Once Burned by Suzie O'Connell Read Free Book Online

her hand and kissed her knuckles.
    “Until later, my lady.”
    She watched him until he disappeared around the house, captivated by his relaxed stride, then sighed and headed inside to see where she was needed next. Livia was in the living room with Evie and Skye going over the specific shots they wanted. Lindsay waited politely for them to finish before she inquired about her next assignment.
    “I think it’s probably time for you girls to start getting ready,” Livia replied. “So, Skye, you should probably go track down your assistant. I believe he’s out front helping with the tables. While you’re doing that, Lindsay can help Renée and Evie get everything laid out and ready.”
    “Remind me again. What is my assistant’s name?”
    “Luke Conner,” Evie answered. “He’s the tallest and youngest of the blonds out there and pretty hard to miss.”
    “All right. I’ll be back.”
    Skye zipped out of the house. Lindsay stared briefly after her with a wistful twist of her lips, wishing she could have gone in her friend’s place. It was silly, she knew, because she’d likely have many opportunities to sneak in a word or two with Henry Hammond throughout the day.
    “Oh, sugar,” Livia said. “I forgot I was going to have her ask if we can send the centerpieces out. Lindsay, dear, would you mind?”
    “Of course not,” she replied quickly. A little too quickly, perhaps, if Evie’s quirked brow was any indication. Before her friend could question her, she trotted out the door after Skye.
    They located Skye’s assistant photographer with the Hammond brothers and a dark-haired man Lindsay didn’t recognize. Like Evie had said, Luke Conner was easy to spot, standing a good three or four inches taller than Henry and his brothers, who weren’t exactly short at six-foot or so. He was boyishly handsome with golden hair styled in a center-parted bowl cut and a lean, athletic build that made Lindsay certain he played some sport or other in college.
    “Pardon the interruption,” she said when she and Skye reached the group.
    Henry glanced up from his task and grinned. “What can we do you for?” he asked.
    “Mrs. Carlyle wants to know when she should start sending out table runners and centerpieces,” Lindsay replied lightly so as not to reveal the rush of heat and anticipation triggered by the insinuation beneath his words. Still, she couldn’t help but glance appreciatively over him. They hadn’t openly discussed the topic that had been flirting with her mind since she’d first seen him last night, but that didn’t mean either of them was unaware of it. Last night hadn’t been right, but if Lindsay had her way, she’d find out if he was as good in bed as his strong, capable hands and easy, rocking gait led her to hope.
    “This is the last load,” Henry answered.
    From the corner of her vision, she caught the amusement on the face of his brother, who looked to be the same age as Henry, and the warmth of embarrassment climbed her neck. Reminding herself that she was a grown woman and not a young girl who’d been caught at something naughty, she turned her attention more fully to him. Were he and Henry twins? Fraternal, if so. They certainly weren’t identical, though they were similar enough in appearance that no one would doubt they were brothers. There was one difference, however, that she noted immediately. Henry exuded energy with a hint of simmering anger and resentment while his twin was reserved with an air of deep-seated sadness. He glanced away, his attention drawn to Skye, who met his gaze with a coy smile and blush pinkening her cheeks.
    Interesting, Lindsay mused.
    “Tell Livia she can start sending the decorations out,” the dark-haired man added, interrupting her observation.
    Skye at last shifted her attention from Henry’s twin to the tall, young man and said, “Evie described my assistant as the tallest and the youngest of the blonds, so I’m guessing you’re Luke