Ally turned to her brother. “She’s right, you know. If I’m leaving, there’s no need for you to spend the summer away from work.”
Carter smiled, lifting up his hands. “I already reassigned the rest of my projects until the end of the summer. Besides, you were right, Ally-Cat. I haven’t had a vacation for years and could use some beach time. I’ll stay here and help Avery. That way, it’ll be like you’re still here. I’ll make sure to involve myself in every detail.”
OH. HELL. NO.
Avery spoke up. Loudly. “I really don’t think that’s—”
“What a great idea!” Ally practically squealed. “Oh, I’m so relieved. This way, Avery will get some extra help, and we can still all do this together, just like I envisioned. I can’t thank you both enough.”
The protests died on her lips. She watched in horror as Carter turned and met her gaze.
Triumph carved out the lines of his face. Smug satisfaction gleamed from pewter eyes. And Avery swore to make him pay.
Game on.
Chapter Seven
She was avoiding him.
Carter looked out over his balcony at the crashing waves and analyzed his next move. Since that fateful dinner a week ago, when Ally had announced she needed to leave, it was obvious her wedding planner was not thrilled with his offer to help. Not that he’d termed it as an offer. More like a demand.
She definitely disliked taking orders, even though her entire career revolved around pleasing high-maintenance clients. Unless it was just him she disliked. Quite possible, since the moment they’d seen each other, she seemed determined to piss him off. From her judgy looks and cool disregard, he’d known immediately she wasn’t happy to see him, let alone learn he was Ally’s man of honor. Her attitude set off his usually nonexistent temper, touching deep, dark parts inside that flared to life. Things that contained raw, untamed stuff and something even worse.
Want.
A groan escaped his lips and he fisted his hands. One casual touch outside Fins had set his body off like a firecracker. Just a simple brush of skin on skin, the subtle scent of lavender mint drifting to his nostrils, and he was suddenly, horrifyingly hard.
He was fucked-up.
Only he’d become sexually attracted to a woman who drove him batty and personally disliked him. Of course, it could be a fluke. He’d read that anger could warp into arousal, so maybe the challenge of winning each skirmish had gotten his body mis-wired. It was a logical conclusion and the only one he’d accept. Because there was no way he’d get involved with Avery Sunshine.
Ever.
He glanced with frustration at his phone. The string of texts he’d sent was met with savvy nonanswers created to make him go away.
C: Narrowed down three possible restaurants for rehearsal. Here are the links. Can you make appointments at each and let me know when?
A: Sure. I’ll get back to you. ☺
C: Ally liked these centerpieces (see attachment). When is the floral appointment?
A: Let me check on that. ☺
C: I called this photographer, whose work received high reviews. Would like to meet with him next week. When are you free?
A: I’ll peek at my schedule and let you know. ☺
C: A full week has passed, and I still haven’t heard from you on these important issues. I’ve left you a voice mail on your business phone to contact me ASAP. Please forward me a spreadsheet and updated schedule of all appointments immediately.
A: Already spoke with your sister. Will let you know if I need you. ☺
No spreadsheet. No tasks, vendor list, or appointment dates. She was shutting him out, and the smiley faces proved it. Her hand had been well played. If he went complaining to his sister, Avery would play dumb and pretend to get upset. It’d also make him look like a ridiculous whiner. She’d been smart to disappear.
It was time to take back control.
He didn’t question why it was important for him to be involved in every step. He trusted Ally to make the right decisions and knew Jason would support her. Weddings had never been on his radar, other than the ceremonial horror of committing yourself to forever. He’d never cared about the actual details, but knowing their mother wasn’t around to offer opinions and guidance to Ally hurt him. He didn’t want his sister to feel as if she were lacking, so he’d be mother, father, and best friend in one shot.
He refused to fail her.
Decision made, he settled Lucy with one of her favorite bones, promising to be back early, and headed out. He’d camp out in Avery’s office until someone had to deal with him, then lodge his complaint about not having his phone calls or text messages returned.
