Was that considered cheating?
Maybe.
Avery impressed him more every day. He’d had no idea how many choices went into a wedding day. Each pick was both thoughtful of the bride and groom, price, vendors’ capabilities, and her obvious need to please everyone involved. She had a vast knowledge on all subjects, and each vendor’s respect had seemed well earned. Tricking her into lunch seemed the only way to gain some private time with her. There was one thing he wanted with Avery Sunshine.
More.
More time. More conversation. More kissing.
He switched his focus back to the phone conversation. His sister was speaking. “I can’t believe everything is coming together so fast! We’re down to only a month now—it’s crazy.”
“Wedding planning usually goes faster than imagined,” Avery said with a smile. “Did you make any final decisions on the items we sent?”
“Yes, I tasted the cake samples with Jason. It was such a hard decision because they were all amazing, but we decided on the carrot cake.”
He caught Avery wince. “That’s great. Um, I’m surprised, though. I didn’t think you liked carrots.”
Carter raised a brow at the obvious challenge, but also admired her for the subtle hit. The woman did not surrender easily. “I know! But I never had carrot cake before—I always avoided it because it sounded like a health thing. The moment I tasted it, with the hint of bourbon and the cream-cheese frosting, I thought I’d died and shot to cake heaven. You’re brilliant, Avery. I never would’ve imagined sending me something so risky.”
Carter pressed his lips together to keep from laughing.
Avery shot him a glare, huffing a bit, but kept her tone chirpy like the excellent planner she was. “To be honest, that was your brother’s choice.”
“Big brother always knows best, huh?” Ally teased.
“Something like that,” he said, trying to keep the triumph from his voice so he wouldn’t piss off Avery any further. Still, it felt good he’d been right. He liked pleasing his sister. “So the cake’s done. We’ve also been back and forth on your bachelorette party. I know you told Avery you wanted something low key and relaxing, like the spa, but I think this is an important time for you to get out and party. Have some fun with the girls. I say let’s nix the spa and head to Atlantic City.”
Avery chimed in. “There’s a bunch of restaurants and clubs we can hit if you want to dance and drink a bit. We certainly don’t have to go to AC.”
“But I think we should,” he added.
A pause hummed over the line. “I never would’ve thought of AC as an option,” Ally said slowly. “Figured we’d just stay in Cape May and keep it low key, but maybe you’re right, Carter. Maybe we should take the opportunity to party. God knows it’s been forever since I had a real girls’ night out.”
“Exactly,” he said.
Avery tilted her chin up and gave him a steely stare. Why did he find her annoyance with him so damn sexy? Was it the challenge to see if he could take all the prickly fire and turn it into pleasure? Since their kiss, he’d thought of nothing else.
“It’s up to you,” Avery said through gritted teeth. “But I still think the ladies may prefer a relaxing evening before the wedding. Get pampered. I’m sure Carter doesn’t want to pressure you.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but let’s do it. Let’s party in AC and make it a night to remember.”
“Good choice,” he said. The waitress came by and set their plates on the table. “Ally-Cat, our lunch just got here. Anything else you decided on?”
“I flipped through the floral options and think the bouquets are to die for. And the centerpieces were so different—I loved having a choice.”
“Which one do you prefer?” Avery asked.
Carter leaned in.
“Definitely the tall. It’s unique, and I think it makes a stronger impression.”
“I thought so, too,” Avery said with triumph. “Good choice.”
“Thanks, guys. I cannot believe you’ve been working so hard together for me. I owe you big-time.”
Avery lifted her gaze and locked with his. Electricity rippled through the air, ramping up a sweet sort of tension he was beginning to get used to around her. Even look forward to. She shifted in her seat, and he could practically feel the imprint of her lips over his, the taste of clover and honey coating his tongue. Her cheeks reddened, and a satisfaction surged through him. Good. She was just as aware of him and their connection. He bet she couldn’t get the kiss off her mind, either.
“No worries, that’s what I’m here for,” Avery said. “After all, it’s my job.” Her emphasis on the last word flicked at him in warning. “I’ll take care of all this. Let me know if anything else comes up. The final proof for the favors should be in this week, and I’ll shoot them out to you ASAP.”
They exchanged love and goodbyes, and Avery clicked off.
“I think that went well,” he said.
She shot him a look and concentrated on her plate. For the next few minutes, she ate in silence. He decided not to push and gave her space to settle. He broke off pieces of bread to feed to Lucy, who ate with an aristocratic grace and calm that allowed him to take her everywhere.
“I’m sure you’re quite satisfied with yourself,” she finally said. She nibbled on a watermelon slice, the rest of her plate clean. “I guess you won.”
He forked up a bite of potato salad. “I’m satisfied Ally’s happy with our choices. Don’t you think we both won?”
She narrowed her gaze. “You know what I mean. This little competition between us? You scored on the cake and the bachelorette party.”
“And you successfully picked the centerpieces and the rehearsal dinner. I’d say we’re even.”
She shook her head. “No, I booked the rehearsal dinner without you knowing. Plus, you found her dress. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’ve stopped looking for a fresh perspective for my clients.” She nibbled her bottom lip, seeming defeated.
Guilt hit. Ah, hell.
He cleared his throat. “Well, to be honest, I had a bit of help.” She tilted her head, waiting. “I, uh, spoke to my sister at length before each appointment.”
“Yeah, but I’ve spoken to her, too. You listened better.”
He shifted in his seat. “Actually, we sent pictures back and forth. Did she tell you about her private Pinterest board?”
She squinted in suspicion. “No.”
“That’s where she saves all of her ideas so she won’t forget. I pull a bunch of them, and we go back and forth until we narrow it down.”
The slice of watermelon dropped from her fingers as the dawning knowledge hit. “Wait. Are you telling me this is how you knew about those special flowers and the cake design and the AC thing?”
He winced. “Kind of. I go through her pins and find a common theme, then research a bit. She kept saving these bouquets with vandas, so I lasered in. And she had a bunch of websites with designer dresses, shoes, and trendy clubs, so I figured she really wouldn’t want a spa. I just know my sister. Sometimes what she says out loud isn’t what she really wants.”