by Maggie Marr
“You need to tell Amelia.”
Ilana nodded. “Absolutely. She’s been my best friend since I was eight. She deserves to know too.” Ilana rubbed her hand up and down her arm. Her insides tightened into a ball. “But I didn’t know what to say. I mean, I was always taught not to discuss this…that talking about it could get me in trouble—”
“A lot of people are scared to talk about money.”
Ilana scrunched her eyebrows. Money? What was Devon talking about? Wasn’t this about her family, her—
“But I wish you’d told me about the assignment problem with the lease,” Devon said.
Her stomach unknotted. Air released from her lungs. She hadn’t forgotten about the problem with the lease, she’d simply stopped focusing on it because there’d been so many more things to think about—her dying incarcerated father, his identical twin brother, and her extended family.
“I understand you not telling me when we first met…I mean, you were just opening the Center, and why would you tell a stranger about a problem with the business?”
“H-h-how did you find out?”
“Sterling Legend put me in touch with Felicia when I told him I was looking for local properties to buy and Felicia told me.”
“Felicia? I didn’t know you were looking for buildings.”
“We are. I am. It’s a new part of Travati Financial. A form of community activism. Your building is our first purchase. The plan is to buy buildings and offer rent on a sliding scale, dependent on the business’s benefit to the community. Bigger benefit means lower rent.”
“So a business like mine and Amelia’s—”
“Would have the lowest rent available, with a long-term lease.”
“You’re kidding.” Here, now, silhouetted against the perfect sunset on the beach, this man she’d fallen for was about to save her entire business from ruin. “You’re saving me. You know that? You’re saving me from a fatal mistake.”
Devon pulled her close. “We all make mistakes.”
“Not that big. Not in business.” She pressed her palm to the side of her head. “My God, Devon, I didn’t know what I was going to do. We’d already put so much time and money into the Center that there was no way we could start over, and I had no idea how I was going to tell Amelia.”
Pinpricks of tears in her eyes. She’d been lost with this problem, so deeply in denial about how worried she was about the Center. It was like a miracle, Devon standing here on the beach, at sunset, telling her he was going to help her. Relief washed through her. A tear dropped onto Ilana’s cheek and she brushed it away with her fingertips. She was crying, she felt like a big baby crying. But the relief replacing her fear…oh my God…Devon was saving her business. Her dream. “Amelia told me to have an attorney review the lease, but I was too cheap. I trusted Mrs. Luskey to know what she was talking about.”
“Attorneys are pricey, but sometimes they’re worth it.”
“Especially when your entire lease is written in legalese.” She shook her head and swallowed. “And I don’t speak legalese.” She turned her gaze to Devon. “You just saved the business.”
“And you gave me the perfect template to show business owners what we’re looking for. I’m already talking with a couple of people who want to put a childcare facility in the space next to yours.”
“Those would be our neighbors?”
“Plus, there’s still room for the Center to expand.”
Ilana’s heart warmed. A smile curled over her lips. This moment was the answer to all her worries about the Center, and the man she was falling in love with was standing here providing the solution.
“Throw in a family-friendly restaurant,” he went on, “and we’ve got the ideal tenants for the building.”
“So you bought it, my building. Just like that.”
Devon smiled. “I bought it, your building, just like that.”
The smile on Ilana’s face grew even wider. “I don’t think…no one has ever done anything like this for me. I mean…you just took away my worries. The Enrichment Center…with the business we’re building, it will be there for years.”
“That’s my hope.” He lifted her hand and kissed it. His gaze warm, a soft smile playing on his lips. “That someday our kids will get to go there too.”
Ilana’s heart flipped in her chest. Their kids? “That’s what I want too.”
Devon nodded and pulled her close. She rested her forehead against his. In Devon’s arms, she was finally home. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for understanding why I was trying to figure this out on my own.”
He pulled back and tilted her chin up with his fingertips, looking deep into her eyes. “I know you and your mom spent a lot of years taking care of each other. That you took care of her, and she took care of you, and things were tough. I know you have the best heart and that your intentions are good. I see that. The minute I found out—”
“Were you upset?”
“I was worried.” He shook his head. “But just like you didn’t tell me everything, there are things that I haven’t told you, too.”
A cool fear whispered through Ilana’s blood.
“In the nightclubs, the bad things that happened.” His eyes darted away from her face and up the beach. “I didn’t look as hard as I should’ve. I didn’t ask the questions that were in my mind. I should’ve asked someone, talked to my brothers about my suspicions. Instead, I pretended like everything was okay. And then when that person got caught?” Devon took a long deep breath. “Well, he went to jail, but I had to testify against him to get him there.”
“You did the right thing.”
“Only because the government forced me too. They threatened to indict me too if I didn’t cooperate. Looking back, now, I want to believe that I would’ve done the right thing eventually…but I don’t know. I was a different person then. I was all about the parties and the money and the lifestyle. Those were the things I was after.”
“And now?”
“And now I want you. I want you and I want Venice and I want a life that includes family and friends and a community. This place, you, it all feels like home to me. This is what I want.”
