Bedazzled (The Beguiling Bachelors Book 1)

by Madison Michael

  That led to Wyatt’s father presenting Wyatt with an ultimatum. He would marry Sloane and his father would welcome him and his new business back into the Howe fold with his ten million dollar blessing. No marriage, no deal. The ultimatum met everyone’s needs, except Wyatt’s of course.

  Sloane knew he did not love her. He had been open throughout their relationship. He considered her a lovely and skilled hostess, a brilliant executive and a very dear friend. They had tried a serious relationship but it had fizzled pretty quickly on his side. Sloane had been working her wiles on him every since.

  Now, as they entered the casino, moving through the crowds toward the high roller room, she slipped her arm through Wyatt’s, favoring him with a dazzling smile and a light kiss on the cheek.

  “What a great day, sweetheart. I am so proud of you.”

  It only took a moment for a good looking, well-dressed man with a slight French accent to encourage Sloane to share his blackjack table. Without a backward glance, Sloane disappeared with him to the opposite side of the room.

  Wyatt pulled out his phone, starting to text Keeli. He wanted to share his good news with her, not Sloane. Mid-sentence he stopped and put the phone away. He had no right to text Keeli any more. Wyatt reluctantly went in search of Sloane. Somehow, his celebratory mood was gone. He longed for Keeli, knowing she was out of reach forever. Now he just wanted the sweet oblivion of a few cocktails and some privacy.

  Sloane motioned to Wyatt and he grudgingly joined her. Sloane was looking to Wyatt to finance her gambling. Without a thought, he pulled five crisp 100-dollar bills from his wallet and laid them on the table for the dealer. Sloane settled onto the high-backed stool, smiled flirtatiously at the men sharing her table while Wyatt signaled for a drink and leaned wearily on the chair, content to watch rather than play.

  More than an hour later, Sloane had amassed a large pile of chips, turning Wyatt’s original 500 dollars into over $1,400. He encouraged her to quit while she was ahead. She cashed in her chips, returning her ante to Wyatt, keeping her winnings. When they retreated to their suite, Sloane was all smiles.

  “Look, Wyatt, we both made money tonight. We are both triumphant.” She was slurring her words from a combination of free cocktails and exhaustion, leaning heavily against him and placing small kisses along his jawbone.

  “Yes, it has been a terrific day, Sloane, but I am tired and I think you could use some rest too. Let’s head down to the pool and sleep in the shade.”

  Instead of going along with his idea, Sloane pouted. Wyatt suggested a nap, the spa or a walk but Sloane was sulking, complaining that she was bored. Wyatt moved away in irritation, longing for another woman in another elevator. In that moment, he decided he needed to break it off with Sloane and beg Keeli to take him back. He would just have to persuade his father. As the elevator door opened and Wyatt almost carried Sloane to their room, he prayed that when it came time to talk to his father his winning streak would continue.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Keeli and Missy were just finishing a lovely ladies lunch at the Neiman Marcus restaurant, arguing over the check in a friendly manner when a woman Keeli didn’t know walked up to their table. Assuming it was a friend of Missy’s and leaving the two to chat, Keeli reached behind her to get her wallet from the hobo bag slung on the back of the chair.

  So Keeli was surprised to hear her name being spoken, only then realizing that the stylish woman had come to the table seeking her out.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were speaking to me,” she admitted with a ready blush.

  “No problem. I did not mean to interrupt your lunch,” the elegant woman extended a slim hand with long, slender fingers and a surprisingly strong handshake. “My name is Monica Marx. I am a buyer for Estime, just a few blocks away. You’re Keeli Larsen, right?”

  Keeli was shocked to be recognized but saw a contented smile moving across Missy’s face. This was her doing.

  “I am, but I don’t believe I know you…” Keeli was not sure what to say next.

  “I wouldn’t normally just barge in like this but I recognized you from your Facebook picture. I have been following your page for a few weeks now. Recently two of our regular customers came into our shop wearing your jewelry.”

