by Donna Hill
He flipped through the rack of albums and selected a Nancy Wilson classic, hoping that her throaty voice would bring him the calm that he sought. Instead, her voice reminded him of Kai. The inflections, the depth and rawness of it brought Kai into his space.
He lounged on the couch, took a swallow of his drink and closed his eyes. There she was—her smile, her warmth, and her earthy beauty. He felt the soft curves of her body writhing beneath him, the sensual music of her voice when she cried out his name. A crater of emptiness opened up inside of him. He didn’t want to be without her, so he had to find a way to make it work. He would, and the first thing was to deal with Crystal, once and for all. And then he would woo Kai and court her and make love to her until she had no other choice but to say yes.
* * *
“When are you getting back? I need a girls’ night,” Kai said as she checked the baked chicken in the oven.
“Just a couple of more days,” Tiffany said. “I still can’t believe that chick did that.”
“Girl, only me. I swear off relationships and when I finally stick my toe in the water I get swept up by the undertow.” She shut the oven door and hopped up on the stool at the counter.
“Are you sure you want to put a halt to everything, sis?”
Kai drew in a long breath. “What choice do I have?”
“Two, according to my count. You can try and see if you can make it work or turn the page on this romance novel.”
Kai had to laugh. “It does ring like a romance novel, doesn’t it. Boy meets girl, sparks fly, exes show up and the romance is shot to hell.”
“Yeah, but you forgot the most important parts.”
“What’s that?”
“Makeup sex and the happily-ever-after.”
“Hmm, I could always go for the makeup sex,” she said, giggling wickedly. “But the happily-ever-after...I just don’t see it.”
“I hear ya. Anyway, as soon as I get back, we’ll get together.”
“Looking forward. But before you go, how is everything working out?”
“I’m pretty sure that I’ll have an investor by the time my visit is over. And then I can expand the shop and open a second one.”
“Oh, Tiff, I’m so happy for you!”
“It’s pretty exciting. I’m having a business dinner tonight to talk about more details and run some numbers.”
“Well, I have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you. I know you will nail this thing. We will definitely be celebrating when you get back.”
“Yeah, girl, get the champagne ready.”
“Will do. See you soon.” Kai put the phone down and felt mildly better than she had since Anthony had left the day before.
He’d respected her word and had not tried to contact her. She should be glad about that, but there was that part of her that wished that he had ignored her request and called her anyway. She wanted to hear his voice.
She shook her head, scattering those thoughts. No point in dwelling over what was done. It was finished and she had to move on. It was for the best. Then why did she feel so lousy?
* * *
Anthony pushed through the door of the restaurant and looked around. After several attempts he’d finally gotten Crystal on the phone, and she had eventually agreed to meet him at the restaurant instead of her apartment, which was what she’d wanted. Anthony had no intention of being behind closed doors with his ex, not after what she’d already pulled. At least in a public place he hoped that she wouldn’t cause a scene.
He went to the bar where they’d agreed to meet and ordered a plain coke with lemon. While he was nursing his drink, a young man sidled up next to him.
“Anthony Weston, right?”
Anthony turned in the man’s direction. “Yes.”
The man stuck out his hand. “Phillip Wilkins, Wall Street Journal.”
“Hmm.” He sipped his drink.
“Mind if we talk?”
“I’m meeting someone.”
“This won’t take long. I wanted to get your take on the gubernatorial election. Blumenthal has a good shot, which leaves his job open. You’re the favorite. Do you plan to pursue it?” He took out a pad and pen.
“When Blumenthal wins, I have every intention of pursuing the position of D.A.”
“Do you plan to follow in Blumenthal’s footsteps with his advocating for stop-and-frisk?”
Anthony clenched his jaw. Everyone in the office knew that was a major bone of contention between him and his mentor. However, that was “family” business and he had no intention of airing his family’s laundry.
“I’m not in the position and I won’t comment on policies that I haven’t made.”
“Hey, baby.” Crystal came up on his other side and placed a kiss on his lips the instant he turned in her direction.
He frowned but refused to get into it with Crystal in front of a reporter.
Crystal stuck her hand out. “Crystal Weston.”
“Oh, Mrs. Weston. Phillip Wilkins, Wall Street Journal.”
Her expression lit up. “Nice to meet you.” She put her hand on Anthony’s shoulder.
He wanted to shrug her off but thought better of it.
“So, Mrs. Weston, how do you feel about your former husband running for district attorney?”
“I think that whatever Anthony wants he gets. He’s the best man for the job.”
“How about a picture, Mr. Weston?”
“No, really.”
“Go ahead, honey,” Crystal said sweetly.
Anthony cut her a look.
“All right.”
“Great.” Wilkins pulled his digital camera out of his jacket pocket. He took a step back and got a quick shot of Anthony. “Now the two of you together.”
Crystal got close to Anthony before he had a chance to say no and leaned her head on his shoulder. Wilkins took the picture. He stuck out his hand. “Thanks for your time, Mr. Weston, and best of luck.” He shook Crystal’s hand and walked away.
