Was this how all those brides felt when they found “the” gown to wear? Was this the tingling inside that caused emotion to swell, tears to dot their lashes, and their smiles to widen? Was this it?
She took a deep breath and smelled the sweet scent of roses, but that wasn’t possible. The only roses in her office were the dried blossoms from the royal wedding bouquet she’d caught last year and then had preserved to display for her clients to see. If anyone asked her, the one perk for catching the flowers was the pop culture value of having a piece of history from the royal wedding.
Thinking about the bouquet brought her cousin to mind. No doubt Christina would laugh if she saw Kelsey right now. On second thought, Christina would probably be thrilled and tell Kelsey what a lovely bride she’d be when she finally walked down the aisle herself.
But that wasn’t about to happen. Not even catching the wedding bouquet or wearing the breathtaking headpiece would change what she already knew in her heart to be true.
Marriage wasn’t for her. Not now, not ever.
Frowning, she stared at her reflection once again. Trying on the headpiece had been a stupid idea. Her friends would be laughing so hard if they saw her, which was why she would not be taking a selfie to send to Serena, Jane, and Elle on their group chat. They’d never let Kelsey live this down.
She blew out a breath. “Why didn’t I just eat a two-pound bag of peanut M&M’s instead?”
“I prefer the original myself.” The one hundred percent male voice sent a shiver down her spine.
Having a suite of offices in one of the most exclusive buildings in Beverly Hills afforded her some security, so she was surprised but not frightened by the voice.
Kelsey turned.
Standing in the doorway of the reception area was a man dressed in a pair of khakis, a white oxford shirt, and a brown leather jacket. Casual yet classic. A man’s man kind of outfit. And that hair…
His deep brown—almost black—hair fell just above his jacket collar and was brushed back off his forehead as if it were a careless afterthought.
He was, in a word, spectacular. Considering her aptly earned title, “Wedding Consultant to the Stars,” that said something. He could have been a model except for the slightly crooked nose, which gave his face personality. Lots of personality.
Kelsey smiled. His chiseled cheekbones could have only been sculpted by a great artist. His full lips hinted at hot, slow kisses, and his eyes made her feel as if she were the most important woman in the world.
This is the man I’m going to marry.
The thought came from out of nowhere, striking her like a bolt of lightning. She tried to understand the motivating factor behind it. Tried and failed. She’d been surrounded by gorgeous men most of her life and knew better than to be taken in by a pretty face. Still, his relaxed stance and easy smile appealed to her on a gut level.
He’d hardly said five words, but his charm filled the expanse of her office. Too bad she hadn’t heard bells when she first saw him; then she’d know…
Know what?
That she was acting like a teenager with her first crush?
“May I help you?”
“I’m looking for Kelsey Waters.” His captivating smile showed off straight white teeth, and her legs turned to linguini. Okay, she was a sucker for a great smile.
“I—I…” Hoping to quell the butterflies churning up her stomach, she breathed deeply and exhaled. Slowly. She couldn’t remember the last time a man—any man—left her so tongue-tied, and she didn’t like it. She was twenty-six years old, not thirteen. Time to get control. “I’m Kelsey Armstrong Waters.”
“So, you’re the one I’ve been looking for.”
Her breath caught in her throat.Breathe, she ordered herself.Just breathe.
“How can I help you?”
“I need help planning a wedding.”
Reality hit Kelsey, low and hard. The handsome stranger was a potential client—someone else’s groom.
Disappointment shot through her. Not that she personally wanted a groom. Though maybe she could borrow him for a date or two.
What was she thinking?
Oh, boy, she needed a vacation more than she realized. Time away from nervous brides and jittery grooms and six-figure weddings. Only a few more hours until her flight.