“It’s what I want too.” Home was in Devon’s arms. He was her family now. She had to tell him…Devon needed to know. She wouldn’t keep secrets from him. He needed the truth and she needed to tell him. Deep breath.
“You know the man at the center, the one I hugged good-bye?”
Devon nodded and looked into her eyes.
“Well…that’s my cousin.”
“Your cousin?” Devon tilted his head. “But I thought you didn’t have family besides your mother.”
“So did I.”
Chapter 13
A warm wind whipped off the Pacific and caressed them both. They’d stood, arms around each other for what felt like forever, while Ilana told him the story of her newfound family.
“This entire time, your father’s family was in Malibu?” Devon asked when she finished.
Ilana nodded. “And Mama knew, but didn’t tell me.”
“And you’re sure it’s them, right?”
“Oh, I’m sure. Four cousins, all of them older, plus an aunt and an uncle.”
Devon’s face dropped and he looked down at the sand. Ilana’s heart hurt. “I just found out.” She squeezed both his hands. “You have to understand, when Mama and I moved from New York we were running away. We ran away because my father abused my mother. She was terrified that he’d find us and take me away from her, or hurt her again, or…” Ilana shook her head. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything last week, but keeping quiet about family has been drilled into my head since I was six years old. I was taught not to talk about my father, that talking about him was dangerous, because someone could find me and take me away from Mama.”
Her heart broke. He had to understand. “Please, Devon”—her voice cracked—“please try to understand.”
Devon looked from Ilana’s ey
es toward the ocean. “I understand. I don’t like it, but I understand.” His gaze returned to her. “Are we past that now? The need to keep secrets from each other? Because I can’t do this if we’re not.” He shook his head. “I promised myself after the trial…after what happened, that the truth was a permanent part of my life. I need the people around me to be the same way. No secrets. No matter how hard or challenging or difficult. I’ll take a difficult truth over an easy secret every day.”
“I can do that. I feel safe with you. I know…” Her bottom lip trembled and he pulled her close. “I know that you’re with me. That you’ll protect me. That we’re together and that I can trust you.”
“You can trust me,” Devon said. “I’m here for you. For as long as you’ll have me, Ilana, I’m yours.”
Devon’s words were true, Ilana felt them to her core. She was meant to be his and he was meant to be hers. His lips pressed to hers. This was the place she would remain for the rest of her life. By his side, now and forever. He drew back, and his arms tightened around her.
“There’s one more thing. My father”—Ilana stuttered out—“I need to tell you about my father.”
Again Devon’s brow furrowed.
“He…he’s in jail now.”
Devon nodded and pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m sorry…I know…I know from what you’ve said things weren’t good for you and your mom when you were little.”
Ilana shook her head and closed her eyes. “And my uncle suggested I should see him. He says it’s my choice, but I think he wants me to do it. My cousin definitely does. He’s sick…my dad. They don’t think he’ll live long and…that’s one of the reasons my cousin was here.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know. Part of me wants to forget that he even exists. He hurt my mom, he hurt me, but then another part of me is really scared that I’ll look back someday and wish I’d seen him. That I’d gotten some kind of closure.”
Devon squeezed her hands. “I’m here. I’ll go with you, if you need me to. You know that, right? Anything you need. I’m here. You understand that, yes?”
Ilana nodded, smiling. She didn’t know what she wanted to do yet, but hearing him offer to be at her side grounded her, gave her strength. “Come to dinner with me this Sunday. Come and meet my new family. My aunt asked me and I’d like you to go with me.”
“You’re sure?” A teasing lilt wove through Devon’s voice. “That’s kind of a big step.”
“You’re my future,” Ilana said. Her heart widened. This, Devon, what they were building together, was the future. This relationship. She lifted her face and pressed her lips to his.
Warmth cascaded through her body. A joy and effervescence and a lightness that she’d never before experienced.
“I love you,” Devon said.
“I love you too.” And in that moment—that instant—all of Ilana’s dreams had come true.
Chapter 14
Devon gazed at the sparkling gems glittering on black velvet. Trays of diamond rings and loose stones laid out for his inspection. Millions of dollars’ worth of gems, all for him to select one. One perfect ring for his perfect woman.
“Mr. Travati, do you think she would prefer an emerald or a pillow cut?”
“I’m not certain.” Devon lifted a four-carat diamond in a platinum setting. He knew this was a Tiffany setting only because he’d been told. What would Ilana want? Should he simply wait and ask her? Was it wiser to have her help him pick out the engagement ring? Maybe he should wait and ask Amelia’s advice once she returned from New York later this week? No. Devon wanted to surprise Ilana. Of course she could have the stone reset if she wished, but he wanted to propose to her with a diamond ring. He selected another ring from the velvet.
“I like how little diamonds run along the sides of this one.”
“Oh, yes. Very beautiful. This is an antique setting.” Charles lifted the ring from Devon’s fingertips and turned the setting in the light so that the diamonds along the sides glinted and fired. “It’s platinum, of course. Mr. Travati, you’re not limited to what you see here. We have a designer in-house who can work with you to create an original setting.”
