She’d been here nearly a week and they hadn’t made love one time. Had she just become an afterthought for him? Had their getaway been just a fling? Why had he asked her to stay to begin with if he didn’t want to keep up what they’d had?
Once the party was over tomorrow, she would talk to him about where they stood. She understood his work was important to him, but now that her heart was involved, she didn’t want to come second place if he was having feelings for her.
But she had to finesse this carefully. Because on one hand, she didn’t want to come across as his needy ex. Kelly truly valued his commitment to his job. But on the other hand, if they were going to try at any type of relationship, she needed to know she was an important part of his life as more than his assistant.
A gnawing pit in her stomach opened up at the realization that maybe Luke didn’t want more. She knew he’d always been career-oriented. That part of his life was actually appealing to her, but he’d never claimed to want a serious relationship. He’d never claimed to want a family or a wife.
Kelly cursed herself for being naive, for letting their trip clog her mind with romantic notions about the two of them that might never be fulfilled. She had to talk to him, openly and honestly, and she had to stop trying to dance around the subject.
Luke needed to know she’d fallen in love with him. He deserved to have all of the information so then he could decide where he stood and what he wanted from this relationship.
She didn’t expect him home until late tonight, either. She knew he was at the office with Zeke working on the steps to take to make this transition with the resorts as flawless as possible.
Kelly had spent the evening at the TCC clubhouse decorating and making sure everything was absolutely perfect. She planned on being there tomorrow afternoon, as well. Reagan had offered to meet her and work on the final touches and helping the caterers get everything set out exactly where she wanted the dishes to go for easy flow.
Kelly couldn’t help but have that rush of excitement over this party. She felt sexy in her dress and she couldn’t wait to show Luke. Maybe tomorrow, after she told him she loved him, they could reconnect and pick up from where they’d left off in Hawaii.
She had hope. The way he looked at her, and the way he appreciated her, gave her that spark of encouragement. She wasn’t one to be clingy or beg, though. If Luke didn’t have the same feelings or want to work on something more solid than a work relationship or a quick fling, then she would have to move on. Just because she felt so strongly, didn’t mean that he did. Her feelings had nurtured and grown over the years and Luke had just seen her as little more than his right-hand-woman less than two weeks ago.
Kelly tried to put her nerves to rest and decided to give herself a home manicure and pedi. She wanted to look her best for the re-launch party, and she just needed a little self-care time.
Tomorrow was going to be memorable in both her personal and professional life. She only hoped everything went the way she’d hoped and planned...otherwise, her heart was going to be shattered. If he didn’t want more, t
hey would have to part ways in all aspects and that meant she’d have to find a new employer. She had no Plan B, but while she was confident she could recover from her job, she wasn’t so sure she’d bounce back from losing Luke.
* * *
“Wow. You look hot.”
Kelly laughed and did a slow turn in her emerald green strapless ball gown. Reagan let out a slow whistle and a clap.
“There won’t be a single man here with his eyes in his head,” Reagan laughed. “And maybe some women, too. Damn, that dress is amazing.”
Kelly loved it from the moment she’d seen it online. She’d paid for overnight shipping and prayed it would fit. The deep V in the front was nearly indecent, but the flare of the skirt gave it a softer touch. It was the best of both worlds, being classy and sultry at the same time. And the emerald green both set off her red hair and celebrated Christmas. She loved this dress so much, she might never take it off. Cleaning house and doing laundry was about to get a face-lift from her usual sweats and tees.
“I’m not looking for the guests to check out this dress,” Kelly stated. “I’d rather they look ahead to book a suite.”
Reagan slid her hands in the pockets of her full red shirt and smiled. “Honey, they will flock to those rooms and be sure to tell all their friends they were the first to book at the newest, poshest resorts. And then those friends will get jealous and the trickle down effect will begin.”
Kelly sighed. “I hope you’re right. I’m so nervous.”
“No need to be nervous.” Reagan leaned in so the workers setting up the tables wouldn’t overhear. “Unless you’re nervous how a certain someone is going to react when he sees you in that dress.”
Kelly’s unease grew even more and she wondered how much Reagan knew.
“Don’t worry,” the other woman stated with a soft smile. “I don’t officially know anything, but I saw the way Luke talked about you the other day, and I see it in your eyes now.”
How had Luke talked about her, and what was she giving away right now? Did others know? Was there gossip flooding the office that she didn’t know about?
“I can’t do this right now,” Kelly murmured.
Reagan reached for her hand and gave a gentle squeeze. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to freak you out. Listen, believe me when I say I know how it feels to keep a secret about someone you love.”
Kelly closed her eyes. “I’m still processing all of this.”
“Does he know you love him?”
Kelly shook her head and focused back on her friend. “Please don’t say a word to Ezekiel,” she begged.