Best Laid Plans by Robyn Kelly Read Free Book Online Page A

threatening.
    Now, who can I call to deal
with these quail ?
    . . .
    By six o’clock, we have
transformed the parsonage into a refined dining room (lots of fabric and up
lighting), and turned the courtyard into a garden oasis (and dealt with the pigeon
infestation). Crews are still working in the church to get it ready for later. I
hired a string quartet from the Conservatory of Music. Having worked my way
through college, I know how good it feels to have a little extra money for the
weekend. I just don’t remember looking so young when I went to college. In
their tuxedos and gowns, they look more as if they’re going to the junior prom,
but they play beautifully, and the music will help drown out any sounds from
next door. Robert has strict orders to keep the crew in stealth mode.
    I slip into the ladies’ room
and put on the little black dress. It isn’t a good work uniform. It doesn’t
have any pockets, so there’s no place to stash my phone. I’ve had to add a belt
with a ditty bag, and that just makes the dress even shorter. I brush my hair,
dab a little perfume on, and freshen my lipstick. I’m more nervous than usual, and
I know why. It’s not the event that scares me—it’s the client.
    When I return to the room, I
notice the photographer is setting up. She’s pretty, she’s a brunette, and she
has long, straight hair. I wonder whether Jackson has slept with her. I won’t
tell her about the after-party, in case she’s a mole.
    By the time I’ve lit all the table
candles, the first of the guests arrive. Almost everyone is an employee of
Jackson’s, so the dress is business attire. I guess Hunter Enterprises doesn’t
have casual Friday. I make sure that there is someone at the bar, and I alert
the chef to start the first wave of passed hors d’oeuvres .
    Bryan and Monica arrive
together. He’s as tall as Jackson, but leaner. He has more of a runner’s build
compared to Jackson’s solid, imposing body. And then there’s the puppy dog energy.
I hope Bryan’s impatience doesn’t make Jackson suspicious.
    “We only have to be here
until seven-thirty, right?” His tone tells me he thinks that’s an eternity.
    “That’s for your guests. This
will probably go until eight.”
    He looks crestfallen. “That’s two hours.”
    “I know. It will fly by,
believe me. And remember, it’s a secret.”
    I look to Monica,
imploringly. Monica is even prettier than her pictures, and standing next to
Bryan, you can see what a cute couple they make. She has a solid, dependable
vibe about her. Monica will make sure they get where they are supposed to be,
and Bryan will make sure they have fun when they get there. Hopefully, she can
keep him distracted.
    She places her hand on his
arm. “You haven’t told me about Italy. I’ve always wanted to go.”
    “Really?” His tone clearly
communicates he doesn’t understand why anyone would want to visit. I
sigh. I bet the Hunter men don’t have one romantic bone between the two of
them.
    Suddenly a silence descends
on the room. My back is to the door—not that I need to turn around. “Jackson
must have arrived.”
    Bryan tilts his head as he looks
at me. Now I truly see the resemblance to a puppy dog. When Bryan does it, I
want to smile. When Jackson does it, I want to hide.
    I turn and see Jackson standing
next to an older woman. She is petite and pretty, and as uncomfortable as I am.
She must be his mother. As I look at her, and then look at Jackson towering
over her, my first thought is I hope she didn’t have natural childbirth .
    Jackson watches me approach,
and there is a dark, brooding look in his eyes. Did I do something wrong? If he
doesn’t like this, he’s going to hate the party later. His hand goes to the
small of my back as he introduces me. His mother’s name is Margaret, but she
insists I call her Marge. Jackson’s fingers lightly press and dance against the
back of my dress. It’s distracting and confusing—and I enjoy it a little