Magnolia Bride

by Tara Randel

A group of women had formed around Dane. Taking pity on him, although she couldn’t imagine why, Nealy moved to her purse to remove her phone to send Dane a text: Now you owe me.

  When his phone alerted him to a text, Dane excused himself from the group. He pressed a button and read the message. Looking up, he met her gaze across the room and mouthed a silent “thank you.”

  “Smooth,” Lanie complimented.

  “I do what I can.”

  “About what?” her mother asked, joining the conversation.

  “Helping the community,” Nealy answered.

  Lanie snorted.

  “Good, good,” Anita said and nodded, a distracted smile forming on her lips. “You decorated this room very nicely, Nealy. Very appropriate.”

  Appropriate? What on earth had she expected? Male dancers?

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  Her mother caught her gaze. “I mean it. The decorations are very tasteful. And I must admit, despite your sister’s departure, the engagement parties were also beautiful. You handled the guests wonderfully when Juliet canceled.”

  Wow. Kudos from her mother. She and Lanie exchanged amused glances.

  “Now you have an idea of what my job entails.”

  “Hmm,” her mother responded and moved to amble around the room.

  “High praise,” Lanie commented. “She’s a tough audience.”

  Even though Nealy knew she and her sister were joking, the fact that her mother had something nice to say about her work warmed her heart. For the first time ever, her mother had a glimpse into Nealy’s world. Maybe now she’d reconsider her opinion of Nealy’s life being anything but frivolous and shallow.

  As the ladies mingled, Dane returned to her side.

  “Things are under control?” he asked in his serious tone.

  Nealy frowned. What happened to the easygoing guy from last night? “So far.”

  He eyed her from head to toe. “You okay?”

  “Peachy.”

  He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Briana sashayed over to engage him in conversation. Leaving him to fend for himself, she crossed the room to give final instructions to the waitstaff. Once finished with her task, she noted Dane had left. Good. She didn’t need him second-guessing her every move. Or making her aware of him on every level.

  As she performed her last-minute checks, Lilli and her mother, Celeste, arrived. Lilli hurried over to give her a hug. “Coffee shop to tea party? You’re a master.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far.”

  Lilli laughed. “You remember my mother?”

  “Certainly.” Nealy held out her hand. “A pleasure seeing you again, Mrs. Barclay.”

  Celeste Barclay shook Nealy’s hand, but like everyone when they first arrived, her attention centered on the room. “Lilli told me you were a premier event planner. She wasn’t kidding.”

  “I never kid about my friends,” Lilli said.

  Celeste took a step back and placed a hand on her hip. “I thought we did a wonderful job decorating and preparing our last charity fund-raiser, but, Nealy, you seem to take event planning to the next level. Between the engagement party for your sister and this, I’m going to give you a call when I come up with next year’s fund-raiser’s theme.”

  “Thank you, but I’m filling in here. Pretty soon I’ll be back in L.A.”

  Celeste smiled. “You’ll help.”

  Nealy glanced at Lilli.

  “She never takes no for an answer.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard the same response a time or two.” Lilli grinned. “It would be good to have you back home.”

  At the sincere expression on her friend’s face, Nealy tamped down her regret. As much as she enjoyed being home, she had to look forward to the Ashlee James account. The famous designer would elevate Nealy’s stature in the company. If her mother thought she’d done a good job here today, think how impressed she’d be when her daughter worked with someone as well-known as Ashlee. Nealy’s path might not have been law, like the rest of her family, but maybe now her parents would see the success she’d garnered in a highly competitive, lucrative industry. Besides, she had too much up in the air to make a major life change. Too many things to think about. The best place to figure her life out would be in California. Away from Dane’s romancing ways and hot kisses.

  Myra clapped her hands and brought the tea party to order. The chatting, laugher and smiles went a long way to easing Nealy’s concerns about taking over at the last minute. She always worried before an event, hoping she executed the plan according to the client’s expectations. Today was no different, but the added pressure of knowing Dane was busy somewhere in the building kept her on edge.

  Don’t worry about Dane.

  All of Nealy’s personal concerns took second place when Myra began her speech thanking the volunteers. When she finished, Myra enlisted Nealy’s help to raffle off the floral arrangements and potted plants. When Myra announced the women would be going home with the teacup at their place setting, everyone clapped in delight. All in all, a good day.

  While the guests visited the buffet to fill their plates with luncheon goodies, Nealy’s gaze moved about the room, checking for any potential problems. So far, so good. Until she noticed Mrs. Peterson’s table and the older lady’s triumphant expression. Nealy coughed as she realized all the women seated at the table were single. Mrs. Peterson nodded smugly. Nealy imagined she was holding court, with Dane—the prize—that one lucky lady would receive by the good graces of his dear aunt.

  “It’s sad,” Lanie remarked as she stopped beside Nealy, taking a strawberry from her plate. “Ever since you came back to town, the singles have been mobilizing against the competition.” Lanie bit into the fruit.

  “Competition?” Nealy glanced at her sister. “Me?”

