All That Glitters

by Laura Westbrook

  “I hear you. I love a good rack of ribs.”

  Stacey adjusted the collar on her top. “Could you excuse me a moment? I could use some fresh air.”

  “Oh, sure. Nobody’s come in since I got here. I can handle it for a bit.”

  “Thanks.”

  Stacey eased the back door shut behind her. The brick of the building felt cool against her back. That was exactly what she needed after all those thoughts of Blake.

  Chapter Twelve

  By the time Stacey came back in from her breather break outside, she felt more herself. “Are you here all day?” Stacey asked, still trying to figure out if Blake was coming in.

  “Just until three so I can pick up my little sister,” Jinese said. “She has piano after school, but it’s way across town.”

  Stacey noticed a few new bracelets and wondered if they were from the new wave of purchases. Lori worked this morning and could have easily set some of them out. After flipping over a few of the tags, Stacey noticed the new pieces were at least ten percent higher in price than what they usually sold. She didn’t notice a ten percent higher level of quality to balance the price out, but that could be because she didn’t have an expert eye for jewelry yet. That would only add to the store’s troubles if Lori had overpaid.

  * * *

  By the time the mid-afternoon came, they’d seen an uptick in foot traffic. Blessedly, the lunch rush attracted people to the restaurants around them and brought in some who walked by. Those who always talked about location had it right.

  Stacey sold a ring and a necklace, which wasn’t too bad, especially considering the slow start. Emeralds and rubies had been popular, but no diamonds had walked out the door all day. At least it was something. Stacey made her third cup of coffee. For some reason, she’d begun drinking more of the stuff since working there. Before then, a cup every few days was normal for her.

  She sprayed the glass and wiped the cabinets clean, and with her back facing the door, she heard the jingle of the chimes as they made their familiar ring. She turned on her heel with a wide smile. She was about to introduce herself to the potential customer until she realized it was Blake. He looked gorgeous in his white button-up shirt and navy suit pants. His hair was gelled over, and he looked like he’d been to a wedding. Her stomach did its usual thing—a million butterflies bounced around.

  “Hey,” he said. His eye contact game was solid, and Stacey felt her core light up with a fire, warming her all over.

  “Hey yourself.”

  Jinese plopped her purse on the counter. “Well, I’ll see you soon. Today was fun. They should let us run the place more often.”

  “We make a good team,” Stacey said. “See you later.”

  The moment Jinese left, a weight descended in the room. The air was thick. It wasn’t an uncomfortable feeling, just a sense of…anticipation was the best word for it. Everything in her wanted to show how much she’d missed talking to him, but she reigned it in. She convinced herself that she’d let him initiate the conversation. It turned out she didn’t have to wait long.

  “Did you miss me?”

  His question caught her off guard. It was a perfectly legitimate question, but she tried to figure out whether he meant it seriously or playfully. Or maybe he tossed it out as a test to see how she’d react. Either way, she realized she better stop analyzing and hurry up and respond.

  “Maybe I did. I’ll never tell.” Good, Stacey. Good one. Sufficiently flirty, yet non-committal.

  “You’ve been on my mind since our date. I had a great time.”

  He called it a date! “I did too. I’m going to have to eat there again. It was pretty memorable.”

  “Maybe we’ll go there together again sometime. It’s a quality place, but it’s even better with good company.”

  She felt her cheeks warming. He could pack so much meaning into simple words. “I agree.” She wasn’t quite sure what to do with her hands. “I hope you don’t mind…I’ve never been in a situation like this. You know, going on a date with someone you work with, and with him being your boss. I’m just not sure how this works.”

  He glanced out the window, then looked back at her. “I understand. It’s just something we’ll feel our way through. No matter how I am with someone outside of work, I keep things professional here. You don’t have to worry about your job, no matter what happens.”

  She didn’t even think about that possibility. It was probably smart to mention it though, like if they had a bad date that she shouldn’t wonder if she had a job the next day. There were probably ways she could fight that, anyway, but he didn’t come across as someone who would do that. She liked to think few men were that petty, and none of them Blake. Still, though, it was good to hear.

  “Thanks. I figured. This is all new for me, so I wanted to ask. I hope that didn’t mess anything up. You know, defining things is what you’re not supposed to do.”

  “No, you’re fine. I can see where you’re coming from. Maybe we could—”

  He was cut off as the bell on the front door rang. An elderly gentleman leaned on his cane as much as he did his legs as he made his way over to the ring section. It could have been coincidence, but he passed right over Lori’s new jewelry.

  The man loudly cleared his throat. “I’m looking for a diamond ring for my wife. We’re renewing our vows, and I want something special.”

  “I’d be happy to help you,” Stacey said. “Do you have a particular style in mind?”

  “Not especially. Can you show me what you’d recommend?”

  “Allow me to show you this one. It’s a French-set halo diamond band—rather popular right now. My associate sold one yesterday, in fact, to a lovely couple.”

  “Hmm. I think she might like the solitaire ones better.”

  “How about this one? It’s a princess cut. You’ll notice how it catches the light when you hold it up.”

