by Robin Kaye
“Yes, so can I.”
“I have to talk to her. I love your daughter, ma’am. Whatever happens, I need to make sure she knows that, and it wasn’t a game to me.”
There was silence on the line. “Ma’am? Are you still there?”
“Of course, I’m still here. What do you need from me?”
“Her address and phone number.”
“I can do better than that. I’ll call my old neighbor; she’ll let you in. Just go on up and wait for Toni to come home. Lilly said she saw Toni leave this morning. She got home at an ungodly hour and spent most of the night on the terrace. Lilly was worried and called me.”
“Thank you, ma’am. You’re a real lifesaver.” Hunter wrote down the address and Toni’s phone number. He gave his to Clarissa and got Lilly’s number too.
“Lilly has known Toni all her life and has always kept an eye on her, not that Toni would appreciate that. She’s so independent.”
“I can imagine.”
“So, Hunter. What are your intentions with my daughter?”
Yeah, what were his intentions? “I’m going to do my best to change her opinion of the institution of marriage, ma’am.”
“Are you asking my permission to marry Toni?”
“No, ma’am. But your blessing would be appreciated.”
“Young man, if you can change Toni’s mind about marriage, you’ll have more than my blessing. You’ll have my eternal gratitude. Did you really read that book?”
“Cover to cover.”
“And what did you learn?”
“You mean besides the obvious—never keep anything from Toni?”
“Yes.”
Hunter smiled. “You know that saying, ‘Love means never having to say you’re sorry’?”
“I’m familiar with it.”
“That’s a bunch of bunk. I’ve spent more time apologizing to Toni than just about anything else.”
The woman laughed the same husky laugh her daughter had. “I think you’ll do, Hunter. I think you’ll do.”
“Thank you, ma’am. There’s one more thing I was wondering, if you wouldn’t mind?”
“Anything.”
“Do you have any idea what kind of engagement ring Toni would like?”
“Not a clue. I don’t suppose they have any with skulls and crossbones.”
Hunter laughed. “No ma’am, I don’t suppose they do, but I’ll keep it in mind.”
“You do that, but remember, if Toni loves you, you must be a very special young man. I’m sure anything you choose will be perfect. I wish you all the luck in the world.”
“Thanks. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”
She laughed again. “You’re smart too. I love that in a man. Obviously, so does Toni.”
“Thank you for all your help. Good-bye, ma’am.”
Hunter looked up from his scribbled notes to see Grampa Joe beaming. “I guess you better get your ass over to the diamond district and buy that little filly a ring. Do you need money?”
“No, I’m good. I just wish I knew what to buy her. Her sense of style is a little original.”
“That’s one way to put it. Well, come on, boy. I’ll set you up with my buddy, Scott. He’ll have the perfect ring for Toni, and he’ll give you a good deal. I’ll see to it. But first, go get a shower, and then grab the bag of clothes your mom sent for you. It’s up in my room.”
“What? Mom sent me clothes? From where?”
“She went to your house and packed what she thought you’d need. Why do you think it took me so long to get to Hailey?”
***
Hunter grabbed a cab to the city and dialed his phone. “Pat, it’s Hunter. How’s it going?” Hunter tried not to think of Emilio behind bars and hoped that the only effect this experience had on his life was the realization that jail was one hell of a scary place—a place he never wanted to visit again.
“I was just getting ready to call you. Emilio’s bond hearing is set for Monday. Trapper’s friend showed up and summarily dismissed the court-appointed attorney. She seems to be getting through to Emilio. I’m not sure if it was her no-nonsense legal attitude that impressed him or her legs. For me, it was the legs.”
“Leave it to Trapper to know every long-legged legal beauty in the state of California.
“And she’s smart too. She wasn’t going to put up with any of Emilio’s crap. He’s talking to her, so it’s all good.”
“Well, that’s a load off. Call me if you need anything.”
“I’m off to buy Emilio a suit—Pamela’s orders.”
