His Band Of Gold

When Kelsey had realized she wasn’t alone, the glowing bride-to-be had metamorphosed into the cool, distant professional. No flirting, no fawning. She’d even called him “Mr. Addison” and kept it strictly business.

Yet when she’d realized he was Faith Starr’s brother…Talk about passion boiling under a cool facade. Will couldn’t believe the change in the woman. Flames had danced within the violet depths of her eyes, raising his temperature enough to melt the ice in his veins. She’d shown restraint, yet her anger had been clear. No amount of charm would ever change her mind. Forget the sweet talk, even his never-fail smile hadn’t worked.

Will didn’t get it. He always got what he wanted from women. Even with Sara.

Sara.

Will’s gut tightened.

What the hell was he doing? Being attracted to Kelsey was one thing. He hadn’t spent the past eight years as a total hermit, but he had no right to be intrigued by her. She wasn’t simply a guest at one of his resorts; she was the woman he had to convince to plan his sister’s wedding. His family, most especially his mother, was counting on him to bring Kelsey to Lake Tahoe. He wouldn’t let his mother down. He couldn’t let her down.

The door to Kelsey’s office finally opened. She stepped out, locked the door and turned. The moment she saw him, her lips tightened. “What are you still doing here?”

Her above-the-knee gray tailored suit hugged each and every curve. Will forced his gaze to focus off her body and on her face. There was both a delicacy and a strength to her features. Her classic beauty would only improve over the years, and she didn’t need all that makeup. High cheekbones dusted with blush, full lips painted the color of a mouthwatering plum and eyelids outlined with black liner. At least she hadn’t tried to hide the small mole near the left side of her mouth. “You seemed upset. I wanted to apologize.”

She stared down her perfectly shaped nose as if he were a mere peon. Fine by him. Will knew how to deal with women like that. He made a living catering to customers, to the whims of the wealthy guests staying at his family’s resorts. He hadn’t thought Kelsey fit that cold and shallow mold. She’d seemed more the warm and passionate type, but it would be easier this way. Much easier. “I also wanted to apologize for Faith. She’s very sorry for what she put you through.”

“Which time?”

“All four of them,” he admitted.

Unblinking, Kelsey studied him. “You’ve said your apologies, now leave.”

“I don’t blame you for being upset at Faith, but I wish you would hear me out. You didn’t lose money on any of her weddings.”

“No, your mother saw to that, but I lost something far more valuable—my time.” Kelsey flipped her hair behind her shoulder, and Will felt a twinge in his groin. Ignore it; ignore her. She continued, “And it hurt my reputation. In a business like this, reputation is everything.”

“Granted, but Faith has changed. She loves her new fiancé and is serious about getting married this time.”

“Which of her latest co-stars is she engaged to?”

“He isn’t an actor.”

The news seemed to surprise Kelsey, but she continued to stare at the gilt-framed botanical print on the wall. “A director, then?”

“No. His name is Trent Jeffreys. He runs a nonprofit agency.”

“Nonprofit?”

“Low-cost housing, affordable living alternatives. He’s even got Faith volunteering on a few of his projects.”

“So he’s not in the business.” From the prim tone of her voice, Will could tell Kelsey still wasn’t swayed. “I don’t think having a two-week engagement shows any growth on Faith’s part.”

He saw her point. “She’s been engaged since Halloween.”

“So why are you only coming to me now?”

Here’s where it got tricky, Will realized. 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 on 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 a 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 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. Starr 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 and it softened the features on her face, reminding him of how she’d looked when he’d 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?”

“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. 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. Damn. 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.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.”