Tickled Pink (18 page)

“I just want to get away. I still want to take the company in a different direction, but…” He glanced around then ran a heated gaze over her.

Maybe they should have changed out of their formal wear, but she didn’t think of it as important as trying to make him happy. “So, are you going to stand there seducing me with your eyes or are you going to check out the cars?”

He lifted the cover on the 1967 Mustang and just shook his head. “This definitely needs work. But she’ll be beautiful.” Richard faced her. “You’ll let me come here and just hang out anytime?”

“That’s why you have your own set of keys. Consider it your time out zone when you just need to breathe.”

He lifted back the cover on the 1957 Thunderbird. Richard’s lashes fluttered as he studied the pink Ford. “It’s the same color as the streak in your hair.”

“Only when the color fades.”

Richard turned to Toni, reached out and curled his arm around her and tugged her against his solid torso. With his hand splayed against her back his mouth claimed hers in a carnal kiss. The moment his tongue entered her mouth, she lost her breath and desire consumed her. Her knees buckled as he eased her against the side of the car. His hands began caressing her everywhere he could reach, her arms, her waist, the swell of her hips.

His hold tightened and she slid her hands over the crisp fabric of his white dress shirt, savoring the well-muscled chest beneath. Dampness grew between her legs as Richard continued to ravage her mouth. His hands glided down over the flesh of her butt and grasped the fabric of her dress. He lifted his mouth from hers and placed hot wet kisses down her neck and the sensitive spot below her earlobe.

Richard continued hiking up her skirt and his hot breath teased against her ear. “I want you right now, here,” he growled.

Toni raked her hands down the front of him and reached for his belt. His lips continued to blaze little trails of fire over her skin while his hands slipped beneath the dress and caressed his way up until his fingers curled around her now wet thong. She let out a small gasp as he hauled the black lace down so it slid down her legs to the garage floor. God, she wanted him. She undid the button and zipper of his pants then pushed them and his boxers down.

His rock hard length sprang free and her fingers stroked the smooth veined skin. Richard’s strong hands clasped around her waist and lifted her up on the car. She reached for his shoulders and clung tight as he entered her in a single thrust. Her head fell back while a soft moan escaped her lips.

Richard held her tight and worked in and out of her with deliberate, slow strokes. The pressure deep and low in her belly built fast and tight. She rocked her hips and covered his mouth in another kiss. His breath was ragged against her tongue and his rhythmic movements picked up speed. Her wet walls clamped tight around him and she whimpered in ecstasy while her shoulders trembled. Toni’s climax shook her entire body.

His mouth lifted from hers and a feral groan blew hot breath against her ear again. “God! Toni!” He rasped as he thrust one final time. His body stiffened as he released inside of her.

Toni clutched him tight and fought to get air into her lungs. “Honey...” She whispered as she tried to gain breath and lifted her fingers to the silky and now damp strands of his hair.

Richard’s hold on her remained firm and he placed soft kisses on her cheek. He didn’t have to say anything, she already knew…she didn’t want to let go of him either.

Maybe never.

Chapter Eleven

Introductions and Easter eggs…

The weeks that passed after Christmas were some of the best of Richard’s life. He and Toni had fallen into a pleasant routine and when work got to b too much, he could always escape to the garage. The weekends were busy with the families and at least once a week they got together with Andrew and Kayla. Often Piper and Lauren showed up and he was happy that Piper had good friends with Toni and Kayla. After everything she’d gone through, he was happy to see his sister come out of her isolation and socialize more.

For Valentine’s Day, Richard and Toni had escaped to the condo in Vegas. Now, the first week in March, he longed to leave and head out again for the weekend. He’d have to suggest it to her later. The renovations were going well and almost complete. He walked down the hall to where Toni stood with Chris in what would be the staff lounge when complete. He stood on the threshold and remained quiet for a minute, just watching her discuss the plans on her tablet.

The familiar ring tone of her cell echoed and she answered. “Hello?” There was a slight pause and then she continued. “Mr. Sutherford, it’s really good to hear from you. How are you?”

For some reason a knot formed in Richard’s stomach. He hoped the condominium community builder wasn’t calling for her to do a job. She’d already turned down five that he knew of over the last few months.

“Wow, Seattle.” Her tone was light and jovial but he could tell by the expression on her face she wasn’t happy. “That’s quite a bit of money for something that sounds like it’s about two weeks of work.”

The knot tightened and his stomach ached.

“I would love to.” Her long lashes closed and she shook her head. “Unfortunately though, I’m tied up on a project out here in California.” She nodded and a weak smile dusted her full lips. “That sounds good, yes keep me posted on that.” Her expression though, didn’t match the enthusiasm in her voice—instead, hesitation washed over her features. “Yes, that sounds great. Please say hello to your wife for me. Bye.”

