by Tara Randel
“No. I’ve been busy with my own job for a long time.”
“Which is?”
“Time-consuming.”
She laughed and shook her head. “How about friends at home?”
He sent her a sideways glance. “Is that your way of asking if I’m single?”
“I was trying to be discreet, but yes.”
“No significant other.”
She nodded. “It’s always good to establish that up front.”
A waiter interrupted, angling a tray of bacon-wrapped shrimp toward them. The spicy scent made Dylan’s stomach rumble.
After tasting one of the tempting hors d’oeuvres, Dylan continued the more enticing conversation. “Then I gotta ask, are you dating anyone?”
“Not currently.”
“Terrific. Awkward moment over.”
She laughed. “Oh, I’m sure there will be more to come.”
“Why?”
“Because getting to know people can be torture. What topics are off-limits? How much do we reveal about ourselves? Are we even compatible?”
“You’ve given this some thought.”
“To be honest, I haven’t struck gold in the dating department lately.”
“Hard to believe.”
A friend called out Kady’s name in passing. Kady smiled and waved in return. “Believe it. Most of the guys I’ve gone out with are too busy to try and start a real relationship. Or they just aren’t interested.”
“Busy?”
She sent him an accusatory glance. “Like, on the phone all the time.”
“Ah. Point taken. And sorry about earlier, but it was important.”
“I’ve heard those words before. Right after I’d decided to give the guy a chance.”
“Tell you what. No phone calls tonight.”
To demonstrate he meant it, Dylan took his cell from his pocket and turned it off. He held it up for Kady to see. “I promise, no distractions.”
She took a sip of her drink, eyeing him as though considering his actions. “Score one for you.”
He grinned. “I’ll be the first to admit I let the job get the best of me, but tonight I’d much rather focus on you.”
“Make that two points.”
He held up his glass. “To a night of getting to know each other.”
“Sounds interesting.” She clinked her glass with his. “I’m in.”
They both sipped their drinks again, watching the crowd mill around them.
“So,” Kady said, “will you be attending more workshops?”
“Probably. I’m here to support my mother.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re signed up for one of the floral competitions.”
Dylan nearly choked. “No. That would be all Mom.”
“Let me guess.” She tapped a finger against her chin. “Wedding-reception-table category?”
“To be honest, she hasn’t filled me in. She’s all hush-hush.”
“I’ve been that way, too. I hope—”
“Kady? Is that you?”
With a squeal, the woman who approached didn’t wait for an answer. She threw her arms around Kady.
“Sue,” Kady said, barely able to reply. “How’s it going?”
“Fantastic. I have the arrangement to win this year.”
“Looking forward to seeing—”
“And I predict this is the year for you.”
Kady blinked. “Thanks.”
“Gotta run. Drama over in the corsage camp. Don’t want to miss a thing.”
While her friend hurried off, Dylan bit back a chuckle. “Drama over corsages?”
“The competitors take their categories very seriously.”
Dylan didn’t see it, but then again, he wasn’t part of this world.
“Kady,” a young man called as he passed by. “This year for sure.”
Dylan raised a brow, enjoying Kady’s flushed cheeks. “Care to explain?”
“Just some people who want to see me win this year.”
“Is it really that important?”
“For bragging rights, sure. But it will also help my business.”
Another woman walked by and gave Kady a thumbs-up.
“Do you mind if we get out of here for a bit?” Kady asked.
“Sure.”
He followed as Kady exited through the doors leading to the pool patio. They rounded the empty pool to a pathway leading to the side of the hotel. A vast expanse of grass ran from the hotel to the beach. Small decorative lights lined the pathway on the side of the building. Kady headed in the direction of the surf.
Stars shone in the dark sky. The wind churned up the water as it rushed to the shore. Even in the crisp night air, Dylan discerned the scent of salt and sea.
Once they reached the beach, Kady let out a long breath.
“I wouldn’t suggest wearing those shoes if you’re going to walk on the sand,” he advised.
“Here is fine. I just needed a minute.”
“Mind my asking why?”
Kady sent him an amused grin. “See, this is when the uncomfortable questions start.”
“We could stand here in silence if you like.”
She laughed. “Three points for you.”
“Okay, silence it is.”
Brushing at a strand of hair escaping her hairstyle, Kady stared out over the undulating water shining in the moonlight. Her earrings sparkled as she moved. He could read the indecision on her face. Understood it as well.
“I always come in second in the competition. I hate for everyone to feel sorry for me.”
“You think that’s what it is?”
“Oh, yeah.” She cut him a self-deprecating glance before looking back at the water. “It’s frustrating enough to lose every year, and even though my friends want me to win, they doubt it. Shoot, even I doubt it from time to time.”
“Maybe this year will be different.”
“It has to be. I have a lot riding on winning.”
“For your business reputation?”
“Partly. More because I don’t want to lose my shop.”
