by Jade, Ella
The Weekend Surprise
By Ella Jade
Copyright © 2014, Ella Jade
Cover Artist: Fantasia Frog Designs
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
www.authorellajade.com
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Back Cover Copy
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
The Weekend Proposition
About the Author
Back Cover Copy
A chance meeting or a calculated encounter? Someone is in for a surprise.
Brooklyn Conservatory student Sammy Falcone lives a quiet and modest life. She's busy studying classical music, playing her cello, and trying to make ends meet. After she learns of her deceased mother's secret that may involve the Cannon family, she heads to a wedding to catch a glimpse of the privileged clan, never expecting to come face-to-face with them.
Tyler Cannon must abandon his wild, partying ways and step up to help his brother Spencer run the family advertising business. When he meets Sammy at his brother's wedding he's immediately taken by the reserved beauty. Her innocence and simple lifestyle intrigue him enough to become a one-woman man.
Sammy is drawn to Tyler's charm and the attention he shows her. Once she gets to know him, the secrets of her mother's past are no longer important. The problem is Spencer has been suspicious of her from the beginning. Will Spencer's overprotectiveness of his family ruin her chances with Tyler? And if the truth comes out, will Sammy be able to convince Tyler that she never meant his family any harm?
Chapter 1
Tyler Cannon watched as his older brother, Spencer, fidgeted with his watch. Tyler was amused to witness the fearless CEO of one of the country’s top advertising agencies lose his well maintained composure and notorious control.
“I bet you Coda isn’t this nervous,” Tyler teased. “Your bride-to-be is probably giggling with Grandfather as we speak.”
“I’m sure she is.” Spencer bent down and looked under the dresser for his dropped cufflink. “I’m not nervous. I want this day to be perfect for her.”
“You have spared no expense for today. You’ve given her everything she could possibly dream of.” Tyler picked up the cufflink from the corner of the room and handed it to his brother. “The crazy thing is Coda doesn’t care about all of this pomp and circumstance bullshit. She wants to marry you.”
“I’m one lucky son-of-a-bitch.” Spencer smirked as he pulled on his tuxedo jacket. “I can’t wait to say I do.”
Tyler was happy for Spencer. He’d found his true love and they were about to embark on the rest of their lives in a few minutes. At twenty-seven, Tyler hadn’t met the “one”. He’d never been interested in settling down with just one woman. Serious relationships hadn’t appealed to him until recently. Now that his brother had found his other half, Tyler had become intrigued by the idea. After watching a few of his college buddies get married and have kids, he started to wonder if he’d ever find that girl. Did she exist?
“Coda has changed my life,” Spencer said about his beautiful bride.
When Spencer brought the sassy Brooklyn waitress to an elaborate family wedding the year before, no one believed she would be his other half. She wasn’t anything like the Cannons, but Coda had won them all over in a matter of days. Especially Jack, their grandfather. He was taken by Coda’s drive, initiative, and fierce loyalty to Spencer. She had a way with Cannon men. Even Tyler could admit to having a little crush on her.
“She’s special to all of us. Look at how she’s softened Grandfather. He practically melted when she asked him to give her away today.”
“She adores the old man and it’s mutual,” Spencer said. “When we get back from our honeymoon, he’s going to surprise her with a corner office and give her some big accounts to help design.”
“Isn’t that supposed to be the CEO’s decision?” Tyler laughed, because even though Spencer was in charge, their grandfather never fully retired.
“You would think, but you know he still thinks he runs the place.”
“Coda’s come a long way as a graphic designer this past year.”
Tyler headed up most of the accounts at the agency and had worked with Coda on several campaigns. She ran circles around some of the veteran designers. According to their grandfather, she was going to take the agency into the future. With Spencer’s drive and determination, there was no way the family business could fail.
“She’s ready for some new accounts. You both have a lot to look forward to.” Tyler pulled on his jacket. “I’m happy for you.” He patted his brother’s back. “Let’s go get you hitched.”
“Thanks.” Spencer extended his hand. “I wouldn’t want to do this today with anyone other than you standing by my side.”
“I’m glad to do it, bro.” Tyler took Spencer’s hand as his brother pulled him into a quick hug. “I knew she was meant for you the moment I saw her.”
SAMMY FALCONE LOOKED at the wedding announcement in the newspaper one last time before tucking it into her bag. She admired the picture of Spencer Cannon and his future bride, Dakota Vercelli. They were absolutely stunning. A fairytale couple.
According to the tabloids, Spencer had swept the Brooklyn waitress off her feet when he had asked her to accompany him to his cousin’s wedding the year before. Sammy had followed their love story ever since she’d recognized Coda as someone from the neighborhood. The beautiful bride was a few years older than Sammy, but everyone in the small community knew who she was after the press got a hold of her story. Once Sammy realized who Coda was, she couldn’t help herself. She wanted to see the new Mr. and Mrs. Cannon.
