by Jeannie Moon
Heels on, she grabbed a piece of jewelry from the bedside table. “Please help me put this on?”
He stood and smiled. “You look lovely. Now turn around and lift your hair.” She did as he asked and that allowed him to swap her very pretty pearl necklace with one he’d picked out for her. Before she knew what was happening, he draped the clusters of diamonds around her neck. As soon as her hand came up and touched the stones, she knew.
“Oh, my God. What did you do?” Looking at herself in the mirror, Leah gasped, her fingers running over the gems in disbelief.
The pure shock on her face was worth every penny, but seeing the sparkling clusters of diamonds encircling her delicate neck was worth more. “Hold on.”
He went into the closet and returned with a velvet jewelers’ box. “Matching earrings.”
“Tris, you didn’t have to do this. It’s too much.” Opening the velvet clamshell, she gasped. Two matching diamond studs twinkled on the field of dark blue. “Oh, my God. I love them.”
The earrings didn’t dangle, but sat right on her earlobe, providing a flash when her hair moved in a certain way. Throwing her arms around him, she kissed him soundly. “What brought this on? You know I don’t need things like this. It’s so extravagant.”
“I know, I do this sometimes. I go overboard. I can’t help it. But do you like them? If you don’t we can go tomorrow and exchange them for something else.”
“No, that’s not it. I love them. I just don’t know why you bought me these.”
“Because a beautiful woman should always have a new bauble.”
She grinned and then burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. Really? A bauble? Since when do you say bauble?”
He smiled. “That was what Rolf, the very nice sales associate at the jeweler, called it. Apparently it’s his vernacular.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to call this a bauble around some people tonight.” She touched the necklace again, and Tris enjoyed the very appreciative look on her face. He liked it even better when she went up on her toes and kissed him again. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I love seeing you happy.”
He was totally unprepared for the feelings that shot through him as Leah slipped her arms around his waist and held him close. “I love you, Tristan,” she whispered.
Without hesitation or thought, for the first time in his life, those words were like light from the sky. Other women had told him the same, but he never returned their feelings and he never felt like he’d been given a precious gift.
With Leah, he felt both. Taking her face in his hands, he stared into her eyes and kissed her. He kissed her because he could, because he wanted to, and because kissing this woman was one of the great miracles of his life. “I love you, Leah. I’ve never said those words to another woman, and I don’t expect I ever will. I love you.”
Leah kissed him again, before dropping her head against his chest and letting herself be held. He remembered that just a few months ago, she was in total denial about their attraction to each other. He’d been determined that a long-term relationship wasn’t for him.
Now, he couldn’t imagine being without her. She brought light and fire into his very long and dull days.
Six months ago, Tris was content with his uncomplicated, self-centered, bachelor existence. He did what he pleased, when he pleased, without worrying about anyone but himself.
He was a lucky man, and he had every intention of putting a ring on her finger and making things permanent. He knew, without a doubt, he couldn’t live without her.
Leah had changed everything. Absolutely everything.
* * *
Taking the elevator to the Rainbow Room, Leah always felt like she’d been transported back in time. The gorgeous art deco interior, the refined finishes, and the spectacular views of the city made the venue one of her favorite places in New York. Normally, when they entered a party, guests would be greeted by Harper, Reliance’s director of operations and resident superwoman. However, Harper had delivered a bouncing baby boy a few weeks earlier, and as much as she insisted she could be there to run the show, the partners, and her husband, insisted she take the time to recover.
Robyn, Tristan’s assistant, was there, helping the marketing director with the evening’s details, and based on everything Tris said about her, the event was in good hands. Still, Leah figured Harper would be calling in at least once every five minutes to see how things were going.
Leah had been to many of the Reliance parties, but sometimes she found the pandering to clients and possible clients a little over the top. Nate, Jason, and Owen spared no expense and gathered financial people, attorneys, and entrepreneurs to keep their business front and center. Additionally, they often contracted with celebrities . . . models, actors, and athletes, to impress people.
Sometimes, Leah just wasn’t up to it. But this time, she was walking in with Tristan. He was using this party as a public statement, a way to show the world he was off the market.
The room was magical; crystal chandeliers and accents caught the light and sent colored beams through the room.
“You look gorgeous, little sister.” Turning, Leah saw her sister, Amy, had arrived, and not missing a detail, Amy reached out and fingered the necklace. “This is . . . oh, my God, Leah. This is stunning. It’s a work of art.”
Amy was an architect by trade, but her passion was art. Beautiful creations of all kinds would catch her eye. It was no wonder she noticed the necklace.
“Isn’t it beautiful?”
“It’s beyond beautiful. Leah, do you know what you’re wearing?”
“I know, he really pulled out the stops. It’s almost a little embarrassing. Oh, and look . . . matching earrings.”
Tristan winked at Amy, who rolled her eyes. “Leah, come with me.” Pulling her aside, Leah couldn’t understand what had gotten under her sister’s skin. Yes, the necklace was expensive, over the top, really, but it wasn’t like Tristan couldn’t afford it. And knowing how Tris never thought about price, only about how much the recipient would like the gift, she’d accepted it graciously.