The sun beamed hot on his bare arms, and he enjoyed being out of his restrictive suit, officially on vacation now. Today, he’d donned white board shorts, a blue T-shirt, and leather sandals. Trading in his glasses for a pair of prescription Ray-Bans, he took in the sights and sounds of the busy streets.
No wonder his sister had raved about Cape May. It emanated quirky charm and combined gorgeously restored Victorian homes with old-school beach flavor. It’d managed to avoid the tacky boardwalk filled with rides and overpriced food, offering visitors a clean beach, unique shops, and delicious cafés. Other than a small arcade, the town mostly catered to families rather than teens. Horses and carriages clopped by, taking people on mini tours, and red surreys holding six people pedaling madly mixed in with the cars and foot traffic.
He walked out of the hubbub of town and toward the quieter streets, shielded in shade by massive oak trees that lined the curbs. He passed multiple bed-and-breakfasts painted in Crayola-type color. People relaxed on oversize porches, sipping tea and eating cookies in wicker rockers. Many waved as he strolled by, and he was surprised to find himself smiling and waving back. When he finally reached Sunshine Bridal, his mind was clear and focused.
He walked through the front door and headed directly into the office. A young woman with short pink hair was tapping madly on a laptop, muttering softly under her breath.
“Excuse me? I’m looking for Avery.”
She jerked around. Golden-brown eyes stared back at him with a tinge of angst, as if she wasn’t thrilled at being interrupted. “She’s on an appointment. Not sure when she’ll return. Can I take a message?”
“Maybe you can help me.”
He tried not to grin at her annoyed exhaled breath, which was followed up by a huge fake smile. “Sure. What can I do for you?”
“I’m Carter Ross. Ally’s brother.”
Recognition lit up, and the stressed lines of her face smoothed out. “Oh, thank goodness! I cannot deal with one more grouchy client today. I’m Taylor, Avery’s sister. It’s nice to meet you. We all adore Ally and are so happy for her.”
“Thanks, me, too. Um, I’m having some issues with Avery getting back in touch with me. She doesn’t return my messages, and I’m supposed to be accompanying her on several appointments.”
Taylor frowned. “That’s weird and not like Avery at all. She’s so damn organized, she color-codes her pens. Let me bring up her calendar.” She punched a few keys and stared at the screen. “She should be back within the hour. Are you going with her to the bakery at three?”
He snapped his fingers. “Yes, I am. Could you do me a favor? Does she have any other appointments set up for my sister? I’d love a printout so I don’t miss anything.”
“Of course. I’ll whip this out. Looks like you’ll be in back-to-back appointments all next week, but then things will calm down a bit. I’m glad you got the SeaSalt for the reception. Pulling off a wedding in under three months is a challenge.”
“I’m beginning to see that.”
Taylor handed him the list. “Do you mind waiting here for her unaccompanied? I have to go meet a client.”
He opened his mouth to agree, but was interrupted by a woman rushing in with a child snugly nestled in her arms. Though her hair was long and golden blonde, and her eyes a bright blue, he spotted the si
milarities in their faces immediately. Definitely the last sister of the crew. Her daughter looked like a tiny miniature, dressed in a Cinderella dress, plastic blue heels, and a tiara perched on her head. He pegged her as about five years old.
“T, you have to watch Zoe for me. I got an SOS from Samantha, who’s having a panic attack at her bridal fitting. The MOG mentioned she’d gained some weight, and Samantha’s hysterical.”
“You let her do the fitting with the MOG?” Taylor asked, shaking her head. “Dude, bad decision.”
The blonde glared. “Yeah, I know. Here, take her.” She shoved the little girl into her sister’s arms. Zoe tilted her rosy face up, her lips smeared with something that resembled pink frosting. “Hi, Aunt TT! Mama said a bad word.”
“Hi, munchkin. Let’s wash Mama’s mouth out with soap later.” This caused an array of giggles to erupt. “Bella, I can’t watch her! I’m already running late for an appointment, and Avery isn’t here yet.”
