Tickled Pink

by Schultz, JT

  “Me too.” The defeat in her voice wasn’t hard to miss. He shut the fridge door and stepped over to the island where Toni worked. Richard studied the woman who had captivated him in mere days. “Can I tell you a secret?”

  She lifted her gaze and nodded. “Sure.”

  He couldn’t control his smile. “I’m attracted to you too.”

  The smile she offered—he knew it was just for him and it stole his breath. “I think we’re going to be okay. As far as the mutual attraction. We both know we can’t give into it.”

  “Not if we want an annulment,” she offered, confirming they were still on the same wavelength. “We’re both smart—most of the time—professionals. This should be easy, now that we’re getting along, right?”

  Or make things twice as difficult.

  She debated and a thoughtful expression covered her pretty face. ”Please don’t tell me we have to associate with Hank too much.”

  Interesting. “He holds the same position as me.”

  Sadness filled her dark gaze. “I see.”

  No. This feels completely wrong.

  She opened a drawer, pulled out a bottle opener and passed it to him.

  “Thank you.”

  She nodded and resumed cutting.

  He sipped from his beer and remembered the incident in the office and how Hank had reacted to her. “You don’t like him?”

  She sighed and a gamut of emotions crossed her face. “No.”

  He digested this and studied her. “Why?” For some reason her answer mattered.

  She glanced down at the cutting board as he reached into the bag of candied pecans. Toni thought a moment and then looked up into his eyes. “He weirds me out. I also know he’s a partner and, as soon as we return from our wedding, I’m starting work on your office. I have no choice; I’ll have to see him every day.”

  Richard took her words to heart. Something deep inside startled him. He’d known Hank almost half his life—yet—one introduction and Toni didn’t like him. He also knew, from their earlier encounter, that Hank made her uncomfortable. “I’m sorry.”

  Toni shook her head. “Don’t be, I’ll be fine.”

  Before him stood a beautiful woman who he’d overheard tell her best friend she was more than a little attracted to him. She didn’t know Hank any more than she knew the man in the moon. Yet, she didn’t like him. “Toni, if anyone ever makes you feel uncomfortable at the office please let me know.”

  “I will.” She flashed a grin. “So, are you going to fill up on candied pecans or should I put the steaks on?”

  Sassy, smart, beautiful and she could cook. Richard was screwed—unfortunately, that wouldn’t be literally.

  Sunday afternoon Toni remained seated in the car until Richard walked around and got the door for her. He then offered her a hand, which she accepted as she stepped out onto the drive of his parent’s overly expansive home. She slid her hands down the front of her dress and sighed. Her stomach fluttered with nerves and she knew this would get easier. Usually she was quite outgoing, but today she felt nervous for some strange reason.

  “Relax,” he whispered. “It’s only Sunday dinner and our two families.” His gaze wandered over her and the corners of his mouth turned up. “You look beautiful.”

  Toni’s heart picked up speed a bit and she met Richard’s dark blue gaze. “Thank you.” She glanced around at the number of cars parked on the street and turned back to him. “Someone’s having a party apparently.”

  “Thank God, it’s not my parents.”

  She glanced at her parent’s vehicle and the two others on the driveway. “Who do those belong to—I mean that one is dads, but the other two?”

  “My brother Erik and my sister Piper’s,” he answered and placed a hand at the small of her back. Every time Richard touched her, heat caressed her skin. Like the other day in the office, when his associate Hank got in her face, the simple gesture of his hand at her lower back soothed her.

  “I really hope tonight isn’t as disastrous as it was the other night at Kayla and Andrew’s.” Her stomach knotted at the recollection and she had avoided both her parents like the plague since.

  “I’m sure it’ll go better.” Richard guided her up to the front door then turned toward her. “It will be a lot easier considering you and I have stopped arguing and are starting to get to know each other.” He flashed her a reassuring smile. “Just watch out for my brother.”

  Her brows furrowed. “Why?”

  Richard laughed and leaned over to ring the bell. “Because I guarantee he will hit on you.”

  “But I’m going to be your wife.” She blinked in disbelief.

  He again flashed a killer smile and her heart beat a little faster. “He’s harmless but a wicked flirt and your amazing legs and killer body will make him relentless for a good hour or so.”

  “Reassuring, I think my nervousness just escalated.”

  His warm chuckle tickled down her spine. “It’ll be fine, just relax. Like I said, he’s harmless.”

  The front door opened and his mother beamed. “Finally, you made it.” She pulled the door open wider. “Come in.” She turned to Toni and smiled. “Stunning, truly. Love the dress.”

  “Thank you.” She stepped into the grand foyer and noticed the dual staircase and the large round table with the flower arrangement. She was grateful Richard stayed close to her or instinct would have her rearranging the flowers and baby’s breath just to calm herself down.

  “Richard! Toni!” her mother greeted as she hurried toward them from somewhere deep in the house. “My beautiful daughter and my gorgeous soon to be son-in-law.”

  “Mom.” She greeted, rather suspiciously.

  “Come now, everyone’s waiting.” Mona purred and linked her arm through Toni’s and led her in the direction her mother had appeared from.

  “Everyone?” She asked and glanced at Richard, who had her mother at his side.

  He cast a skeptical expression and shrugged. “You mean the families.”

  His mother laughed. “Not exactly, remember what I said about you making this believable or kiss the company good-bye?”

  Oh ! That does not sound good.

  “Mom, what did you do?” Richard asked with something in his tone Toni couldn’t identify. They stepped toward the end of the foyer to the edge of the great room entrance.

  “Surprise!” a chorus of many people shouted. Toni startled and stepped back.

  Richard reached out and caught her, to keep her from toppling over in her heels

  “Love a duck!” she whispered.

  “I’ll let that one go, because I think this is hell.” His voice was low enough only she could hear. His arm stayed around her waist and he glanced over at his mom. “What is this?”

  Her mother laughed. “It’s an engagement party.” She smiled and exchanged a look with Mona then grinned up at Richard. “We know you both didn’t want to make a big production of things, so we only invited a hundred of our closest friends and a few of yours.”

  Her mother hugged Richard then leaned in and embraced Toni tightly. “Congratulations on your engagement.” She turned to Richard’s mother. “Let’s leave the kids to mingle.”

  The two women hurried off and Toni glanced at Richard. He shook his head and met her gaze then leaned in next to her ear. “I could kill our mothers.”

  She spotted Kayla and Andrew. Her friend offered a small wave. “I’ll help you hide the bodies.”

  He grinned and lifted his brows. “You might want to change your shoes first.”

  Despite the absurdity of the circumstance and being put on the spot by the meddling parents—yet again, Toni couldn’t resist the laugh.

  Richard chuckled. “This is past crazy.”

  A flash went off. “And blinding.” She blinked trying to focus. “Well, honey we shouldn’t keep these good people waiting.”

  He winked seductively and captured her hand in his. “By all means, sweetheart. After you.”


  “I was afraid you’d say that.”

  Chapter Four

  Wedded bliss is hit and miss!

  Richard couldn’t believe the parents were back to meddling. He glanced around the room and was surprised his mother had gone this far. Things had been going well with Toni, however, it would be better if he wasn’t attracted to her as much as he was. The women he’d dated in the past all knew they were beautiful. It wasn’t that Toni didn’t think she was pretty; she just wasn’t hung up on herself. His gaze searched her out and found her talking with Kayla and Andrew.

  She turned and met his gaze from across the room. A smile crossed her lips and he couldn’t resist. He started toward her as she excused herself and walked toward him. He was only a few steps away from her when Hank stepped in front of him.

  “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.”