Your Captivating Love (The Bennett Family 2)

“Sebastian was a bit grumpy, but he got over it. As if Bennett Enterprises would collapse if we weren’t there.” Pippa rolls her eyes in the rearview mirror, but she also smiles. “Don’t worry; with the collection launch behind us, this is a free period for Ava and me. Logan and Sebastian, on the other hand, have their hands full. This is an intense negotiation period with new buyers.”

My heart constricts at the mention of Logan. “Logan didn’t go on this business trip to avoid me, right?”

Pippa’s eyes widen. “Absolutely not. He just had an urgent matter t

o take care of.”

“Very urgent,” Ava adds. These girls are hiding something. I can feel it.

Pippa peeks at me in the rearview mirror then elbows Ava.

Ava whispers to her, “Stage one completed. I think she’s ready for stage two.”

“Wait, what?” I ask. “What exactly do you girls have planned?”

“You’ll see,” they say at the same time.

***

Ava and Pippa keep me hostage for two days. Turns out the second phase of their plan was tequila. The third was heart-to-heart talks about men over our mani-pedi. I passed all stages with flying colors, particularly the second one. I had a headache the next day to prove it.

I miss Logan terribly.

“This was fun,” Pippa states as she parks the car a few feet away from my shop.

“It was,” I admit. “Except we should’ve come back earlier. The party starts in one hour.” I try to keep the panic out of my voice. We stopped by Pippa’s apartment, where we got dressed. Pippa had a hair stylist and makeup artist from the show work their magic on us, insisting this is too monumental a night not to have professionals pep me up.

“Alice and Summer have everything under control.” Ava winks at me. The three of us leave the car and walk side by side toward my shop.

Inside, Alice orders the servers around, and she’s doing it with severity and tact at the same time. She did a great job transforming my small foyer into a space that can easily fit the number of guests we’re expecting. The two armchairs and small table are gone; in their place are tall, slim cocktail tables. There are small plates with finger foods on each table, and there is a bar in the corner. It’s tiny, but I’m sure it’s well stocked. When Alice told me she’d bring in a bar, I told her there was no way she could fit one in the foyer. She said she had exactly what I need. Looking more closely, I realize she also pushed the mannequins from the foyer farther into the shop.

“Here are my girls.” Alice hugs us briefly. “I love you all, but you’re standing in everyone’s way.”

“Alice, you can relax now and hand the reins over to Nadine,” Ava tells her. When Alice merely raises her eyebrows, she adds, “Since it’s her party.”

“Which is why she’ll be talking to a lot of important people, and leave the organization to me,” Alice replies sweetly.

“I didn’t realize your catering services came along with organization, but I’ll take you up on this. Thank you.” Alice saved me. I’ll have to talk to plenty of people. Three reporters from national magazines will be here, along with four bloggers.

“Oh, they don’t usually. Only for family.”

“Thank you, Alice.”

In the next half hour, Sebastian and Summer arrive. Summer’s wearing a floor-length yellow dress I know only too well.

“I know that dress,” I say conspiratorially.

Summer giggles. “I couldn’t help it. I stayed in here after closing one evening, trying on all your dresses. I bought three more, including this one. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Mind? I’m over the moon.”

“I loved taking care of your shop,” she whispers to me. “I’m super inspired right now to paint again.”

I adore her energy. The door opens again, and my palms sweat as I scan the small crowd walking in. Logan’s parents, Blake, and Daniel have arrived. No Logan, though. My heart constricts. Isn’t he back from his trip?

I want him here tonight. There is no one else I would rather share this night with. I wouldn’t be celebrating anything if it weren’t for him. Yes, I worked hard, but he helped me. He was there for me every step of the way.

More guests arrive, milling around the foyer. Blake glances around and grabs a glass of champagne without waiting for an invitation.