  “This is closer to one I think she’d like. I’m never very good at these things. If you don’t mind, I’ll take a picture of it and show it to her. I know it ruins the surprise, but I’d rather she like it.”

  “I don’t blame you one bit. Sure. Would you like me to hold it while you take the picture?”

  “Good idea.” He pulled out his cell phone. “Actually, would you mind putting it on? It might help her see what it looks like.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Are you sure your wife won’t mind seeing her future ring on the hand of another woman?”

  “Oh, no. We’ve been together so long that there’s nowhere else for us to go. It’ll be fine.”

  “I suppose I can.” She slipped the ring onto her finger. It was a tiny bit loose, but otherwise, not a bad fit. She tilted her hand to look at it from all angles, momentarily forgetting about the picture. She finally held out her hand toward the man. She made sure to keep her face out of the frame, leaving just her hand. He seemed genuine, but it was New York City, after all.

  He pressed a button and the flash of light splashed over her hand. “Got it. Thanks.”

  “Would you like me to show you any other examples?”

  “No. I think that’s enough for now. I’m going to show her this. I might be back.”

  “My pleasure to show you around. Ask for Stacey when you’re back. Have a great day.”

  As soon as he left, Blake made a checkmark on his list and lifted his eyes. “That customer will be back and he’ll buy that ring from you. I guarantee it.”

  Stacey flashed a smile. “You think so?”

  “Absolutely. He even took a picture of your hand. That’s a dead giveaway.”

  “Oh, he just did that for a visual. It had nothing to do with me.”

  “Sure it did. If your hand was covered in warts, you think he’d have taken that picture? Best hand model this side of Manhattan.”

  “Oh stop.” She refused to blush over a hand compliment.

  “I should start advertising free hand model pictures. For paying customers only, of course. If they buy a
n item, they get a free autographed photo.”

  An image flashed in her mind of being on a shopping network TV show, holding out her hand for hours as producers drape merchandise on it. It sounded exciting at first, but she imagined her hand-holding-up muscles would be exhausted after the first half-hour. And what would happen if she broke a nail? She only had one replacement hand. If that happened on both hands, she could be out of work for a week.

  She placed the ring back in its holder and drifted his way. “You’re ridiculous. But I like that about you.”

  He took a step closer and placed the clipboard down. “That’s the best compliment I’ve heard all week.”

  She didn’t realize they were touching until she felt his arm around her. The smell of his cologne was intoxicating, a rustic mixture of a lumberjack and a fireman in liquid form. Before she could stop herself, she tilted her head up and moved in to meet him. Their lips met in a single moment, and everything stopped. When they finally pulled apart, it all came rushing back to her—how they were at work…in a very public place. With security cameras, even.

  She pulled back, pressing her lips together as if remembering what they felt like touching his. Her gaze dragged up to meet his. He didn’t look embarrassed at all. He was looking at her and beaming.

  “I…I’ll be right back. I just need to freshen up.”

  The intense bathroom lights made her blink a few times. She held onto either side of the sink and stared at herself in the mirror. He barely glanced at the front door to see if anyone had seen or walked by. Totally unconcerned. They were in public. She supposed they also were along the river when they had last kissed, but still, this was more public. Much more public.

  She pressed her lips together again. She didn’t want to stop. In the moment, she didn’t care how public it was either. She was just as guilty. The moisture felt cool on her cheeks as she dabbed a brown paper towel on them, careful not to obliterate her foundation. It was the best way she could think of to cool down. That kiss had been too good.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Stacey ambled around her apartment that night thinking of the crazy situation she was in. Something which had first appeared to be a crush on a boss had turned into something much more profound, and above all, very real. They had spent the rest of the day looking at gemstones and discussing cuts and styles, and Blake had seemed interested to know what her thoughts and preferences were. He’d seemed impressed by her creativity and natural artistry…when he wasn’t too busy kissing her to notice.

  It had just been the one kiss, but she was pretty sure they both wanted more. There were other opportunities that day, even ones more private, such as in the storage area and while making coffee in the break room, but they held back those times for some reason. It was as if they both silently understood that they had indulged that time before.

  She recalled how she’d felt when his hands had touched her, the warm feeling that washed through her body and the way she melted when she stared into his gorgeous eyes. They were like stars, sometimes twinkling, sometimes smoldering. There was a warmth and tenderness in his gaze she’d never experienced before.

  In her weaker moments, she couldn’t help wondering what his kisses would feel like elsewhere. Say, along her neck or across her shoulder. His hands had felt so strong as they wrapped around her waist. If she kept this up, she’d need another cool towel for her face. She might have passed the point of no return, which would mean a cold shower was in order.

  She cupped her hands and scooped up a double handful of water. She leaned forward and brought her water-filled hands to her face. The icy sting rushed through her cheeks, and she repeated the exercise another few times. She opened her eyes and looked back into the mirror. Droplets of water clung to her long eyelashes, running down the end of her nose and past her lips.

  “Come on, Stacey, get a grip.” Her voice filled the small bathroom, and it seemed to work for the time being.

  She reached for a fluffy, white towel and patted her face dry. She knew things were coming to a head between them, but there was still Lori to be sorted out. If she weren’t there, everything would be easier, or at least much more straightforward.

