She let out a long sigh. “It used to be so fun to ride in these. Now it feels weird.”
Focusing back on her, I said, “We could have taken my truck, you know.”
Emmerson nodded. “I know, but Janet wanted those of us on the committee to arrive in limos. Thanks for being my…”
“Date?” I asked with my brows raised. “It’s not the first time.”
Her eyes searched my face, and I swore she felt that fucking crackle of electricity floating between us in the limo just as much as I did. I wasn’t imagining it.
“I can always count on you, Landon.”
I winked. “You know it.”
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “That’s what best friends do for each other, right? Be there for one another.”
I pulled my brows in slightly. I wasn’t sure where she was going with this. “Yes. Always.”
With a nod, she looked back out the window. Something was off with her tonight, for sure.
“So, that wedding you planned for that actress. I heard some people talking about it in Mimi’s Café. Word is you’re famous now.”
She huffed. “My Instagram has blown up. I’ve had so many people reaching out in the last hour for sponsored ads or to partner up, it’s unreal. I had to turn off my notifications.”
“That’s a good thing, though, right? Good for your business, I mean.”
“It is,” she said with a halfhearted shrug. “But I’ve never really considered myself an influencer, and I’ve never had the desire to be one. I posted a picture of me dressed for this evening, and everyone is asking me who designed the dress, what brand of shoes I’m wearing. It’s crazy. But at the same time, it’s also kind of fun.”
“I don’t think it’s crazy. If they’re interested and it can grow your business or make you some extra money with sponsored ads or links, then do it, Emme.”
Her eyes met mine. “You think so? I mean, I want it to stay personal, though. I do share some of my private life on there, as you know. Us, movie night. Things like that. But now that I’m getting more followers, maybe I shouldn’t post about you as much.”
I took her hand in mine and gave it a squeeze. “Let me ask you something: have you gotten more interest in Serendipity Wedding Planning?”
A sweet smile appeared on her beautiful face as she nodded. “I have, as a matter of fact. More than usual. I’m booked solid for four months out with just consultations.”
“See!” I said, giving her hand another squeeze. “There you go! And don’t worry about posting stuff about me. I’m part of your life, right?”
She dug her teeth into her bottom lip, and I couldn’t stop my gaze from lingering on her mouth.
“You’re right. I was so excited earlier, and then I guess I got a little scared at the reality of it. I’ve just been off the last few weeks.”
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
Our eyes locked. “Yes. Everything is amazing. Thank you so much for doing this. I owe you big time.”
“What are friends for, right?”
Her smile faltered for only a moment before she replied, “Right.”
“Mr. Lewis, we’re here,” the driver’s voice said through the speakers.
Sighing deeply, Emmerson shifted nervously in her seat. “I hope they decorated the tables in the right way. Maybe I should have come down and stayed last night.”
I took her hand as the limo door opened. “Stop worrying so much. It’s going to be perfect because you had a hand in it.”
“I was in charge of the decorations. All of them. What if they suck?” she asked.
I stepped out of the limo and then turned back to help her out. There were a few people off to the side, most likely hoping to see someone famous. Sometimes these charity events did attract an actor or singer. Someone snapped a few photos as I helped Emmerson out.
“You drove down here a few days ago and made sure it was all set. Stop worrying,” I whispered as we started to head toward the entrance of the country club.
She paused and pulled on my hand, forcing me to stop. “How did you know I came to Austin?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. You probably told me.”
“No, I didn’t tell you. We haven’t really talked much over the last week and a half, and you’d just come back from Vegas when I was here.”
“Clearly I heard it from someone.” I tugged at her hand. Normally, I wouldn’t think twice about telling her I saw it on her Instagram, but considering how often I checked it the last few weeks, I was afraid she’d somehow be able to tell I was following her every move. She had posted about the charity dinner and auction, and had given a few teaser photos of how the tables would be decorated. “Come on, it’s starting to get chilly out. Is a cold front moving through?”
Emmerson stared at me as we walked up the grand steps of the country club.
“Mr. Lewis and Ms. Wallace,” I said to the doorman who was holding the guest list.
He glanced up and immediately looked at Emmerson and smiled. “Yes, um, Ms. Wallace, I was told to tell you everything is in place and ready. And to, ah, well, to ask you if you could do a quick walk-through before guests start to arrive.”
Emmerson gave him a warm smile, and I swore the little bastard winked at her.
“Did he wink at you?” I asked as we started down the marble-floored hallway.
With a giggle, she said, “I doubt it. Come on, I’m dying to see the ballroom.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see the asshole watching us walk away. When his eyes met mine, he quickly faced forward.
Little prick.
A few people stopped us as we made our way to the main ballroom—mostly other committee members, from what I could tell. There was a gentleman around my age standing next to Janet Monroe, and he reached out his hand for mine to shake.
“Another bachelor they’re putting on the block, I take it?” he asked.
“I am. Are you a victim as well?”
He rolled his eyes. “Yes—name’s Nick Monroe. Janet’s my older sister, and she threatened me with secrets I’d thought she’d long forgotten if I didn’t participate.”
We all laughed except for Janet who shot her brother a smirk. “Like you’re not the least bit curious what you’ll bring in?” she asked.
Nick smirked back as he causally lifted one shoulder. “As long as I’m not expected to fuck anyone.”
Emmerson gasped and then covered her mouth to keep from laughing.
Janet hit her brother across the back of his head. “It’s one night and one dinner only! You’re an actor, just act like you’re enjoying it. Especially if you get more than the five thousand starting bid.”
“Five thousand!” Nick and I said at the same time.
“Do many guys get over five?” I asked.
“The highest we’ve ever had was seven thousand,” Janet answered.
Turning to Emmerson, I whispered in her ear, “If some old woman or a man bids on me, I give you permission to go as high as twenty thousand. I’ll front the money, just don’t let them get me.”
She swatted at my chest, “I’m heading into the room. I want to make sure the tables all look right.”