“First, it’s not only a frame.” Kelsey placed it on the table. “It’s being used as a place card holder at the reception.”
“Who cares?”
“I care, and your mother cares.”
Kelsey understood why she and Will were edgy. Late nights, little sleep, lots of work. Not to mention her growing attraction for Will. That alone made her skin clammy, her stomach clench, and her heart pound like the bass drum in a marching band. Anxiety attack? Or an ulcer? Maybe Will had succeeded where his sister had failed.
Kelsey pushed her hair behind her ears. “We need to make a decision, or we’ll run out of time, and the decision will be made for us.”
Will rubbed the stubble on his chin. He hadn’t shaved today. Normally, Kelsey only found clean-shaven men attractive, but Will’s stubble gave him a rugged, earthly appeal. She wondered if it would tickle if it scraped her skin.
“Buy forty-eight more,” he suggested. “You can always return them.”
“I don’t want the frames engraved. Period. You can’t return them if they’re engraved.”
For the first time in hours, amusement flickered in Will’s eyes. The corners of his mouth tipped upward.
“What?” she asked.
“You sound like a bride.”
“No, I don’t!” The words flew out of her mouth quickly, too quickly.
“Yes, you do.” Will edged forward in his chair. “That’s why every tiny detail has been discussed to death, and it takes a major peace accord to decide anything. These frames—excuse me, place card holders—are a prime example. You sound exactly like a bride who doesn’t want to do what her future mother-in-law wants her to do.”
He should know better than to tease her. He knew how she felt about weddings and being a bride herself. Kelsey swallowed around the lump of disappointment in her throat.
“I don’t—” The protest died on her lips. Kelsey’s jaw dropped. “I do sound like a bride. Abride.”
Will chuckled. “It’s not that bad.”
“Oh, yes, it is. It’s worse than bad. It’s horrendous.”
“It’s kind of cute.”
“It’s nothing of the sort.” What was happening to her? With her fingertips rubbing her temples, she rose from her chair. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m totally freaked out by this realization.”
“I wouldn’t say totally.” His grin widened. “At least, not yet.”
“And I thought you were a nice guy.” She paced. “This can’t be happening. A bride is the last thing I ever want to be. I’m a wedding consultant. A professional.”
“You are a professional.”
“I was, but at the moment…” She blew out a puff of air. “I’m supposed to be doing my job, not getting carried away as if I were planning my own wedding.” The blood drained from her face, and she stopped. “Do you think I’m turning into a bride wannabe?”
Laughter poured from Will. He wiped the corner of his eye. “Trust me, Kelsey, the last thing you’ll ever be is a bride wannabe.”
“Thank you.” She took a calming breath. Maybe she was just overtired. “I was hoping I hadn’t, but I needed to hear someone else say it.”
“No problem.” He rose, put his hands on her shoulders, and led her back to her chair. “Sit.”
Kelsey did, and Will kneaded her shoulders. “You’re so tense. Relax for a minute.”
His touch made her stiffen. She didn’t want his hands on her. What if she really liked it? She was already acting as though this wereherwedding. Would she start planning the honeymoon next? “Easier said than done.”
“Try.”
“Okay.” Her muscles were tight and knotted, but Will didn’t stop. Slowly, ever so slowly, his skillful hands worked magic, loosening the kinks. As he continued the massage, the tension flowed out of her and evaporated. She’d never felt anything like it. She wanted to lay her head down and melt into the dining table.
