“I love it,” Meg confirms.
“We’re still waiting on some of the RSVP’s,” I inform them with a shrug. “But that’s not uncommon. Most people hold onto them past the due date.”
“How many do you have so far?”
“We have 232 confirmed yes,” I reply, and Meg gasps as Will shrugs.
“That’s a lot of people.” Meg glances nervously at Will. “This is going to be really expensive.”
Will chuckles and kisses Meg’s forehead softly. “It won’t break us.”
“I can cut back on the flowers.”
Blake and I share a glance, thinking we should leave and let them talk, but Will just laughs and leans in to whisper in Meg’s ear. Her worried face relaxes and she bites her lip and nods as Will kisses her temple and pulls away, shaking his head as though he finds her adorable.
“We’re good. I keep having moments of panic,” she admits. “And then Will has to talk me down from the ledge.”
“Perfectly normal,” I reply with a smile. “This is a big deal.”
“Yeah.” Meg nods and takes another sip of wine. “Emphasis on big. But Will’s team is big, we have a big family and lots of friends. I have so many colleagues and friends from the hospital. I don’t want to leave anyone out.”
“Hey, you should celebrate with everyone you love.” Blake smiles kindly at Meg, and I remember why I love him so much. He’s a nice guy.
“Thank you.” She smiles back at him and then glances up at Will who has continued to watch her. “So, we’re meeting on Wednesday out at the vineyard?”
“Yes. We’ll walk through and talk about the set up and all of the final details. But you don’t have anything to worry about. All of the vendors are ready and the food is now approved and ready to go. The hard part is over.”
Meg’s smile is wide and happy. “Okay. We’re getting married.”
“Thank God. This has been the longest engagement on record.” Will scowls down at Meg, who just laughs and rubs her hand along his rock-hard arm.
“It’s almost over, football star.”
“Let’s go home.”
Hugs and handshakes are exchanged, and as Will and Meg turn to leave, I return to my seat, sip my wine, and ask Blake to look over the final contract with me.
He steps behind me and rubs my shoulders as we read through it together and I melt back against him. “So, this price point should work up to 250 guests. But I need you to work up the additional price, should it go as high as 300.”
“There are still that many RSVP’s out there?”
“Unfortunately.”
“Hey, what are you doing here, man?” I hear Will say as he and Meg reach the lobby.
“I have a meeting with Blake.” Dominic’s voice.
“You should see if they have any of the food we just tried left over. It’s awesome.”
“I’m fine, but thanks. Did you like the wine pairings?”
“They’re perfect. Thank you, Dom.” Meg replies. “I wish you’d let us pay for the wine.”
“No, bella. It’s a gift. Have a good day. I’ll see you this weekend.”
A chill runs down my spine as Blake leans over me to point at something on the contract. He’s still kneading my shoulder with the other hand. I have no idea what he’s just said, so I just nod.
“I’m sorry you’re having a rough day,” he murmurs and kisses the top of my head. “Headache better?”
“Yeah,” I lie, and offer him a small grateful smile, then look over my shoulder to see Dom watching us. His hands are shoved in the pockets of his slacks. He discarded his suit jacket long ago and rolled the sleeves of his white button-down up his forearms, showing off his tanned skin. His tie is loose. His dark hair is messy, as if he’s run his fingers through it in frustration.
And his jaw is clenched and his deep blue eyes are full of heat and anger.
My thighs involuntarily clench at the sight of him, and my mind immediately goes to my dream this morning. Those hands and his mouth on my skin.
What would it really feel like?
I turn away and take a deep, calming breath as Blake crosses the room to Dom and shakes his hand.
“We’re just wrapping up here.”
“No problem. I’m a little early. I’m meeting my sisters for lunch in a few hours, so I thought I’d see if you could squeeze me in.”
“Absolutely.”
“We’re done here,” I hear myself say, as I power the iPad down and stand, preparing myself for Dom’s usual flirtatious come-ons and charming smile. I can stay professional.
I will stay professional.
I smile at both of the handsome men, but instead of offering me a cocky smile, Dom simply nods at me and turns to leave the room.
“I’ll meet you in your office,” he says to Blake, who turns a questioning look to me. I just shrug.
“Who knows? But I need my bag from your office.” I march with my head held high into Blake’s office and retrieve my handbag, shove my iPad inside and turn to Dominic. “The wines you chose are perfect. Thank you.”
He nods. “My pleasure.”
I don’t know what else to say, so I fumble through with, “Enjoy your sisters. Thanks again, Blake.”
Before I can turn to leave, Blake pulls me into his arms and gives me a big hug, rocking me back and forth.
“I’ll call you later. Take something for the headache.”
I pull away and again Dom is watching me with hot blue eyes. He rubs his hands over his mouth and looks like he wants to say something, but he doesn’t.
And I can’t figure out why I want him to. It’s good that he’s not asking me out or flirting with me.
I’d just turn him down like I always do.
“I will.” I nod and walk out of Blake’s office and wonder what in the hell that was all about.
Chapter Two
Dominic