Page 139 of Tempting Me

“I’ll take it. I’m trying to surprise my wife with a ten-year anniversary party with our closest friends and family.”

“Oh, Mr. Connelly, that sounds so sweet. I’ve got you down and I’ve got your email, so I’ll send you the details and payment links.”

“Great.”

“We’ll see you in a few months,” I tell him and hang up.

I immediately notice how quiet the place is. I pop out from my office and look into the dining area. There are only a few tables with guests right now, but we have a party booked for tonight, so I would imagine it will start to fill up soon.

I check my watch.

They should be here and setting up by now. Luca has been helping greet guests, so if I haven't seen him, I bet he’s down there.

I say hello to each table as I cross through the dining room to the stairs that lead down to the event room’s indoor entrance.

The lights are off when I reach it.

That’s odd.

Luca normally has everything prepared by now. I pull my phone from my back pocket to call him, push the doors open, and flick on the lights.

My phone drops the moment the room brightens, and I suck in a breath.

It’s gorgeous.

The entire space is decorated in light pink and light green. The tables are linked with cream linens and white lilies, already set with plates and utensils, ready for the night.

There is a balloon arch with a mirror in the back of the room, and the wordcongratulationsover the top is the prettiest cursive I’ve ever seen.

I’m not sure what tonight’s event is, but it’s going to be amazing.

“Oh good, there you are,” Carl appears from behind me. He hands me a garment bag. “I have strict orders to tell you that you have fifteen minutes to put this dress on. The guests want you here tonight.”

“They want me here? At the event?”

He nods and then walks off.

“I don’t even remember what event it is,” I call out.

I try to recall what I saw in the books, but it just said “private event.”

Still, I am the main face of this place, and if they want me here, I’ll be here.

I head out the back door in the direction of my and Luca’s house. He moved in with me a couple of months ago, and any outsider might think we are moving too fast, but not me. For me, we need to pick up the pace. I already know I’m going to spend my life with him. I’m ready to hit that next step.

I quickly change then pull my hair into a quick high bun before touching up my mascara. When I’m done, I unzip the dress and gasp at the long white lace dress. The detail on the sleeves is breathtaking.

It’s absolutely stunning.

I run my hand over the fabric once more before slipping into it.

I feel beautiful, so I grab my phone to text Luca.

I snap a selfie and then type outfor you to remove laterbefore hitting send.

Then I head back to The Marina.

LUCA

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