  She walked back into the living room and stood by the window. Her favorite part about the city was all the activity. It was the city that never slept, so the saying went. She could look outside her window at any point in the day or night and see people moving. People with hopes and dreams, while at the same time wanting to put food on the table.

  She wondered what kind of hopes and dreams Blake had. Was he making plans for the business? The store had been his idea, his brainchild, and she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if Lori made him choose between the jewelry store and freedom from her. That’s probably why he’s never cut her out of his life before. If she won’t be bought out, there might not be anything he can do.

  Her attention was redirected as her cell phone began vibrating on the coffee table. She peered over her shoulder and watched as it danced across the surface with each silent ring. She’d turned it to silent, not wanting to be disturbed from her thoughts that night, but she hadn’t realized how much noise it would make vibrating against the glass.

  She pushed herself from the window and glided around the end of the couch. She inspected the screen even while picking it up. It was Blake. She lifted her finger to answer and she accidentally hit the button to hang up on the call. No! Here she got herself so worked up that she failed at using a cell phone. She couldn’t think of the last time she’d done that, but of course, she did it right then. Holding her finger aloft, she wondered if calling immediately back would make her seem too eager.

  She sat on the couch and rested her arms on her knees, staring at the phone. She willed it to ring again. This time she’d answer. His voice did things to her, good things—the sort of things which would make any woman long for him.

  The phone lay silent. Stacey glanced at the clock and watched the second-hand tic-toc the time away. Five minutes since it had rung. Should I call him back? What if he thought I hung up on him on purpose?

  The vibrations tingled against her skin at the same moment his name popped up on the screen. This time she hit the right button. She made sure of that. It was the most accurate button pressing she’d done in her whole life.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey Stacey. It’s Blake.” As if he had to say who it was.

  “Hey, Blake. Long time no talk.”

  “No kidding. What are you up to?”

  “Starting to think about dinner. You?”

  “I have a frozen dinner cooking now.”

  She made a face. “Frozen dinners are lame. They’re always so soggy when they come out. I can make a mean bowl of macaroni and cheese. Better than a frozen dinner.”

  “You might have to prove that one day.”

  “My secret is that I break up bits of bacon in it, and they absorb some of the cheese.”

  “So you’re saying you make macaroni and cheese flavored bacon? Will you marry me now?”

  They both laughed, but if she was honest, she felt a little tingly just then. “It flavors the whole thing. I’ll show you sometime. It doesn’t even take that long to make.”

  “You told me your top secret. Does this mean you’re coming after me?”

  She shook her head, even though there was no way for him to see it. “No. I trust you. I know you won’t talk to the press. Although I may have you sign an NDA later.”

  “Okay, deal. Those cheesy bacon bits will be worth it.”

  “So, what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

  There was a pause. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

  All the pleasure receptors in her brain lit up at once. “Me too. I can’t either.” It was the truth.

  “So what do you think? About us,” he asked. “I know we haven’t been…interested in each other all that long, but I can’t help asking.”

  What do I think? Bring on the parade—that’s w
hat I think. Instead of saying so, she took a deep breath and sorted out her words. This was all coming together just as she hoped it would, so much so that she didn’t want to mess it up. Getting around herself was just as important as getting around any other obstacle to being together.

  “I like us,” she said.

  “Pardon?”

  “I mean I like the thought of us. I’ve looked forward to seeing you every shift we’ve worked together. I think about you a lot.” Suddenly, she felt like she was the one sharing more out of the two of them.

  “I want to make it work between us,” he said.

  “I do too, Blake. I’m glad to hear you say that.”

  “And…” A sound came through like he was tapping his finger against the receiver. “I have an idea that could solve everything.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, there are no guarantees with Lori involved, but I’m pretty sure it’ll work.”

  “Okay. So what’s the idea?”

  He said it wasn’t the sort of thing to talk about over the phone. He claimed it was a little more sensitive, and who knew who might be listening in, making the whole thing sound more like a state secret than a plan to send Lori packing. He claimed he needed face-to-face communication if he was going to fully explain it…if she was going to fully understand his idea.

  She was now insatiably curious. She’d never liked surprises even when she was a kid, and this sounded like a surprise. Indirectly, for it had nothing to do with her, but as long as she was lingering on the tip of a relationship with the hottest jewelry store owner in Manhattan, it involved her. It mattered.

  Maybe he’d finally thought of a way to get Lori to loosen up her talons on the business, enticing her away with…something. Then she could do yoga and spend countless days shopping, leaving Stacey and Blake to get on with their lives together.

  Stacey sucked in a deep breath. Get on with our lives…together? It wasn’t like they were official. Are we? They certainly talked like they were. He liked her, and she liked him, but claiming their lives were “together” felt a little premature. Apart from him saying he wanted to make “it” work, he hadn’t really mentioned their relationship in the current conversation, and he hadn’t defined what “it” was. For all she knew, she could be his seasonal fling, nothing more, and his idea might be to keep a low profile and maintain the super-spy attitude, complete with covert visits, after-hour phone calls, and kisses behind curtains.