Tickled Pink (8 page)

“This is quite the bash. Catered, a DJ, wow, it’s pretty remarkable.”

He disliked the undercurrent in the other man’s tone. “What’s your point?”

Hank smirked and shrugged as he lifted his drink. “I just figured that with all this fancy effort for your engagement party; your future wife would be wearing a large rock on her finger.” He grinned and sipped from the highball glass in his hand.

A ring, why didn’t we think of that?

Richard’s heart slammed to a stop. This wasn’t good—one ounce of doubt this wasn’t real and his mother would sell her shares in
Stewart Locke
. He didn’t like this situation and he hated the realization Hank was right.

From behind Hank a gamut of emotions dusted Toni’s face. For a fleeting moment, he thought she might pass out. Obviously, she’d heard the conversation unfolding and he just prayed no else had.

Toni stepped over and stood next to Richard. Her body came against him a little closer than maybe she needed to, but he knew she wasn’t a fan of Hank. He was starting to think she might have reason. Ever since Richard longtime friend had set eyes on Toni, things were different with the man now questioning him.

“Hey honey,” she greeted and slipped her arm around his waist. “Kayla and Andrew were asking about you and I think your mom was looking for you.” She glanced at Hank, who was already looking her over as if she were steak instead of Richard’s future wife.

He turned to the woman who hadn’t even acknowledged Hank. “I suppose I shouldn’t keep our guests waiting.”

“You know Toni, I was just saying to your fiancé here, I find it strange that you’re not wearing a ring.” He grinned at Toni. “Mind you, with the way Richard changes girlfriends, maybe he’s not counting on things lasting.”

A small smile tugged her full lips and the look she cast the man in front of them, revealed she thought him not much more than an idiot. “It’s a little hard to wear the ring when we pick it up tomorrow in Vegas. Richard had it designed for me.”

Surprise crossed Hanks face and turned to him. “Seriously?”

“Have a good time, Hank.” He gently ushered Toni away from the man standing speechless. “Come on, sweetheart.” Richard led her to the other side of the room and turned to her. “Nice save,” he whispered.

“I have a client that owes me a favor. We can see him when we get into town. He owns a jewelry store chain, I’m sure he will be happy to help us out. He has all kinds of unique designs and settings. With the way his wife changes her mind every six months on their décor, he’ll no doubt want a trade.”

“Well, Richard, I must say I’m pleasantly surprised.” His sister Piper greeted them with amusement in her tone.

His niece Lauren blew out a breath, which sent her bangs up. “You say that now until his latest flavor opens her mouth.”

Toni turned to the female voices and Richard met the curious gaze of his sister. “Piper, this is Toni, sweetheart, my sister, Piper.”

Piper smiled and stepped forward. The women shook hands and his niece Lauren rolled her eyes and folded her arms. “It’s really nice to meet, you.”

“I’m happy to meet you.” Toni glanced at Lauren then met Piper’s gaze. “Is that your daughter?”

Piper turned to his niece. “Lauren, come meet your uncle’s fiancée.”

“Hi, Toni.”

Toni stepped away from his side and offered Lauren a warm smile. “Hello, Lauren. I really like your shoes.” She glanced at Laurens red sparkle shoes with bows. “They remind me of the ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz. Very cool.”

Lauren studied Toni. “Me too, that’s why I got them. I like movies.”

Toni’s expression turned animated. “Me too. I love eighties movies, which is better than your uncle’s love for the rap music from the era.”

The teenager smiled and turned to him. “See, I’m not the only one who doesn’t like the music.” She turned to Toni. “I hate when he picks me up from school and its blasting.” She paused and nodded as if debating. “I like eighties movies too.”

Richard stood stunned. Lauren hated every woman he dated; now she was talking to Toni and had exchanged more conversation with her then his last three girlfriends put together. He glanced at his sister, who seemed surprised as well.

“Can I take a picture of you and Uncle Richard?”

“Of course,” he told his niece as he slipped his arm around Toni’s waist and smiled.

Lauren lifted her phone and took the picture then met his gaze. “You look happy.” She turned to Toni. “I look forward to getting to know you.” She turned abruptly and walked off.

“Why do I feel I just saw history in the making?” Toni wasn’t sure what was going on.

Piper’s gaze fell on Toni and she stepped closer to her. “Not much gets past you, does it?”

“On occasion, but chances are I was distracted by something shiny.”

His sister threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, God, Toni, welcome to our family.” She leaned in and hugged Toni who returned the gesture.

Never did Richard see this coming. And what was up with Lauren? She was actually—nice.

“Well, I’ll let you two mingle. If it’s okay, I’d like to get together and have lunch with you when you two get back from Las Vegas.”

He was in alternate universe. His sister was never friendly to the women he dated. Polite yes, friendly never, and what was up with a lunch date?

Toni nodded her head. “I look forward to it.”

Piper walked away and a small sigh escaped Toni and she turned to him. It was only then he realized his arm was still around her waist. Her balance faltered slightly and she placed her hands on his chest. “I wasn’t expecting all that,” she whispered.

Probably not. However, they we were even since he wasn’t expecting his body to react to her soft curves being this close to his or how again, despite the layers of his suit and dress shirt, he could feel the heat her touch ignited over his skin. He swallowed and nodded. “I must say, I’m equally as surprised.”

The small smile which dusted her lips slammed his heart to a stop as he stared into her dark eyes. “I’m sure, you’ll explain everything later.”

Richard nodded and scanned her face. Never did he think, when the golf ball broke his window, he’d be standing here now or experiencing this range of emotions. “Sweetheart, let’s go be social.”

Her brow crinkled slightly. “Of course, is everything okay?”

