“The Hamptons. It’s at the tip of Long Island, extremely popular in the summertime. Plenty of spas, shopping, and pampering. I have a contact there who can get them all a summerhouse for the long weekend. It’s an impressive mansion with a pool, hot tub, and it’s secluded. Close to the beach.”
She waited for his reaction. He just nodded, a slight frown creasing his brow. Impatience fluttered through her. Did anything impress him? For once, couldn’t he be enthusiastic and excited about her choices? “The third option is right here. Cape May. I can book spa appointments and get some fabulous rooms at Congress Hall. Think gourmet dinners, vineyard tours, and complete pampering, plus no travel. I just need to confirm she doesn’t want to go someplace new with the girls.”
He continued perusing the paperwork, as if waiting to be dazzled. “That’s it?”
She narrowed her gaze. “Yes, that’s it. I’m not sure what you expected, but I think these spots cover what everyone is looking for.”
“Yes, you’ve done a fine job.”
And just like that, she was back to wanting to strangle him. “That sounded sarcastic to me.”
He held up his hands in surrender. “Sorry, I’m just thinking of something different for Ally. She’s extremely social, and I think she’d like to get dressed up, use one of her endless pairs of fancy shoes, and go dancing.”
“Once again, I think your maleness is interfering with your ability to know what women want,” she said sweetly. “I doubt her dream bachelorette party includes squeezing into Spanx.”
“Do I want to know what that is? Sounds like a weapon.”
“More like a needed torture device. So what would your pick be, then, if you seem to know it all?”
“Atlantic City.”
She frowned and shook her head. “No, that’s party central. Gambling, clubbing, concerts. Definitely not what Ally requested.”
“When does she ever have the chance to let loose and have some fun? She should have a weekend with some excitement and edge. That’s what I want for her.”
“But she won’t like it.”
“Why?”
She blew out a breath and ticked off the points on her fingers. “Because they want a spa! Wine and food and girl talk. Not club music, high heels and short skirts, and socializing with strangers.”
He grinned. “That’s exactly what Ally needs.”
“I’m sorry, Carter, but I’m vetoing your choice.”
His expression morphed into mule stubbornness. “You can’t veto me on this. I’m the man of honor, and I get to plan the bachelorette party. We’re doing AC.”
“And I’m telling you, if you insist on this course, you’ll disappoint your sister.”
“Care to make another bet?”
Her jaw dropped. “Are you kidding me? Is this a game to you? Because I’ve made a living organizing events like this to allow a bride and groom to experience the perfect wedding. You’re a damn hacker who spends most of his time with his dog!”
He ignored her outburst and grinned. “You’re just scared I’ll win again.”
She flung up her hands. “Oh my God, you are impossible. If you do this, I’m out. I refuse to help plan something she didn’t specifically request.”
“Fine, I’ll do it myself. And I guarantee she’ll love it.”
She shook with frustration. “Oh, I’ll take that bet. Because I guarantee she won’t.”
“I disagree.”
“I mean it, Carter. You tell her I had nothing to do with this one. I refuse to get blamed when her friends find out instead of massages and hot tubs, they’re getting sloppy drunks and blistered feet.”
“I’ll tell her. Will be easier when I take all the credit.”
She huffed like the Big Bad Wolf and grabbed all the papers, shoving them back in her bag. “At least I can check this off my to-do list.”
The waiter dropped the bill in front of Carter, and she quickly grabbed it. “I got this,” she declared, whipping out her American Express. “It was a bet,” she confessed to the waiter. “I had to buy him dinner.”
Carter grinned. “I made an excellent choice.”
“You certainly did, sir,” the waiter said, shooting them an odd glance before quickly disappearing.
“I think this place will be perfect for the rehearsal dinner, don’t you?” he asked, taking a last sip of his cappuccino. “Why don’t you go ahead and book it?”
She couldn’t help the evil smile that broke out. “This restaurant isn’t available. They’re fully booked, but I spoke with Ally and we decided on Aleathea’s. I already emailed her the tasting menu we finalized, hired a piano player for ambience, and created a custom cupcake bar for dessert.”
She almost laughed at his shocked expression.
“You did all of that already? Without letting me know? I chose this place tonight to try out the menu before we confirmed.”
She shrugged. “We were lucky to have any openings at this late date, but once again, I was able to pull some strings and get Aleathea’s. You’ll love it. I’ll send you the menu.”
The waiter dropped off the receipt. “I hope you’ll join us again soon. It was a pleasure.”
Carter placed his napkin on his plate. “Thanks. And compliments to the chef on his balls. Not that I got to have many.”
Nate cocked his head, not understanding.
“She busted them all before I even got a chance.” Carter got up from the table. “Ready to go?”
Damn him. He’d made her laugh again, which made it harder to hold on to her annoyance. Shaking her head, she followed him to the car. The evening had definitely been surprising. He’d been a more engaging dinner companion than she expected. Who would’ve imagined there was a sense of humor hidden behind the robot mask? She was beginning to think Carter Ross held more layers than she’d originally given him credit for.
She waited for him to turn onto her road, but he kept driving straight and parked on Beach Avenue. “What are you doing?” she asked.
“Thought after such a big dinner we’d take a walk on the beach.”
“Oh, we can’t. The beach is closed.”
He regarded her in amusement. “I’m sure that’s never stopped you before.”
“You think I’m a hardened criminal because I was in jail for a few hours over ten years ago? Seriously?”
He grinned and got out of the car. He came around, opened her door, and waited. “I think you’re a woman who appreciates the occasional rule-breaking. It’s a beautiful night full of stars. Let’s have some fun.”
She climbed out. “I’ll walk with you, but not on the beach. There are signs posted everywhere.”
He stuck his hands in his pockets and matched his pace to hers. “Don’t disappoint me, Avery. We’re not teens looking to vandalize. I’m sure no one would pay attention to a lone couple enjoying an evening stroll.”
She snorted. “You don’t live here. If I got busted, that’s all I’d hear in this town.”
“The beach is heavily patrolled at this hour?” he asked.