The Tycoon and the Wedding Planner. Kandy Shepherd

It would be her dream job, something she wanted so much it hurt.

      ‘Congratulations,’ said Sam. ‘It’s great to hear you’re such an entrepreneur.’

      Kate basked in the admiration she saw in his eyes. At age twenty-eight, she’d had a few false starts to her career; now she was exactly where she wanted to be. ‘I’m still a bit dazed that it’s actually going to happen,’ she said.

      Ben turned to Kate. ‘I want you to be our liaison person with Sam—starting from now. I’ll be away on my honeymoon after next week and this week too caught up with work at the hotel.’

      She blinked at Ben. ‘Th..that’s a surprise.’

      ‘But it makes sense,’ said Ben. ‘You know more about the project than anyone else but me. You can start by taking Sam to the site for him to take a look at it. That okay with you, Sam?’

      ‘Of course,’ said Sam, though Kate thought he looked perturbed.

      ‘I’ll leave you to two to discuss the details,’ said Ben, ushering Sandy away.

      Finally Kate was left alone with Sam, exactly what she’d longed for all evening. She’d never been more aware of his big, broad-shouldered body, his unconventionally handsome face.

      Only now she would value a few minutes on her own to think over what had just happened.

      Ten minutes ago she’d been ready to drag him outside and arrange a date. Or two. Except now things were very different. She would have to put all such thoughts on hold. Sam was no longer a stranger blown into town for a week, never to be seen again. He was someone with ongoing links to Dolphin Bay. She’d be working with him as a professional in a business capacity.

      How could she possibly think she could have any kind of personal relationship with him?