Page 25 of The Bride's Secret

Carisa called from across the room. “I’m going to rent a scooter this afternoon. Do you want to come?”

“I have to work, but you go ahead and tell me all about it.’

Perfect. He texted back.Shall I send a car?

No, I’ll see you there around four. Who knows if drinks will turn into dinner and dancing. See you soon.

Oh boy. That wouldn’t go over very well with Carisa. He frowned. Or maybe it would be fine. He had no commitment to Carisa. She was not even technically free to date. Perhaps she still was affianced. As far as he could tell she hadn’t broken anything off. Just run from the wedding. He chuckled.

“What are you laughing about?”

He flipped his phone over. “Nothing really.”

“Hmm.” She threw some things in a bag and then headed for the door. “I’m going to the spa this morning and using the scooters this afternoon.” She smiled. And he was reminded how much of the sun she could bring into a room.

“Okay, I’ll be sitting here, wishing I had someone at the spa rubbing me down and then I’ve got a work meeting with a potential client this afternoon.”

“Wow, a potential client here? That worked out great.”

“It did. If this pans out, it could be an amazing success for us.”

“Well, good luck then.” She hesitated as if she might approach but then shook her head and stepped out the door, feet light almost skipping.

He breathed out slowly and hoped tonight wouldn’t be a complete disaster.

His email begged to be sorted and answered so he got started, updated his partner, and did some work for their other clients. Lunch arrived as room service and he worked through the afternoon until it was almost time for Miss Spagnoli to arrive.

He took a little extra time in the shower, shaving, dressing. If only he had some of his designer suits, but the jacket the hotel had purchased would do. A spritz of cologne and he was off to the bar.

She waited for him, two drinks to her front.

“What are we drinking?”

“I surprised you.”

He eyed the bartender with a question in his face. The guy nodded, subtle, but Wyatt took that to mean the drink was safe. You never knew and an unwatched drink at a bar was something he would usually never on principle drink. “Then I better taste it.”

He took a sip. “Mmm. Burbon. Not too strong. Just right.” He nodded. “Very nice.”

She wore a deep blue dress, one strap across her shoulder. Her skin was lightly tanned, or that was her natural Italian heritage.

“You look beautiful.” He remembered belatedly he wasn’t supposed to compliment her looks. He watched her.

Her nod. “Thank you.”

“That Leilani, she sure likes you.”

“I’m a regular at that place. Everyone asked me the next day who the new hottie haole was.”

“Hottie haole?”

She shrugged. “I don’t usually mix business with pleasure, you know.”

“So this has moved on from a business meeting.”

“Yes, though if you want to talk shop for a minute, I will let you know, the board approved our working together. If you send the paperwork, we can begin negotiations.”

Inside, he fist pumped the air, shouted and did a hip wiggle, but all his face showed was a large smile. “I’m so happy to hear it. I’ll have them send it tomorrow. And perhaps that means we might have the pleasure of your trip to Manhattan?”

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