  “Really? How wonderful.” Missy was almost bouncing in her seat with excitement. “She is quite a talent isn’t she? Hi,” she extended her hand to the woman. Won’t you join us?”

  Monica said a friendly hello to Missy without needing an introduction, confirming Keeli’s suspicions. She pulled over a chair from the next table, lowering her tall frame into it and leaning forward toward the table. She was probably in her forties, looked like she was in her thirties, hair and makeup perfect. She was dressed like she just stepped off a runway in a classic black dress that was draped to perfection. With it she wore simple, large diamond hoop earrings that were capturing the light.

  “I am so sorry to bother you at lunch, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk with you. I promise not to keep you long.”

  “Take all the time you like,” Missy said graciously. Keeli wanted to be polite to this lovely woman, but she also wanted her to get to the point. Obviously, she and Missy were in on a secret yet to be revealed.

  “My customers seem to be turning up in your designs lately. I thought perhaps it was time for us to join forces. Although you are a relatively new designer, I believe that there may be a place for you in our store. We could start with a small showing, perhaps 20 or 30-lux pieces and see how well they sell. What do you think?”

  Missy grabbed Keeli’s leg under the table. She was like a duck paddling furiously under the surface; she was giving Keeli strange hand and foot signals while her face remained calm. She was giving nothing away.

  “I am not sure you are familiar with Estime, Keeli, being so new to the city. They are a very exclusive store. I think you would do well to align with them.” Turning to Monica, Missy continued, “Keeli is from out of town, Monica, very new to the city.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize,” Monica latched onto the explanation. ”You are from out of town. I understand why I have not seen your work before now. You must come by the store, I think you will find us a good match.”

  Keeli went with the flow, waiting for her shock to wear off. Missy was making it sound like she was brand new to town. Keeli adored Missy, considered her one of her closest friends. She trusted her to look after her interests so if Missy said she had just arrived in Chicago, Keeli would swear she was still unpacking.

  “I would be happy to come see your place, Monica, and review a possible arrangement.”

  Is that my voice sounding so cool and confident?

  “Would later this week be convenient for you?”

  Disappointment clear on her face, Monica said later in the week would be fine, “unless you could come today?” she finished anxiously.

  “Today?” Keeli pretended to review her calendar, fidgeting with her phone. “Oh, I can make that work actually. At 3?” She feigned surprise at having an available time and Monica shook her hand enthusiastically, handed them both her business card and left in a flutter of black material and elusive perfume.

  “OMG, did that just happen?” Keeli queried Missy once Monica was out of earshot.

  “It sure as hell did. You, my dear, have arrived. You absolutely cannot do better than Estime. You know that, right? It is the most exclusive boutique in the city. They have an art gallery in house. It is unbelievable. I told her we would be here, but with Monica you can never be sure.”

  The two women were so excited, sitting with their heads together strategizing. Could Keeli complete 30 pieces? Would she need a new collection first? High end, she had said, that meant expensive materials. What should the store’s cut be? What kind of marketing and advertising should Keeli demand?

  “I feel like Alice through the Looking Glass,” Keeli finally acknowledged, leaning back in her seat with a thud. “Lunch is definitely on me.�
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  Missy gave her no argument, suggesting instead that they go find a dress for the wedding.

  “I completely forgot that is why we are here. I better get my head back on straight by 3:00!”

  “And maybe by then we can improve what you are wearing today, too.” Missy looks at the worn jeans and the Keds on Keeli’s feet.

  Nodding agreement, Keeli linked arms with Missy, the perfect partner for her rare shopping spree.

  “Missy, you are too good to me. I don’t deserve it, really.”

  Missy responded cryptically, “You will, Keeli. I promise you will.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  Theo and Dylan’s wedding day dawned clear and sunny, a perfect late summer day. The ceremony was at 4:00 in the judge’s chambers at the courthouse across from City Hall. Only immediate family and friends were included for the intimate affair. The reception was another story entirely. They were expecting almost 200 people to fill “D’s”, Dylan’s upscale restaurant.