“That was nice,” she said.
He could barely contain his anger. “Let’s get a table.” He got up and Crystal followed him.
A waitress escorted them to a table. Anthony could barely look at Crystal.
“It was nice being called Mrs. Weston,” she said while she reached for her glass of water.
Anthony linked his fingers together on top of the table to keep from snatching her by the collar of her blouse and shaking some reality into her.
“Trust me, Crystal, the only reason I didn’t correct him was because I didn’t want all the follow-up questions that would have come along with it. It has nothing to do with even a hint of your being Mrs. Weston.”
Her eyes tightened ever so slightly.
He leaned forward and lowered his voice to a hard whisper. “I’m going to get right to it. I don’t know what the hell you thought you were doing the night before you left. But nothing did or will happen between us. It’s over. Done. Finished. And your little excursion to Dr. Randall’s house! What did you hope to accomplish?”
Crystal blinked back tears.
“Don’t even start with the waterworks.”
She sniffed. “Why can’t you see that I still love you?”
“What you did—you call that love?”
She glanced away. “I...didn’t know what else to do.” She faced him. “I know that I messed up.” She reached for his hand and he snatched it away. “I just wanted you to pay attention to me...to see me.” She pressed her hand to her chest. “Me.” The muscles in her face twitched. “To let you see how much I want you back.”
Anthony drew in a long breath and slowly exhaled. “Crystal, what we had...there is no going back. Too much happened. Too much ugliness and hurt.” He paused. “Why?
Why now?”
She looked away. “Why can’t you just believe me?” she snapped and glared at him. The real Crystal finally appeared.
“Because I know you, remember. It’s over, Crystal. All we have between us is Jessie. Whatever she needs I will always be there for her. But you and I...it’s not happening.”
“It’s her, isn’t it?” Her voice rose, attracting the attention of the couple at the next table. “She’s the reason.”
He pointed a finger at her. “Leave Kai out of it. I don’t love you, Crystal. That’s all there is to it. I’m sorry if you can’t understand that, but it’s the truth.” He touched her hand. “It’s time to move on,” he said gently.
She bit on her bottom lip and slowly nodded. “I’m going home. The babysitter...” she murmured.
Anthony stood as she rose. She picked up her purse.
“I’m sorry. I won’t bother you anymore.” She turned, walked out. Anthony let out a breath of relief. Things had been tense for a moment, but it had gone better than he anticipated. He only hoped that Crystal meant what she said, but knowing her... He signaled for the waitress, and even though they never ordered dinner, he gave her a nice tip anyway.
What he wanted to do was call Kai and tell her that he’d straightened things out. Crystal wouldn’t be bothering them anymore and they could pick up where they’d left off. But he’d wait and give her the space that he’d promised. However, he wouldn’t wait very long.
Chapter 22
“Good to have you back, Mr. Weston,” his secretary, Valerie, greeted. “How was your vacation?”
“Eventful.” He smiled. “Give me a few minutes to get settled, then come in and bring me up to speed.”
“Coffee?”
“Please.” He strode into his office and walked toward the window that overlooked the city. That old thrill coursed through his veins. He smiled. The city was his to be had. All he needed to do was be patient.
“Tony!”
Harrison Blumenthal’s booming voice jerked him from his survey of his kingdom to be. He turned. His smile was genuine.
“Harrison. How are you?”
“Better now that you’re back—a couple of days early, but I’m not complaining.” He stepped fully into the room. “Change of plans?”
“Something like that.” He picked up a stack of mail that was on his desk and thumbed through it.
“You see this morning’s Wall Street Journal? You’re quite the star—you and Crystal.”
He closed his eyes and groaned.
Harrison tossed the paper on Anthony’s desk. “Not a bad picture and you were tactful in your answers as always.”
Anthony reached for the paper and read the story above the fold. There was his picture with Crystal and they looked like the happy power couple. He gritted his teeth and tossed the paper aside and ran his hand across his head.
“You want to tell me what that’s about?”
“The story is too long and complicated. But it’s handled.”
He held up his hand. “I’m not trying to get in your personal affairs. I’m only mentioning it because I know how you feel about Crystal. It was a shock.”
Anthony slung his hands into the pockets of his midnight blue Marc Jacobs slacks. He turned back toward the window. “I met someone...”
“Well, it’s about damned time.”
Anthony turned back and they both shared a hearty laugh.
* * *
“I knew you would pull it off,” Kai said, raising her glass in a toast to her friend.
Tiffany beamed with happiness. “Girl, my ship has finally sailed.” She threw up her feet and took a sip of champagne.
“So now what?”
“Well, now I can begin construction on the expansion and start looking for a second location, hire some more staff. But first I need to start getting bids on contractors.”
“You’re doing the damned thing, Tiff. I’m so proud of you.”
Tiffany grinned. “Long time coming. Who knew that my love of one-of-a-kind jewelry, fine fabrics and art would turn into a serious moneymaker and fuel my passion for art and design at the same time?”
