Page 17 of Bridesmaid Undercover
“She’s pretty awesome. Haisley also speaks very highly of you.”
“Well, Haisley is a force. She’s changing the business, and I love everything she’s doing, so the compliment from her means a lot.”
Lots of pleasantries, but that’s how business is sometimes, talking each other up and building that trust in one another. Also, I’m not going to shy away from the compliments, especially from Hardy.
“She’s a good sister to have.” He smirks. “As for specifics, I think Polly would be looking for someone to almost be a mentor for her maid of honor, someone to help her navigate everything, to bounce ideas off of, and to help with any setup and planning that she might be responsible for.”
“That’s not a problem at all. That’s what we’re here for. We can assist in planning, managing the events so she can attend to the bride, and of course, be there for any needs.”
Hardy nods. “I think that would be perfect, exactly what she’s looking for.”
“Great,” I say. “Well, if you think this could work, I would love to have a conversation with Polly.”
“She’ll hire you on the spot, guaranteed, especially if I give her my approval.”
I press my hand to my chest. “That would mean a lot, Hardy.”
“And hey, if it goes well, this might lead to more business. Both Polly’s and Ken’s families are very wealthy with a huge network of friends who would likely find your services very helpful. Could be a great jumping-off point.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. Thank you.”
“Of course,” he says. He lifts up his coffee, sips it, but keeps his eyes on me the entire time, as if he has something else he wants to say to me.
Cutting to the chase, I ask, “Is that, uh, is that everything?”
He scratches his cheek and then stares down at his coffee. “Not exactly.”
“Oh? There’s something else you want to talk about?”
“Yes, but it’s sort of awkward.” He shifts uncomfortably, which I find endearing, because normally this man is very sure of himself, confident, doesn’t seem to have a worry at all. But from the tense set of his shoulders and the transition in his expression, I can tell there’s something on his mind.
“That’s okay,” I reply. “I deal with a lot of awkward things on the daily. Being in the event planning industry, you wouldn’t believe the number of weird things I have to take care of. So feel free to lay it on me.”
“Okay,” he says and then turns to face me. We’re no more than two feet apart, so when those baby blue eyes settle on me, I remind myself not to get lost in them, to not openly sigh from just how mesmerizing they are, especially from the way they play off the stark contrast of his nearly black lashes.
Let me tell you, it’s a challenge.
“So, I’ve been doing some thinking lately.”
“Okay, what kind of thinking?” Jokingly, I add, “You don’t want to join the wedding planning business, do you? Or better yet…be a bridesmaid for hire?”
He chuckles. “Imagine what that might look like, all decked out in tulle and lace, possibly a bow fastened in my hair.”
“You very well might steal the show from the bride.”
“Trust me, if I was in some sort of satin getup showing off my man-cleave, I would be stealing the show for sure.”
I let out a cackle that is far too unattractive for my liking, but the imagery…
“You would like that, wouldn’t you?” he asks. “Seeing me in something satin?”
I shake my head. “No, I think I’d prefer you in chiffon.”
“Keep your fingers crossed, and it might just happen.”
“Well, until that magical moment, what is this thinking you’ve been doing?”
He twists his mug on the table. “With Haisley getting married, Ken and Polly planning their wedding, and seeing how happy Brody and Maggie are, it has me thinking that I want the same thing.”