“Over a contest?”
“It’s a big deal to my family.”
“Because?”
He noticed her hesitation in answering. Was she thinking too much too soon?
“My folks are thinking of retiring,” she finally said. “They want to sell the shop and I want to prove I can make it in the wedding industry.”
“So, you think winning will solve all your problems?”
“Look, every business needs customers. I want to focus on brides and weddings. My folks aren’t convinced, because they never ran the business that way. They’ve been happy to make arrangements for special occasions or funerals. I want to branch out.”
“Sometimes family is the hardest to please.”
“Exactly. Weddings are a multimillion-dollar industry. In time I know I could convince my parents that my ideas have merit, but I need the accolades and wedding customers to win them over. My brother is on my side, but he has his own career to focus on.”
Dylan remembered Will’s name coming up in his investigation. He had a clear opening to learn more about his person of interest, yet he found himself hesitating. Finally, he asked, “So your brother doesn’t want to sell?”
“No. Usually my folks listen to him, since he’s our financial guy, but they’re pretty determined right now. I just hope he doesn’t have a change of mind.”
A change of mind that might affect Kady and her folks? In what way? Since her brother’s name had come up in connection with the investigation, Dylan wondered if Will’s decision could be of any interest to the case.
�
��I considered buying the shop from my parents since it’s been in the family for generations, but I’d have to get a loan.” She ran the sole of her shoe over the sand. “It’s all so complicated.”
“But it’s what you want?”
“Yeah,” she answered with quiet conviction. “More than anything.”
While Dylan admired her conviction, he also knew that people could go down dark paths to accomplish their goals. Hadn’t he done so by single-mindedly pursuing Esposa, sacrificing the safety of his partner because he’d been so obsessed? Yeah, he could admit it now. He was obsessed with nailing Esposa. He didn’t want to see Kady get caught up in a sticky predicament that consumed her life just to achieve her plans.
When she shivered, he moved closer. Their shoulders brushed. He liked being here with Kady, standing in the outdoors, far away from the burden of his memories, the strangling ties of his job. Standing before this beautiful vista of sand and surf, beside an equally beautiful and fascinating woman, almost felt surreal.
Kady rubbed her hands up and down her bare arms.
“Are you cold?”
“Yes. I should have grabbed my wrap before we came outside.”
Dylan shrugged out of his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. She took the lapels in her hands and drew the jacket around her.
“Better?”
She met his gaze. “Much.”
They continued to stare at each other. Dylan didn’t know what drew him to this woman, but he wasn’t about to fight it. He slid his arm around her waist. When she didn’t move away, he pulled her closer. Still, she continued to keep her eyes locked with his. Before he even realized what he was doing, he lowered his head and closed his lips over hers.
He kissed her slowly, gauging her response. When her hand landed on his chest, he placed his other hand on her hip. As she moved deeper into his embrace, Dylan’s heart pounded. He’d hoped she’d kiss him back, but the reality? More potent than he’d let himself imagine. He’d never thought anything could beat the adrenaline kick right after a bust. Kissing Kady proved him wrong.
* * *
WHAT WAS WRONG with her? She barely knew Dylan, yet she’d melted into his kiss as if she’d been waiting for him her entire life.
She drew back, her eyes meeting his. Fire burned there. Oh, boy.
With a shaky breath she put some distance between them, at a loss as to what to do next. Dylan was the perfect distraction. When they were together she didn’t worry about the competition. The shop. Her parents’ decision to sell. No, with Dylan it was all long looks, fluttering in her belly and untimely chills. A girl could do worse.
Dylan spoke first. “The most important awkward moment. The first kiss.”
She forced herself to better grip the lapels of his jacket, hoping he wouldn’t notice the slight tremor. Awkward kiss? Far from it. Hiding her reaction, she turned her nose into the warm fabric, inhaling the masculine scent of tangy cologne and all man. All Dylan.
“I hope I didn’t overstep.”
“No. It’s fine.” And how lame did that sound?
“Blame it on the night.”
Oh, she would later, when she went over the kiss in her head.
“Should we go back inside?”
“Probably a good idea.”
As she moved by him, Dylan placed a hand on her arm to stop her. “Just so you know, I’m glad I kissed you.”
She swallowed hard. The man got right to the point, didn’t he? Well, if he could be honest, so would she. “Me, too.”
She was rewarded with a roguish smile. Throw in nice guy and she was in big trouble.
Moments later they were in the banquet room, surrounded by opening-night revelry. The music ramped up and voices became louder. Dylan took his jacket, which she hated to give up, and this time they mingled. Before long, one of her florist friends corralled her.
“Melissa. I thought you weren’t coming?”
“Last-minute change of plans. Hubby decided to stay home with the kids so I could make the convention.” They hugged each other. As they stepped back, Melissa checked out Dylan. “I’m so glad I didn’t miss it.”
