Dave: Typical. He loses like a two-year-old and STILL gets a date.

Cooper: Jealous, Dave? I’m telling Katie.

Dave: Just making a point.

Jamie: Raw animal magnetism, guys. I can’t help it. Sushi. Come on. I don’t have much time.

Simon: Go to Sakura. If she asks what’s good, suggest 4, 11, and 16. Those are the best ones.

Jamie: Got it. Thanks.

Chapter 3

I dropped my head onto my desk. There was no way I was making dinner with Jamie. Wedding plans had been exploding all afternoon, and the end didn’t seem anywhere near. With calls in to three different vendors and answers I needed before the end of the evening or else, I was completely tied up. I called Jamie just after five thirty to explain.

“A call this close to date time is never good news,” he said after saying hello.

“I know! I’m so sorry. I’m still at work, and I’m totally swamped. I’ve been on the phone with linen suppliers all afternoon trying to find Wedgwood blue napkins because our linen supplier promised their Wedgwood blue to someone else, and all they have is navy, and the bride really doesn’t feel good about navy napkins. On top of that, April overbooked the inn this weekend, so we have to relocate three guests from the wedding party to another hotel, which I’m sure is going to make everyone so happy.”

“Sounds like you’ve had quite the day.”

“For a third day on the job, it hasn’t been too bad, but I don’t think I’m getting out of here anytime soon. April’s on her way to my office right now so we can sort out the room situation.”

“What if I bring dinner to you? I’ll come late. Eight o’clock?”

I considered his offer. I would need to eat. And by eight, we’d probably be close to finished anyway. “That sounds great. You’re sure you don’t mind? We can reschedule if that would be easier.”

“I don’t want to reschedule. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day.”

My heart did a weird flutter thing, and I smiled. Bonus points for his killer confidence. “Okay. I’m at Winding Way Inn,” I told him. “I’ll text you the address.”

At 8:02, Jamie texted. I’m in the parking lot. Where to?

I was finishing a work call with a neighboring hotel, so I held up my phone, showing the text to April. She nodded her understanding. “I’ll go let him in,” she whispered.