Even though, Richard didn’t know Kerry Sutherford, there was talk in financial circles he wasn’t a man a person said no to. He thought of the condo in Vegas, and how she had worked it into her contract. Enough was enough. He walked into the room and over to his wife who was regrouping. Her face lit up when she saw him but no smile reached her lips.

Richard studied her a moment. “I was coming in to say hi when I overheard that conversation.” He shook his head and turned to Chris. “Can you and your crew handle things here a couple weeks if Toni was to run to Seattle?”

The other man nodded. “Absolutely.”

“That’s what I figured.” He turned back to Toni. “Take the job; I can always fly out to you.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to be away from you and the kittens.” Her voice was soft and low. “I’d miss you too much.” They just stood there a moment and stared in each other’s eyes. Though no emotional words were ever exchanged between them, there was no denying they had become close.

In truth he would miss her too, even if he was away from her for only three days at a time. “Fine. I’ll juggle my schedule.”

Surprise registered on her face and he lifted her phone out of her hand. He grinned at his wife, hit recall number and dialed.

“Sutherford.”

“Hello, Mr. Sutherford, this is Antonia’s assistant. She wanted me to give you a call and let you know she is available and would be happy to come to Seattle.”

Toni’s mouth dropped open.

“Wonderful! Tell her I will email the particulars, have a good day.” The other man ended the call and Richard met his wife’s gaze.

“I’ll go with you,” He told his wife and wrapped an arm around her. “Mr. Sutherford isn’t someone you turn down.”

“Richard’s right you know,” Chris agreed. “That’s one man you want to keep happy. The guys and I will handle things here.”

She turned to Chris. “Thank you.” Toni then glanced back at Richard. “What about the kittens?”

“We’ll take the jet so we can throw them in carriers and take them with us. I’ll have Mrs. Connell find us accommodations close to the project that will take them.”

“You’re amazing, and I appreciate this.”

Richard wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. “I’m happy to do it.” He lowered his head to hers and her lashes fluttered closed. His lips lightly touched hers and he was grateful Chris was used to their public displays of affection.

“Surprise!” Felix’s voice echoed and the kiss ended. Both Toni and Richard turned to the threshold of the room where their friend stood.

“Felix!” Toni greeted with a smile.

Felix ventured deeper into the room. “We were in the neighborhood and I was raving about your work, so I figured I would swing by and show them first hand.

Richard’s gaze shifted to an older Asian man and an elegant older woman with black hair. “Hello.”

The flamboyant event planner waltzed over to where Richard stood still with his arm around Toni’s waist. “Richard and Toni Bryson, allow me to introduce you to Denshi and Katerina Singh.”

Richard was speechless, Felix had actually done it. He stepped away from his wife and crossed the floor to the couple. “It’s nice to meet you both.” He shook both their hands as Mrs. Singh stepped deeper into the room and glanced around.

Her studious gaze rested on Toni. “So you’re the interior designer Felix has raved about.” She drew closer. “The lobby, when I stepped off the elevator, is that your work?”

Hesitation fluttered across Toni’s face but her smile remained. “Yes.”

“Lovely. Clean lines, bright with a bit of an art deco touch. I like it.”

“Thank you.”

Felix walked over and turned to Mr. Singh. “Richard is the one I was telling you about.”

The older man nodded, then turned to Richard. “I’m familiar with your company. Interesting investments.”

This was what he’d been waiting for. “We have a diversified platform from technology to investing in startup companies.”

Denshi digested this then nodded. “No buildings or real estate?”

Richard inhaled and debated his next words. “We have some business platforms on the table, but we would be seeking to joint venture with another solid company.”

The man’s expression turned animated. “Casinos?”

“There is land in Las Vegas zoned on a prime location that we are considering.” It was a half-truth. Richard wanted to buy the land and build a hotel casino but both Hank and his father had shot the idea down.

“We should talk.”

Mrs. Singh turned and glanced at her husband. “Denshi?”

“Casino Hotel project in Las Vegas,” Mr. Singh replied with a grin.

Katerina smiled. “My husband loves Las Vegas.”

Toni nodded and she darted a quick look to Richard. “My husband and I have a condo there.”

“Really, where at?” The woman’s smile turned inquisitive.

“Ivy Garden Towers,” Toni replied without batting an eye.

The woman was mildly surprised, and then her expression softened. “Denshi and I have a penthouse by the same builder just outside of Dallas. We have businesses there.”

Unbelievable, what are the odds?

Richard stepped over to his wife. “Toni was the interior designer on both projects.”

Katerina blinked at Richard. “I’m impressed.” Her tone suggested those weren’t words she used often. With a pleased look she turned to Toni. “Felix didn’t exaggerate about you. Denshi and I have known Kerry Sutherford for years. He and his wife are very nice people.”

