Tickled Pink

by Schultz, JT

  “Andrew told you?”

  All he could do was nod. “Yes.” he offered up a smile to Toni’s closest friend. “Piper swore morning sickness needed to be renamed to all day sickness.”

  Kayla blinked at him. “Agreed.”

  He turned to Toni. “I know Piper doesn’t talk much, but two years ago, my brother-in-law died in a car accident.”

  Her mouth formed an oh! “I’m sorry.”

  Richard had shut down to the point where he bordered on hate where his sister’s husband was concerned. “Don’t be, I’m not.” Pain infiltrated his heart and yet he stood in the kitchen with two women who in his mind represented strength. “He was awful to Piper. Would leave her with bruises, sometimes in front of Lauren. My niece would cry herself to sleep. Real men don’t act that way.”

  Both women flinched, then his wife spoke. “She’s never said a word.”

  He shook his head. “Do you know she carried shame for over a year? I’m so glad she has you and now Kayla.” He smiled. “Please don’t ever let on I said anything.”

  Toni nodded in understanding. “Piper and Lauren live six blocks from here, do they fall in the same school boundaries?”

  Richard smiled. “Yes, I ran it. There is no reason Gabriel can’t go to the same school.”

  “Except we can’t afford a private school.” Kayla’s pallor turned green.

  Toni’s expression turned animated, he already knew what was going to leave her mouth. “I’ll pay. It’s a really good school and they’ll help Gabriel with his English, give him the attention he needs.”

  Kayla shook her head. “I’m not catholic—neither is Andrew.”

  Toni laughed. “Well according to my mother I am and my sister-in-law already has a child registered. Considered it done.”

  Richard loved her confidence and studied the woman he’d married. There were many things about Toni to love. “I’ve called for the company limousine service; they’re picking up the Chinese government official and taking her to the airport.”

  Kayla shook her head. “What does that mean?”

  He grinned and walked over to where Toni made sandwiches. She swiped one that had already been cut in half and lifted it. Things were more than comfortable. He took a bite and chewed, swallowed then looked at Kayla.

  “Gabriel is yours, free and clear, but know I’ll be here. I’ll help where I can till his English improves.” He took another bite of the sandwich Toni held and studied her. Despite everything and fate’s sick sense of humor, he had a woman with a big heart as his wife.

  He took another bite of the ham and cheese in her hand and knew then and there, he may have been sentenced to marriage, but she was a blessing in disguise, one with passion and integrity. Yeah, he’d done okay, now he just had to stop himself from falling in love with her.

  He shuddered. Yeah right. It might already be too late.

  Toni’s days blurred into a week. She was running tired between the crew creating havoc at Stewart Locke Investments, her out of control friend Felix who had instantly become best friends for life with her mother and mother-in-law while planning the Toys for Tots Christmas party and helping Kayla juggle school registration and life with a seven year old.

  She now stood in what had been a guest room, now converted into a little boy’s dream bedroom. Her gaze wandered to the window and she glanced out at the large yard. Surprise filled her as Richard and Andrew tossed the football around with Gabriel. Her mouth twitched into a smile as her husband walked over then squatted down and showed the young boy how to hold the ball.

  “Wow, it looks amazing in here!” Piper exclaimed.

  Toni turned from the window and faced Piper where she stood with Kayla. “It turned out well.”

  “Gabriel is so happy, Toni, thank you so much.” Kayla shook her head. “You and Richard have been so great.”

  She darted another glance out the window and again smiled as the three continued to play. Piper and Kayla stepped over to where she stood and looked out the window as well.

  “My brother is playing football?” The surprise wasn’t hard to miss.

  She exchanged a quizzical expression with Kayla then glanced at her sister-in-law. “Why is that a surprise?”

  “He just didn’t seem to do anything fun anymore. All he ever did was work.” She smiled and shook her head. “All that’s changing. He is happy and seems to have joined the living outside of the office.”

