The Very Rich Man (The Very Manly Series Book 3)

by Laura Stapleton

  “Of course you’re teasing. Your face is charming.” She took the ring from Chloe. “Still, we do have necklaces that will showcase your lovely neck.”

  She put a hand to her throat, hoping the distraction of diamonds wasn’t too needed. The range of necklaces went from simple pendants to strings of diamonds. “I already have something picked out…”

  “Certainly. How about we go downstairs and see if any earrings or bracelets appeal to you.”

  Chloe glanced back at Darian. He’d begun trailing further behind, seemingly lost in thought. She thought about the engagement ring he’d bought here and decided to let him brood. At the last step, she saw the store had become crowded. When finding their salesperson, she went to the counter. She examined the earrings, each set prettier than the pair before it. One in particular caught her eye with their gleam. Each earring looked like a vine of flowers falling from the post. “These are beautiful! I hate to ask, but do have a budget to consider.”

  The girl gave her a big grin and removed the box from the display. “I understand. These are forty and the matching bracelet is forty five.”

  “That’s not bad, really.” She gingerly picked up the earrings and moved them so the stones caught the light. “Is there a necklace in the set as well?”

  “Yes, and it’s an even hundred.”

  Her heart beat a little harder when the clerk brought out the necklace. She wanted all three but a hundred and eighty dollars seemed a bit much just for jewelry. Especially when added to the necklace waiting for her up front. She picked up the necklace and enjoyed the prisms winking back at her as if inviting her to buy them. She’d never really shopped for jewelry, not even in a box store. “I’m tempted to take all three.”

  Nodding, the salesperson said, “That would be an excellent choice.”

  Darian leaned into her, saying in an intimate voice. “You know, dearest, I’d almost like to buy you another new Land Rover. It’d be half of what all this would cost.”

  Happiness at feeling him close to her dissolved to understanding as his words sunk in. These three things would cost double a new vehicle? She gave a feeble laugh and wanted to hide her surprise and embarrassment. “Oh my.” Chloe gave the clerk a brilliant smile, she hoped. “You heard him. I’m getting another one for Valentine’s.” She turned to Darian, grateful he’d given her an out. “I love my green car, but how about red this time, to match your Mercedes?”

  “Lovely idea.” He hugged her. “Are you sure you don’t want anything but the trinket you picked out?”

  “Yes! It’s my favorite.”

  “Great. Pay for it out of your slush fund while I search around for a surprise for you.”

  She had no idea about a slush fund but surprise sounded good to her. “Not these, surely?”

  “No, pookie and nice try. You know about them and what fun is that?”

  She laughed at his attempt at a pet name for her. “You’re completely right, snookums. I’ll go buy my little treat and remember, don’t buy me anything too big. I do want my new Land Rover.”

  “Will do.”

  She exhaled the breath she’d been holding to keep from laughing. Chloe didn’t watch him walk away from them as she waited for the clerk to go with her to the register. In a bit of a haze, she paid, gleeful over her blue box with the white ribbon. She looked for Darian and didn’t see him in the store.

  Once outside, she texted him and waited for his reply. He replied a couple of minutes later saying he’d be there just before the car. Soon, he exited as the driver pulled up. They both got in and she saw the blue bag he carried. “You really did get me a surprise!” When a panicked expression swept his face, she smiled. “I’m kidding. I already bought what I wanted.”

  “Good. You could have this, but I don’t know how happy you’d be to get cufflinks.”

  “After this morning, probably very.” She shook her head at the memory, her face burning anew. “I’m insane. She says forty and I thought she meant forty dollars. In Tiffany’s. Ha.” Chloe glanced at him. “I’m glad you were there to save me from myself. Next time you need an engagement ring and want to spend a lot, holler and I’ll help. Obviously, if it’s the most expensive item in the place, I’ll want it.”

  He smiled. “Has something like this happened before?”