His wife nodded in agreement. “I’m going up to Seattle just after Easter to do a quick rehab on a building for him in the Arts District.”

“Oh, please let him know we said hello, when you see him.”

“I’d be happy to do that for you.” His wife’s expression was sincere and the two women stared at each other a moment.

Mr. Singh drew closer to the group. “Kerry is a very wise and strategic businessman.” He then glanced to Katerina and a silent exchange travelled between them. He turned to Richard. “We have meetings, but it was nice to meet you.”

He wasn’t sure what to feel. He had hoped to have more time to talk to them. At least an introduction had been made. It was a start. “It was very nice to meet you and your wife.”

“Dinner,” Mrs. Singh stated matter of factly. “When my husband and I come into town again at the end of next month, I’d like for us to have dinner.”

“That would be great,” Toni smiled.

“Wonderful, we’ll have it at your place. I’m sure you don’t mind, do you Richard?” She turned her expectant gaze to him.

“No, Toni just redecorated the place in the fall. It would be great to have you both come over and see what she’s done.” He couldn’t believe this was happening. Maybe things weren’t so hopeless.

“Excellent.” Denshi Singh grinned. “We will see you in April and make sure all the partners are there.” He placed his hand at the small of his wife’s back and walked toward the door of the room.

Felix winked at Richard and grinned, then followed the Singh’s. “I’ll you call you,” he mouthed as they left.

Richard turned to Toni, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her toward him. “You just managed to do the impossible.”

“I was just being me.” She placed her hands on his shoulders. “I think we pulled that off rather well, together.”

“Agreed.” He lowered his head and placed a light kiss on her lips.  There was no denying he loved her. However, he was terrified to tell her. The last time he told a woman he loved her, she’d let him down and left him at the altar.

Toni was glad to be back in California, since it rained most of the time Richard, she, and the kittens had been in Seattle. The small renovations had gone well on the project and as usual, Mr. Sutherford was pleased—more than pleased. What made her happy was that Richard and Kerry Sutherford got along well—so well that the term joint venture had entered the conversation over a dinner with the business tycoon and his wife, Sally. That Richard had gone on the trip had been a good move both for Toni and Richard.

The Bryson mansion was busy as Richard’s parents Easter get together was in full swing. Somehow Mona had convinced Felix to help and it frightened her a bit how he, her mother, and her mother-in-law had formed a fabulous bond. It was a match made in event planner heaven.

She glanced around the room looking for Richard and spotted him talking to Andrew. Outside in the yard Gabriel played with some of the other boys and the sight warmed her, knowing he was adjusting well. The young boy was crazy about Richard, who had become good friends with Andrew.

A sad trickle crept down her spine and realization hit her full force. What was going to happen when the marriage was over? She and Richard were adults, as were their friends and family, but what about Gabriel and Lauren? They didn’t know the marriage was temporary.

We should have thought things through.

In truth, their fathers should have as well.

“What’s the troubled look for?” Kayla asked, cutting into her doubts and concerns.

Toni darted a glance around to make sure no one was in ear shot then sighed. “I was just thinking about Gabriel and Lauren. I mean, they don’t know the marriage between Richard and me is only temporary.”

Her friend’s expression softened and she slid her hand lightly across the growing baby bump. “I don’t think it is. You know that.” Her friend grinned. “The two of you have a better marriage than couples who have been married for years.”

True. “I can’t imagine not being with him, going to a get together and seeing him with someone else.”

“I think you’re worrying about nothing.” Kayla shook her head. “I can’t see you two breaking up. You’re really good together and just like Andrew and me—you’re exactly what the other needed.”

Hope touched her heart. “You really think so?”

The other woman smiled and nodded. “I do and so does Piper. Keep doing what you’re doing, by taking it one day at a time, I know you and Richard will be more than fine.”

She nodded then leaned in and hugged her friend. “Thank you for being such a good friend.”

Kayla met her gaze. “I’m just being the kind of friend you’ve been to me.”

She glanced outside. They boys had worked their way off the patio and were now playing on the grass. Lauren had surfaced and a faint sob worked its way through the open doors.

Toni exchanged a worried glance with Kayla. “I’ll be back.”

Her friend’s brow furrowed in worry. “Okay.”

She hurried out the door and over to Lauren’s side. “Are you okay?”

The young teenage girl turned and with a tear-stained face shook her head. “No. I wish they’d be nicer to me.”

Sighing, she wondered what had happened. “Who do you want to be nicer?”

“Some of the girls I go to school with. Grandma and grandpa are friends with their parents and they’re snobs and hate me.”

Oh, boy, it’s going to be one of those talks.

Richard was happy to see Andrew. His parent’s house was crazy and he was quite sure that every judge and any attorney worth his salt walked around with their wives while their kids played. His mother planned this event every year and he understood more and more why she got along with his mother-in-law so well. Events were everything.