“Oh my God, this is so bad.” Bella leaned over and began to drag in deep breaths. “You think I can take her with me?”
“Into a meltdown with a hysterical bride and clueless MOG?”
“I’ll bring her Kindle! Maybe promise her one of those gourmet lollipops if she’s good! I have to get there ASAP, or the whole appointment will blow up and—”
“I can watch her.”
All three females jerked around to stare at Carter.
He regarded the little girl with a smile and hunkered down so he didn’t look so intimidating. “Are you Cinderella, or do you dress like that all the time for school?” he asked.
Another giggle. “It’s summer! There’s no school in summer. And I’m not really Cinderella since she’s a pretend character, but I like to look pretty. Are you getting married?”
“No, my sister is. I’m waiting for your aunt Avery. Do you think you’d be okay to hang with me for a bit until she gets here?”
“Wait—who are you?” Bella demanded, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“Carter Ross. I’m Ally’s brother, the man of honor.”
Bella’s face cleared. “Oh yes, Avery told us all about Ally’s wedding. I’m sorry we haven’t met before now. I’m Bella.”
“Nice to meet you. Listen, I know you don’t know me, but I don’t mind watching her until Avery arrives. Here’s my ID.” He slid out his driver’s license and handed his phone over. “You can put my number in your contacts. Does she have her Kindle with her?”
Bella bit her lip. “Yes. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“I wouldn’t offer if I did. I promise to keep her right here and not move.”
Taylor cocked her head and regarded him with respect. “That’s really cool. I think it’d be okay. Bella?”
“Sweetheart, this is Carter. Do you want to stay with him for a little while? You can’t leave the office, but you can read or play your games.”
Zoe nodded. “Will Carter read Fancy Nancy with me?”
“I love Fancy Nancy,” he said solemnly.
Bella looked back and forth between them, then made her decision. “I owe you big-time,” she said, hurriedly grabbing his phone and exchanging numbers. He noticed she studied his ID carefully, then took a picture of it with her phone. Good. He was glad she was being thorough. She gave Zoe a hug and kiss goodbye, warning her to behave, and then disappeared in a frenzy with Taylor at her side.
The door banged shut behind them.
Carter stared down at his new charge. Her bright-blue eyes studied him with the open curiosity of the very young. “Do you really like Fancy Nancy?” she finally asked suspiciously.
He smothered a laugh. Damn, she was adorable. “I really do. Why don’t you open it up and I’ll read. Want to sit on the couch?”
“Sure.” She scrambled up, fishing her pink Kindle out of her PAW Patrol backpack. He stretched out his legs, crossed his ankles, and hit the button to put the cover in full size.
“I like her outfit, but yours is nicer,” he said, tapping the screen.
“Thanks! Pink is my favorite color, even though I’m mostly wearing blue today.”
“I can tell because you had pink cupcakes today with sprinkles, right?”
Her eyes widened. Her soft voice came out in a hush. “How did you know that?”
His lips twitched. “I have some magic powers, but I don’t like to use them often.”
“Do you have a wand?”
“Nope, I just use my mind. Should we read?”
“Oh yes.” She crossed her legs, rearranged her dress, and leaned her head close to see the pictures. The scent of strawberry shampoo made him smile.
Carter read the book, using his funny voices like he used to do when Ally was little, and got lost in the moment. Kids were good for that. And dogs. It was too bad he wasn’t keen on having a child alone—after raising Ally with no support, he knew how difficult being a single parent was. That’s why he believed in a two-parent household if at all possible. He had no desire to get married, though, or engage in a serious, committed relationship. Therefore, kids weren’t in the picture for him.
A sudden flicker of regret cut deep at the thought, but he pushed the feeling away and concentrated on the story. He rarely allowed any messy emotions to throw him off-balance. There was no point, so it was much easier to push them away until they disappeared.