  Keeli was at the restaurant before noon, supervising the delivery of flowers and alcohol. Everything else was in the expert hands of the caterers and wait staff for “D’s”. The room was already set up with round tables under white tablecloths. Now the centerpieces had arrived and were in place, vases full of exotic blooms, greenery and strange branches providing extra height. They looked elegant and perfect in the space.

  The place cards were set up on the table near the door and Keeli grabbed hers when she passed by. Checking to be sure the alcohol had been delivered, she stopped to take a quick peek at the cake before heading home to get dressed.

  Lynn and Mark had offered their apartment so she would not fight the boys for the bathroom on their special day, so she headed straight up to their place. They had a few hours still, so they stretched out on the sofas and floor to catch up before donning their finery and heading downtown.

  At two, Keeli jumped in the shower, styled her hair with the products Aaron had convinced her to buy and applied her makeup with a light hand. Lynn zipped her into the pale blue Elie Tahari dress she bought with Missy last month, instantly turning her eyes more blue than green. She grabbed a borrowed bag and a new pair of strappy sandals and waited for Lynn and Mark to finish getting dressed.

  At 3:15, the three headed out. Keeli put her ear to the door downstairs, but all was quiet. The men must have already left. Luckily, there was light traffic. In a few hours people heading to the city for a Saturday night would clog every major road. But not now. They were pulling into the Lake Street lot right on schedule.

  The courthouse was quiet. Closed in general, Theo had called in a favor for a Saturday wedding. The guards pointed the way and the three hurried along. Outside the judge’s chamber, Keeli gave Theo and Dylan’s parents quick hugs, along with the two best men, Dylan’s older brothers. Theo’s mother was hiding joyous tears, but Keeli noticed and handed her a tissue just as they were all ushered into chambers.

  Theo looked so handsome in a black tuxedo with a gray vest and black tie. Dylan was elegant in a matching tuxedo, but with a silver waistcoat and white tie. They made a handsome couple, brimming with excitement and affection.

  The ceremony was stately and solemn and despite the austere surroundings, it was infused with love. The men had written their own vows, bringing laughter and sweetness to the event. Theo’s family was musical and sang “At Last“ and Dylan’s read "So Much Happiness," by Naomi Shihab Nye. The ceremony was incredibly personal, touching and abounding with happiness. Keeli wiped away a tear or two of joy. She was so happy for these two men she had watched fall deeply in love.

  Then it was jumping back in cars for the quick ride to “D’s”. Guests had already started arriving, music was thumping from the stage of the large room and a real feeling of festivity abounded.

  Keeli said hello to people she knew from the restaurant, servers she worked with at the caterers and other family and friends. It was so great to see everyone. Great that was, until there was a small break in the crowd and Wyatt stood in front of her. Why hadn’t the boys told her he was invited? She would have been better prepared.

  Of course, there was Sloane slithering beside him, clinging for dear life. Could the woman never stand unassisted?

  She watched him approaching with trepidation, trying to make her brain function. She would need something to say. Saved at the last minute, Theo’s brother, Matthew, stepped between Keeli and Wyatt to wrap her in a big bear hug. He planted a big kiss on her cheek, grinning like a clown.

  “Happy?”

  “How can you tell?” He laughed in response, handing her a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “Took these guys long enough, don’t you think?”

  Before Keeli could answer, Wyatt and Sloane joined them and she made quick introductions. Matthew recognized Wyatt instantly and the two began a spirited conversation about real estate law, effectively leaving Keeli alone with Sloane.

  “Such a happy occasion,” the slim brunette offered cordially. “I love weddings, don’t you?” Did Keeli imagine the dig in that comment or was it really there? She couldn’t be sure.

  “I do, especially this one. They are perfect for each other. Are you planning your wedding? It must be coming up.”

  Good job sounding cool. Keep it up.

  “Well, we want the Peninsula for the reception so we have to wait until April, but there is so much to do before then.” Sloane was gushing like an 18 year old and although it would be a first marriage, it somehow seemed inappropriate behavior for a woman over 30. She went on and on about the details, the music, the flowers, her dress. Keeli was afraid she would be sick soon, but fortunately, at that moment she heard the men wrapping up their conversation.