Devon liked the intricacy and sparkle of this ring. Much like Ilana, this ring was multifaceted and beautiful. He seemed to learn something new about Ilana each time he was with her. This ring appeared to be similar, glinting and changing as Charles turned it in the light. But the center diamond didn’t seem quite right.
“Would that setting work with a five-carat diamond?”
“The setting can accommodate a brilliant cut at five carats, or an emerald cut with modification.”
Devon gazed at the loose diamonds on the velvet before him. There had been one…The giant diamond that seemed on fire with its sparkle captured his gaze.
“This one?” Charles delicately lifted the giant gem from the velvet with long tweezers.
“Exactly.”
“An excellent stone, really. Fair trade, and one of the largest of this quality we currently have in-house. The clarity is incomparable.” He turned the diamond in the light. “As well as the fire.”
The brilliance, the clarity, the fire—all of the qualities in this stone reminded him of his Ilana. “This, one, yes, in that setting.”
“Discerning choices. We can have it ready for you as soon as you’d like.”
“I’m thinking end of month. I have a trip planned.” A smile crept over Devon’s face. He’d already made certain that the Amalfi coast house was free for two weeks at month’s end.
His phone rang and Devon pulled it from his pocket. Leo. “Excuse me.” Devon turned away from the counter and pressed the green button. “What’s up?” He couldn’t help but smile. While he loved all three of his brothers, Devon was especially close to Leo.
“Where the hell are you?”
Devon glanced around the posh private room, where exclusive clientele selected their jewelry while a security guard sporting a three-thousand dollar-suit and a discreet earpiece guarded the front door. How many people even knew this room existed? Not many.
“Just doing some shopping.” He wasn’t ready to tell his brothers about his plan to propose. He didn’t need an earful of opinions, and of course, all of them would have opinions. Just as they’d had opinions about his decision to stay in Los Angeles. No, after his proposal in Amalfi, he and Ilana would stop in New York on their way back to Los Angeles to meet his family and break the news.
“Shopping? Well, when the hell are you going to be home?”
“Why?
“Because I’m standing outside your front door waiting for your ass.”
“What the hell?” Devon laughed. “You’re here? In Los Angeles?
“Had some business and thought I’d stay with you, although I have to say, I get a much warmer reception at the Ritz.”
“If you’d let me know I would’ve been home. Asshole,” Devon said playfully. “I’m in Beverly Hills. It’ll take me about half an hour to get back to Venice.”
“Take your time. I’m going around the corner to the coffee shop and boutique I passed. Saw something in the window Gwen might like.”
“I’ll let you know when I’m close.” Devon grinned and slid his phone into his pocket. Excellent. He’d get to introduce Ilana to Leo, and he knew Leo would love her. Perfect. That would make introducing her to the rest of the Travati family easier after Devon’s proposal. Leo had a way of stabilizing Justin and Anthony. The second oldest, Leo was gregarious and charming. He’d been a horrible playboy until he met Gwen and settled down.
“Mr. Travati, is this to your liking?”
Devon turned back to the jeweler. He held the five-carat stone above the setting to approximate how the finished ring would look.
“Yes.” He nodded. Of course, no piece of jewelry could encapsulate his feelings for Ilana. But this fiery stone in this setting was a visual symbol of the deep and abiding love he felt for Ilana and his commit
ment to that love. The stone and the setting were breathtaking, like his bride-to-be. He hoped that she’d love the engagement ring he’d chosen for her and the life that he wanted to build for her as well.
*
“What’d I miss?” Amelia pulled the seat belt across her chest and smiled at Ilana.
“First tell me about New York.” Ilana pulled away from the curb outside of baggage claim and into the traffic surrounding LAX.
“New York was more than I’d hoped, and the Hamptons was spectacular. Amanda’s already gotten inquiries about my next collection, and she’s sold out the entire current collection.”
“Sold out? Are you kidding?”
Amelia’s smile broadened. “No. Completely sold out. Plus, her friend that owns the gallery in New York?”
Ilana nodded.
“Wants me to do a show there in November.”
“This November?”
Amelia nodded. “Yeah. I don’t know if I can make that deadline.”
“You have to try.”
“Right.” Amelia sighed. “That’s what Amanda thinks as well, but I don’t want to overcommit.”
“You have to do it. We’ll ask Sasha if she can stay on and work with the kids and I hired a college student from Santa Monica to help with the front desk. Doris.”
“Doris?”
“Doris. You’ll love her. She’s studying graphic design.”
“Then she’ll fit right in with all us wacky artists.” Amelia smiled. “It’s great if Sasha can help, but I still want to teach at least one of my classes. I can’t paint twenty-four hours a day, and I’ll need the break. The energy of the kids invigorates me.”
“You think?”
“I’d lose my mind if I painted without a break. You know how I work.”
Ilana nodded. She did know how Amelia worked. She’d witnessed her friend’s process now for three different collections. “Closer to autumn Sasha should take over whichever class you keep, though. You know, when you’re finishing a collection and—”