He bought her the necklace and earrings not because he wanted to impress a soul, but because he thought the jewels were right for her. She wasn’t about to let Amy spoil the loveliness of his gift.
“Good God, Amy, what is your problem?”
“No problem, you just have to be super cautious when you’re wearing those jewels. The necklace and earrings are probably worth almost two hundred thousand dollars.”
Leah felt her breath leave her chest. “Excuse me?”
“Yup. Your billionaire must LOVE you. I think it must have twenty-five carats’ worth of diamonds.” She reached out and fingered the emerald-cut stones.
“Holy shit,” she mumbled. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am dead serious. That jewelry is no joke. I’ll bet he’s going to be getting lucky for a good long time.”
“Seriously?” Stunned for a second, Leah let the sex comment pass, because there was no way to respond to it. She never expected such an extravagant gift, but knowing Tris, he didn’t think it was extravagant. He just figured she’d love it. When she spotted him in the crowd, he was chatting with some other suits, and he smiled and winked. God, her ovaries ached every time she looked at him. Touching her necklace, she wondered what he was thinking when he bought this for her.
Leah and Amy had been joined by their mother and Jenna, and both were smiling like fools. She did not need this. The teasing, the speculating. If it wasn’t so important for Tristan to be here, she’d have feigned a headache and asked him to take her home.
“Please don’t say anything. Amy already compared me to a prostitute.”
“What? Oh, Leah, I think it’s beautiful,” Mum assured her. “As are you. It suits you. And if you must know I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy.�
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“I am happy, Mum.”
“Then that’s all that matters.” Her mother laid a hand on her cheek, and Leah wished she could tell her everything. “You deserve a man who wants to make you happy.”
Amy snorted. Rolled her eyes. “Those diamonds will do it.”
Leah had had enough. Something snapped. Anger, frustration, hurt . . . feelings she’d buried long ago consumed her, and she knew she couldn’t stay quiet any longer. She grabbed her sister’s hand and dragged her off.
“What are you doing?” Amy tried to shake Leah off, but there was no way she was letting her go.
“You and I are going to have a conversation.”
“What? Now?”
Shoving her into the bathroom, Leah checked the area, and when she was satisfied they were alone, she turned to her sister. “Tell me you’re moving soon because I might hurt you if you don’t run for the hills ASAP.”
“Well, that’s nice. I’m moving around January first. I start right after the holidays. I thought you didn’t want me to leave.”
“Considering your need to constantly editorialize my life, it might not be a bad idea for us to have some distance. I’m happy, Amy. Why isn’t that enough for you?”
“I think he’s impressed you. Don’t let it go to your head.”
This was too much for Leah to handle. Frustrations forced tears to her eyes, and she lashed out. “Oh, I’m impressed? So much so that you practically call me a whore? You pass judgment, snipe behind people’s backs, put down anything you don’t have, but you never have the nerve to actually say what you mean to anyone’s face. Everything is backhanded. You’re always good, sweet Amy. When Jenna and Nate got married, you were more certain Jenna was in it for the money than I was. But I followed your lead, and then you stepped back and let me be the bad guy.”
“You didn’t have to say anything. That was your choice. Don’t put that on me. Where the hell is all this coming from? You’re so angry.”
“You’re right, but it almost cost me my family, and you said nothing. You let me dangle out there alone.” Leah paced, furious. “You make assumptions about everyone and everything. You gossip, and you take advantage of my trust. I’ve always worshiped you, Amy, but I put my faith in you when you didn’t deserve it. I—so I’m thinking you were right about one point. We need some distance.”
“He’s a player, Leah.” Amy snapped, her voice echoing off the marble walls. “A player with a long line of diamond necklaces and broken hearts in his wake. You’ll be next, and after your meltdown the last time a guy hurt you, I expect this will be epic.”
“You’d love that, wouldn’t you?”
“How can you be so naïve?”
“Why is it so hard to believe that he loves me?”
“Oh, for God’s sake. It’s not that, it’s just—”
“What?”
Amy started to say something but then stopped, her mouth clamping shut, holding back what she really thought. This was hell. The person Leah always trusted, always listened to, didn’t care about her at all.
Leah took a deep breath, walked out of the bathroom, and smacked into her brother. “Hey!” Then he saw her face. “What’s wrong?”
“I think I should go. Amy and I just had an argument.” Another deep breath. “I should go before I cause any problems. That is what I do.”
“Stop it,” he said. “Just stop. I was glad to see you here and thrilled to see you so happy.”
“I am happy. Why does Amy have to ruin that? Why can’t she just let me live my life?”
Slipping a finger under her chin, Nate tilted her face toward his. Her big brother. “So do it. Live it. Show all of us that you know what’s best for you. That’s what I did, and I’ve never been happier.”
“I know and I’m so sorry. I caused so many problems and I’m so very sorry.”
“I know. It’s okay and it’s over. Be happy, Leah. Fight for it.”
