Touch Him
Man Trap Three
Olivia Jaymes
Contents
Touch Him
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
About the Author
Other Titles by Olivia Jaymes
TOUCH HIM
Copyright © 2019 by Olivia Jaymes
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
Touch Him
Emerson Grant is practical, punctual, and incredibly efficient. Those qualities make her the perfect person to organize a fabulous wedding. She never gets caught up in the romance though. She’s got her feet on the ground at all times.
Owen Campbell is known as Dr. Love. He owns the most successful dating site in the country. He believes there’s someone out there for everyone, but he has yet to meet his own match.
Thrown together at a destination wedding, these two can barely agree on the color of the sky. But something funny happened on the way to the rehearsal dinner… Owen got a glimpse of the real Emmy. The one she barely shows to strangers. Now he wants to get to know her a whole lot better.
And show the cynical wedding planner the magic of love.
Chapter 1
Emmy
We were checking each other out. I couldn't remember the last time something like this had happened to me. I didn't spend much time in bars and I spent even less looking at the male patrons, but this man wasn't someone I could easily ignore.
Sure, he was handsome, although not in that classic way. He was slightly too slim for societal standards, more like a lean swimmer's body, which I much preferred. His jaw wasn't as square as some other men but it was certainly firm, while his cheekbones were high and sharp. From this distance I couldn't see the color of his eyes but I could definitely tell that he held himself with a casual self-assurance that was extremely attractive.
He was chuckling at something the bartender said and it sounded warm and throaty. Genuine. I liked that.
There weren't many people in the hotel bar. The two of us, plus a table of four older men in the corner who had just finished a round of golf. It was probably only natural that we'd noticed each other. He was sitting at the bar and I'd chosen a table a few feet away. I was supposed to be meeting someone but he was running late. I, on the other hand, was on time. Something I prided myself on. Punctuality is a virtue.
I'd tried keeping my gaze straight in front of me and on my drink, a fruity concoction the bartender had recommended. It was cold, smooth, a little sharp, and it must have had a hell of a lot of rum because if I looked in a mirror, I was sure my cheeks would be bright pink.
But my tummy approved of the spicy cocktail and I took another sip, lifting my gaze ever so slightly - and hopefully surreptitiously - to check out Handsome Guy again.
Only this time he was looking back. Directly at me.
Our eyes met and for a moment I couldn't look away. Realizing that I'd been caught red-handed, I took a deep breath and stared down at my drink again. Much safer. My heart was still pounding and my palms sweaty at being found out.
But then again, he'd been looking, too. It's what we’d been doing for the last ten minutes, except not so blatantly. I could feel his gaze on my legs, bared by my sundress, and I had to resist the urge to tug at the suddenly too tight straps. It was really hot in this hotel. They needed to turn up the air conditioning, for heaven's sake. This was a tropical paradise and all but the humidity was out of control.
Taking another sip of my cool drink, I focused my gaze on the frosty glass in front of me and more specifically on the colorful pink umbrella balancing on the rim. I wasn't inexperienced when it came to the opposite sex, far from it, but I wasn't in the habit of picking up strange men in bars. He might be good-looking and it was fun to flirt a little, but I wasn't going to offer to buy him a drink or anything.
So far, although he'd looked me up and down, he hadn't offered to buy me one, either. It looked like we were at a stalemate. We found each other attractive but we weren't going to do anything about it. I could live with that. I wasn't here for fun times. I was here to work and a sexy man who drank scotch neat would only be a distraction.
"Another, Dr. Campbell?" I heard the bartender ask.
So Handsome Guy was a doctor. What kind of doctor? Was he a doctor-doctor? Or a doctor of something like art history or world religions or archeology? Like Indiana Jones. If I suddenly passed out, would he be able to give me mouth to mouth?
But I wasn't going to pass out. I wasn't going to buy him a drink, and I wasn't going to introduce myself. I wasn't going to do any of those things.
Because I was here to work. Work. That thing that paid my bills. I was successful because I was damn good at my job and didn't lose focus. My clients were always happy. Or at least as happy as they could possibly be. I'd learned long ago that some people simply wanted to be miserable and take as many others with them as they could, like a drowning man pulling down their rescuer. I'd sworn that I wouldn't be one of them. After several years in the business I was also pretty damn good at figuring out who those people were ahead of time and pressing them to find a different event planner.
In other words, I had no problem firing a client. Frankly, life was too short to be unhappy.
Luckily for me and my wayward thoughts the party I was supposed to be meeting walked into the bar and slid into the chair opposite me. Daniel Drake, the groom of the destination wedding I was organizing here on the island. Nice man and totally besotted with his lovely bride-to-be. They were a great couple.
