She considered the best way to approach Brittany’s assistant with a request. The woman looked sweet and friendly but Angie had seen during the wedding preparations that Cheryl could be stubborn. “I can call her or drop by Brittany’s office, but I don’t even have a reason to ask for the guest list.”
“You’ll come up with something.” He reached out and wrapped his fingers around her wrist. “I know it.”
She was reluctant to pull away but she was sure he could feel her racing pulse under his touch. “Your faith in my abilities is misplaced.”
“No way.” He gradually brought her close until they almost touched. “I’ve seen you finish a marathon when you had nothing left. I’ve seen you build your business from nothing to a success. I’ve even seen you win an argument with your mother. You will come up with a brilliant excuse.”
“Fine,” she reluctantly agreed. She hated how much pleasure she felt when she saw his appreciative smile. “But you’re coming with me. If I talk myself into a corner, you’ll have to get me out.”
“I’m with you all the way.”
Yeah, right. Angie broke from his hold. We’ll see about that.
* * *
COLE STOOD AT Angie’s side as they visited Brittany’s office. The suite was probably as big as his agency but he still felt claustrophobic. The dark green walls in the front room made the place feel smaller. The floor was painted in black-and-white stripes and the bookshelves were crammed with magazines and catalogs.
He felt like a giant standing next to the delicate furniture. Cole wrinkled his nose and glanced at Angie. How could she chat effortlessly with the assistant and not keel over from the headache-inducing scented candles?
“I’m sorry?” Cheryl asked as she set down a pile of pastel—and probably scented—files. “You want to do what?”
“I want to get a hold of everyone from the bachelorette party and see if they’d like to chip in for a special gift for Brittany,” Angie replied with a bright smile. “It would make her feel better, like the bridal spa did. And what with Heidi in the hospital and all. Cole, don’t you think Brittany needs a little pampering?”
“Absolutely.” But what the heck was a bridal spa? He felt as if he were in a different land, where they spoke a foreign language.
Cheryl gave him a cursory look. It was clear she didn’t understand why he was accompanying Angie. It was time to sell the adoring-lover routine but Cole was slightly worried. He had gotten carried away when he kissed Angie the last time and she’d been pushing back ever since. Would she automatically reject his touch?
He had never taken Angie’s affection for granted. He always knew that if he reached out his hand she would take it in hers. She knew how to arouse and how to comfort him with a simple touch. She could tease him during the day and at night she held him in her sleep. He’d never felt alone when she was in his life.
Cole hesitated before curling his arm around Angie’s waist. He didn’t realize he was holding his breath until she instantly leaned into his embrace.
“What’s the special gift?” Cheryl asked Angie. She said it with nonchalance, but there was something about her tone. As if she expected Angie to want her approval.
“Uh...it’s, uh...” Angie looked up at him.
He saw the flicker of uncertainty in Angie’s brown eyes. “For the honeymoon,” he stated.
She flashed him a grateful smile. “Yes, a thoughtful gift for their wedding night.”
“Something that both the bride and groom will enjoy,” he added.
Cheryl chose to ignore him. “That’s really sweet of you, Angie, but I can’t give out the guest list. A lot of her clients are on there.”
“I understand, but—”
He pressed his fingers against Angie’s waist. He had done a lot of legwork in his past career to know when someone was going to be helpful or not. No one could persuade Cheryl to hand over that list.
“And I can’t let someone they don’t know have access to it,” Cheryl explained cheerfully, but he heard the firmness in her voice.
“What if I—”
“And, to be honest,” Cheryl interrupted with a smile, “I don’t think they would appreciate being hit up for more money. It’s a great idea, but it could create a negative feeling.”
He felt Angie’s shoulders slump in defeat. “You’re right.”
“But if you want to give Brittany a gift for her wedding night, I’ll make sure it’s in the honeymoon suite.” Cheryl rose from behind her desk. Cole knew it was a move to end this meeting.