Diamonds & Desire: The Priceless Collection

by Gill, Angelita

  Their food arrived, and after a few bites, he said, “Jordana, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.” He wiped his hands on the napkin, then reached in his pocket and pulled a brown mailing envelope. Squeezing it open, he plucked out a few decorative greeting-like cards.

  “What are those?” she asked.

  “Party invitations. Autumn is one of the busiest seasons for social obligations. At least, it is for me. I told Ashtyn to narrow it down to those that I absolutely cannot decline, because my schedule is already more than full. I have a trip to Hong Kong coming up, and I’ll be away for at least two weeks for that. Then I have to fly to Dallas to finalize a project of ours. We’re opening a new branch down there. Anyway.”

  He held up a white 5x7 card with black lettering in flowing font. “These are in no particular order. The black and white ball in L.A. honoring one of my mother’s closest friends, Marguerite Grey, who was like a second mom to me when I was little. They’re giving her an honorary award in daytime television. My mother says I have to go out of respect, only I know she’s insisting I attend so she can try to match me off with one of the dozen or so actresses’ single daughters. Functions like that used to be a good time, but I’ve learned many times over that, oh how can I put this?” He slowly smiled. “I learned long ago I can’t handle an actress. Whether she’s a soap, reality, or movie star. They’re a lot of fun at first, but a challenge to keep up with. You see, my mother is…a handful. Felt a lot like living in a soap when I was young.”

  The name Savant coupled with his mother being an actress made her perk up. “Wait a second. Is your mom Deidre Savant? The Deidre Savant from the show Heart’s Horizon?”

  He nodded with a half-smile. “You know it?”

  “Of course I do. It’s one of the longest running soap operas on TV! I used to watch it all the time. Your mother was the ultimate villainess with a heart of gold. Is she still acting?” How come she didn’t put this together earlier? Maybe because he rarely mentioned his parents during their luncheon conversations.

  “She exited the screen a few years ago and lives here now. Sometimes she thinks she’s the still star, however.”

  “No wonder you dated so many actresses.”

  He laughed. “A few, not many. Like I said, I had my share of fun, but one thespian in my life is more than enough.”

  Jealousy curdled through her blood, but Jordana bat it down, hoping the useless emotion didn’t show in her face. He’d look so good on the arm of a beautiful actress, and would fit in the world of glamour and entertainment without effort. How many had he slept with? And why would a man who’s dated everyone from models to actresses be interested in her?

  She wasn’t the only one who pondered it. Lucee and Piper had their theories after Googling him and seeing his rep as a serious ladies man. They came to the conclusion he’d gotten bored of his usual type and wanted to date someone “real.” Whatever that meant.

  “Penny for your thoughts?”

  She jerked, blushing. “Sorry. I was just thinking…” Of some excuse to cover my wandering mind. “That you could’ve been an actor yourself. Did you ever consider becoming one?” Totally pulled that one from thin air, but now that she’d asked she was genuinely interested in the answer.

  He shrugged and took a moment’s pause before he responded. “I think of acting as something one decides to do, one is passionate about, at a young age. That was never me. Much to my mom’s disdain, I have a lot of my dad’s temperament and personality. Range of emotion, at least the ability to show it at the snap of a finger, isn’t a talent I possess like she does. Maybe when I was thirteen I gave acting a passing consideration, after I met kids my age who worked in showbiz. Actors get all the pretty girls, I noticed,” he added, and she chuckled. “My father started bringing me to the office once he became aware of how much time I was spending on the set after school. I complained, but believe it or not, after a while I found his day a lot more fascinating. He was constantly on the move. Meeting men who were larger than life who talked fast and loud like he did. Going places for luncheons, dissecting a business, telling me his gut feelings about this or that investment. I got to see how deals were played out day by day, week by week, and I was hooked. Now I’m doing business with those businessmen’s sons. Nothing else I’d rather do,” he added with a proud sincerity.

  “Oh, wow. What a story.”

  “Plus,” he drawled with a one-shoulder shrug. “I stuttered like a tea kettle until I was eleven. Actors can’t stutter.”

  “You didn’t!”

  He nodded. “Oh yeah. Took a long time and some therapy to get over it.”

  “I can’t believe it. You’re such a…smooth talker.”

  He laughed. “It’s a helpful skill.”