  “He’s been a great friend to Andrew,” Kayla offered, then shrugged and met Toni’s gaze. “You know you’re right, sentence or not, you did well with him.”

  “My brother is a charmer when he wants to be, and has a good heart.” Piper paused and a sad expression crossed her face. “He was such strength after my husband died. Really stepped up and helped me with Lauren.”

  “He’s a great guy.” Toni darted another look to the man she was married to. Seeing him with Gabriel, she knew he’d be a great dad. A weird sensation trickled over her and for the first time she wondered if maybe there were worse fates than being married, having a family.

  “I knew it!” Kayla giggled.

  She turned to her friends. “What?” Toni was curious as to what she’d missed.

  “You’ve fallen for him.” Piper answered. “I knew it, that starry look in your eyes, dead giveaway.”

  “Thank you,” Kayla exclaimed with a giggle. “I saw it last week when you came over and you two were in the kitchen. You may have been sentenced to marriage, but the relationship is very real.”

  Toni debated her words. “Well, I have officially moved into the master bedroom. I just…”

  Piper furrowed her brows. “What is it?”

  “I’m scared, because I’m completely taken with him, and I know we’ve only been together a couple months but, things feel right.” She hesitated then continued. “Who knows maybe I’ll keep him.”

  Both her friends giggled and Kayla’s brows lifted. “Maybe he’ll keep you.”

  “Why would you even say something like that?” Toni narrowed her gaze on her friend.

  “Because the gorgeous man staring up here, looks like a man who is completely taken with you.”

  Toni turned and met Richard’s gaze as he looked up from the yard. His smile broadened and he waved. Her stomach fluttered and she waved back and knew then and there her friends were right. The relationship was real—and she was falling in love.

  Chapter Ten

  Trees and ribbons and realizations…

  The huge social room of the Deluca home filled with people and the large table was decked out with colorful decorations and envelopes with checks for the charity. Beneath were elaborate boxes filling with toys. Richard glanced around and wished he hadn’t been delayed at the office on a conference call with the representative from Singh Capital Trust. He hated arriving late at the best of times, tonight was one of the nights he should have been on time—especially knowing how important the charity event was to Toni.

  For her, the evening was about the children, where her mother looked at it as a notable occasion and one of the most prestigious social events of the year. From what he had witnessed since thanksgiving—his mother was as equally ostentatious. Of course, Easter was her occasion, when his parents hosted a huge egg hunt for some of the judges, lawyers and other important people in their social circles.

  Richard glanced at his watch. Toni must have arrived an hour and a half earlier; he’d been there for fifteen minutes and still hadn’t seen her. Things had changed over the last few weeks—other than having sex.

  Though the sex was great, it was more than that. The way they talked, the way they’d become comfortable with each other in such a short time. Even more, she had quickly become his best friend.

  “Richard! You made it!” Felix greeted with a bold smile and an even bolder red suit. The material and cut told him it was expensive—and the only reason the spiky haired event planner didn’t look like a pimp was because of the gingerbread men print bowtie
and the white dress shirt.

  He held out his hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “And you as well, it’s always a pleasure.” He glanced around. “I must say, Toni and I make a hell of a team.”

  “The place looks incredible.”

  “So does your wife.” Felix grinned then his expression became serious. “I want to thank you.”

  Surprised, Richard studied the other man. “For what?”

  “Making her so happy. You two are a really great couple. All she ever does is talk about you. She needed a good guy to love her.”

  Love?

  “Toni is like no one I’ve ever met.” Richard confessed. “She’s a remarkable woman.”

  Felix chuckled then glanced around the center of the room. “And gorgeous, she is walking this way and looking at you like you’re the only man in the room.”

  Richard followed his gaze until it rested on his wife walking toward him. She wore a black and gold dress that rested just off her shoulders, hugged her body over every curve, and then flared out slightly at the bottom.

