Tara Randel - The Bridal Bouquet

“Even strange boats in the marina?”

“I don’t know for sure if they’re involved in illegal activities or transporting drugs. It could simply be some fishermen I haven’t met before, looking for a place to drop their lines.”

Dylan watched the chief, his gut churning. The older man said one thing, but his eyes said another. He suspected the events were connected; he just couldn’t act on it. Yet.

“But you don’t think so.”

The chief went silent for a long moment. “No. I don’t.”

“Then we keep investigating. By the book.”

The chief shook his head. “You aren’t gonna give up on this, are you?”

“Not until I find the guy who killed my partner.”

The chief puffed up his cheeks and blew out a breath. “I get it, but I gotta say, be careful.”

“Always.”

Loud voices carried over the crowd, catching their attention. The chief perked up, his gaze assessing the situation on the other side of the bonfire. A heated argument between two burly guys looked like the makings of a fight. “Gotta get to work. Stay in touch.”

As the chief lumbered away, Dylan stared at the fire, lost in his thoughts. A group of women deep in conversation caught his eye, Kady among them. A strong protective streak swept over him, reminding the agent in him why his job was so important. But the urge to see her again reminded him that he was attracted to this woman. The brief encounter at the reception wasn’t long enough. Another chance to talk to the pretty lady presented itself and he wasn’t going to squander the opportunity.

* * *

WILL LAWRENCE STARED at the numbers, his eyes blurring. The dim lighting didn’t help. He could look at them a million more times but nothing would change. He needed more work, or a miracle, to replace the money in his family’s accounts.

He’d been an idiot. Knew better than to fall for get-rich-quick schemes. He’d been lured in by the promise of easy cash, sure this onetime venture would secure retirement not only for his folks, who’d worked for years to support their children, but also for Kady and himself. Flat out, he’d been played. Now he found himself in serious trouble.

Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

His granddad’s old saying. What would the old man say now if he knew what Will had done? Getting involved in an investment through the friend of a friend was a risky choice, but with his parents talking seriously about retiring, he’d hoped to add more funds to their portfolio.

From the partially open office window, Will heard a commotion from the beach, a mere block away. Rubbing his eyes, he stood and crossed the room. Stared outside. Normally he’d be part of the rowdy crowd, enjoying his friends. Joking around like he didn’t have a care in the world.

All that changed three months ago. It felt like a lifetime.

He turned, going back to his desk. He’d reviewed his personal budget, but even drastically changing his lifestyle wouldn’t be enough to make a difference. His only hope was the two appointments set up for next week. Through the grapevine he’d learned the country club needed a new bookkeeper. It was a big job, meaning lots of extra hours on top of his already established practice, but he would do it. If he was offered the job.

Then there was Jenna at Charming Delights Catering. Her business had grown quickly, so he scheduled an interview for next week. Every new account he could secure would help in the long run.

He’d already picked up additional work at the marina. Lined up some safe investments, which would bring in close to half of what he owed, except it took time. He was amazed at how quickly one could lose a bundle of money versus it slowly trickling back. But he had no one but himself to blame.

Slumping in his chair, he scanned the room. Anything else beat concentrating on the unchanging numbers. His gaze came to a screeching halt when he viewed the diplomas on his office wall. Top-ten college. Graduated summa cum laude. His CPA accreditation. First in his class.

What good was it all now? If word got out that he’d lost his own family’s money, his reputation would be useless. Unless he fixed the situation. Fast.

This morning, when his sister balked at selling the shop, he’d been relieved. If his folks reconciled their true financial situation, they would learn money was missing. Demand explanations. Wanting his parents to be set when they retired was a lame excuse for his losing their money, even if it was true. They would be disappointed in him, with cause. He’d let them down. Thank goodness they didn’t have a clue.

But instead, Kady’s argument about running the shop saved him. Changing their parents’ minds bought him more time. They could go on a much-needed vacation and enjoy themselves. He would make it up to them no matter how long it took.

Kady managing the shop and weddings would keep her in the dark as well. He actually agreed with her vision, was happy she finally settled down to make a wise career choice. They didn’t usually see eye to eye, but her plan to build up their wedding market share made sound financial sense. Her business plan was good, as were her projections. She could actually make a name for The Lavish Lily since his parents wanted out. He was proud of her.

He only hoped he hadn’t ruined her dreams.

* * *

KADY’S EYES BURNED as the bonfire smoke blew in her direction. She blinked, which only caused tears to well. What was she? A smoke magnet? It seemed smoke had radar and blew in her direction, no matter where she sat. “Why do I let you guys talk me into coming out here?” she muttered, her throat drying up as the smoke engulfed her again.

“Because you need a night out with the girls,” her friend Nealy answered.

“You’re so busy conquering the world of wedding flowers, we don’t see you,” Lilli added.

“Except this isn’t a girls’ night out. It’s the entire town of Cypress Pointe out. And you’re both here with your significant others.” Coughing, she grabbed the water bottle from Lilli’s outstretched hand.

“You make that sound like a bad thing,” Lilli said.

“Look, bonfires are special to both of you. I get it. You have wonderful memories associated here. All I do is end up going home with a scratchy throat and smelly clothes and hair.”

Nealy laughed. “You are so not a romantic.”

Lilli tapped a finger against her chin. “We need to find you a guy.”

“Whoa. Put the brakes on.” Kady held up her hand. “I’m not looking.”

“That’s your problem. You should be.”

“Why bother? I know most of the single men in town. Dated some of them. It didn’t happen.”

“That’s no reason to close yourself off,” Nealy argued.

Sure it was. Most of the guys she’d dated were as busy as she, always canceling at the last minute with work obligations. She got it, but for once she’d love to be put first in a relationship. Take Brad, for instance.

She’d trusted him. Thought she’d fallen hard for the country-club general manager she’d met while attending a business meeting there. She’d been talking with the event coordinator about her floral services when Brad walked into the office. They’d clicked. One date led to another and soon they were an item. Kady couldn’t believe how well they’d synced.

Until they didn’t.

After three months of assurances that he wanted to settle down, Brad jumped at an opportunity to move to a big club in Texas and hadn’t asked her to come with him. Worst of all, he’d bragged about acquiring only quality vendors, like Kady, to land the job.

While still in Florida, he’d promised she would be the exclusive florist for the club, which quickly fell through when the new general manager didn’t agree. Not only had her heart been bruised, but Brad had also cost her business she’d been counting on, while using her to advance his own career. After that, her trust level in men plummeted.