by Jeannie Moon
That was what had finally cemented things for him at Reliance. He enjoyed consulting, liked the flexibility, but when he saw how the company brought jobs and funds to local communities, how they were able to grow talent in-house, and still remain very profitable, that was a model he could hang his hat on.
Candace wasn’t about growth. Candace was about Candace.
“I hope you’ll enjoy dinner,” Leah said, playing the part of the perfect table hostess.
Tad was staring, not quite sure what to make of Leah Bayard, the attorney, the socialite. She wasn’t a subordinate here. Leah wasn’t even his equal. She was in a place he couldn’t go. Leah was family.
What was obvious was how Leah was raised. Her manners were impeccable, but more than that, she knew how to treat people. She spoke to everyone, from servers, to the sommelier, to the guests, with the utmost respect. She was pure class.
If she’d had a rough go with her family, it was all in the past.
“You seem to be smitten with her.” Candace was on his right, and caught Tristan gazing at Leah. “She’s not your type, is she?”
“My type?”
“She’s smart, pretty, but I don’t know . . . seems a little too good to be true. Does she know about the real Tristan Wade?”
“The real—” He didn’t like where Candace could take this. He’d left her and a disastrous deal back in England, but her presence threatened to dredge up old mistakes. “You’re still oozing loveliness I see, Candace.”
She was so damn smug, grinning as she sipped her wine. She hadn’t changed, either. Tall, thin to the point of being gaunt, she worked too hard to be stylish, from her severe, short blond hair to her austere makeup. He didn’t know how he’d ever found her appealing.
She just wasn’t a nice woman.
He thought about what she said. The real Tristan Wade. No doubt he’d changed since he’d been here, since he’d met Leah. There was no denying that a person could affect your life in a way you never expected. Candace had affected him in the opposite way. She definitely didn’t bring the best out of him.
Funny how that worked, and damned if she didn’t keep turning up.
He turned when he felt the tap on his shoulder. Owen motioned with his head to follow. Tris excused himself, but not before locking eyes with Leah, who was charming everyone at the table. He saw what she was doing. There were some very powerful people sitting with them, more powerful than Tad Carr or Candace, and Leah had them eating out of the palm of her hand. Tad and Candace would play nice just so they wouldn’t look bad in the eyes of the other guests.
His girl flashed him a smile, and a wink, and continued owning the room.
* * *
Owen, Nate, Josh, and Jason had taken up residence in the private dining room adjacent to the main space. When Tristan joined them, they had already started talking. Apparently there were other problems that he was totally unaware of because he’d been trying to keep his cool with Candace and Tad.
“Has anyone noticed we don’t have the usual friendlies in the room tonight?” Owen was pacing the room, having swapped his wine for a bottle of beer. Tris wished he’d thought of it. “I mean, we invite people, and they send ‘substitutes’ from their firms. We have a lot of unknowns, rookies, or hostiles. That’s fucked up.”
“It’s gotten to be more of a problem, but I’m wondering if some of the investment firms are smelling blood in the water,” Jason offered. “Maybe they think we’re doing the IPO because we need the money.”
Josh glanced around the room. “I wasn’t going to say anything, because up until now there’s only been occasional chatter, and I wasn’t going to add to it, but there are rumors going around that you guys are in trouble.”
“How the hell did that happen? And why didn’t you mention it?” Nate wondered. “We’ve always had a pretty closed system. Nothing leaks out.”
Josh shrugged. “It can happen. Disgruntled employee, jealous competitor stirring up trouble, it could be anyone. But I wasn’t going to feed the flames by going into denial mode.”
“Candace was on the guest list because she has some high-powered friends, but Tad wasn’t. He’s her date? That seems damn coincidental. They’re not talking to a soul, just listening. No matter how much Leah tries to draw Candace out, she’s not giving an inch.”
“How well do you know Hopkins?” Nate asked.
“We worked together in Hong Kong, dated when we were back in London.” He couldn’t hide it so no use trying. “I always felt like she was going to cut off my dick while I slept just because she could. Ruthless, that one.”
“Speaking of dicks,” Jason began. “What’s up with that Tad guy?”
“He works with Leah. One of the partners at her firm, and he’s hit on her a few times. She says she has it under control; I want to feed him his balls.”
Josh laughed. “Well, you might get your wish. He is here with Candace.”
They all chuckled, but it wasn’t funny. Not really. Generally, when smart people sensed something was wrong, it was.
“That’s some necklace you bought my sister,” Nate said quietly.
“That was out of the blue,” Tris said.
“Yeah, well,” Nate said. “I want to know what that’s all about.”
Tristan thought about the look on Leah’s face when she first saw the diamonds around her neck. “That’s not all I bought.” Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a box, opened it and showed his friends the massive engagement ring from Harry Winston. “Think she’ll like that?”
“Holy shit,” Jason choked out. “That’s fucking impressive.”
“I spoke to your parents,” Tris told Nate. “I have their blessing.”
It was an old-fashioned thing to do, but it was the right thing to do. “I’m sure they appreciated that. Especially my mother.”
