She Helped Plan a Surprise Party, Not Knowing the Guest of Honor Was a Billionaire Falling for Her
The Mysterious Guest of Honor
Emma’s heart nearly stopped when her phone buzzed at exactly 7:30 a.m. That could only mean one thing: Lisa, her impossibly organized best friend, was calling with yet another urgent party planning update.
“Good morning sunshine,” Lisa’s cheerful voice rang out before Emma could even mumble a hello.
“I need you at the Grand Hotel by noon. The birthday boy’s sister is panicking about the centerpieces and you’re the only one who can talk sense into these people.”
Emma groaned, pressing her face into the pillow. “Lisa, I have actual paying clients to meet today. You know, the ones that help me pay my rent.”
“I’ll buy you lunch for a week,” Lisa bargained. “Besides, Kira Hammond needs your expertise. She’s totally lost without you.”
Emma sighed, already knowing she’d give in. Her event planning business was still in its infancy and she couldn’t afford to turn down networking opportunities, even unpaid ones. This was especially true when they involved the Hammond family, who seemed to know half of Portland’s elite.
“Fine, noon. But you owe me more than lunch.”
Three hours later, Emma found herself weaving through the Grand Hotel’s opulent lobby. The place exuded wealth from its crystal chandeliers to its marble floors that probably cost more than her annual salary.
Her worn leather portfolio felt suddenly inadequate as she approached the reception desk. “I’m here for the Hammond party planning,” she said, trying to sound like she belonged.
The concierge nodded knowingly. “Miss Hammond is expecting you in the Azure Ballroom, down the hall to your right.”
Emma followed his directions, her sensible heels clicking against the polished floor. She still wasn’t entirely clear on whose party this was, only that it was some obscenely wealthy Hammond family friend turning thirty. The celebration needed to be tastefully extravagant.
She pushed open the heavy double doors of the Azure Ballroom and was immediately struck by its grandeur. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, and the afternoon sun cast a warm glow across the entire space.
“Emma, thank goodness you’re here!”
Kira Hammond rushed toward her, looking flawlessly put together in a cream silk blouse and tailored pants. “The florist just called. They can’t get peonies and my brother will absolutely lose it if everything isn’t perfect.”
Emma took a deep breath. “First of all, peonies are out of season. Second, who exactly is this party for? I can’t keep designing around a mystery guest.”
Kira waved her hand dismissively. “Tyler, my brother’s best friend. They’ve known each other since boarding school and he’s practically family.”
She lowered her voice. “He’s also notoriously private. Hates any kind of attention, but my brother insists he needs this.”
“Fine,” Emma conceded. “But I need some basics. What does he like or dislike? Is there a theme we’re working with here?”
Kira brightened. “He loves sailing. Spends half his time on his yacht. And he’s obsessed with old books. Has a library that would make universities jealous. Oh, and he hates pretentiousness, which is ironic considering…”
She trailed off. “Considering what?”
“Nothing,” Kira replied too quickly. “Just help me make this elegant but not stuffy. Can you do that?”
Emma nodded, already formulating ideas. “I think we can incorporate nautical elements subtly. Navy and cream color scheme, perhaps. Rope details in the centerpieces.”
“And instead of a traditional guest book, what about vintage postcards that people can write messages on?”
Kira’s eyes widened. “That’s brilliant! This is exactly why Lisa said I needed you.”
She glanced at her watch. “I have to run to another meeting. Can you stay and coordinate with the hotel staff? My brother’s paying for everything, so just tell them what you need.”
Before Emma could respond, Kira was already heading for the door, leaving her alone in the massive ballroom. Over the next week, Emma found herself increasingly involved in planning this mysterious Tyler’s birthday celebration.
What had started as a favor to Lisa had somehow morphed into a full-time project. Emma was directing florists, coordinating with chefs, and designing custom invitations.
“You realize you’re basically planning this entire event for free,” Lisa pointed out over coffee three days before the party.
Emma shrugged, stirring her latte. “It’s a good portfolio piece and Kira promised to recommend me to her friends.”
Lisa raised an eyebrow. “Rich people are always promising things. Just be careful not to get taken advantage of.”
Emma knew her friend was right, but there was something about this project that had captured her imagination. Perhaps it was the challenge of creating something meaningful for someone she’d never met.
Or maybe it was simply the escape from her tiny apartment and the stack of bills on her kitchen counter. Two days before the party, Emma was overseeing the delivery of custom linens when a deep voice startled her.
“Excuse me, but are you in charge here?”
She turned to find herself face to face with possibly the most handsome man she’d ever seen. Tall, with dark hair that curled slightly at his temples and striking blue eyes that seemed to look straight through her.
He was dressed casually in a simple button-down and jeans that probably cost more than her monthly rent.
“I’m the event planner,” she replied, extending her hand. “Emma Chen.”
“Theo Davenport,” he said, his handshake warm and firm. “I was looking for Kira or James Hammond.”
“They’re not here at the moment. Is there something I can help you with?”
He glanced around the ballroom, taking in the nautical elements and vintage touches Emma had incorporated. “I was just curious about how the preparations were coming along. I’m invested in this party’s success.”
“Friend of the birthday boy?” Emma asked.
A smile played at the corner of his mouth. “Something like that. Do you mind showing me around?”
Emma hesitated. She hadn’t been briefed on allowing outsiders to preview the space, but Theo seemed to know the Hammonds. Plus, there was something so earnest about his interest.
“Of course,” she said, gesturing for him to follow. “We’re going with a subtle nautical theme, as I understand the guest of honor is an avid sailor.”
Theo nodded appreciatively as she showed him the table arrangements and the bar setup. She showed him the small library corner she’d created with vintage books and comfortable seating.
“This is not what I expected,” he admitted. “It’s thoughtful. Personal.”
Emma felt a flush of pride. “That’s exactly what I was going for. Kira mentioned he’s private, so I wanted to create something that felt intimate despite the grandeur of the venue.”
Theo studied her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. “And how did you get involved in this project? Are you a longtime Hammond family event planner?”
Emma laughed. “Hardly. My best friend knows Kira and I got roped in as a favor. I do run my own event planning business, though it’s still getting off the ground.”
“Well, your attention to detail is impressive,” Theo said, his gaze lingering on her face.
They spent the next hour walking through the space, with Emma explaining her vision and Theo asking surprisingly insightful questions. By the time he left, promising to see her at the party, Emma found herself inexplicably looking forward to the event.