They’d gotten to book three in the series when the door flung open and Avery rushed in. She threw her purse on the table, kicked off her heels, and began tearing through a huge pile of thick folders stuffed with papers and mismatched fabrics. He looked down at Zoe, who was grinning at the fact her aunt hadn’t spotted them on the couch.
“Hi, Aunt Avery!” she shouted.
“Holy crap!” The files flew from her hands and scattered on the floor. “Wh-What’s going on?”
Zoe gave a deep sigh. “She says bad words, too, but I can’t say ’em ’cause I’m too little. Aunt TT says when I’m old, I can say all the bad words.”
“At least seven,” he said, nodding.
“At least.”
“What’s going on?” Avery demanded again, this time much louder. She stared at them in shock. “Carter, why are you here? Zoe, where’s your mom?”
“Your sisters had to both run out, so I told them I’d watch Zoe until you got back. It’s lucky I stopped in, since I would have missed the appointment at the bakery.”
The surge of pink in her cheeks confirmed her attempt at treachery. “How did you know about that?”
“Taylor looked up your schedule. She was kind enough to give me a printout so I can be aware of any future appointments. I’ll be honest, I expected more organization and follow-up from my sister’s wedding planner.”
She winced. “It’s not a big deal. I intended to overnight a few samples she can taste with Jason and make her final decision.”
“Ah, but what samples? What if you give her the wrong three choices because I wasn’t there, telling you what she likes and doesn’t like?”
“Can I have cake, too?” the little girl chimed in. “I like chocolate and vanilla and pink cupcakes with rainbows.”
“I think we should all have cake. It’s been a disappointing day.”
Avery looked like she was going to scream, but Zoe reached over and patted his hand. “At least we got to read Fancy Nancy.”
“That was my highlight.” Oh, how he adored a precocious child. They made life so much more interesting. Bella and her husband were blessed to have her. “Is your aunt always so riled up?”
Zoe wrinkled her nose. “She runs around a lot.”
He laughed.
Avery groaned and walked over to the couch. “Hey, munchkin,” she said, “how about I put on PAW Patrol in the other room?”
“Yes!” The little girl shot up, and he knew he’d been replaced by the lure of cartoon puppies. Not a bad choice. “Thanks for reading with me, Carter. Can we eat cake later?”
“Yes, it’s a date. Wait. Are you old enough to
date?”
She gave another charming giggle. “No, silly, but we can be friends.”
“Awesome. Catch ya later.”
She bounced out of the room, holding Avery’s hand. Carter got up from the couch and stretched, then spotted the Keurig coffee station. He could use a shot of caffeine for what lay ahead. He had a gut feeling Avery was going to make her disapproval of his visit loudly known.
Might as well get ready for the show.
He whistled and made himself a fresh mug.
When she stomped back in the room, he was perched halfway on the desk, drinking coffee. With his hip cocked out and legs casually crossed, it took her a moment to regather her forces.
He looked . . . different.
The suit was gone and replaced with shorts that showed off lean muscled legs and olive-toned skin. His T-shirt was a dark blue, stretching tight over an impressive broad chest and making his eyes appear less gray and more cerulean, adding a depth that threw her off. His usual shaven jaw now held a shadow of dark stubble. The glasses were gone, and a pair of trendy black sunglasses was perched on top of his head. He should’ve looked less intimidating, but awareness skated over her nerve endings, causing a vibration in her core that puzzled her. What was it about him that made her body buzz? Was it just dislike she was mistakenly dubbing as physical attraction?
She couldn’t be attracted to Carter Ross. He was everything she didn’t like in a man: rude, arrogant, boring, and her best friend’s pain-in-the-ass brother. Dear Lord, she had to get her dating life back in order or she was going to fall apart.
She gathered all those disturbing, rambling thoughts, balled them up into a tight knot, and shoved them in a lockbox. Then focused on something that made sense.
Her annoyance.
“You can’t barge into my place of business and get involved with my family,” she said, hands on her hips as she faced him down. “You should have never been watching Zoe. I can’t believe Bella left her with you!”
Love on Beach Avenue Page 9