“They seemed to. I’m going to ask her soon.”
Josh raised an eyebrow. “Think she’ll say yes? She’s unpredictable.”
“I believe so, but if she doesn’t, I won’t be worth shit.”
“These women of ours,” Jason muttered. “They own us.”
Nate nodded. “They sure do.”
Owen was still pacing. The man was like a caged animal. “I wish we could get Leah to leave that damned job of hers and sign on to be corporate counsel. She’d kick ass.”
Jason sat back. “I’ve mentioned it, but we’ve never made an offer. Maybe we should.”
Tristan would like nothing better than to have Leah on the team. She’d be formidable. And he’d get to see her all the time. “I’ll work on it.”
* * *
The car ride home with Tristan had been quiet, and she figured it had something to do with why the guys had all vanished for about a half an hour. Something was wrong.
She didn’t push but instead curled into him in the back of the town car, letting her hand settle on his belly. She could feel the muscles of his abdomen through his silky white dress shirt, and touching him like this made her want him.
She could have been very forward in the car and sent the driver on a spin around the city, but she thought it might be more fun to surprise him when they arrived home. Much more fun. And somehow, she sensed he needed it.
He’d been quiet at the dinner, and Tris had a big personality. He was friendly and charming, a man who was comfortable in any social situation. But not tonight. Candace Hopkins had shown up and Tris reacted.
There was a story in there somewhere, but right now, Leah wanted to make sure her man was happy.
Her man.
It had been a long time since Leah believed she’d have a love story, and that “happy ever after” was real. But Tristan was making her dreams come true. Touching the necklace he gave her, she wanted to tell him she didn’t need presents, especially ones that were so extravagant. All she wanted was a ha
ppy life. Things were nice, but a loving heart was all she needed.
Tilting her head up, Leah touched his cheek and brought his lips down for a kiss.
“What was that for?”
“No reason. Because I can?”
He chuckled, low and warm, and Leah’s pulse kicked up listening to the deep timbre of his voice.
It felt like forever from the point they pulled up to the building until they got upstairs. Leah turned and presented her back. “Can you unzip me?”
“Sure.” He fiddled with the hook and eye in the back and then pulled down the zipper, letting his fingers glide over the skin on her back.
“I’m going to change,” she whispered. “Meet me in the bedroom.”
His lips came down and brushed over her neck. “You bet.”
* * *
Tristan went to his study to get a drink and ended up sitting in the large leather chair that faced the windows, which opened to the river. He loved this apartment, but with Leah in his life, he knew he’d be making changes, and that included a family.
He was thirty-five. He’d traveled, made money, lived a pretty selfish existence. He’d had women when he wanted them, solitude when he needed it, and he was about to change it all because of one gorgeous ginger who meant more to him than he ever imagined.
Anything he did now had to have Leah at the core. If she couldn’t be on board with something, then it was a no go. Making her happy was the most important part of every decision he made.
Of course, he was also thinking about the business. About his colleagues. About the rumors and the gossip. He wondered how much of this could be tracked back to people who were in the room tonight. Especially one named Candace Hopkins.
He wouldn’t be able to do anything until Monday, but he planned on getting to the bottom of her mysterious appearance. Rising, he walked around the room and stretched, stopping only to pour himself a neat scotch.
He sat and thought. He worried about things he couldn’t control, and he startled a bit when gentle fingers caressed his collarbone.
“Hey,” she said. “I was waiting. Are you okay?”
“Just thinking.” He leaned back and took her in. God, she was beautiful. Her hair was long and loose, the curls tumbling over her shoulders, across her breasts and down her back. She was wearing a long, dark-blue satin gown that barely covered her rosy pink nipples. It fit in such a way that when she moved, the satin clung to her legs, the globes of her ass, and the soft mound that had welcomed him again and again.
“Come here.” He pulled her into his lap and kissed her. It wasn’t deep or demanding, but he felt Leah respond, press against him, and his arousal couldn’t be hidden.
“Come to bed, Tris. Whatever it is, we’ll make it go away.”
She stood, still holding his hands, and Tris followed because Leah was right. They would make the troubles go away. Buried in her soft heat, Tristan would find security and release like nothing else. He would be able to show the woman he loved all she meant to him, without question.
When they arrived in their room, Leah lay back on the bed, her hair fanning out behind her. She still held his hand, and with each second of every day, Leah held on to another piece of his heart.
Tristan undressed, joining her on the bed. She didn’t say anything because no words were necessary. His hand ran over the silky satin of her gown, tracing the outline of her breasts, her belly, and her legs. She was so beautiful, so kind. He didn’t know what he’d done to actually deserve her. Pushing the sheath up, Leah opened her legs and extended her arms to him, beckoning him to join with her. He stroked her warm folds and found her wet and waiting for him. Tris felt himself smile. “I love you, Leah.”
“I love you, Tristan.”
Slowly, Tris pressed into her, loving how it felt when he first entered her, and her body caught him and held. “Oh, Leah. God, you feel so good.”