“You got that right. We’re both blessed to be living our dream.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
“So how was the big bad city?” Kai tucked her bare feet under her.
“Big and bad. Girl, I love me some New York. The men, the clubs, the restaurants, the theater. Did I mention men?” She laughed and slapped her thigh. “Hear from Anthony?”
The light around Kai seemed to fade. She shook her head no. “I didn’t expect to. I asked him not to call.”
“Then I guess I should tell you.”
“Tell me what?”
She got up from the couch and walked over to where she’d left her purse by the door. She came back and pulled the newspaper out of her purse and handed it to Kai.
The image of Anthony cuddled next to Crystal burned her eyes. Her stomach shifted. She barely read the accompanying article before she handed it back to Tiffany and shrugged. “Guess he was lying about nothing going on.”
Tiffany touched her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
“Yes,” she said softly. “Me, too.”
Chapter 23
Anthony had two major cases pending that consumed much of his time and energy. He spent his mornings briefing his legal team and his afternoons in court. In between he had meetings with Harrison on his campaign. There were appearances set up, interviews and countless meetings. By the time he got home at night, exhaustion didn’t describe how he felt—that and missing Kai.
He’d been back in New York for nearly three weeks and he had yet to speak with Kai. He’d lost count of how many times he’d picked up the phone to call her and changed his mind. Every night he dreamed of her and the time they’d spent together. The thought of seeing her again was the incentive that kept him going and got him behind the wheel of his car en route to Sag Harbor.
The closer he grew to his destination, the faster his pulse raced. He had so much to tell her, so much that he needed to explain and have her understand. He was still unsure of how he could navigate the distance issue, but if he could convince her to at least give them a chance, he would move heaven and earth to make it happen.
By the time he arrived at his house, it was after eight on Friday night. He got settled quickly, checked the fridge and cabinets and found them both lacking. He’d have to make a run to the market in the morning and simply order in for now.
He pulled out his phone and was as nervous as if he was calling to ask the most popular girl in school to the prom. What if she didn’t answer? Worse, what if she wouldn’t talk to him? He swallowed down his trepidation. If he didn’t call he’d never know. He placed the call to her number and waited.
* * *
Kai was in her workroom going through her photos. She’d finally agreed to have some of them on display at the local gallery. It was Tiffany that convinced her to go for it. She had an incredible talent and it was selfish of her to keep it to herself, Tiffany insisted. The world needed to see Kai’s work.
As she sifted through the photos, her heart and her hands stopped when her gaze fell on the photo of Anthony that she’d taken all those months ago. Her pulse quickened and tears suddenly stung her eyes. Why couldn’t things have been different? She’d felt a connection to him from that very first instant. He’d haunted her thoughts and taken up space in her head long before they’d actually met. And when they did...you couldn’t have told her that love at first sight didn’t exist. She knew that it did. That’s what hurt her so deeply. She’d never admit it, not even to Tiffany, but she’d fallen in love with him from the moment she’d seen him that rainy day. The tragedy of it all was that she didn’t realize it until he was
gone.
The distant ringing of her phone drew her back. She scanned the top of her desk. She heard the phone but didn’t see it. She lifted folders and photos and finally discovered it. She pressed the talk icon without thinking.
“Hello?”
“It’s Anthony.”
Heat rushed through her, and her heart hammered so hard in her chest she couldn’t breathe.
“Hi,” she managed.
“How are you?”
“Fine. You?”
“I miss you. I miss you like crazy.”
“Anthony, don’t—”
“I’m in town for the weekend. I’m at my house. I want to see you, Kai. I need to see you.”
Her skin tingled. “I...when?”
He took a breath of relief. “Now. I can be there in ten minutes.”
She swallowed over the dry knot in her throat. “Okay.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
She disconnected the call and held the phone to her chest as champagne bubbles of excitement popped through her veins. What had she just done?
The next ten minutes were the longest of her life, but she still didn’t have enough time. She ran around straightening up, washed her face, fluffed her hair and brushed her teeth. Jasper was trailing behind her as if she was a puppy treat.
Even though she was expecting it, when the front doorbell rang it shocked her system. Every muscle vibrated. She tugged in a long breath to calm herself and went to the door. Nothing prepared her for the reality of seeing Anthony again. Her soul cried out with joy. And when he smiled at her, crossed the threshold and looked into her eyes...
“Hey,” he said in a raw whisper.
Her heart galloped. “Hey.” She took a step back to let him in, and her eyes momentarily fluttered closed when she caught a whiff of his scent. She shut the door and followed him inside.
“Have a seat,” she said, extending her hand toward the couch. Her gaze quickly swept over his rugged handsomeness: from the late-day stubble on his rich chocolate jaw, to the open collar of the baby-blue cotton shirt, to the thick black belt that hugged his waist, to the washedout jeans that were butter-soft to the touch and covered a treasure trove of delights beneath.