  She knew full well how devoted he was to the company he grandfather founded. Not to mention how adept he was at handling ventures other than Savant Financial Group. The substantial property holdings and restaurants in New York and Los Angeles were also impressive. What she found surprising was that he didn’t boast or brag about his success like some, and didn’t behave like a stereotypical spoiled silver-spoon. One of the reasons she had begun to adore him as much as she desired him. Humility was hot. “You know, you’re a little young to be a CEO. I thought people had to put in a lot more time before being crowned king of the mountain.”

  He gave a single nod. “I’ll take that as a compliment. It’s a different world now. Back when my father was my age, there was little chance he would’ve been appointed to the top. In fact, he wasn’t until his mid-fifties. But he and Grandpa recognized the industry has changed and a younger leader can be more of an asset than a risk. Nowadays it’s more common. Many companies have CEOs who are under forty.”

  She shrugged with a grin. “Oh well, Hollywood’s loss. You would’ve made an excellent James Bond. If James Bond was American.”

  He grinned, dimple deepening. “Thanks, Jordana. Okay, back on topic.” He picked up the next invitation, a black one this time, with shiny blue script. “The masquerade for the Face of the Bay Foundation. One of my personal favorites, an organization created years ago to keep the Bay its picturesque self.” Trading that invite for another, he showed her an ivory card with red calligraphy. “The Unchained benefit. To help raise money towards efforts in ending human trafficking. My company sponsors this one, so it’s a must. And finally,” he flipped up the last like a magician showing his final card, “Bridges of Marin County, a group to help disadvantaged youth and teens, getting them off the streets, in jobs, in schools. Miranda is on the board and made me promise to go because I missed last year’s. Anyway, these functions are all black tie, all cannot miss.” He set the invites down, fanned them out before her, then folded his hands together. “I was wondering—hoping actually,” he amended with a crooked smile, “that you would accompany me to these, if you aren’t already busy on those dates.”

  She gave a start. “Me?” she exclaimed.

  “Don’t look so shocked. Since my last go-to date is no longer an option, I need someone to take her place. I can’t promise you much, but there will be plenty of food, endless drinks, and a close up view of the most ostentatious ass-kissing. You may quote as much literature as you want, too.”

  Her laughter belied her skepticism. “There must be a dozen other women who would love to be your go-to date. The kinds who are experienced and—sophisticated.”

  He eyed her, cocking his head. “I happen to think you’re very sophisticated.”

  “I’m many things, but that’s not one of them.”

  For a few discomforting moments, he studied her, a small smile moving his mouth. “I disagree. You have your own blend of grace and a genuineness people are drawn to. For instance, do you even know,” he said, leaning in, “when you walk in a room, and smile at everyone from the host to the busboy, people notice? Then they smile at me, because I’m the lucky g
uy who’s with you.” He leaned back with a casual shrug. “And I don’t want anyone else. I want to go with you. A woman who won’t drive me crazy because she needs me to introduce her to so-and-so and can’t stop talking about how much weight other women have gained, or who had plastic surgery. I need someone I actually like being around. I need you.”

  With those eyes and that incredibly thoughtful plea, how could she turn him down now? He wouldn’t have asked her if he didn’t think she was up for the job. Not that being with Logan resembled anything close to work. Isn’t this what she hoped for? To spend more time with him that didn’t include the noon hour and her in scrubs? “Okay. Count me in.”

  “Really? Just like that?”

  “Were you expecting a debate?”

  “I was prepared in case you said no. I had a whole list of persuasive points ready. Spent an hour working on them, you know.”

  “Save them for the next request,” she smiled. “When’s the first event?”

  “A week from Saturday. I’ll have Ashtyn call you with the details.”

  Attending posh events with one of the hottest bachelors in the city. Now that was enough to make a girl’s stomach tie in delicious knots. If only she had a little more practice dressing up and hobnobbing with the Bay’s elite. Remembering how they interacted at the children’s benefit, talking about their money, their yachts, their expensive hobbies, and she worried she’d stick out like someone who doesn’t belong next to Logan.

  Gazing at him as he asked the waitress for more water, she determined to put insecurities away and revel in the fact he asked her. Someone he liked, she thought with a private smile.

  After lunch, as they walked outside to wait for the car, Jordana’s cell phone vibrated in her pocket, and she plucked it out. She jumped with a smile, eyes wide. “Logan, it’s my sister. Finally!”