“Pamela Stacks?”
“You know her?”
“I know of her. She’s one of Trapper’s seventy-two-hour flings.”
“Let’s hope it ended well.”
“It must have. She’s there, isn’t she? I have to go, Pat. Keep me in the loop.”
“Will do.”
Hunter ended the call just as the cab came to a halt in front of Scott’s store. Hunter paid the cabbie, walked up to the door, and rang the bell.
“Yes?”
“I’m Hunter Kincaid. I have an appointment with Scott Masters. My grandfather, Joe Walsh, called.”
A buzzer sounded, and when the door clicked Hunter entered the long, narrow shop lined on both sides with display cases.
“I’m Scott Masters.”
“Nice to meet you.” Hunter shook the short, balding man’s hand.
“You’re in the market for an engagement ring?”
“My grandfather said you’re the man to see.”
“I’ll go get my diamonds.”
Hunter swallowed hard. “That would be good. I’ll just look around.”
“Sure. Maybe you’ll see something else you want.”
Scott disappeared through a back door as Hunter browsed the estate jewelry, not sure of what he was looking for, but knowing he couldn’t afford to screw this up. He glanced over the case, and a bloodred stone caught his eye. He found it—the perfect ring. If it was a ruby, it was the most beautiful he’d ever seen—surrounded by diamonds, it looked lit from within. It was unique and beautiful, just like Toni. Since Toni was different from every other woman he’d ever known, he doubted she had a vision of her ideal engagement ring. He knew in that instant this was the one, and buying Toni a ring was a way to prove he knew her inside and out.
Scott returned with a case of settings and loose diamonds, a jeweler’s loupe, and a smile that peeked out from beneath his overgrown mustache.
Hunter pointed through the glass. “What can you tell me about this ring?”
“This one?” Scott said as he unlocked the cabinet and bent to pluck the ring from within. “Ah, this is a beauty. I bought this during my last trip to Portugal.” He laid it on the black velvet cushion. “It is circa 1930—an Art Deco engagement ring. The red diamond is the rarest of all the colored diamonds. It’s received a grade of fancy red, which is rarer still.”
Hunter nodded. Okay, it was going to cost him a mint.
Scott examined it through his jeweler’s loupe. “The round, red diamond is 3.88 carats. It is a cushion-modified brilliant cut, surrounded by another 3.65 carats of white diamonds in a platinum setting.”
When Hunter heard the price, he called Gramps. “I need a loan. I’ll get the money back to you soon. I just need to move a few investments around.”
“How much do you need, son?”
When Hunter told Gramps the price, Gramps barked out a laugh. “Let me speak to Scott, boy. We’ll work out the details. You just go and get your girl.”
Scott took the phone and cringed. “Joe, no, my cost—” He listened for a while. “Fifteen percent over cost. That’s the lowest I can go.”
Scott squirmed. Hunt
er felt sorry for the poor guy. More than a few times, Hunter had been on the wrong side of negotiations with Joe Walsh—the wrong side being any side Gramps wasn’t on—and he knew just how difficult it was. “Okay, seven percent over cost. I’ll show you my invoice, and you pay cash.” Scott smiled a gap-toothed smile. “You better come before closing. I’ll be here until 8:00 p.m. I’ll see you later.”
Scott handed the phone back to Hunter. Gramps laughed. “Take the ring. I’ll take care of the money. We’ll talk later.”
“Thanks, Gramps. How much did I just spend?”
“A lot less than you were willing to, boy. Still, that must be one hell of a ring. It will all be worth it though if it ends up on Toni’s finger and puts a smile on that girl’s face. I have a feeling she’s never had much to smile about before you.”
“I think so too. I’m gonna do my best to make her happy or die trying.”
“You’d better, or you’ll be answering to me. Tell Scott I’m leaving Brooklyn now.”
Hunter took the black velvet box Scott handed him and signed the receipt. No wonder Gramps was one of the richest people in America—he’d saved Hunter more than five grand.