“How about I get us another drink?” Dylan asked.
“Thanks.”
Dylan looked at Melissa. She held up her full glass.
“Be right back.”
When he walked away, Melissa pulled Kady aside. “You’re here with a hottie and I’m just now finding out?”
“I’m not here here with him. We met recently. We’re just hanging out.”
“The way he was looking at you? That wasn’t a hanging-out look.”
Kady felt her cheeks heat. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Take some advice from an old married lady. Enjoy the moment.”
She glanced over to see Dylan headed their way. “I will.”
He handed her a drink while Kady made introductions. Once that was done, Melissa got right to business.
“You’d better win the competition. I’ll say it again—you were robbed last year. Your bouquets are always gorgeous This year, Queen Jasmine gets bumped off her throne.”
At Melissa’s comment, Dylan, who’d just taken a bite of an hors d’oeuvre, started coughing.
“Are you okay?” Kady asked as she pounded his back.
He nodded, tried to speak, but coughed again.
“I’ll get some water,” Melissa offered and disappeared in the crowd.
“Dylan. Can you breathe?”
He nodded, proving it by taking a deep breath.
“You had me worried. What happened?”
He tried to speak but still had no success.
“Don’t worry. Melissa will be right back with the water.”
She took the napkin from his hand to place on a nearby table, along with her drink. When she turned around, a woman was standing in front of Dylan, her hands on his arms.
“Breathe.”
Kady could have sworn he rolled his eyes, but when his gaze met hers, they went wider. Concerned, she took a step closer to move the other woman aside. “Excuse me. I—”
The words died on her tongue. She was face-to-face with her archenemy, none other than Queen Jasmine herself.
CHAPTER SIX
JASMINE GLANCED AT HER, frowned, then returned to Dylan.
“Your last name is Matthews?” Kady barely got the words out.
“It is.” A sheepish expression crossed his face. He finally found his voice. Though gravelly, it worked. “Kady, meet Jasmine Matthews. My mother.”
Kady jumped back, as if electrocuted. “I know who she is. Here. I mean, at the convention.” She shook off the confusion in her head. “Your mother?”
“We know each other,” Jasmine confirmed, watching her son’s face.
The shock started to give way, the thought of betrayal rapidly taking its place. She remembered his attention. The kiss on the beach. “Was this your plan all along? Distract the competition?”
Dylan frowned. “No. I didn’t even know you two competed against each other.”
And she’d hadn’t bothered looking closely at Dylan’s name tag earlier today before he stashed it in his pocket. How could she have known he was the son of her chief competitor? And if she had known, what would she have done anyway? Instead, she’d been caught up in his metal-gray eyes, acting like a teenager waiting for a first kiss from the good-looking boy. She’d let her guard down and ended up...with her chest so tight she could barely breathe.
She couldn’t face Dylan, so she focused on his mother instead. “Despite our professional rivalry, he didn’t learn any of my secrets. My entry is going to blow away the judges this year, Jasmine.”
“Kady,” Dylan said, “I was never after your secrets.”
“Right.” And I suppose that kiss meant nothing.
“You seem to be jumping to conclusions here,” the Queen jumped in. “I assure you, Kady, I didn’t send my son after your design. I didn’t even know you two had met.”
“Of course you’d say that, now that you’re caught.”
Jasmine’s shoulders went stiff. “Are you insinuating I cheat?”
“What other reason could there be?”
“All these years in a row?” Melissa, having joined the group, launched headlong into the conversation. “We should have guessed something fishy was going on.”
Dylan took Kady’s arm and steered her away from the small group. Despite the pleasure of his touch, she yanked herself free, controlling the anger that was swiftly overtaking her. When she finally met Dylan’s gaze, she was surprised by the genuine distress there.
“Kady, my mother and I were not plotting against you. It’s been years since I came to a conference with her. I don’t know the ins and outs or the important competitions.”
“Even when I mentioned being in one of the categories?”
“C’mon. How many are there? I’m not that plugged in to what my own mother is doing.”
“Then why bother being here?”
He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze moving to a spot over her shoulder. After a few seconds, he said, “I told you, she asked and I had some free time, so I stayed.”
She glimpsed the guilt eclipsing his eyes. “Right.”
Which made things worse when he didn’t answer.
She hated to ask, but she had to know the truth anyway since he’d thrown her off her game. “So the kiss? It wasn’t meant to draw my attention from the prize?”
Dylan looked at her. His dark eyes grew darker. “Oh, no, that kiss was definitely the prize.”
“I’d give you another point, but after learning the truth, you lost it and all three you earned earlier.”
Dylan seemed to consider that statement for a moment. “Not a problem. Now I get to try all over again.”
“You think it’ll be that easy?”
“I love a challenge.”
“Good for you, then, because you have your work cut out for you.”
He sent her a confident grin.
“Be warned. I’m watching you and your mother.”