Page 2 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

Still, she was here on a professional matter. She’d be meeting with the man who was probably this handsome stud’s boss. It wouldn’t look good if she were flirting with the staff.

She cleared her throat. “Do you think I could I ask you for a favor?”

He nodded. “Sure.”

“Thanks. I have an appointment with Mr. Pederson at two thirty, and I’m a bit early.” She glanced at her watch. “But it’s just about that time now. Would you let him know I’m here? I wasn’t told exactly where to find him.”

A look of surprise crossed his face. “Actually, you’re looking at him. I’m Seth Pederson. My father’s the owner.”

Gia blushed. “Oh, I shouldn’t have assumed…I’m so sorry.” She was told she’d be meeting with John Pederson, a man in his late sixties.

He offered a hand. “It’s no problem. I get that a lot lately. You must be with the Jenkins Agency?”

“Uh, yes, I am.” She took his hand, and he shook it warmly. “Gia Stewart.”

“Great, Gia. Yes, I’ll be meeting with you today.”

Gia nodded, hoping the pink in her cheeks was fading because the heat certainly was not. “I see. Well, it’s great to meet you.”

“Likewise. I moved back home recently to help with the family business. And I’ve got a few ideas about what we can do to help our bottom line. My dad… Actually, judging from your question, I’m assuming no one told your agency about my dad’s condition?”

Gia shook her head slowly.

“My dad suffered a heart attack in April. He’s home and doing better, but he won’t be back up to speed for quite some time, so I’ve taken over.”

“Oh, my goodness. No, we didn’t know. I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“Thank you. It’s been a bit hectic around here without him at the helm, as you can imagine. I’m sure we have plenty of business partners that we haven’t had the chance to tell. I apologize.”

“Oh, I completely understand. I’ll make sure Noreen knows.”

“I’d appreciate that. Nothing will change in regard to the party, by the way. Everything’s still on.”

She nodded. That was a relief. “Okay, well that’s great to hear. We’re excited to make it happen.” He clapped his hands together and then rubbed them back and forth. “So would you like to see more of the property? I can show you the venue outside.”

“Yes, that would be great.” Gia followed him to the door. “Oh, but wait, I need to pay for this.” She held up the jar of jam.

Seth waved it away. “Oh, no, don’t worry about it.”

Gia grinned. “Really? Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

“Really.” He seemed sincere. “Consider it a gift—cherry-apple jam for our new event planner.”

“Well, all right, if you say so. Thank you so much.” Gia blushed again and put the jar into her handbag. It would be rude to refuse at that point, wouldn’t it?

The fiftieth anniversary party was for a lovely couple: Tim and Abigail Trewet. Gia would meet with Abigail tomorrow. Mr. and Mrs. John Pederson were actually on the guest list, as was their son Seth, Gia had noted, scanning the list this morning. She wasn’t surprised, however. Noreen had told her the Pederson Orchard was practically an icon of the local cherry industry. She wondered if the Trewets knew about Mr. Pederson’s health condition. She made a mental note to ask Abigail when they spoke.

Seth held the door for Gia. “Noreen’s email said Jackie did all the plans. So why did they hand the event over to you? Not that I mind.”

Gia smiled and thanked him, squinting as they walked outside. “Noreen was just switching some things around and thought I’d be well-suited here. She put Jackie on a big wedding. We’re triple-booked that night.” She gave a little flip to her long, light-blonde hair. It was the only part of the story he needed to hear. “But don’t worry. I’ve done this plenty of times. You’re in good hands.”Or so I hope.

At twenty-seven, Gia had earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management a few years back. She’d worked for two years helping to run weddings and other big corporate events at two different four-star hotels, one in Minneapolis and another, most recently, in Milwaukee.

She had just completed her online event planning certification, which was really not necessary to work in the field—it just added to her qualifications.

But now, she would have to make her surprise sales pitch—not to an everyday farmer type—but to this charismatic, gorgeous creature. She felt her shoulders stiffen up again.

“Oh, I’m not worried.” Seth rested his hands casually in his pockets.

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