Hunter took the ring, stuck it in his pants pocket, and walked up 6th Avenue, past Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. He headed east on 54th, past Park Avenue and the limos that lined the streets.
Damn. This area was well-moneyed. He cut in front of a mail truck and jaywalked, stopping to pick up flowers—red roses to match Toni’s ring, lilies for Lilly to thank her for her help.
He passed the liquor store and considered buying a little Dutch courage but decided against it. It wouldn’t help to be intoxicated while groveling, begging, and doing anything he’d have to do to get Toni back.
Hunter walked around feeling the effects of no sleep, too much drinking last night, and a hollowness he’d carried with him since he’d entered into the cabin yesterday. He’d been running on straight adrenaline for the better part of twenty-four hours, and he was flagging. He stopped for a quad shot of caffeine. The coffee burned his stomach; he hadn’t eaten either and wondered if Toni felt half as shitty as he did.
He slowed approaching her building. God, the thought that he might fail and have to walk away without Toni had Hunter praying for divine intervention. Lilly said to go to the entrance next to the pizza place. She buzzed him in, and he took the elevator to the eleventh floor.
A tiny woman somewhere between the age of sixty and eighty, with dark brown hair and full makeup, waited for him by the elevator. She stood ramrod straight and looked as though she weighed all of eighty pounds. She wore a skirt, stockings, sensible shoes, and a sweater that looked more appropriate for December than August. “Lilly?”
Her lips curved into a smile. “My, my. So you’re the man who stole my Toni’s heart.”
He shook her bony hand. “Hunter Kincaid, ma’am. I’m pleased to meet you. I picked up flowers for Toni and got you these as a thank you for helping me.”
Lilly took the flowers and sighed. “Clarissa will be so happy to hear you have such fine manners.” She wove her arm through his and led him down a hall. “She told me to let you in. Toni’s not home yet. I think she went to work this morning, though I don’t know how. She didn’t get home until 3:35 a.m. and then sat out on the terrace for hours. Poor thing. She looked so despondent.”
“Did you talk to her?”
Lilly shook her head. “I’m not supposed to spy. When Toni found out I was checking up on her for Clarissa, she threatened to move away if I didn’t stop. This is the first time I’ve interfered in several years.”
“Ma’am, if you’d feel more comfortable, I’ll wait for Toni in the lobby or outside.”
“Nonsense.” Lilly unlocked a door with a key that hung off a skull-and-crossbones keychain. “Make yourself at home. I have no idea what Toni’s up to, but she’ll be home eventually.” Lilly left the key on the hall table.
Hunter paced the living room and watched the door until he couldn’t stand being inside any longer. He moved to the terrace and paced out there, not that there was enough space. His stomach growled, so he went to the world’s smallest galley kitchen and opened the refrigerator. It was empty save for some spoiled milk and condiments. “She wasn’t kidding when she said she didn’t cook.” He called Lilly. “Is there a market close by that delivers?”
“Yes, it’s just around the corner. Let me give you their number.”
“Thanks. I just thought I’d get some food. Do you need anything?”
“No, thanks. You just worry about you and Toni. Here it is.”
Hunter smiled as he wrote the number. “Okay, thanks again.”
“Sure thing—and Hunter?”
“Yes?”
“You know Toni doesn’t cook, don’t you?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got everything under control. Bye.”
Hunter had never bought groceries over the phone before. He figured he’d better keep it simple. He looked for spices, but other than salt and pepper, he found none. There were cans of soup, and that was about it. He didn’t even see any olive oil, and if he had, he probably wouldn’t use it. There’d be no telling how long it could have been there.