  “I will still have complete attorney-client privilege, right? Okay, I will call your partner tomorrow morning to set up an appointment.” Wyatt shook hands with Matthew, Sloane claimed Wyatt and took him away.

  Dodged that bullet, but do not let that woman near me again tonight.

  From then on, the evening went by in a whirlwind of dancing, speeches, incredible food and time spent with good friends. Well after ten, Wyatt came to claim a dance, but Theo asked at the same time so Keeli danced with the groom.

  “You can’t avoid me all night, Keeli,” she heard Wyatt growl as she walked away.

  Sure enough, when the dance with Theo ended, Wyatt was standing there to claim her. He wrapped her in his arms for a slow dance and it felt like heaven. Keeli resisted the urge to stand closer, to rest her head on his shoulder, settling for just the warm strength of his hand holding hers.

  “I miss you, Keeli. We really need time together. There is so much we need to discuss. It’s important.”

  “I am sure you must be busy, Wyatt. I understand you launched your business recently. It is so exciting. I read all about you in Crain’s Business. You are already doing so well. Congratulations.” Keeli knew she was babbling, but could not stop. “You know I wish you only the best. But I can’t imagine we have anything left to talk about. After all, that is an engagement ring on Sloane’s finger, right? What is it? Five carats? Six? You have very good taste.”

  “Keeli, the ring means nothing. I swear.”

  “Really?” Keeli responded, her voice dripping venom. “That is a very expensive nothing, Wyatt.”

  “I am fixing things. Just give me a chance. A little time.”

  “Thank you for the dance,” Keeli nodded her head, almost like a bow, let his hand drop and walked away.

  Don’t look back. Just let him go.

  Wyatt headed straight for the bar when their dance ended, but Keeli walked around the outside of the room slowly, surveying the crowd. While Keeli had been dancing with Wyatt, trying to hide her heartache, Sloane had started a conversation with Matthew. Keeli had known Theo’s brother for quite a while now and knew that if Sloane were pumping him about his conversation with Wyatt, she would get nothing from the lawyer.

  Still, Keeli was curious and maneuvered her way to whe
re they were standing, staying behind them where she could not be seen.

  Matthew’s low voice was quiet and calm and Keeli had to strain to hear him over the noise. “So you don’t want to marry him or you do? I am confused.”

  “Well, it’s not like we love each other,” Sloane was making no effort to keep her voice down. “But this is a very important business arrangement for our families. The Howe family has money, lots of it, and my family needs it to get back on our feet.”

  “But the family business you just described…?” Matthew queried, obviously confused.

  “We need everyone to think things are fine, but in truth we are near bankruptcy. My father has totally mismanaged things the last few years and without our relationship with Lyons Howe, we would have gone under already. This marriage will fix all our problems.”

  The man mumbled some response, maybe words of sympathy? Keeli could not be sure but Sloane quickly continued, “Oh, he didn’t propose exactly.” Matthew must have asked if Wyatt knew about this when he proposed. “His father held his new company hostage. Want your company? You marry me. But that’s okay; he will learn to love me. We are perfect for each other.”

  At that moment Wyatt came to claim Sloane and Matthew said his goodnights looking like he could not escape fast enough.

  Keeli stood frozen in place, unable to move, unsure she had really just overheard what she thought she did.

  “He doesn’t love Sloane” kept repeating in her head. She could not think of anything else. Suddenly her brain kicked in over all the champagne she had consumed, reality hitting her like a ton of bricks.

  He may not love her, but he was still going to marry her. Nothing had changed.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  The wedding had been perfection and Keeli enjoyed herself more than she could have imagined. Her new dress and shoes along with her much-improved hair helped make her feel beautiful and she was delighted to pose for the photographer beside the happy couple. Never had she witnessed two people more in love. Still, while she could be thrilled for Theo and Dylan, she could not push through her own lingering loneliness. Perhaps a little too much champagne hadn’t helped.