She moved ever so slightly, shifting her hips so she could take all of him, deep and hard.
In his mind there was nothing closer to heaven than making love with Leah. That’s how he felt as he moved inside her. It was slow and gentle. Loving. Perfect.
She was holding on to his neck, thrusting her hips in unison with his, matching his rhythm so perfectly, Tristan didn’t know if there was anything to bring their hearts closer. He leaned down, and drew a nipple into his mouth, pulling just enough to make her arch her back and moan.
“I love you, Tris. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too. Oh, Leah. I love you, too.”
On those words, Tristan’s back tensed and he rode her as she climaxed with him. It was a connected feeling he’d never known and he would only experience with her.
She was his match. No one else.
Chapter Fifteen
Leah awoke as the sun streamed into the bedroom and she nestled into the safety of Tristan’s arms. He was gentle, loving, and Leah thought about how when she was with him, she was happy with herself. She didn’t have to prove anything, or accomplish some lofty goal. She could let the rest of the world drop away.
Glancing at the clock, she noticed it was almost nine. She never slept so late anymore, and if she hadn’t promised her mother she’d help her with some pie baking today, she’d stay in bed, but Thursday was Thanksgiving and for the first time, she’d be bringing a date.
Trying not to wake him, Leah lifted his arm and scooted out of the bed, looking for something to throw on before she went to the kitchen for coffee. Last night, bolstered by a very good wine and serious lust, she had no problem baring it all, but now, in the light of day, all that courage was a memory. Until next time.
Grabbing his dress shirt off the floor, she took a long, slow inhale, catching his scent before putting it on and letting the promise of caffeine win her over.
The apartment was a very bright space, with floor-to-ceiling windows that surrounded most of the loft, and all that sunshine was something Leah had to get used to again. Her third-floor apartment in an old building was gorgeous, but this space was modern, clean, and all about good light. The way the sun streamed in the big windows reminded her of her parents’ houses on Long Island, both in Muttontown and the Hamptons. Sunshine is the best thing for you, her mother would say. Light makes you happy.
Leah had to agree with her.
The kitchen was lined with cherry cabinets, glass countertops, and high-end appliances, and like a typical man, Tris didn’t use it to cook. That had been changing since she moved in, but it was going to be a tough habit to break. The man lived on takeout or in restaurants.
Still, he was hers and she warmed just thinking about his smile and his touch. Opening a cabinet and grabbing a mug, Leah stopped short as she reached for the coffeemaker.
On the counter was a single red rose. Lovely and perfect, it sat on top of a white notecard, and next to it was a velvet jewelers’ box. He was going overboard now. The diamond necklace and earrings were so beautiful she never wanted to take them off, and in fact, she was still wearing her earrings, but there was more? He had to stop. She didn’t need gifts. They had each other.
Opening the note, she swallowed hard. There were only two words printed in his familiar scrawl. Two very meaningful words.
Will you?
The rush of tears in her eyes and her trembling fingers made it hard to open the velvet box. But when she did, her breath caught. There on a dark field was a large, round diamond, framed by two smaller diamonds and two baguettes. Will you?
Of course she would.
How could she not? He was the love of her life and he’d changed everything. Tristan had let her see what was important, what was real. He made her see her job for what it was, and let her have the life she’d always wanted, one filled with family and people she cared about. He’d given her confidence. He’d loved her without questions.
Of course she would marry
him.
Slipping the ring on her finger, she dashed back to the bedroom, where he was still sleeping. Bouncing on the bed, Leah landed next to him with a hearty plop. One eye opened, then another, and then a smile bloomed on his face.
“Yes,” she whispered, dropping a kiss on his lips.
It was all she had to say.
“Really?” He propped himself up on one elbow and took her hand in his.
“Yes,” she said again. “Yes, yes, yes. I love you, Tristan. Yes.” She kissed him again and again. “I will.”
In a smooth move he’d perfected on her, Tris rolled her onto her back, pinning her beneath his naked body. Bringing her left hand up, he kissed the ring on her finger. “Do you like it? If you want something different, just say the word.”
“I love it. It’s beautiful. Even the size is perfect.”
“I want to give you everything. I love you so much.”
“You have given me so much already.”
Her heart couldn’t quite believe this was happening. Her world was dry as dust, her heart frozen until he walked in. He was everything she ever wanted, and more than that, she could believe in him.
“So . . .” He ground against her and she responded immediately to his arousal. “How many ankle biters are you aiming for, and should we get started? Because that could be fun.”
“Ankle biters? You mean children?”
He rolled his eyes. “Yes, children. One, ten, however many you want.”
“More than one, less than ten. How’s that for vague?”
He chuckled and kissed her. “I want to put a baby in you right now.”
“Let’s wait until we’re married. Until then we can practice. A lot.” Knowing she was due at her parents in a couple of hours, Leah had to get out from under him, but, God . . . he felt amazing. “Let me go. I have to help my mother with the pies.”
With a loud groan, Tris flipped on his back. “You’ll be the death of me, woman.”