  “Something like it. On the plus side, my CD system is paid off and still sounds great.”

  Darian shrugged. “You do have excellent taste. CD’s, though? With downloaded music, do people buy them anymore?”

  She gave him a heavy lidded glare. “That’s the point. They did when I first bought it and now I have a huge collection of shiny coasters.”

  “That’s rough.”

  “It’s also why garage sales exist.” Something tugged at her memory and she asked, “Slush fund?”

  “Ah, a nice way of saying buy it, and expense me the receipt later.”

  “Oh.” Jewelry seemed too much like compensation instead of a gift. She didn’t want to be rewarded for last night. “You’re not paying for my necklace.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

  “Thank you, but it’s a treat for me from me.”

  “Will that make you happy?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, don’t expense it.” He gave her a sly glance, and said, “Did you want me to pick up the tab for this weekend, or did you want to share that, too?”

  After a mental tally, Chloe didn’t know what to say. She should agree to go halves with him, but who knew how much just their room cost? Add in a tour, today’s events, and room service and she’d be broke forever. “Um,”

  He chuckled. “Sorry, I’m kidding. You don’t have a choice. This is my treat to both of us from me.”

  She gave him a bit of a glare for throwing her own words back at her. Despite her mock outrage, she almost melted in relief over not having to pay for anything.

  They rode in silence for a few minutes. She couldn’t help but have her nose pressed against the window, trying to memorize every detail. All of the people and places they passed caught her attention. Everything seemed so different and yet so familiar. Each person, too, looked like someone she’d seen before. Maybe that cliché was right, the more things change, the more they stay the same. “What’s next?”

  “Empire State Building.”

  She almost hopped up and down in the seat. One of the most iconic buildings in the world? When they slowed and stopped, Chloe almost leaped from the car. She tried to be less enthusiastic. Only the tourists smiled. She paused, taking the chance to get a few shots of the building from a snail’s eye view. After a glance at Darian when he strolled up beside her, she asked, “Are we going to the top?”

  “Are you crazy? Of course we are.” He took her hand. “Come on, let’s get started. There’s still the memorial and Statue of Liberty to see.”

  She let him lead her into the building. His hand gripping hers sent all sorts of sexy currents through her. As soon as she stepped into the foyer, Chloe gasped. “I can’t believe it. It’s just like the movies.” He chuckled and she couldn’t help but grin at him. “Sorry. I’m bad at being sophisticated.”

  “It’s one of your more charming qualities that you can’t be.”

  “Thanks, I think.”

  He entered the elevator and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her. “You’re very welcome.”

  She’d planned on asking more about Darian’s intentions when the returned home, but the tour guide began telling them about the building. She listened, swallowing to make her ears pop. Soon, they exited to the observation deck. She slipped out of his arms and took his hand this time, leading him outside. “I don’t suppose there’s a less crowded time to be here.”

  “There is, just not now. I’d forgot to ask if you’re afraid of heights. Otherwise, we’d be on the 102nd floor.”

  People four deep lined the high railing twice as tall as the tallest person. “This is more than fine. Let’s look around for a littl
e bit.” She avoided the crowd and stayed close to the walls while walking around the building, not in any hurry. The wind blew cold through her jacket. On the shady side, Chloe realized how much the sun had warmed her.

  She squeezed in between the others, bringing him with her. “It’s so amazing and we’re just getting started, aren’t we?”

  “On the city tour? Yes. There’s a lot more to see before we head home.”

  “All right.” She pulled him even closer to the edge and let go of his hand to retrieve her phone. The city spread out like a carpet of buildings, windows shining in the late morning sun. She held up her camera to get a photo of this part of the city.

  He waited while she took several pictures. “You’ll want to get the east side, too.”

  “I want all the sides before we go.” She lowered her phone. “I could include you in some of these and send them to you.”

  “No, I’m good. Thanks, though.” He paused so a couple could take a photo of themselves. “We could take a selfie with the city in the background.”