  “Who else? You’re the only one Dane has ever gotten serious with.”

  Nealy shook her head. “I’m not getting back with him so all this posturing is for nothing.”

  “They’re single. Maybe they think they have to at least try.”

  Nealy winced. “Please tell me Dane isn’t desperate.”

  “He’s not. He’s not a monk either, but like I said, nothing serious.”

  Lanie left to take her seat at the table. Nealy watched the women at Mrs. Peterson’s table with a mixture of jealousy and sadness. While she might not like these women targeting Dane, she had no right to feel like this. She’d walked away from him years ago. Yes, she had a good reason not to stay with him, which brought up the sadness.

  Since she’d been back in town, much of the hurt had abated. She could talk to Dane without the heavy pain in her chest. She could appreciate what he’d accomplished in the time they’d been apart. Even admire him for his success. And while she couldn’t trust her heart to him again, the kiss he’d laid on her the night before made the simmering attraction stronger. She could enjoy his company as a friend, but not romantically, right?

  To make the point to herself, she went to her purse to find her phone. She bit her lip, then texted Sam, asking him to call her. They were still missing each other’s calls, which would have worried Nealy if she believed in fate. She knew Sam was busy. They’d connect soon and things would go back to normal.

  Don’t count on it, the not-so-fun part of her brain scoffed.

  One more week in Cypress Pointe. Once the new account came through, she’d be completely preoccupied and worry about Dane would disappear. And her visit would have been but a pleasant memory.

  Soon, the tea party ended. Many of the women stopped to compliment Nealy before leaving. She glanced at her watch. Sierra had agreed to cover Cuppa Joe until Nealy finished here. At the rate the women were going, she’d get there just in time to close the shop. She looked up to find a fri
end from high school standing in front of her. A very pregnant friend.

  “Nealy, it’s been ages.”

  “Marianne.” Nealy hugged her. “Look at you.”

  Marianne rubbed her belly. “Two months to go. I am so ready to deliver.”

  “Congratulations.”

  The woman sighed with contentment. “I’m so excited. Phil and I have been trying and trying and almost gave up, but this little miracle baby is all we hoped for.”

  Nealy smiled. She’d never thought about starting a family, because first, you had to be in a devoted, committed relationship. Seeing Marianne glow made her think about internal alarm clocks, which had never been on her radar before.

  “Your sister says you’re here on vacation?”

  “Yes. I’ll be headed back for a big job in L.A.”

  “What a shame. If you were going to be around, I’d try to convince you to plan my baby shower.” Marianne grimaced. “My mother-in-law is in charge.”

  “I would have loved it.”

  “Oh well. I guess I’ll have to settle for stork cutouts, clothespin games and cake with pink and blue frosting.”

  “A very traditional theme.”

  “Also a very nice way of saying boring.”

  “There’s only so much you can do with a baby theme.”

  “Yes, but storks? Really?”

  Nealy laughed. “You’ll have a good time.”

  “As long as the baby is healthy, I can put up with anything.” She grinned. “Good to see you again, Nealy. Don’t be a stranger.”

  Marianne moved on. Nealy checked her watch again.

  “Plans?” Lanie asked as she sidled up beside her.

  “I promised Sierra I’d be back to take over for her.”

  “You finish up here. I’ll go to Cuppa Joe.”

  Nealy was shocked.

  “Look, you came all the way from California to help Grandmother.” She grew sheepish. “None of us here have chipped in to help. It’s about time.”

  “Thanks. I shouldn’t be too long.”

  “Take your time. You’ve been working nonstop since you got home. Not much of a vacation.”

  “I would like to take a walk along the beach.”

  “Then do it. Besides, Davey said he’d be at the coffee shop. I can spend time with him.”

  “Is he still finding escape routes away from you guys?”

  “Yes. David asked him to play golf today, but Davey insisted on doing his shift at the coffee shop. Do you know of any reason he’d pick working over hanging out with his father?”

  “Sure. Sierra.”

  “Sierra?” Lanie’s eyes widened. “He has a crush?”

  “I’m pretty sure.”

  “My baby?”

  “No. Your teenage son.”

  “He didn’t say anything.”

  Nealy chuckled. “Did you expect him to?”

  “I... We...”

  “Your son is growing up, Lanie.”

  She opened her purse to remove her car keys. “Like I said, take your time. I have some important reconnaissance work.”

  “Yeah. Davey’s gonna love you for interfering.”

  Lanie took off, and before long, the last of the stragglers exited the room. The staff came in to finish cleaning up and tearing down the room. Duties complete, Nealy was ready to call it a day when Dane entered the room, all smiles.

  “Hey, you got great reviews.”

  She attributed his compliment to her rush of excitement, not the fact that Dane had kissed her last night.

  “It turned out well.”

  “Well? From what I heard, you wowed them.”

  Nealy shrugged.

  “Cypress Pointe could use an event planner like you.” He held up his hand. “Wait. I could use an event planner like you. Any way I can talk you into staying?”

  “You know I can’t.”

