Page 1 of Heartless
Chapter One
Parker
People hated being cornered, and I was no exception to that rule.
“I imagine a huge wedding tent right over there.” Annie Foster, the latest Hollywood’s sweetheart, waved her hand to her left, pointing at a huge open space in the gardens of The Gemstone.
“Annie, you’re one of my favorite clients,” I started, and I wasn’t lying one bit. Despite her being the most sought-after movie star, she was also one of the most down to earth and nice people I had ever met.
“Careful there, Parker,” she said playfully. “That sounds like the beginning of a no to me.”
“Hear me out.” I stopped right in front of her and caught her gaze. “I’m flattered that you of all people want to get married at my hotel, but we can’t have your wedding here. We’re just not prepared for anevent like that. You’re Annie Foster. You deserve something special. We can’t give you that.”
And I couldn’t handle a wedding, but she didn’t need to know that.
“Don’t give me that bullshit. You had a wedding here last September. And an event planner from New York. Your staff talks, Parker.”
Whenever someone reminded me of that wedding, an image flashed of the infuriating long-legged blonde who planned it. I figured not all wedding planners were as annoying as Madison Hartley. But why would I bother testing that theory when I didn’t want any weddings on my property in the first place?
“That was different. A last-minute thing. I did it as a favor.”
Not entirely true. It was more of a lapse of judgment. Madison’s brother, Tyler, had come up with the deal: I’d host their little sister’s wedding at The Gemstone, and in return, Madison would plan five weddings for me. For free. The catch? I didn’t want any weddings at The Gem - deal or no deal.
Annie tilted her head. “So, you’re just not willing to domea favor?”
“It’s not that. I just can’t deliver what you need, Annie. I’m being honest.”
“Jesus, Parker. No one expects you to do anything,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I hired a wedding planner,” she clarified, turning to her assistant Becca, who was standing a few steps away with my assistant Katie. “Where is she?”
Becca glanced at her phone. “She should be here any minute.”
“She?” I looked between the two of them.
Annie and Becca answered in unison, “The wedding planner.”
My gaze shifted to Katie, who looked as clueless as I did. She and Becca had arranged this meeting, and ever since Madison Hartley bribed my last assistant to get my private phone number, it was safe to say I had some trust issues.
“She won’t get past security,” I said with a polite smile.
“Becca told the receptionist we’re waiting for someone and asked her to notify security,” Annie explained. Then she sighed and looked back at me. “Come on, Parker. Why are you being such a grump? It’s just a wedding - flowers, cake, dancing. I’ll book all the villas for my guests. We won’t disturb anyone.”
You’d disturb me, I thought.
Then it hit me: Annie was arguing against objections I hadn’t even raised yet. She had come here way more prepared than I’d expected.
“There she is,” Becca said, and I followed her gaze.
For a moment, I wondered if my mind was playing tricks on me, making me see Madison Hartley strolling toward us. But as she came closer, I realized that unfortunately it wasn’t.
Something about the way she moved through my garden, like she owned the damn place, grated on my nerves. Her long blonde hair fell in soft waves and she wore a fitted, sleeveless lavender dress that hugged her slender frame. High heels, out of place for a garden setting, clicked with every step, more suited to a runway than my retreat.
I could say the same about the way her hips swayed.
“Wow. She’s like Aphrodite,” Katie whispered, and I shot her a sharp look. The last thing I needed was another assistant falling for Madison’s charm or good looks.
Because beneath that beauty? She was more like the Hydra. You cut off her head, and another grows back.
You’d think pride would keep her from showing up here again, especially after the way she almost fucked up her sister’s wedding, but here she was.