A strange quiet settled over Leah’s heart. Knowing her brother and her parents forgave her for all the things she said, she felt more at peace than she had in months. The guilt for the scene she caused at the July Fourth party that caused Jenna to run off was on her. Amy may have egged her on, but Leah acted in a way that was unacceptable.
“He tells me the truth, Nate. And as long as he keeps telling me the truth, I think we’ll be okay. He’s a good man. Smart, loyal, sweet. I don’t understand why Amy can’t see that.”
“She doesn’t want to see it; Amy is cynical and that may never change. As far as Tristan telling you the truth—that’s a reasonable expectation. You might have to tell him to stop dropping a couple hundred grand on diamonds, though. It’s a little showy.”
Amy slipped out of the bathroom, and both Nate and Leah watched her go into the restaurant. “She’s so overbearing sometimes.” Leah sniped.
“Yup, she is. But she’s your sister. And she does love you, but she’s dealing with some big changes. One thing about Amy is she talks a big game, but she’s scared to death of change. She loves the idea of going to Scotland, but actually doing it is going to freak her out.”
“I guess that’s true.”
“Leah!” Cringing, she turned to see Tad, walking in with Candace, a high-powered attorney with connections to the SEC. Leah didn’t like her.
First, there was something about her dismissive, disdainful attitude as she walked toward them that made Leah’s skin prickle. Regardless of who you think you are, you put on your game face at a social gathering. Leah never trusted anyone with bad manners. Second, she was with Tad. Of course, judging was bad, but the man was an asshole, and being in his company made someone instantly unlikable.
“So, new boyfriend?” Tad was his usual smarmy self. Wonderful.
“No, actually this is my brother, Nate Bayard. Nate, this is Tad Carr. He’s a partner at my firm.”
“Ah, Nate. The billionaire.”
Nate shook his hand and tilted his head to the woman. “Candace. Glad you could join us.”
There were further introductions, but more than ever, Leah wanted to leave. Now with the addition of Tad and Candace to the party, things were just going to get worse.
Nate held her back when they headed toward the dining room. “I didn’t know he was a member of your firm and such a colossal ass, but you’re sitting with him. I need you to pick her brain.”
“Pick her brain?”
“She has major contacts at the SEC and she might be able to find out why we’re having so much trouble with the IPO. I know it’s shady, but I don’t expect anyone to do anything illegal. Even if you can find out if there’s a work slowdown, or if another department or person can expedite things for us, I’d be grateful.”
“But Tad, ugh. It’s only because I was so horrible to you and Jenna. I feel like I owe you.”
“You don’t owe us anything, but thank you. I know you’ll finesse something out of her. You and Tristan are anchoring that table. The other guests are nice. I think you’ll have a good time.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll muddle through.”
“All right,” Tristan said to them as he came from the dining room. “Does someone want to tell me why that bloody wanker Tad Carr is here? And he’s with Candace Hopkins no less?”
“We’re sitting with him,” Leah said gently.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Really?”
“Yep. I need to charm information out of Candace.”
“Good luck with that,” he glanced back toward the dining room. “The only time she loosens up is when she drinks tequila. Other than that she’s humorless.”
“Well, that could be a problem, since I don’t see us throwing back shots of Casa Noble.” The last time Leah had gotten drunk doing shots, she and her sister were celebrating her graduation from Yale. She didn’t remember much about the night, but the following day
she was sure she was dying.
“She’s a sucker for good red wine, so let me make sure whatever is at the table is going to impress her sufficiently.”
“You know an awful lot about Candace.” Leah was amused watching his eyes dart between her and the rest of the party.
Annoyed, he turned his attention right to her. “I worked with her at an investment firm in Hong Kong.”
“And you dated her?”
“Yes. Look, what are you driving at? Are you jealous?”
“Nope. Just getting the lay of the land. Why are you being so combative?”
Tris rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. “She brings out the worst in me. I’m sorry.”
“Okay.” She took his hand and held it. “It’s going to be fine.”
“I’m going to check on the wine.”
She watched Tristan go, all while Nate was chuckling. “He’s not happy. This is going to be fun to watch.”
Leah didn’t know if she agreed. Between what had happened with her sister, and now the appearance of Tad Carr, with someone who was obviously a thorn in Tristan’s side, Leah’s spidey sense was going crazy. Nothing good could come from this. Nothing. And it definitely wasn’t going to be fun.
Chapter Fourteen
Candace Hopkins was a bitch of the highest order, and not just because she and Tristan dated and it didn’t end well, but because she used people to her own end. Tris met her during a brief stint in Hong Kong, and had gotten involved when they both moved back to London. They never really clicked at work or in a relationship, no matter what they tried. Beautiful and brilliant, Candace would go far, but she lacked a moral center, and Tristan found that disturbing.
People were never much of a concern for her, only the end goal, the bottom line; and if anyone got in her way, she wouldn’t hesitate to do damage.
It was sad, really. She had the potential to do great things. To use that magnificent ability to analyze markets to improve economies globally, but instead, it was all about Candace.
