What was he doing here? The moment Ashley Smith dreaded, dreamed about, worried over for months and then convinced herself wouldnât occur had finally happened.
As the bride and groom circled the floor for their first dance at an exclusive Dallas country club, Ashleyâs satisfaction over the smoothly flowing wedding reception vanished. Beyond the newly married couple, standing in the crowd of guests, was tall, black-haired Ryan Warner. The Ryan Warner, millionaire owner of the Warner hotel chain. The man sheâd had a wild, passionate weekend with almost four months ago.
As the past assaulted Ashley, her head swam. Her first instinct was to run, but as the wedding planner, she had to stay to see that all the events flowed smoothly.
Even while dread filled her, she still thought that Ryan was the most handsome man she had ever known. Her heart thudded when she remembered his mouth on hers.
Staring at Ryan, she would never understand what had overcome her that weekendâexcept his sexy appeal and spellbinding charm. Never before in her life had she cut loose like that. Hot kisses, magical hands, irresistible seductionâmemories of Ryan flashed in her mind. She recalled his take-charge manner and his fascinating charisma. After theyâd made love, sheâd been stunned and embarrassed by her actions.
Now here he was, just yards away across the ballroom, with a drink in his hand. Women smiled at him while he watched the bride and groom dance. Suddenly, Ashley was conscious of herself in her pale yellow linen suit, yellow silk blouse and matching pumps. She smoothed her skirt and tucked a stray strand of her blond hair in place.
She hadnât seen Ryanâs name on the guest list. If she had known he would be here, she would have given the job to her assistant today. Ryan Warner was the last person on earth she wanted to encounter. So far, he hadnât seen her and she hoped to keep it that way.
If at all possible, she hoped to avoid him. She did not want to renew her acquaintance with him. At least, not until she was ready to deal with him. Though he didnât know it, he was involved in the enormous secret she kept from her family.
Her gaze drifted over the crowd again. At four inches over six feet tall, Ryan was easy to find. He was dancing now, with a gorgeous brunette, and to Ashleyâs relief, he seemed focused on his partner. Ashley prayed he had arrived with the woman and would soon leave with her.
Ashley melted into the crowd, glancing occasionally at Ryan while she moved around the room. Reassured the reception was progressing smoothly, she checked that the waiters picked up empty glasses, serving dishes were filled and guests seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Ashley had another brief surge of reassurance that the wedding and reception were going off without a hitch as she made her way toward the newly married couple. Emily and Jake Thorne looked radiant, both glowing, with constant smiles. She thought they looked the perfect couple togetherâa beautiful, brown-haired bride with her tall, black-haired, handsome husband. During the early stages of planning the elaborate wedding and reception, Emily had confided in Ashley that her union with Jake was a marriage of convenience. Ashley had soothed her clientâs jitters and doubts, and now gave herself a mental pat on the back for helping to make this day great for them and a time to remember the rest of their lives.
Finally, it was time to cut the cake, and the second the next dance stopped, Ashley approached the bride. âCake-cutting time,â she stated. âI have the photographer ready and waiting.â
âThanks, Ashley. This is wonderful!â Emily gushed.
âIâm glad. By the way, I donât recall Ryan Warnerâs name on the guest list,â she added casually.
Emily shrugged. âRyan and Jake and our best man, Nick Colton, are the closest of friends. They all grew up together. Ryan was in Europe and tied up in business and said he couldnât make the wedding, but then he surprised us this morning, and here he is. Do you knowââ
âThereâs the photographer,â Ashley interrupted, having another rush of apprehension. âGo get some great pictures!â She hurried away, relieved that soon all eyes would be on the bride and groom.