With a quick smile, Beth turned down the hall. A moment later the client entered. It was her. Oh, shit, it’s the rude woman I had the hots for. She really hoped her first impression would be wrong. Not about the hot part. She noticed that impression still held up as her eyes wandered down and then back up her body. “Jill.”

Jill stuttered to a stop, her jaw clenched and nostrils flared. “It’s you.”

“Yeah, it’s me.” Christ. Does she always have to look this good? She wore skinny, black dress pants and a sleeveless, cream shell, showing off incredibly toned arms. Reagan shook her head of any wayward thoughts and walked around the table with her hand outstretched. “It’s nice to see you again, Jill.”

Jill shook her hand quickly before crossing her arms. “It’s Jillian.”

Reagan faltered briefly. “Oh, I’m sorry. In case you don’t remember, I’m Reagan. Reagan Murphy.”

“Murphy. As in Taylor Murphy Group? That’s you?”

“Yes.”

“This is unbelievable,” Jillian mumbled under her breath.

“Excuse me?” When she had met Jillian at the restaurant, she had simply chalked up her bad attitude to her just having a bad day. Seeing her reaction now, Reagan understood this was who she was. God help me, she thought.

“Nothing.” Jillian looked Reagan up and down. If she hadn’t known any better, Reagan would have thought she was checking her out, but she knew she was really sizing her up.

Reagan held her gaze for a beat before relaxing her arms and gesturing to the table. “Shall we get started?”

“Yes. But please be quick about it. I’d like to get back to work soon.”

As Jillian sat, Reagan took the seat next to her, pulling a couple of pages from her folder. “I spent my morning going over all the paperwork that Gwen left regarding the party for your father.”

“Stepfather,” Jillian gritted out, her hand clenched in a fist on the table.

“My apologies. Your stepfather.” That seems to be a touchy subject. Reagan wouldn’t make that mistake again. No wonder she didn’t seem to want to be here. Why would she be the one planning a party for someone she clearly didn’t like? Reagan took in a breath to calm the thoughts that were running away from her. “I’d like to go over some of it again to make sure I’m clear on all your initial requirements. Sound good?”

Jillian let out a small sigh. “Let’s get on with it.”

Reagan suppressed an eye roll. She was understanding what Gwen had meant about Jillian being a difficult client. Reagan went line by line through the initial paperwork, clarifying the location, day, and estimated guest count for the party.

“Now let’s get to the details and I’ll show you some options for the linens and plates. Do you or your mother have any theme in mind?”