  “Like they are only we’ll go to the sunny side? I like that.” She followed him to the east and kept taking pictures as much as the crowds allowed.

  He watched as she set up the shot and leaned in. She snapped the shutter and he waited for a moment before asking, “Let’s see?” She tilted the screen to him and he nodded. “I’ve changed my mind. Send that to me, would you?”

  “Sure.” Chloe examined the photo for a moment before tapping to share. His face and hers looked good together. She glanced at him as he stared out over the city. He was everything she thought a man should be and his attractiveness was the least of his allure to her. When he turned to her and smiled, her heart did a flip. She liked how his expression changed, grew warmer, when he looked at her. A large, furry ape caught her attention behind him and she almost laughed. “Do we have to rush anywhere after this?”

  He checked his watch. “Not rush per se, but there is a schedule.”

  “Good, because King Kong is behind you and we need to go before he hauls me to the top.”

  “Where?” He saw the costumed guy and went to him. “Hey, King, how’s it going?”

  The gorilla gave a thumbs up before spotting Chloe and acting like he was swooning.

  “Yeah, she’s a looker. Want a picture with her?”

  “Oh, no, Darian, I don’t think so.”

  “Come on, you’ll hurt King’s feelings.” At that, the actor slumped as if truly broken hearted.

  She laughed. “All right. I can’t be mean to an animal.” Kong skipped over to her, putting his arms around her.

  Darian shook his head, grinning as he set up his camera phone and framing his shot. “Say, “bananas!””

  The beast growled and Chloe laughed before saying, “Bananas!”

  “Perfect. You’re both beautiful.” He set up the display and showed both of them.

  “Not bad,” she said before the gorilla gave her a hug. “Thank you, Mr. Kong. You’re a good sport.”

  When the guy wandered off to greet others, Darian took her hand. “Are you ready to fight the crowds to the elevator?”

  “Sure! Let’s do this.” His hand warmed up her cold fingers as much as calling her beautiful warmed her face. Still, he did include the ape in that.

  He didn’t let go on their way down to the lobby. Others talked around them while she enjoyed the feel of him beside her. He squeezed her hand and she squeezed back. Memories of last night crept to mind and Chloe shuddered as her need for him hit her again.

  “Cold?” At her nod, he smiled. “I was going to suggest walking to the Memorial.”

  “That’s fine. It’ll keep me warm.”

  “Spoken like a true Wyoming native, but no. Let’s get the car and have him crank the heater. We’ll need it for the outside memorial.”

  “Is it all outdoors?”

  “No. The museum is enclosed. I’ve been before and it’s really tough to get through.”

  She nodded, not sure she could get through the landmark without crying. She glanced at Darian as he called their driver. Very little about this trip had been professional. She didn’t want to add tears to the list of regrets.

  The idea of remorse stopped her musings. She swallowed, not wanting to think about their relationship when back in Denver. She could worry about him dating someone like Marjorie, then. Not now.

  The sedan stopped in front of them and Darian opened her door. She hugged the distraction like a long lost friend and slipped into her seat.

  He got in and closed his door. “World Trade Center Memorial, first, please. We’ll walk to Battery Park and will need you there at five.”

  “Very good, sir.”

  Darian turned to her. “The museum part of the memorial is brutal. All of the footage, the carnage, and horror can be too much. If you want to leave during any of it, I’ll understand.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate that.” She breathed in, not realizing until now how much she’d been holding her breath. “I remember when I was a kid, around ten years old, seeing it on the computers in class. I was so scared the terror would spread to Cheyenne and get us, too.”

  “I can imagine. It happened when I was seventeen. I promised my parents I wouldn’t enlist in the military until after college.”

  “Did you?”

  “No. By the time I graduated, we were in Iraq and that didn’t suit me.”

  “Oh?”

  “You ask a lot with one word.” Their car eased to a stop in front of the memorial. Darian leaned forward. “Thanks, we’ll let ourselves out.”

