“Why the hell would he leave without giving you notice?” Harrison asked. “He’s been here for a year—I thought things were going well?”
Drew moved closer to us and lowered his voice. “It’s not that simple.” He glanced around. “Brian was working on a major society wedding with a massive guest list. And it turned out that the bride-to-be was far too busy basking in the spotlight to notice that the groom was getting very involved in the wedding planning. Specifically, the weddingplanner.”
I moved closer, because I wasn’t expecting the world’s juiciest gossip. How unprofessional would it be for me to ask for their Insta handles, so I could see the drama for myself?
“Are you kidding me?” Harrison said. “What happened?”
“Gone,” Drew snapped his fingers. “They disappeared together the night before the wedding. I guess Brian knew how it would play with me, so he didn’t give me any sort of notice. The bride and bridal party had to piece it together based on a cryptic note the groom left.”
“Well, damn,” Harrison said.
“Yeah, now we’re all true love’s roadkill, I guess. Which tracks.”
I frowned. Another Ashford with a padlock around his heart.
“What can we do to help?” I asked. “I’ve worked events in the past. Point me in the right direction, and I’d be happy to pitch in.”
“Absolutely not,” Drew laughed at me. “You think I want an honored guest getting her hands dirty? I’ve got it. For now.”
“It had better bejustfor now,” Harrison said, frowning. “You’ve got enough on your plate. Don’t overdo it by adding another person’s workload on top of yours.” Then, realizing that he’d sounded like an overprotective big brother, he was quick to add, “I’m worried for all of the people who’ll have to deal with you instead of someone trained to smile through the stress no matter what. Your pleasantness has an expiration date.”
“Well thanks, bro,” Drew snarked. “Maybe I’ll find my very own miracle worker,” he said with a nod in my direction. “Or maybe I could steal her away from you?”
He said it lightly, as a way to poke fun at Harrison, but I sensed tensions rising.
“I know people. Event planners,” I said quickly. “I’ll put out my feelers for candidates in the area.”
“I’d appreciate that,” Drew replied. “Anyway, I’m off to confirm final headcount for tomorrow. Here’s your suite key card, enjoy your dinner.”
I studied Harrison as he took the key from his brother. There was something wistful about the exchange, and it made my heart hurt for both of them. It felt like Harrison missed a person who was still in his orbit.
Were these brotherseverclose, or were they really only capable of showing care indirectly, by poking at each other?
Harrison was quiet as we made our way through the resort, which gave me a chance to take it all in. The decor was geared toward relaxation, with a warm color palate and soothing touches like bubbling water features and low-slung, overstuffed khaki couches in every communal area.
Our room—what a treat to say “our” after the previous hotel debacles—was beyond what I could’ve imagined. I’d checked out the “premier” rooms on the hotel’s website, but I guess the Carmel Luxe kept one extraextraVIP room in reserve.
“Damn,” I breathed out, hovering in the doorway.
“Come in, close the door,” Harrison said briskly.
“Can I stay here forever?” I asked as I tiptoed in.
It was open and airy, with a balcony that ran the length of the place, but still cozy thanks to a lit fireplace. I ran to check out the primary suite.
“Oh my God, Drew had a female interior designer, right?” I shouted to Harrison as I jogged into the bathroom.
He came up behind me, frowning. “I believe so, yes, but what makes you say that?”
“So many little touches.” I pointed to the shower head in the glass-walled walk-in shower. “It’s not a rainfall shower head. They’re terrible because you have to get your hair wet, and there’s no way to rinse off without ducking your head under.” I pointed to the vanity. “Multiple plugs, for dryers and other tools. Plus there’s a huge open space for toiletries. And a little stool! And this mirror situation?” I walked over and pretended to primp. “The lighting isperfect.”
Harrison moved closer behind me and kissed my neck. “You’reperfect, you know that?”
I turned and kissed him. “You think so?”
He nodded, then leaned down to kiss me while inching my dress up. “Our dinner reservation,” I murmured between kisses.
“They don’t take reservations at Surfside; it’s first come, first served. And they know me, so…”
