Debbie Macomber: The Summer Wedding: Groom Wanted / The Man You'll Marry

Jordan grinned. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

They walked through the lobby and out of the hotel toward the beach. The surf thundered against the shore, slapping the sand, then retreating. Jill found the rhythmic sounds relaxing.

“What sort of project do you have planned for Hawaii?” she asked after a few minutes.

“A shopping complex.”

Although he’d answered her question, his expression was preoccupied. “Why the frown?” she asked.

He shot a quick glance her way. “The Lundquists seem to have some sort of hidden agenda,” he said.

“You said Daddy’s grooming Junior to take your place,” Jill prompted.

“It looks like I’m headed for a proxy fight, which is an expensive and costly proposition for everyone involved. For now, I have the controlling interest, but by no means do I have control.”

“This trip to Hawaii?”

“Is strictly business. I just wish I knew what’s going on behind my back.”

“Good luck with it.” This was a world far removed from Jill’s.

“Thanks.” He grinned and suddenly seemed to leave his worries behind.

They strolled for several minutes in companionable silence. The breeze was warm, the moon full and bright, and the rhythm of the ocean waves went on and on.

“I suppose I should go back,” Jill said reluctantly. She had a full day planned, beginning first thing in the morning, and although she didn’t feel the least bit tired, she knew she should get some sleep.

“Me, too.”

They altered their meandering course in the direction of the hotel, their shoes sinking into the moist sand.

“Thanks for your help with Suzi Lundquist.”

“Anytime. Just say the word and I’ll be there, especially if there’s caviar involved.” She felt guilty, however, about the young and vulnerable Suzi. Jordan had been gentle with her; nevertheless, Jill’s sympathy went out to the girl. “I feel kind of bad for Suzi.”

Jordan sighed. “The girl just won’t take no for an answer.”

“Do you?”

“What do you mean?”

Jill stopped a moment to collect her thoughts. “I don’t understand finance, but it seems to me that you’d never get anywhere if you quit at the first stumbling block. Suzi takes after her father and brother. She saw what she wanted and went after it. Rather an admirable trait, I guess. I suspect you haven’t seen the last of her.”

“Probably not, but I won’t be here for more than a few days. I should be able to avoid her during that time.”

“Good luck,” she said again. She hesitated when they reached the pathway, bordered by vivid flowering shrubs, that led to the huge lighted swimming pool.

Jordan grinned. “I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”

The night couldn’t have been more perfect. It seemed such a shame to waste these romantic moments, but Jill finally forced herself to murmur good-night.

“Here,” Jordan said just as she did.

Jill was startled when he presented her with a single lavender orchid. “What’s this for?”

“In appreciation for all your help.”

“Actually, I should be the one thanking you. I had a wonderful evening.” It sure beat sitting in front of her television and ordering dinner from room service, which was what she’d planned. She held the flower under her nose and breathed in its delicate scent.

“Enjoy your stay in Hawaii.”

“Thank you, I will.” Her itinerary was full nearly every day. “I might even see you … around the hotel.”

“Don’t count on it. I’m headed back to Seattle in two days.”

“Goodbye, then.”

“Goodbye.”

Neither moved. Jill didn’t understand why. They’d said their good-nights—there seemed nothing left to say. It was time to leave. Time for her to return to her room and sleep off the effects of an exceptionally long day.

She made a decisive movement, but before she could turn away, his hand at her shoulder stopped her. Jill’s troubled eyes met his. “Jordan?”

He caught her chin, his touch light but firm.

“Yes?” she whispered, her heart in her throat.

“Nothing.” He dropped his hand.

Jill was about to turn away again when he stepped toward her, took her by the shoulders and kissed her. Jill had certainly been kissed before, and the experience had always been pleasant, if a bit predictable.

Not this time.

Exciting, unfamiliar sensations raced through her. Jordan’s mouth caressed hers with practiced ease while his hands roved her back, moving slowly, confidently.

Jill was breathless and weak when he finally broke away. He stared down at her with a perplexed look, as if he’d shocked himself by kissing her. As if he didn’t know what had come over him.

Jill didn’t know, either. There was a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, and then she remembered something Shelly had told her—the overwhelming sensation she’d experienced the first time Mark had kissed her. From that moment on, Shelly had known her fate was sealed.

Jill had never felt anything that even came close to what she’d just felt in Jordan’s arms. Was it possible? Could there be something magical about Aunt Milly’s wedding dress? Jill didn’t know. She didn’t want to find out, either.

“Jill?”

“Oh, no,” she moaned as she looked up at him.

“Oh, no,” Jordan echoed, apparently amused. “I’ll admit women have reacted when I’ve kissed them, but no one’s ever said that.”

She barely heard him.

“What’s wrong?”

“The dress …” Jill stopped herself in time.

“What dress?”

Jill knew she wasn’t making any sense. The whole thing was ridiculous. Unbelievable.

“What dress?” he repeated.

“You wouldn’t understand.” She had no intention of explaining it to him. She could just imagine what someone like Jordan Wilcox would say when he heard about Aunt Milly’s wedding dress.

Three

Jill glared at Jordan. He had no idea how devastating she’d found his kiss. And the worst of it was, she had no idea why she was feeling this way.

“Jill?” he said, eyeing her suspiciously. “What does my kissing you have to do with a dress?”

She squeezed her eyes shut, then opened them. “It doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she blurted without thinking, then quickly corrected herself. “It’s got everything to do with it.” She knew she was overreacting, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. All he’d done was kiss her! There was no reason to behave like a fool. She had a good excuse, however. It had been a long and unusual day compounded by Shelly’s letter and the arrival of the wedding dress. Who wouldn’t be flustered? Who wouldn’t be confused—especially in light of Shelly’s experience?

“You’re not being too clear,” Jordan told her.

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“What dress are you talking about?” he asked patiently. “Could you explain yourself?”

Jill didn’t see how that was possible. Jordan wouldn’t understand. Not only that, he was cynical and scornful. The man who placed power and profit above all else would laugh at something as absurd as the story about the wedding dress.

She drew in an unsteady breath. “There’s nothing I can say.”

“Was my kiss so repugnant to you?” It didn’t appear that he was going to graciously drop the matter, not when his male ego was on the line.

Forcing her voice to sound carefree, Jill placed a hand on his shoulder and looked him square in the eye. “I’d think a man of your experience would be accustomed to having women crumple at his feet.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” His habitual frown snapped into place.

“I’m not,” she said. Best to keep Jordan in the dark, otherwise he might misread her intentions. Besides, he wouldn’t be any more enthusiastic about a romance between them than she was. “The kiss was very nice,” she admitted grudgingly.