  “You’re welcome, sir.”

  When they were walking to the site, Darian took her hand. “I didn’t enlist because I couldn’t be effective and I didn’t believe we were on the right path. I wanted to get in, get Bin Laden, and get out. No bombing anyone else back into the Stone Age. I support our troops then and now in other ways anonymously.”

  “Why in secret?”

  He indicated all the crowds around him and took her hand. “I just prefer it that way. Later on, when we’re flying home, I can elaborate. It’s somewhat personal.”

  She nodded. Several of her friends had brothers that signed up and came back broken, if at all. Chloe made a mental note to not let him get away without telling her what he did to help service personnel. She might be able to join in and help, too.

  They turned the corner and saw the memorial. Two huge, square pools with black walls dominated the area. Dormant trees reached their bony limbs to the sky in a silent plea. She shivered. Darian squeezed her hand before they continued on.

  Remnants of a prior snowfall clung to the north sides of the pools. Names of each victim had been etched and Chloe traced some of them with her fingertips. The painful cold from the surfaces reminded her of the agony they must have felt in the beginning of the end for them.

  “Do you want to go in and warm up? There’s a lot left to see.”

  “Sure. Did you want me to pay this time? I feel guilty for not chipping in at all.”

  “Don’t. I’m billing you later.” He laughed. “I’m kidding. Remember? This is a perk of the job. You might need to know the favorite tourist spots later.”

  That sounded both scary and fun. Her alone here, leading people on a guided tour? Heaven help them both. She stepped into the museum behind Darian and enjoyed the blast from a heater. A lump of dread settled in her stomach at the first few remnants of the twin towers. Each of them took the audio tour devices and began the decent into the historical exhibition.

  Time had dulled the shock and horror for her. As Chloe watched the events unfold on the displays, this time as an adult, her eyes filled with tears.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah. It’s just when….” She swallowed back another sob.

  “I know. Me too.” He looked down at the audio tour device. “How about we turn these off and only look? It might be easier on you.”

  “Couldn’t hurt to try.” Chloe tu
rned off her device at the same time he did. He took her hand and they continued, reading the information plaques for each display. The huge elevator motor amazed her, even more so when she read there’d been many of them needed for each building.

  She stopped sharp and Darian ran into her. All the victims’ faces lined one wall, thousands of people killed that day. Other museum patrons touched the screen to read and hear more about each person. Chloe shook her head, tears clouding her view. “I’ve seen enough.”

  He nodded and put his arm around her. The touch unraveled her. She buried her face in his chest and hugged him, her body shaking with quiet sobs. The more she tried to not cry, the worse she did. A more rational part of her hated this display. No one else around them had lost control like she had. She could almost feel others eyes on her as he held her. “I’m sorry, she said into his shirt. “I’m not a crybaby, I promise.”

  “Hey, don’t worry about it. You’re not the first, you won’t be the last. There are tissues all over for this exact reason.”

  “You’re probably right,” she said against his chest.

  He bent down to say in her ear, “I’m always right.”

  She pulled away, chuckling a little. “I might go outside and compose myself.”

  “I’ll go with you.” He took her hand, leading her to one of the exits.

  “No, don’t. I don’t want to cut your visit short.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been here before and know how rough it can be. Let’s get out of here and grab something to eat before Battery Park. Sound good?”

  “Yeah. Maybe only something to drink. I’m not feeling up to much else.”

  “Of course.” Darian pulled her to a quieter spot and held her close. “The first time I was here the 911 calls got to me, knowing most of them died.”

  She snuggled into him. “It’s one thing to see it as a kid on television. Being here makes it seem so recent. I don’t know how people in the city are over what happened.”

  “My bet is they’ve learned to live with the pain.”

  Chloe nodded against his chest and liked how comforting his hold was. She leaned back and looked up at him. “I could stay like this all day, but am not sure you want to.”