"Do you think we should remind Will that Jace is a sports celebrity? If anything, Jace is probably getting him dates. I mean, Will knows how to work the hot cop angle, but hanging out with a professional athlete sure doesn't hurt the prospects," Hailey fake-whispered, chuckling. Will gave us the evil eye.

"Nah, let's wait until after he eats to be mean to him," I said.

My mouth watered as I took in the goodies: sweet potatoes with chili sauce and a mix of garbanzo beans, diced avocado, and chicken. Next to it was a small bowl with lime and coriander dressing. Val was the best cook I knew.

Our parents passed away in an accident when Jace, Hailey, Will, and I were still kids. Valentina and Landon were the only legal adults, and they practically raised us. Mama's cooking had been delicious, but Val's was even better.

As soon as I sat between my sisters, Hailey showed me pictures of a fiery red mane; she was considering changing her hair color. Hailey's hair was a beautiful hue of brown, a rich chocolate. I was the only blonde in the family. My siblings’ hair ranged from dark brown—Landon and Valentina—to light brown—Jace and Will.

Milo wedged himself between Will and Jace. My boy worshipped my brothers. His dad took off before he was born, so my brothers were the closest things he'd ever had to father figures.

"Lori, how did it go with Amber?" Jace asked.

"It went well. The wedding is in four weeks, which will mean a lot of hassle, but Amber seems easy to work with."

My agency was fully booked for the next two months, so my assistants already had their hands full. I was going to work on this wedding solo.

"She is. Best head of marketing and PR we've had."

As I savored the sweet potatoes and bean mix, I questioned my brother about Amber. The more I knew, the easier it would be to work with her. Then I couldn't help myself, and also got the scoop on the best man.

Chapter Three

Graham

I couldn't make it in time for our appointment with Lori the next Thursday. Amber and Matt were showing her my property so she could advise where to set up the tent and the ceremony aisle. A last-minute phone call with a potential sponsor took well over an hour. By the time I was halfway home, Amber called to let me know they were nearly done and would be heading out.

Damn shame because I'd wanted to catch them. The meeting last week had been surprising in more ways than one. I hadn't expected it to be so efficient... or for Lori to be that stunning. I had no doubt she'd aimed to look professional wearing that dress. It revealed absolutely nothing. In fact, it covered far too much of her, and yet my imagination ran wild the second she sat in front of me.

When I arrived in front of the villa, I was pleasantly surprised to see Lori pacing in front of a red Honda, talking on her phone. Her voice reached me through the open window.

"I respect that you are my client and I liked working with you in the past, but I will not put up with excuses. If you can no longer afford my services, just say so, and we will part ways."

Her back was to me, and since she hadn't seen me arrive, I could observe her in her element. Her tone was firm, her back straight. Lori Connor didn't take anyone's bullshit. I liked that she had a backbone. I liked the back of her too; she was wearing a pencil skirt, tight at the waist and molding perfectly over the curve of her hips and ass.

"Okay. We have a deal. I appreciate the honest

y. Give me a call when you get back on your feet," she said. After hanging up, she spun around.

"Mr. Frazier, hi! I didn't hear you come up."

"Just Graham. Is everything okay?"

She pointed to her car. "Engine won't start. Tow service is on their way, but they said it would take at least an hour and a half. Know any coffee shops or restaurants in walking distance?"

I knew a few good restaurants, but I had a better idea. "Come inside with me. I'll make us dinner."

She blinked, then shook her head. "Thanks, but I'll grab something nearby."

She'd hesitated long enough for me to know she was tempted, so I pushed. Dinner in Lori's company would be a great way to spend the evening.

"Lori, I'll cook. You’ll relax and tell me about the progress you made today with Matt and Amber. What's not to like about my offer?"

The corners of her mouth lifted in the most beautiful smile. She crossed her arms over her chest, but her smile was even wider when she answered. "Well, when you put it like that, it is quite irresistible."

Lori brought me up to date on the wedding arrangements within minutes. They'd already decided on the type of tent. Menu tasting was next on the to-do list.

"The tent will be in the backyard, of course. The beach is too narrow to have the ceremony there. We can have it in the backyard as well, or on your deck, to overlook the water. Certainly large enough for eighty. But you'd have everyone traipsing through your house."

Tags: Layla Hagen The Connor Family Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net