  “Stunning,” he whispered as she approached.

  “I would have settled for a hello, but that works.” She laced her arms around his neck as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

  “I’m sorry I was late.”

  The smile she cast sent his heart racing. “Forgiven.” She then leaned in and brushed her lips against his. His body ignited at her touch and it took every ounce of control not to whisk her to a dark corner or a room upstairs and peel the dress off her.

  “How was your call with Singh Capital Trust?”

  “Omigod! I just love Katerina and Denshi.” Felix exclaimed. “They throw the best parties—I kid you not! When I did her white party in New York—everyone raved about it for weeks.”

  Richard and Toni blinked at each other in disbelief then turned to their friend. “You do the Singh’s parties?”

  Felix nodded. “Darling, we know I’m fabulous and when Katerina has an event—she wants nothing but the best—which is me.” He swiped a flute of champagne from a tray as a wait staff walked by. “I swear—she is as crazy about her charity endeavors as you.” He then turned to Richard. “Do you do business with them?”

  He shook his head. “Not yet. I hope to in the future. I know the interest is there, I’ve been talking with their representative.”

  “Ha!” Felix snorted. “Manny? The man is a moron and doesn’t have an ounce of style. I nicknamed him the watchdog. Has a bloody pole up his polyester covered ass. He almost convinced Katerina not to hire me—told her I was too flamboyant for their image, if you can imagine?”

  Richard sank his teeth into the side of his cheek to avoid laughing at the statement, considering what Felix had on. “Nope, can’t imagine.”

  The other man sipped his champagne. “Well, it really didn’t matter what Manny thought, Katerina always gets her own way.” Felix darted his gaze between Richard and Toni. “You know what I just remembered?”

  Toni shook her head. “Please don’t tell me you’re leaving, because you forgot you had to be somewhere.”

  He waved a hand. “Don’t be ridiculous, this party is some of my best work yet—with more sensation to come.” He glanced around and admired his handy work then turned back and smiled at them. “I remembered just now that I didn’t get you a wedding present.”

  “Felix, don’t be silly. You don’t need to.” Toni told him sweetly. “You really helped my mom on this event. I appreciated that more than anything.”

  “And I love seeing you settled with a wonderful man who is also extremely hunky. I have the perfect gift for you both.” He grinned. “I’ll give Katerina a call and find out when she and Denshi will be back in country. “I know she’ll love what you’re doing at Richard’s office—and the condo is definitely her taste.”

  He was stunned. “Felix, I don’t know what to say.” He stood in awe and was overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you, it means a lot to me.”

  Toni stepped away from him and hugged her friend. “Thank you.”

  Felix shrugged. “It’s the least I can do. Seeing how in love you two are, gives me hope that Mr. Right is out there.”

  In love? No.

  His wife stepped back over to his side and smiled. “This is the best gift; I know they’ll like what Richard has to say.” She lifted her gaze and met his.

  Her happiness reflected in her dark gaze. Happiness and something else, but whatever the emotion was, it warmed Richard down to his soul. Toni was so supportive of him and his career, despite the sacrifices she’d made in her own.

  In love? Just maybe.

  Toni walked into the condo and turned to her husband as he shut the door. “The party seems to have been a success.”

  He nodded as he removed his suit coat. Richard had turned quiet some time during the night, as if lost in thought. “It was. Felix is right, you two definitely work well together.” He removed his black bow tie and undid his top buttons.

  She hesitated and debated. “Are you okay?”

  He shook his head. “No, actually, I’m not.”

  Her brow crinkled and she placed her purse on one of the end tables. “Can I ask what’s wrong?”

  Richard shook his head and scrubbed across his face with his hands, then stepped toward her. “I’m re-evaluating things.”

  Her heart lurched to her throat and she wasn’t sure how to respond. She struggled to keep her uncertainty and emotions at bay. “Is it me?” She barely heard her own voice and wondered if he had heard the question.

