Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
“Hi, Knox,” she said, trying to calm her heart rate at the sight of him.
“Jade.” He tipped his head in greeting.
Her name on his lips sent tremors of awareness shooting through her. With his dark hair, hazel eyes that appeared more green than brown, and a face that was close to perfect, she couldn’t help her attraction to him. He had a straight nose, a strong jaw, and full lips she’d imagined kissing. And yes, she’d felt guilty about it, since she’d been with Theo at the time. But she hadn’t acted on the urge, which was more than she could say about her ex. Knowing she could study him now without guilt was liberating and she drank him in.
A football team owner, he always wore a sport jacket and slacks, looking imposing and put together. And more her type than Theo, the goalie for the New York Rockets, had been. She’d never dated an athlete before, but Theo, the hockey player, had been persistent, and she’d been anxious to jump back into the dating pool after her first broken engagement.
What a mistake that had been. Theo had taught her well—she had shitty taste in men, bad judgment, and had no business dating anyone, not even a guy as hot as Knox Sinclair.
“How are you?” she asked.
Even his genuine smile with straight white teeth drew her in. “I’m good. And you?”
“Busy.” She gestured around the booth.
“Impressive display,” he said, his gaze following her wave.
Pride filled her and she smiled. “Thanks. We worked hard.” She looked to where Lauren had been, but her assistant had stepped to the side to talk to Holly. She hadn’t realized she and Knox had been left alone.
“Why are you the one here with Holly?” she asked. Most brides brought their mothers, friends, or future husbands. Jade knew Holly’s mom had passed away. “Where’s the groom?”
“He’s out of town. Holly asked me to come with her to check things out.”
His indulgent tone when he spoke of his stepsister was so different than Theo’s had been. Theo had had no patience for Holly, her bubbly personality, or her desire to please. And they were blood relatives. Looking back, Jade had ignored a lot of red flags when it came to Theo, and she wanted to kick herself for being so blind.
Knox tipped his head towards his sister and Jade took that as a cue, walking over with Knox following.
“Holly! Your stepbrother just told me about your engagement. Congratulations,” Jade said, joining Holly and Lauren.
“Thank you. I’m very happy,” Holly said. “Look!” She held her out her hand to show off her ring.
Used to this with all her brides, Jade lifted Holly’s fingers to admire the beautiful emerald-cut diamond. “Gorgeous. I’m thrilled for you.”
“Thrilled enough to be my wedding coordinator and help me find a date at your hotel?” Holly clasped her hands together. “Please?”
Jade glanced at Lauren, who winced from behind Holly’s back. “I’d really love to work with you, but we’re booked for the next year. When did you have in mind?”
Holly glanced at Knox, who shrugged.
“Your call,” he said. “What did you and Miles discuss?”
She bit down on her lower lip. “We figured a year, but I have to admit, I was hoping to find an opening sooner.”
Jade wrapped an arm around Holly’s shoulders. “It’s difficult to plan a wedding on short notice, especially if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles. How about you give me a call at work? I’ll look at my calendar and check the soonest open date. In the meantime, why don’t you sign up to win a free night in the Meridian bridal suite.” She pointed to the sign-up area.
Holly, looking disappointed, nodded. “I guess I knew that. I was just hoping things would go my way. Can you let me know if you get a cancellation, though I know that’s highly unlikely?”
“Of course. Leave your number with Lauren. If something opens up, I promise you’ll be my first phone call.” Jade didn’t mention that, if something like that happened, it would mean that another bride-to-be was left devastated. Jade had been down that road herself, and just the thought of it made her ill.
“Hey! It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. Do you mind if I get a picture of all of us together?” Holly asked. When Jade nodded her agreement, Holly went into action. “Come on, move over here.” Despite attendees walking in and out of the booth, Holly directed Jade and Lauren to stand in front of the fairy lights.
Knox stood to the side, his arms folded across his chest, his gaze on Jade, causing the awareness she already had of him to multiply.
“You, too, Knox! Come on.” Holly grabbed his hand and pulled him across the floor. “Stand here.” She nudged him between Jade and Lauren.