  “I have two interviews set up for next week but you’d save me the trouble of searching if you stayed.”

  Is that why he wanted to hire her? For the sake of expedience?

  She turned away to collect her bag. “Sorry to put you to all the trouble.”

  “Wait.” He touched her arm. She jerked away. “What’s with you?”

  When she faced him, he took one look at her face and took a step back. “Uh-oh.”

  She hadn’t planned on giving him what for, but between the kiss and trying to maneuver her to make his life easier, just as he’d done in the past, she snapped.

  “You do realize you probably can’t afford me. And if you could, what makes you think I’d work for you?”

  “Nealy, calm down. I was kidding.”

  “Kidding? You consider trying to manipulate me a joke?”

  His humor faded. “Manipulate? Whoa. It never crossed my mind. You’re good at what you do. I couldn’t have put such a polished event together this last-minute and then have everyone rave over it.”

  Okay, maybe she had overreacted. She blew out a breath. “Thanks.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “Let’s go get some ice cream. I have no idea what kinds of things to look for in a competent event coordinator. You can give me a few pointers.”

  “Sounds like you’re trying to be my boss, again.”

  “Again?”

  “Well, since I’ve been back, but more so right now.”

  He grinned. “Sorry.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  He held his arm out, motioning her to leave the room first. She took the lead with Dane following close behind. Awareness danced over her skin. Instead of putting the past with Dane behind her, his presence proved how much of a hold he still had over her, which was exciting and scary at the same time.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  “LET’S TAKE MY CAR,” Dane said as he led her to his white, sporty BMW, opening the door so she could slide in, onto the smooth leather seat. He jogged around the front of the car and joined her, started the car and eased it out of the hotel’s parking lot.

  “So, you’re not running over to the coffee shop?”

  “Lanie is covering for me.”

  “Lanie?”

  “Yes, she wanted to help. Needs something to do.”

  “Because?”

  “She and David are going through a rough patch.”

  Lanie and David? They’d been married for as long as Dane could remember. If they couldn’t make a marriage work, could anyone?

  As he drove downtown, his thoughts went to the recent phone calls from his parents. His dad had called to complain about his belongings scattered all over the front porch. His mother had called Dane to have him relay a message to his father, Stay away. Again, he was thankful he’d ended the brief marriage to Nealy. Who knew where they’d be today? Unhappy? Always bickering like his folks? No, thank you. Since she’d forgiven him, the tension between them had eased, for which he was grateful. Maybe now they’d have a chance to get to know each other again.

  “I think today will be the first time we don’t have to sneak into Swindler’s to enjoy an ice cream together,” he said.

  “We used to sneak because everyone in Cypress Pointe likes to talk about who saw whom where. It’s annoying.”

  “Can’t fight it.” He knew full well once people saw them today, the rumor mill would be working overtime.

  “This isn’t a date,” she reminded him.

  “Never said it was.”

  “Good. I don’t need the hassle of explaining us to anyone.”

  “You’ve made it very clear there is no ‘us.’”

  “And yet you kissed me last night.”

  So she was affected by his kiss. He hadn’t planned it, but when she stood th
ere in front of him, a soft smile on her face, he couldn’t help himself. And while he should be kicking himself for giving in to impulse, he couldn’t deny the chemistry they had.

  “I explained why I kissed you.”

  “Good-luck charm? You can do better.”

  “It’s the truth. I’ve wanted to kiss you since the first day you showed up at my hotel.”

  When she kept silent, he glanced over at her with an unrepentant grin on his face. “You can’t tell me you weren’t curious.”

  “I wasn’t curious.”

  “C’mon. We’d have to be dead not to wonder what it would be like.”

  “After how things ended between us, what made you think I’d kiss you in return?”

  The surrender in her eyes, but he wouldn’t tell her that. She’d figure it out soon enough. “A guy can hope. And judging by your response, it was worth taking a chance.”

  “I responded out of shock, not any unresolved feelings for you.”

  “Then I’ll have to keep trying to convince you otherwise.”

  “Dane, it’s pointless.”

  “If I thought trying to prove I’m a changed man was pointless, I wouldn’t have asked you to the game.”

  “What are you up to?”

  He tightened his hands on the steering wheel. “Nealy, I’ve apologized for my colossal stupidity. We were kids, for Pete’s sake. Entitled to make mistakes. In fact, I think it’s required as a rite of passage.”

  “Okay. I understand why you ended the marriage. With years of hindsight, I can appreciate you trying to protect both of us.” She ran her hands over her skirt. “But I don’t see how kissing me now will change anything.”

  “I don’t, either. I just know I had to.”

  He had to. Those three words made his stomach clench as he waited for her response. He still believed he’d done the right thing for both of them by getting an annulment, but the kiss last night reminded him of everything they’d shared in the past. He wasn’t the kid she remembered. Nor was she still the same girl whose heart he’d broken.

  Before he had a chance to remind her of all the facts, they’d reached their destination. He escorted her into the ice cream shop. The sugary confectionary scent greeted them, pleasant memories from their past.