walk down the aisle in this number.
After her in-depth research about all things bridal, the gowns took on more meaning. Each decade had a new look, updating the years before as well as including new inspiration.
One thing remained the same. All the tulle, lace, satin and silk only added to the joy of a bride joining her groom on their wedding day. Hopefully, that one fact never changed.
She fingered the lace on the dress, memories of her own wedding gown filling her mind. She remembered that she and Celeste had gone shopping at an exclusive boutique, having a girls’ day out. Now that she reflected on it, though, she realized that her mother had chosen the dress. Lilli had loved the style, but there hadn’t been any real emotion behind the choice.
Frowning, she glanced down at the lace in her hand. What had happened to her gown, anyway? Her mother had taken care of it, just as she had everything else related to the doomed wedding festivities at the time. Lilli dropped the material. That part of her life had ended.
She closed her eyes, thankful she hadn’t married Rob. What a disaster it would have been. He hadn’t been honest with her about his feelings prior to the rehearsal dinner. If they’d gone through with the wedding it would have been worse.
The image of Max standing before the town, defending himself, popped into her mind. Honesty. Max Sanders had it in spades. She now realized more than ever how much that quality mattered. At some point, her admiration for Max had subtly shifted and her heart had become engaged. Could her feelings for him get any more complicated?
With a shake of her head, she collected her purse, ready to get on with the business of the day. At least with her job, she knew where she stood and had a measure of control.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
MAX WALKED INTO his office late the next morning after a successful appointment.
Blanche stopped typing and looked up. “Good morning, boss.” A huge smile filled her elfin face.
“Make that an excellent morning.”
“Tell me.”
“I’m pretty confident I nailed the Rawlings job. He needs to talk to his board.”
“Did you get more details?”
Max crossed the room to the coffee station and poured a mug. “Since Rawlings headquarters are based here, Sanders Security will continue to operate from Cypress Pointe. I’ll travel to all his warehouse locations and evaluate security. This is going to take a while. After that, we’ll implement and maintain security, and if Rawlings acquires new locations, we’ll go in there, as well.”
“So, where does that leave Bart and me?”
“I’m planning on hiring extra help to keep things going in Cypress Pointe when I’m away. I told you I wouldn’t let you go.”
Blanche fiddled with the mouse beside her keyboard. “It’s not me I’m worried about.”
Max raised a brow. “Then who?”
“You.”
“What? Why?”
“You’re starting to fit in Cypress Pointe. If you’re gone all the time, you’ll miss out on lots of things.”
“Like?”
When Blanche didn’t respond he eyed her cautiously. “What’s up?”
She nodded toward his office. “Special delivery.”
“I didn’t order anything.” He strode through the outer office into his domain, stopping short when he spied the tux hanging from his door, covered by a clear plastic garment bag with the name Buxby’s Formals printed on it. On closer inspection, he realized there were three suits.
“What the...?”
“Forget to tell me something?” Blanche teased as she handed him an envelope.
Max took it into his office, tossing it on his desk. “According to you, my life is an open book.”
Blanche followed, standing sentinel in the doorway, her hands planted on her hips as she regarded him with an amused tilt of her lips. “See, this is what I’m talking about. Working with Lilli. If you leave, you won’t have another chance.”
Yeah, he’d considered that. He and Lilli had a spark, no doubt, but he still wasn’t sure he could invest his heart only to watch her walk away. Granted, Lilli wasn’t anything like his mother, but who knew what women wanted?
“I’m doing this all for Sanders Security. You know that.”
“Bottom line, you committed to the benefit. To Lilli.”
“I did. And after that, I can commit to another job.”
Blanche frowned. “Are you mad Lilli got to you, convinced you to attend the benefit?”
“Who says she got to me?”
“It was your tone.”
Okay, there was that. “Lilli catches me off guard. You know I don’t like when that happens.”
“It’s not an off-guard tone. It’s an interested tone.”
“You can tell interest by a tone?”
“It’s my job to read people. That’s one of the reasons you hired me, remember?”
He didn’t want to go there. “Yeah, well, she won’t one-up me again.”
Blanche pointed to the tux bag. “I think she did.”
“I’m closing my door now.”
Her knowing grin said it all as she moved out of the way so he could remove the suits. Nearly tripping over a shoe box, he kicked the door shut. Then he tipped the lid of the box up with the toe of his boot, cringing at the highly polished black leather dress shoes inside.
“Miss Barclay called a few minutes ago,” Blanche sang out from the other side of the door. “I left her number on your desk.”
He stood there holding the bag,
deciding this had to be his worst nightmare. He’d never enjoyed dressing up, not for any reason. But he’d agreed to volunteer, so he had to go along with the dress code. Lilli knew that.
So, here came the sticky dilemma. Should he be ticked that she sent him tuxes to choose from, as though he was so fashion challenged he couldn’t pick one out on his own? Or should he be flattered she wanted him to look his best?
He remembered how knock-out gorgeous she’d looked at the forum and decided she probably thought he didn’t have a clue how to dress.
He tossed the garment bag on the chair in front of his desk and snatched up the envelope, ripping it open to read the neat writing. Any of these tuxedos would look wonderful with your build. Pick one and send the others back. Lilli.
Smiling, he searched for Lilli’s number on his cell and dialed. “The tuxes are here,” he told her.
“And?”
“Thanks.”
He didn’t want to admit it, but her shopping in his place had him made his life a whole lot easier.
“And I wanted to thank you for Sunday,” she said. “Taking me to talk to your grandmother helped me iron out a couple of rough spots for the event.”
“Glad I could help.” Okay, deep waters here. How much more did he want to be involved with her, besides the whole charity event? He couldn’t deny the attraction, but to pursue her? He’d gone to the forum to network, nothing more. She had a schedule filled up with work and the fund-raiser. If they did get together, would they be too busy to make time for each other? What would she expect from him? Would she want him to change, to fit in with the country club set that seemed so much a part of her life? He glanced at the garment bag. Any woman who could pick out a tux at a moment’s notice probably wouldn’t be interested in a man who lived in T-shirts and jeans anyway.
“While I have you on the phone,” he continued. “I wanted to let you know I stopped by the historical society office this morning. Everything looks okay.”
“Good to know”
“All part of the service.”
“Great,” Lilli said in a less-than-perky tone. “I need to get back to work. Big account. You know how that goes.”