"Emerson," Daniel greeted me with a smile and a handshake. He was businesslike and I liked that about him. "Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice. I do appreciate it."
"It's no problem at all," I replied smoothly, as the handsome doctor stood from his barstool. He must be ready to leave. "How can I help you today?"
Instead of heading for the exit, the man lowered himself into a chair next to Daniel, who grinned and slapped him on the back. Uh oh. This wasn't good. At all.
"This is my friend, Dr. Owen Campbell, by the way," Daniel said as they relaxed back against the plush chairs. "He's my best man and is giving me a hand with the last-minute details. Owen, this is Emerson Grant."
The best man. The best man. The best man.
Thank goodness I hadn't tried to buy him a drink or something. I had a strict no fraternization policy when it came to those in the wedding party. Dr. Owen Campbell was off limits. An absolute no-go zone.
I didn't like the disappointment that made my cocktail taste suddenly sour. I hadn't had any plans to meet him so I shouldn't care either way.
Right?
As coolly as I could, I nodded to Owen Campbell. "It's nice to meet you, Docto
r."
I congratulated myself on sounding calm and professional, which was exactly what I wanted to be. Not sweating with my stomach fluttering. Like a teenage girl.
"It's nice to meet you as well, Miss Grant." His eyes were a greenish-gold. "Please call me Owen."
"Call me Emmy," I replied automatically, dragging my gaze back to the groom. I wasn't here for the good doctor. "Now, how can I help you, Dan?"
"I want to give Lisa a really special bachelorette party tomorrow night. As you know she was supposed to have it last week but it had to be cancelled because of her work commitments. I don't want her to miss out on one of those major traditions." He grimaced and gave me a sheepish look. "I know it's last minute and I'll totally understand if you tell me no way, but is there any way that you can throw something together? It doesn't have to be big and flashy. No strippers or penis cakes. Just her friends, some booze, and maybe some dancing?"
Just to be clear, I didn't throw things together for a living. That's what other people did. The civilians. I was a general in the army of planning, organization, and fun. I could do a little better than some booze and music. In a way, I was disappointed in myself. I should have anticipated this since I was well aware of Lisa's work emergency.
"Of course, I can help you with this," I replied, keeping my attention on the groom. I could feel Owen Campbell's intent gaze on my face but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of letting him know I noticed. "Did you want to invite all the female guests or just the wedding party?"
Dan launched into his list and I scribbled notes on the tablet that I carried everywhere, quite aware that the best man was watching my every move. A part of me wanted to stare right back and then make a funny face directly at him. The tension at the table was building but bless Dan, he appeared to be oblivious.
The back of my neck was hot, and I crossed and uncrossed my legs as I wrote down the last name on the guest list for Lisa's party. Thankfully, Dan hadn't lied. The roster of names wasn't that long. It would be a small and intimate affair.
"Okay, we have the list. Now, did you have any ideas for the party? Food or venue?"
Owen leaned forward, his forearms resting on the table. "We were hoping you'd have some thoughts."
"I absolutely do," I said, our gazes briefly colliding before I turned back to Dan. My fingers tightened on my tablet and I exhaled a shaky breath. Far safer over here. The mere closeness of this man was hell on my nerves. That rum drink wasn't sitting so easily in my stomach anymore. "If you think she'd like an outdoor party, there's a gorgeous canopied area near the south beach. If that's already booked, we can always use one of the empty suites."
I'd already spoken to the resort manager and he'd assured me there would be a few rooms as well for last minute guests.
"I really think she'd like it outdoors if you can arrange it," Dan enthused, turning to his best man. "What do you think?"
I found myself staring directly into those warm green eyes and a hot flush crawled up my chest. "I think that Miss Grant has this completely in hand. We should trust her."
Dan grinned again and nodded enthusiastically. "I absolutely do. I also trust you, which is why I asked you here to give me a hand. I don't want Lisa to get wind of this party. I want it to be a surprise. Can you work with Emmy on the details so that Lisa doesn't get suspicious? She'll wonder what's going on if I take a lot of calls or texts. I'd really appreciate it. I'm sure whatever you two decide will be perfect."
Ahh...wait. Did I get a vote? It didn't look like it.
Owen's lips twitched as he took the last sip of his scotch. "I'd be happy to. I'm sure that Miss Grant and I can pull something together for your bride. Just leave it to us."
Us. As in together.
It would seem that I wasn't going to be able to avoid Dr. Owen Campbell completely.
No problem. I could be cool, calm, and professional. This wasn't even a challenge. I had it all under control.
As always.