There were plenty of pots and pans—some nice stuff too. He put together a list for linguine and clam sauce. If they didn’t have fresh clams, he could always use canned. It didn’t look as nice, but tasted almost as good, and right now, beggars couldn’t be choosers. He looked for white wine or vermouth. Either would do. Bingo, Toni had both. He took a bottle of Chablis and put it in the empty refrigerator before calling the market. He had one hell of a list, buying a few staples while he was at it. Just in case he’d find himself in the position to cook her breakfast in the morning, he checked her coffee stash, turned his nose up at her selection, and added a couple of pounds of decent coffee.
He’d just ended the call when he heard the key going into the first lock. Damn, he probably should have thought this out a little more. The last thing he wanted to do was scare the shit out of her—the first time he’d done that, she’d slugged him.
Hunter leaned against the wall in the kitchen and folded his arms over his chest to keep from reaching for her.
The door swung open. Toni braced her foot on it as she pulled out the key, balancing a box containing what looked like a half-dead plant and clothes. She was drawn, paler than usual, and looked just plain beat down. He wanted to kick himself.
Hunter let out a breath when she set the box on the table. It was then she noticed the extra key; she picked it up, spun around, and saw him.
She didn’t look happy. Son of a bitch. She looked as if she wanted to slug him again.
He smiled, hoping she’d go easy on him. “Hi honey, I’m home.”
Chapter 19
Toni couldn’t believe her eyes. “Hunter?”
He tried to pull off that sexy-as-hell grin of his, but it fell short. The smile didn’t meet his eyes. He looked horrible and wonderful at the same time. He wore a pair of well-loved jeans that fit him better than any 501s had the right to, with a light green button-down shirt, and sleeves rolled up to show off his tan forearms. His watch was the only adornment he wore except for the tassels on his loafers. Loafers? Really? She couldn’t believe she had actually slept with a guy who owned a pair of loafers. Which just proved what she knew—there was absolutely no future for them, no matter how great he looked leaning in the doorway of her kitchen.
“How did you find me?”
Hunter’s artificial smile faltered. He looked as if he hadn’t slept in days. Well good. Neither had she. He took a step toward her, and she backed into the door, which did nothing but piss her off. This was her home.
“How did you get in here? What did you do, bribe the super to let you in? I’ll have his ass fired.”
Hunter deflated. That was the only word to describe it. “What’s it matter? Did you think you could leave without so much as a good-bye, and that would be it? Did you think if James shut me down, I’d just give up? That I wouldn’t look for you? I got to New York before you did, babe. I planned to wait for your plane, but I had Gramps with me. Ever since his bypass surgery, he hasn’t had the stamina he once had. He needed to get some sleep.”
“You brought your grandfather to New York?” Toni pushed herself off the door and headed away from Hunter.
“No, actually, he brought me. We took one of his corporate jets. I called him and asked for help.”
Hunter trailed behind her, keeping his distance. Maybe he was afraid she’d slug him again. Of course, that didn’t stop him from following her. Toni slid open the door to the terrace and took a deep breath of humid air. It didn’t help. She turned and glared. “You asked for help? Sure, okay. So tell me, have you taken any blows to the head lately? Are you feeling all right?”
He dropped down on the leather couch, as if his legs would no longer hold him. “No, actually, I feel like someone ripped my heart out and stomped all over it in size seven Doc Martens.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“I wasn’t.” He leaned forward. “Toni, you said you would wait for me. You said we’d talk.”
“Yeah, well things change. Get over it.”
“That’s not going to happen. I came to apologize.”
“For what? Tricking me into falling in love with you? Cheating on me with my boss? Or working out a deal for the camp behind my back? God, I’m such a fool. So go ahead Hunter, absolve your conscience, say you’re sorry, and get out of my life.” She turned and looked out over the city, tears blurring her vision. She didn’t bother wiping them away.
“I didn’t trick you.” He’d moved closer. She felt his breath on her ear just before his arms wrapped around her middle, pulling her against his chest. “I just had help. I needed it. I never used that book against you, babe. Maybe at first I was messing with you, but I never meant to hurt you. I read it and took the advice offered. Call it research.”
