Andrew had a way of putting her body and mind in conflict with each other. Her gaze strayed across his mouth—a mouth that had kissed her so many times. She forced her gaze to meet his. Being around him was like playing with matches. One spark, and she’d get burned again.
As much as she applauded him for reconciling with his brother, she had to watch out for herself. “I can’t help you.”
His brows lifted. “I thought you’d want to do it, seeing as you’re in charge of the wedding itself. This would ensure that any word of the nuptials wouldn’t be leaked to the press. It’d be all in-house.”
He was good. She’d give him that much. But she was better at this war of words. “You forgot one thing. I’m fully booked.”
“That’s why I made my appointment a while back.”
She pulled up his information on her computer and immediately noticed his large deposit—so large it would help the expansion of her business.Her business.She loved the sound of it. There was something about being able to build her business all on her own—if only her family could be happy for her.
“Clara?”
She glanced over at Andrew. He was waiting for confirmation that she would take on his party. She mentally listed the pros and cons of taking on this job. In the end, it came down to finances. She honestly couldn’t afford to turn him away. But could she risk letting him get close to her again?
And then a thought came to her. She didn’t have to handle his account personally. She hadn’t become a modestly successful event planner without thinking outside the box now and again.
She lifted her chin ever so slightly. “We’ll do it.”
“Great.” He sent her a knowing smile, as though he’d assumed she wouldn’t be able to turn down him or his large down payment. “Here’s what I was thinking—”
“Whoa.” She held up a hand to stop him. “Slow down.”
“But since we’re short on time, I thought you’d want to get a jump start on this.”
“True. But with my calendar being so full, I think we should have my assistant, Brooke, work on your party.”
A frown pulled at his lips. “You mean you’re pawning me off on her.”
She subdued a smile at her cleverness. Oh yes, she was, but she was pleading the Fifth. “Brooke is quite capable and truly invaluable to me. If she hits any snags, she’ll consult with me.”
His dark brows scrunched together. “But I paid foryourservices.”
“And you’ll be getting them.”
The frown lines on his handsome face deepened. He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair as though preparing for a counterattack. “I don’t like this.”
“Don’t worry. This will all work out.” Especially from the standpoint that she wouldn’t have to deal with him personally. Once he thought about it, he’d realize her plan was best for all concerned.
Frown lines marred his handsome face. “Everything has to be just right. I’m still building a relationship with my brother, and I don’t want to let him down.”
“You have my word that everything will be just the way you want it. But if you have doubts, I can recommend another event planner—”
“No.” There was no hesitation in his answer. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Then let’s call Brooke in here and get started. Once we get the details of what you’re interested in for entertainment and the menu, it’ll take us a couple days to put together some options for you to choose from.”
Clara was quite pleased with herself. She’d handled what could have been a very sticky situation with professional fortitude. Maybe everything she’d felt when their hands touched was nothing more than nerves. Maybe she was truly and completely over him.
CHAPTER FOUR
“I’vegotitallunder control.”
Clara smiled as she held up her tablet displaying a spreadsheet with the progress of each part of the Fox wedding. It included the budget, an accelerated timeline for the wedding, and so much more. Every item for the wedding had a line in the master file and a link to another document with detailed notes. She was nothing if not organized. Now if only the bride would decide on a dress.
Tula stood in one of the two rooms at the back of the chapel while Liza laced Tula into yet another wedding gown. “Clara, how’s the bachelor party coming along?”
She knew about that? Clara swallowed hard, wondering if Tula also knew she and Andrew had once upon a time been a couple—an engaged couple. Talk about making things more than awkward. “While I’m personally handling every aspect of the ceremony and reception, I have my assistant working on the plans for the bachelor party.”