He had to be honest. “Fine, but if we stand here like this much longer, I’m going to kiss you.”

Toni’s eyes widened and her lips formed an “oh”. Richard’s libido took the punch and he stepped away from her, dropping his hand to her lower back.

Nope. Never saw any of this coming at all.

Toni’s head still reeled from the surprise engagement party the day before as she and Richard exited Henderson’s executive airport. The conversation between her and her handsome intended had been brief and next to non-existent. His mind had been elsewhere since his company car had picked them up and taken them to the airport where the corporate jet waited.

“There is the driver there.” She nodded toward the man standing in front of the silver limousine.

Richard’s steps halted and she turned. He blinked at the man walking toward them and then rested his gaze on her. “The limousine is from a luxury condominium community.”

She nodded. “I told you, I had everything covered here.”

“Welcome back, Ms. Deluca.”

Turning to the driver she smiled. “Alan, it’s always a pleasure,” she greeted. “How is your daughter?”

“Doing good at college, thanks for asking.”

“Allan, this is Richard Bryson.”
Say the words without choking.
“My fiancé.”

“Welcome, sir and congratulations.” He nodded and took the luggage. He carried it over to the waiting vehicle and Richard met her gaze.

“Come here much?”

She nodded and smiled. “Yes, I own a place here.”

Surprise flickered across his face but he didn’t add anything else.

They climbed into the limousine and still the man seated across from her remained quiet. She turned and stared out the window. Why were things great the last couple days—or as good as they could be, and today so strained? Was it nerves; was the reality of the situation catching up with them both?

Toni wasn’t one for idle chit chat—not her strong suit, so she remained silent as Richard stared out the window. When the car pulled into the driveway and the large gates opened Richard turned to her. “These are nice.”

“That they are.” She didn’t know if she should be flattered or insulted, but the candid disbelief in his tone set her nerves a bit on edge. Toni glanced at her watch. It was after five. They had a later start then anticipated due to something coming up at Richard’s office—which had delayed him.

She reached into her purse and withdrew her keys and a tip for Alan. The door opened and she slipped out of the vehicle followed by Richard. Immediately he pulled out his wallet and tipped the driver she’d come to know over the last few years.

“Thank you sir, I’ll make sure valet brings the bags up.”

“Thank you, Alan,” she replied and turned to Richard. “This way.”

They stepped to the glass and brass doors as the doorman pulled it open. Richard allowed to Toni to go first and for some strange reason, her nerves were even more on edge.

“Welcome back Ms. Deluca,” concierge greeted as they walked through the lobby.

Toni just turned, smiled, and kept walking. The glass doors to the sitting area opened and she turned toward the elevators. Her steps paused and she turned. Richard had come to a stop and was taking in every detail.

He turned and walked toward her. “Very elegant—but not stuffy or too modern. Reminds me of the Sutherford Towers just outside of Dallas.”

She nodded and smiled. “Same builder and interior designer. Colors are darker at Sutherford—but when Kerry Sutherford, the owner, makes up his mind—everyone else can forget changing it.”

His expression turned quizzical and he looked around the room again, as if memorizing the details. She knew he had questions, but he didn’t ask them. Since she wasn’t sure what to add to the conversation, she continued toward the elevators on the even side of the building and pushed the button. Her gaze fell to the table and noticed the arrangement. It was new and off balance. She stepped toward the large silk flowers and adjusted the positions slightly.

Richard’s gaze was intent on her and she fought to ignore the tickle of realization down her spine. Thankfully, the elevator beeped and the doors opened. She stepped in, held her key fob to the reader and pushed fifteen.

The silence was deafening and she was becoming more on edge with each passing moment. She turned to the man she was supposed to marry tomorrow. Any conversation had become a struggle. Toni smiled. “It’s not the penthouse but it will do.”

“I’m sure its fine.”

The elevator stopped and she stepped off the elevator to the double glass doors with the wrought iron vine design. It took her two attempts to get the key in, due to her frazzled state, but she finally unlocked the door and stepped in. She didn’t slow her pace until she stepped into the kitchen and dropped her keys and purse on the counter.

“I’ll show you the guest room.” She started to walk past him when his hands gently captured her by the upper arms.

“Are you okay?” His tone and expression both held concern.

“No.” She slipped out of his hold, walked down the short hallway to the room, and turned on the light. “You should be comfortable in here.” She stepped over to a closet and opened the door. “More towels and blankets should you need them.”

“Can I see the rest of the place?”

She turned and nodded. “Of course.” A sigh escaped her and she offered a weak smile. “Can I get you something to drink? I have water and soda in the fridge. There is beer in the mini fridge behind the bar.”

He slid his hands into his suit pockets and studied her a minute. “Did you want to show me the place before or after you tell me what’s wrong?”

Toni sighed again and didn’t even know where to begin. “Let’s see. It could be the surprise engagement party sprung on me with a hundred guests as opposed to a quiet family Sunday dinner. Of course there is the whole detail of how I’m supposed to marry a man tomorrow who has barely spoken twenty sentences since he picked me up at my house. Then again it could be I gave up a well-paying and fairly prestigious job in New York today because it would require six to eight weeks of my time.”

This entire situation had gone from crazy to ludicrous. “I think I preferred us when we were arguing.”

“I’m sorry.” He closed the distance between them, removed his hands from his pockets, and captured hers in his hold. Heat suffused her body and she met his gaze. “Yesterday was definitely not something either of us saw coming, but we pulled it off.”

“What else could we do, your mother has threatened to sell the company if we don’t.”

He nodded and debated. “I had a great, but troublesome, conference call before I left work. Usually work doesn’t bother me too much, but with my personal life taking a dramatic turn...”

“The stresses add up. I get it—hello—you’ve met my parents.”