Page 35 of Unpredictable
Despite her attraction to me, she was still grieving her fiancé. She was in love with another man, but I didn’t want to get into the details out of respect for Juliana.
He frowned. “Okay. But clearly, she’s interested.”
“Just…drop it,” I ground out. “I’m not getting involved.”
“The problem is, I think you already are.”
He was right, but I wasn’t going to admit that. I was so in over my head when it came to this woman.
Chapter Eleven
“Surprise!” the guests shouted as Olivia and Connor walked through the front door.
Olivia’s answering smile was huge, and Connor took the opportunity to take her in his arms, dip her low, and kiss her. The guests cheered, and I joined in, so excited for this adorable couple.
They made their way through the crowd, accepting congratulations as I checked on the food. Everything was running smoothly, and I returned to the living room to see if anything else required my attention. Olivia immediately came over to join me.
“This is…” Olivia smiled. “Breathtaking. I mean,wow.”
I followed her gaze, taking in the candles, the photo display, and the peonies. It was romantic and intimate, and I was thrilled by her reaction. When Harrison had approached me with the idea of a surprise engagement party, I’d been hesitant. Olivia was busy getting ready for her move, tackling her new position at work, and saying goodbye to her fiancé, all while planning a wedding. It was a lot.
But Harrison had been right. She absolutely loved it. Which only confirmed what I’d suspected—he knew his daughter. And I was beginning to feel that he knew me. Already, I’d shared things with him that I hadn’t with anyone else. I’d opened up to him; I’d let him in. And that terrified me.
“Don’t thank me.” I smiled, feeling calmer now that everything was running smoothly and the bride was happy. “This was all your dad’s idea.”
I glanced over to where Harrison was standing. He looked sharp in the lavender shirt and patterned tie I’d selected for him. And I secretly reveled in the fact that he’d accepted my advice. That he seemed to want to please me.
Perhaps sensing my gaze, Harrison caught my eye and smiled. Warmth filled my limbs, flooding my body with a sense of happiness I felt anytime he was near. I couldn’t stop thinking about that almost-kiss in the closet earlier. The way he’d looked at me—with such reverence and desire. The way my body roared to life from his attention. And even though I knew it was probably for the best that nothing had happened, I couldn’t help wishing it had.
“No,” Olivia said, bringing my attention back to her. “I’m pretty sure I know who’s responsible for the beautiful peonies, and it isn’t my dad.”
“Don’t be so sure. Your dad wants to make you happy. He really loves you.”
She nodded. “He’s the best. And even though I know he isn’t thrilled about my move to London, he’s still super supportive. You know…” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “I was actually wondering if you could help me with something.”
“Anything,” I readily agreed, assuming it had something to do with the wedding.
I really did like Olivia, and not just because I was crushing on Harrison. She was sweet and passionate about her job. And she had the best book recommendations.
“You guys are heading up to Ojai next Saturday to visit the venue, right?”
I nodded, wondering where she was going with this. We were supposed to attend a menu tasting at the inn in Ojai, though I’d considered staying overnight since it was a two-and-a-half-hour drive each way.
“I was hoping maybe the two of you could make a weekend of it. Explore the area and check out some of the local restaurants and attractions. You know—for the guests,” she added, though it seemed like more of an afterthought.
The idea was tempting, but a weekend trip in Ojai conjured images of a romantic getaway for two. Olivia’s smile was hopeful, and I had the flitting thought that maybe she was trying to set me up with her father. I shook my head at the ridiculous notion.
“Think of it as a gift,” she said. “To thank you and my dad for all your hard work planning the wedding.”
“That’s not necessary,” I said, and I meant it. “It’s my pleasure.”
She placed her hand on my forearm. “Seriously. It’s the least I can do to show my appreciation.”
I could tell she wasn’t going to relent.Like father, like daughter.
Besides, it was never a bad idea to acquire local knowledge of the area. I’d been wanting to check out venues away from the city, and this was a great place to start.
“That’s so nice of you, but I’ll expense my part as a business trip.”