She casually walked into the lobby of the hotel where the reception was being held. The ceremony had taken place earlier in the day at an undisclosed location, but the venue for the reception had been leaked a week ago. The press swarmed the front of the building, but they weren’t allowed inside. Spencer and Coda had promised to make an appearance at some point in the evening, but that had yet to happen.
Sammy looked around the classy hotel. It was bigger than she had expected. As with any New York hotel, people were bustling in and out of the rotating doors with bags and luggage. As far as she could tell, no reception was being held there. For all she knew, the couple could have given the wrong place or changed the location in an attempt for privacy. She hadn’t really expected to see them. It was a long shot. One she had hoped would pan out.
She glanced at the bar, which seemed quiet for such a busy hotel. She wasn’t a big drinker, but figured tha
t was the best place to hang out without looking too awkward. Since turning twenty-one, she’d never even ordered a drink at a bar. As she walked to the lounge and took a seat in the corner, she saw a grand staircase that led to a spacious landing which overlooked the entire lobby. Two large men with earpieces were blocking the bottom, preventing anyone from gaining access.
“What can I get you?” The bartender placed a beverage napkin in front of her.
“A glass of white wine, please.” She smiled at him, hoping he didn’t ask what kind of wine, because she had no idea.
“Can I see your ID?”
“Sure.” She reached into her bag and pulled out her wallet, flipping it open and showing him her license. “Why are those guys standing by the stairs?”
“Private function upstairs.” He poured her a glass of wine. “They’ve shut the whole place down except the lobby.”
“Is it the Cannon wedding?” she asked.
“You didn’t hear that from me.”
“It was in the paper.”
“I wondered if that was a decoy. It wasn’t until I got to work today that I realized they were really having a wedding reception here.”
“I walked right in.” Sammy thought that was strange. “How come that was so easy?”
“This place has great security. The Cannons were fine with people in the lobby. They used another entrance for their guests. They don’t ever have to come through this lobby if they don’t want to. This hotel is known for discretion. Many celebrities stay here and no one ever knows about it.”
“Well, here’s to the bride and groom.” She raised her glass. “May they live happily ever after.”
AFTER THE CEREMONY, obligatory best man duties, and what seemed to be a never-ending reception, Tyler made his way out to the lobby of the posh Manhattan hotel. He nodded at the two security guards who had been keeping stray hotel guests from getting into the reception. He couldn’t handle one more aunt or distant relative asking when he would be following in his brother’s footsteps and finding a girl like Coda.
It wasn’t like him to come to a family function without a date, but he’d been so busy with the agency lately, he didn’t have much time for a social life. With Spencer leaving for a two week honeymoon in Italy, Tyler would have to step up and take charge. Filling Spencer’s shoes was a big task, and in the past few weeks Tyler had been spending every spare second with his brother to make sure he was up to the challenge.
He scanned the lobby bar, noticing an open stool next to the most stunning brunette he’d seen in a while. He didn’t have to take over the helm at work for two more days. He saw no reason why he shouldn’t indulge in a drink, and maybe, if he was lucky, a little more with the sexy girl who now stared at him as he approached the bar.
He took in her silky, toned legs and strappy stiletto heels. Hot. She wore a tight black dress, nothing fancy, that sat high on her thighs. Her long, brown hair hung over her shoulders and curled loosely at the ends. Her olive complexion and dark eyes accented her exotic features. She looked to be from Latin descent, maybe Italian. Either way, she was a beauty.
He’d gawked long enough. It was time to get to know her.
She shot him a shy smile when he pulled the stool out and took a seat next to her. Once he sat down, he noted she was younger than she looked from across the room. Her makeup was light and she wore a thin chain around her neck with a small silver cross dangling from it. Glancing at the bar, he saw a white wine in front of her, so unless she sported a fake ID, she had to be at least twenty-one.
Now that he was closer to her, he got the feeling she didn’t belong at the bar. There was an awkwardness about her. She looked uncomfortable, but managed a quiet hello.
“Hi.” He waved the bartender over. “I’ll take whatever’s on draft.”
She swirled her finger around the rim of her wine glass. “You’re with the wedding.”
“I am.” He smiled. “Just thought I’d come out for a break. It’s been a long week.”
“I bet it was amazing.” She sipped her wine, crinkling her nose when she set it down.
“Do you want something else to drink?”
“No, thank you. I’m not a big drinker, or at least I’m not used to drinking yet.”
“Just turned legal?”
“The other day.”
“Happy birthday.” He raised his glass to her.
“Thank you.” She giggled as she picked her wine up and took another sip. “I’m Sammy.”