Chapter 2
Owen
My buddy Dan had excellent taste in event planners. Emerson Grant not only looked great, but she clearly knew what she was doing. In the twenty minutes she and I had been sitting at this table together she'd zipped through a planning checklist off the top of her head like a buzzsaw through wood.
That twenty minutes didn't count the ten minutes I'd spent eyeing her before Dan showed up. She wasn't tough to look at, by any means.
I wouldn't have described her as pretty. No, she was far too unconventional for such a wishy-washy term. But she was incredibly attractive in a sort of exotic way with her almond-shaped light blue eyes, golden skin, and long caramel colored hair. The rest of her was almost too good to be true as well. Those long, tanned legs alone weren't going to let me sleep peacefully tonight. It was a monument to how happy Dan was with Lisa that he'd never mentioned that their wedding planner was drop dead gorgeous.
Emmy tapped her tablet and pursed her lips. "I think that's everything. We've covered food, drinks, decorations, venue, music, and even a great cover story to keep it a secret until the last minute."
If anything, she was too efficient. She intrigued me and I wanted to spend more time with her. Was she as good on the inside as she was on the outside?
"There's nothing else?"
She shook her head and tucked the tablet computer into her large handbag. "That's it. Thank you for your help and being so decisive. It makes my job easier."
I signaled to the waiter for the check. "Let me pay the tab and then perhaps you can show me the venue. I'd really love to see it."
And spend more time with you.
She glanced at her watch and I was reminded that while I was on a short vacation for the weekend, Emmy was working.
"I won't keep you long. I know you're busy."
"Of course, I can show you the venue. It's a lovely location."
Quickly, before she changed her mind, I threw some cash on the table and stood. The clock was ticking and I only had a few minutes to get to know her better.
But I wasn't the smoothest motherfucker when it came to chatting up the ladies. I'd spent a chunk of my adult life doing research in a lab. I was no debonair playboy. I spent most nights alone and I was getting tired of it.
Placing her purse strap over her shoulder, Emmy stood as well. "It's just down the path. About a ten-minute walk."
That gave me twenty more minutes to get to know her.
We exited the back of the resort and headed down the narrow path to the south beach area. The afternoon was warm and humid and I could feel the sun on the back of my neck. The smell of chlorine and sunscreen hung in the air as we passed by the massive pool. The sound of laughter and splashing were barely muted by the music blaring from hidden speakers.
"Are you enjoying the sunny weather?"
Weather was lame opener but it was neutral. No way was I going to ask her who she'd voted for in the last election, although I wouldn't mind knowing that fact.
"I am," she replied, her shoulders relaxing slightly as we walked. Maybe a non-controversial question had been a good gambit after all. "It's freezing back in Illinois, although I don't mind the cold weather normally. I like sweaters and fireplaces. Hot chocolate and snow."
The path took a turn away from the resort and the music faded into the background. "I think I like summer the best," I said. "Swimming. Hiking. Camping."
Wow, I was so freaking articulate and interesting. Not. I needed to up my game and fast.
"Do you like the outdoors, Emmy?"
By the way she hesitated, I could tell the answer was no but she was trying to find a nice way to say it.
"I'd consider myself to be more of a homebody."
I was rarely at home. My house always felt too large, too quiet, and too empty.
"What do you like to do...at home?"
"I read a lot. Work. Have friends over. Watch ‘The Walking Dead’. Just like everyone else."
I'd never seen a single episode of ‘The Walking De
ad’. I wasn't against the idea of zombies but I'd never really understood the allure, either.
Books. We had books in common.
"I love to read. What are your favorites?"
"I'm a fan of mysteries. Currently I'm working through all of Agatha Christie. What about you?"
"Science fiction mostly, but I also read horror and thrillers as well."
So intent I was on our discussion I hadn't noticed that we'd arrived at our destination. Nestled on a low hill overlooking the beach, the venue was an open-air structure reminiscent of a gazebo but much larger. It could easily accommodate a party of twenty and there were only ten people on Dan's guest list.
"I think Lisa will love this. How did you even know about it?"
Emmy laughed at my amazement. "It's my job to know."
"You've been here before?"
"I have. I did a fiftieth anniversary a few years ago. The couple renewed their vows on the beach and then had a small reception here with their children and a few friends."
"That's a wonderful story. You must see a great deal of love and happiness in your job. It must be quite rewarding."
"It is, although I do my share of divorce parties as well."
I walked over to the edge of the hill and looked out onto the sparkling blue water. There was something about the pull and push of the water on the sand that soothed all the stresses that I'd brought with me from civilization.
"Surely they're the exception and not the rule?"
Touch Him (ManTrap Book 3) Page 1