“So he’s not in the business.” From the prim tone of her voice, Kelsey still wasn’t swayed. “I don’t think having a two-week engagement shows any growth on Faith’s part.”
Will saw her point. “She’s been engaged since Halloween.”
“So why are you only coming to me now?”
Here was where it got tricky. Once Kelsey agreed to come with him, she’d learn the truth, but for now, that was family business and private. Will wished he could keep it that way, too. Thinking about what had happened to his mother was hard enough. He didn’t want to talk about it. Might as well dangle the big carrot instead to see if Kelsey bit.
“As I said, it’s the real deal this time. No more Hollywood extravaganzas like the weddings Faith asked you to plan for her. She and Trent want a small wedding with only close friends and family in attendance.”
“Doesn’t matter. At this late date, every place is booked for Valentine’s Day.”
“Not the Starr Lake Inn at Tahoe.”
Kelsey’s sharp gaze met his. “Weddings aren’t allowed at Starr Properties.”
“True. They are intrusive to our other guests, but rules are made to be broken. Especially for family.” Will saw he’d piqued her interest. “Unfortunately, the plans for Faith’s wedding have gotten—how should I put it?—a little out of hand. We aren’t known for putting on weddings, and we need a professional like yourself to help us with the finishing touches and the final arrangements.”
Kelsey said nothing. The seconds ticked by. Time to seal the deal. America knew how wealthy the Armstrong family was, so money wouldn’t be a good motivator. But according to his mother, Kelsey’s business meant the world to her. “If you agree to work on Faith’s wedding, we’ll allow you to use a Starr property for one future wedding. Any wedding.”
Kelsey’s eyes widened. Yes, her interest was genuinely piqued. Leave it to his mother.
“I’d want an exclusive contract to use any Starr property.”
Will was used to negotiating with cutthroat realtors, city planners, you name it. Sharks, all of them. Kelsey was just as sharp and smart. And something told him he would enjoy the challenge. Will smiled. “Only one?”
“At least one at each of your properties.”
Ouch. The shark bit off one of his limbs and spit it back at him. She reminded him of his mother, who was the reason the resorts were such a success. She had taught him everything she knew about business and negotiating. His mother had also taught him when to cut bait. “Fine. You may put on one wedding at each property, provided you work with my office and use our chefs and staff.”
Kelsey got a faraway look in her eyes that softened the features on her face, reminding him of how she’d looked when he first stepped inside her office and saw her in the veil. “Let me get this straight. All I have to do to get this wonderful opportunity is cancel my vacation, go with you to Lake Tahoe for the next two weeks, and work on Faith’s wedding at a resort?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t think so.”
He did a double take. “What did you say?”
“I said no.” She adjusted the leather bag on her shoulder. “Not even the exclusive use of Starr Properties could make me want to work with your sister again. You know that saying, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. What does it say about me when I’ve allowed someone to fool me four times? There’s no way I’ll be fooled a fifth. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a plane to catch.”
Kelsey pushed past him.
Her strength of will impressed him. At least she had principles. But everyone had a price. He only had to find hers. “What would change your mind?”
She pursed her lips. “Do you have another sister who wants to get married?”
“Hope’s already married.”
“Sorry.”
But he could tell she wasn’t. He’d never expected her to turn down his offer. Now, he was in a real bind, which left him only one other option.
To tell her the truth.
“Wait.”
She turned. “What is it now?”
“There’s something I haven’t told you about why we need you to plan Faith’s wedding.”