“I’m Tyler.”
“Cannon.” She nodded. “I know who you are.”
His family had been common tabloid fodder for years, so it didn’t surprise him that she knew who he was. “Reading the rag sheets?”
“Sometimes, but my whole neighborhood is talking about Dakota.”
“You’re from Brooklyn?” He should have realized it by her accent. It wasn’t over-the-top, but he detected the slight dialect. “Do you know Coda?”
“I grew up in Brooklyn, not far from Coda, but she’s a few years older than me. We don’t know one another.” When she tossed her hair over her shoulder, he caught the aroma of her berry scented shampoo. “I’m in my last semester of school. We had a reception down the street tonight, and I thought I’d hang around and see if I could catch a glimpse of the bride.”
“Did you?”
“Security is a lot tighter than I thought it would be.” She shrugged. “I guess I should have figured that, but since I was here I thought I’d give it a shot. The old women in my neighborhood are dying to know all about it.”
“I can get you in. I know the groom.” He winked. “And the bride really well.”
“Oh, no. I’m not here to intrude. I’m going to finish my drink and head home.”
“Do you live in the city?”
“Yeah, not far from here.”
“Where do you go to school?” He wanted to keep her there a little longer. She wasn’t like the women he associated with. There was nothing flashy about her. She wasn’t dressed for a Saturday night of clubbing in Manhattan either. He found her shyness refreshing.
“I go to the Brooklyn College Conservatory.” She fidgeted with her hands. “I play the cello.”
“Impressive.” He placed his hand on top of hers in an attempt to get her to relax. “Do I make you nervous?”
“A little.” She slipped her bottom lip between her teeth and he couldn’t help but focus on how kissable those lips were. She had a tiny mole below the left corner of her mouth.
Sexy. “Why?” he asked.
“I’ve never sat at a bar and talked to a guy before. It’s silly.”
“It’s cute.” He knew when he sat down, she was out of place. Any thoughts of inviting her up to his room at the end of the night should have been so far out of his head, but she was awfully hot.
She smiled at him, but he still detected the nerves that overpowered her.
“What’s your last name, Sammy?”
“Falcone.”
“Samantha Falcone.”
“No, just Sammy.”
“Really?” He finished his beer and flagged the bartender for another. “You can close me out after this.” He slipped his black credit card across the bar. “I’ll take care of the lady’s too.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She reached for her bag. “I can get mine.”
“Don’t be absurd.” He took her hand to stop her, but didn’t let go. “About your name?”
“My mother liked it.” She looked down at their joined hands, but she didn’t pull away. “Thanks for the drink.”
“Will you let me take you to dinner this week?” He had to get back to the wedding, but he didn’t want to let her leave without setting something up. “I’d like to get to know you a little better.”
“I guess.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell. “Here.” He set up a new contact. “Put your number in.”
“Okay.” She took his phone and keyed in her number.
“I’m texting myself from your phone so I’ll have yours too.”
“Good.” He downed his beer. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Cool.”
“You’re sure you don’t want to stay? They’ll be dancing in there tonight. I have a suite upstairs if—”
“There you are,” Spencer interrupted as he approached the bar with Coda by his side.
Crappy timing, Spencer.
“I told you he’d be out here.” Coda laughed. “He always manages to find the pretty girls.” His new sister-in-law smiled at Sammy. “Hi.”
Sammy slipped off the barstool and stared at the bride and groom almost as if she were seeing a celebrity couple. “Congratulations.” Her voice cracked. “Tyler, you should get back to the reception. I have to go.”
What’s the rush?
“What are you two doing out here? Security will freak.” Tyler looked around the lobby. “Are you trying to create a press frenzy?”
“Most of the press has gone,” Coda said. “Who cares what they snap now? We promised them pictures anyway. I didn’t want them bothering us during the ceremony.”
“Who is your friend?” Spencer asked.
“This is Sammy.” He stood from the stool, placed his hand on her back, and guided her forward. Her body tensed against his touch, but he didn’t get why she was so nervous. “Sammy, this is Spencer and Coda Cannon.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Sammy stared at Coda for a few seconds before acknowledging Spencer. “You two look awesome.”
“Thank you,” Coda said. “You’re from Brooklyn.”
“Umm, yeah, we’ve never met though,” Sammy said. “At least I don’t think we have.”
“Nah, I can tell by your accent.” Coda smiled. “Do you know Tyler?”
“We just met.” She shifted her feet.
“I tried to get her to come into the reception with me, but she doesn’t want to intrude.” Tyler ran his hand along her spine, trying to relax her. “Maybe if the bride asks her?”
“You wouldn’t be intruding,” Coda said. “Besides, Tyler’s going to need someone to dance with. The music’s starting to kick up.”