  Shock registered on his face and his jaw dropped. “Oh God, no.” He closed the distance and cupped her face. “Sweetheart, no.” He lowered his head and claimed her in a kiss.

  Her sudden tension dissipated as his tongue teased along her lower lip. Toni’s knees weakened and she placed her hands against his strong chest. Richard explored her mouth and she savored the taste of him. She eased back and opened her eyes. “Well that’s cleared up.”

  Richard offered a small grin. “We’re good—we’re better than good. Right about now, you’re the only thing I’m sure of.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t like my friends. I’m so amazed about what Felix is going to do. Andrew and Kayla have been incredible. You have amazing friends.”

  “They all like you,” she stated, not sure if it was just to reassure him. “They’re your friends too.”

  “I don’t like work anymore. I detest the Stewarts. All of them. Felix can get me in front of the Singhs but I know they won’t go with Stewart Locke Investments. I feel defeated.” He paused, released her face, and started pacing. He shoved a hand through his jet-black hair. “Tonight I missed my grandfather so much. I can’t talk to my dad or I get the standard lecture of how I too should have gone to law school.”

  She understood. “I miss my grandparents, some days more than others. I was happy to get the house, it was theirs. My grandmother wanted me to have it so I could exercise my creativity since it held so much potential.”

  “Tonight I took a hard look at my life, and all those people. I didn’t want to be there I wanted to be alone.” He paused. “Alone with you.” He shook his head. “Every day I see Hank at the office and I still want to punch the hell out of him.”

  Toni couldn’t help but smile. “You’re sweet.”

  A small meow filled the room and Richard glanced down. “Vette, what’s wrong?” He bent down and picked up the small cow print kitten. He held her close and stepped toward the kitchen. “Do you and your brother need food?” His tone was sweet and gentle. Toni smiled and hurried to the bedroom to grab the Christmas present she had for him while he catered to the feline whims.

  She returned the same time he exited the kitchen. “Are they okay?”

  “I swear all they did was eat while we were gone.”

  Toni walked over to him and passed him the gold wrapped box with the red bow.

>   He took the box and surprise washed over his face. “What is this?”

  “Early Christmas present.”

  “You didn’t have to do that.” His sapphire gaze met hers. “You’ve already given me a lot.”

  She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Just open it.”

  He carefully tugged the bow and Toni’s gaze dropped to his wedding band. She thought about Felix’s words and realized she liked being married to Richard. Maybe more than she should, considering they were serving a sentence.

  Seeing how in love you two are… Felix’s words echoed in her brain.

  Love?

  She thought about the conversations with Kayla and Piper. What did everyone see that she didn’t or was she just so used to protecting her heart, she was in denial?

  Richard lifted the lid off the box and removed the gold keychain with keys on it. He met her gaze and grinned. “What’s this?”

  “Do you want me to tell you or go for a drive?”

  Richard’s blue gaze sparkled and his firm mouth broke into a grin. “I’d love to see this.”

  Toni brushed her mouth against his then nibbled on his lower lip. “I thought you’d say that.”

  Toni pulled her corvette into her driveway. She was still a bit in shock that Richard had let her drive. “Come,” she nodded to the car door and they got out of the vehicle. She walked him to the side door of the garage and smiled. “Your keys work in the lock.”

  He withdrew the keys and scanned through them, then unlocked the door and turned the handle. “Ladies first.”

  She stepped into the garage and turned on the light. Richard stepped in behind her and shut the door. His gaze scanned the area, lingering over the car covers. “I know you told me not to long ago that you loved working with your grandfather on the cars. It made your bad days better.”

  Her high heels clicked against the cement floor as she walked deeper into the garage. She turned and studied him standing still in his dress pants and dress shirt. “You got quiet tonight and then when you told me what was wrong, I knew that you could probably use somewhere to just be alone with your thoughts. I had the keys cut the day after we went shopping at midnight.”