Planning for Love Read Online Free

excitement surprised her. “Tracy must’ve told you she’d planned something exciting in order to win your contest and get on WWS .”
    “Had no idea. She didn’t have to qualify or anything. We pick the names out of a hat. What makes this show different is the couple lets us follow them on the honeymoon. You’d be amazed the way couples fall apart on their honeymoon, and we’re there to capture every tear, every thrown drink, and every night the groom winds up on the sofa of the bridal suite.”
    So much for happily ever after. “It sounds depressing.”
    Ben shrugged. “Can’t let it get to you. I mean, these people would get into it with or without the cameras. The divorce rate is still over fifty percent in this country.”
    Ivy swatted his arm. “Don’t use that word!” Did the man have no sense at all?
    His head snapped around. “What word?”
    “The D word.” He still looked mystified. “Divorce,” she said in a pointed whisper.
    “Why not? It’s a statistic, not an omen.”
    “Even if you aren’t superstitious, it seems flat-out rude to mention that word on a wedding day. This is the one day when the whole world revolves around their love. One beautiful, untarnished day when everyone puts their petty arguments to the side and concentrates on the magic of love.” Ben looked at her like she’d just sprouted wings.
    “You can’t really believe that load of crap,” he said flatly.
    Ivy was used to this reaction, but it still stung every time. “First of all, I believe it with every fiber of my being.”
    “Do you believe in the Tooth Fairy, too?”
    “Secondly,” she pressed on, despite his interruption, “it doesn’t matter if you or I believe it. It’s my job to give clients the perfect day. They have to feel the cartoon hearts floating overhead and doves carrying a happily-ever-after banner. Whether it’s an illusion or reality, they get to live that fantasy for eight hours.”
    Hands shoved deep in pockets, he held her steady gaze, considering. After a minute he nodded. “You’ve got a point. I bet you’re really good at your job.”
    “I try.” Ten years of hard work scrabbling her way up the competitive Chicago wedding ladder were wrapped up in those two words.
    “Well, for you, I’ll give it a shot. As of this moment, I’ll officially table my cynicism, my completely realistic view of relationships, and years of experience.”
    Wow. It was both surprising and sad how many pounds of emotional baggage weighed down that single sentence. His past must be littered with heartbreak and disappointment. And to Ivy, there was almost nothing sadder than a person who didn’t believe in true love. But this time her pity was overshadowed by annoyance at his condescending tone. “Don’t put yourself out on my account.”
    “No, I mean it. You’ve made quite the impression. I don’t want to be the big dark cloud on your perfect day.”
    She squinted up at him. “Really? No mocking? No snide comments behind my back to your camera guy? No barely veiled hostility aimed at the groom?”
    He spread his hands wide, the picture of innocence. “What can I say, Ms. Rhodes? You turned my day around with the possibility of an utter train wreck, then capped it off with a kiss. In my book, that means I owe you a favor. I figure a sunny disposition is the nicest way to repay you.”
    “You know you stole that kiss,” she grumbled. It still rankled how quickly he’d ended it.
    “Fair enough.” Ben edged closer, and Ivy automatically countered, which brought her flush against the window niche. He caged her in by resting his hands on the deep window sill. She was forced to arch her back in order to meet his eyes. The position thrust her breasts against the stiff lapels of his tux jacket. All the air in the room vanished, and her heart thudded. Without a doubt, Ben was back in charge, and she was merely along for the ride.
    “Next time will be different.”
    “How do you know? I mean,” she