  “Good. Take your time. I’ll wait by the car.”

  She plugged one ear and answered. “Lucee, you waited long enough to call me. I was getting worried about you.”

  “Hey sis! You’re always worried for no reason.” The reception cut out with a several bursts of static, punctuated by short syllables of Lucee’s voice.

  Jordana plugged her ear. “You’re breaking up. Where are you?”

  More static. “Sorry! It’s the wind. Adam rented a convertible for the weekend.”

  “Are you coming for dinner this week?” Jordana asked, straining to hear. “I’ll make that vegan dish you like. There’s a Housewives marathon starting tomorrow.”

  “Jordana! Can you hear me? I’ve got some news for you!” More wind.

  “What news?”

  The reception came in crystal clear as her sister announced, “I’m getting married!”

  Jordana froze. “What!”

  “You heard me,” her sister exclaimed. “We’re eloping to Vegas!”

  She whipped around, unable to hide her shock as Logan watched her with a curious gaze. “Lucee! Oh my god, you’re kidding.”

  “Why would I kid about that? I want you to be there if you can! Will you come? Be my maid of honor and a witness? We’ll be there tomorrow to get the license and hopefully find a chapel on Saturday. That will give you plenty of time to get your boney buns down there. I know you have tomorrow off.”

  Lucee thought twenty-four hour notice was plenty of time? Only in her world. Words wouldn’t come out of Jordana’s mouth, even though she had so many things to say. Yet she knew asking her sister what the heck she was thinking would get her nowhere on the phone. Especially since every other word was cut off. “I...you’re on your way to Vegas now?”

  Lucee didn’t answer her right away, filling Jordana’s ear with giggles and second-hand conversation with Adam. “Lucee! Pay attention.”

  “I’m here. Aren’t you happy for me?”

  “I...I can’t believe…I mean, you never mentioned you and Adam were thinking about marriage. I want to talk about this.”

  Static cut the reception again, breaking Lucee’s words into incoherent bursts. “No time...hotel...can’t wait to see...don’t worry... I’ll call you tomorrow with the details! Love you!”

  “Don’t hang up yet. Lucee!” Jordana pulled the cell from her ear. “Call ended” flashed on the screen. She dropped her arm. The conversation was over and Jordana had barely been a part of it. Lucee was eloping to Las Vegas, that’s all she really got out of it. But Lucee couldn’t get married! She’d only been dating Adam for less than a year. Though he was sweet to Jordana and openly adored her sister, nothing about him screamed perfect husband material. He was a struggling actor and part-time waiter, and up until two weeks ago, didn’t have much of a future going. From what Jordana surmised, their relationship was based on passion and parties, not things to build a lasting marriage on.

  Her thoughts were broken by Logan’s warm, steady hand on her shoulder. “You look pale.”

  Tom opened the door for them.

  “I need to sit down.” She climbed in the cool interior.

  Logan got in next to her, concern etched on his handsome face. “Now tell me what’s going on.”

  She grabbed his hand and squeezed, as if she could physically share some of her anxiety. “My sister is eloping.”

  There was a pause, and he lifted a brow. “I take it you’re not exactly thrilled about it.”

  “She can’t elope!” Jordana burst out. “They haven’t been together long enough. It’ll never work. They’ll get married, it won’t be anything she imagines, he’ll break her heart, and she’ll be devastated.”

  “That’s quite the conclusion you’re making. All right. It’s not the end of the world. Take a deep breath,” he suggested, and she obeyed. “Okay, so tell me a little bit about her fiancé. Is he abusive, shady, something to worry about?”

  Jordana thought a moment about the blonde actor, and couldn’t honestly say something bad about his character. “Well, no. He’s from Arizona, likes to talk about comic superheroes and wears funny, inappropriate t-shirts but he’s not the worst guy on the planet she could be dating. Er, marrying. Ugh! They’re driving to Vegas as we speak.”

  Logan’s mouth twisted as he gave a one-shoulder shrug. “He sounds pretty harmless.”

  “It isn’t really about Adam as a person. I just don’t think either of them know what they’re doing.” She realized she was still gripping Logan’s hand and released it, digging for her cell phone again. She called her sister. Straight to voicemail. Looked like she didn’t have a choice. She dialed the doctor’s office. “Piper. Finish up whatever you’re doing and lock up the office. You can start your long weekend early.” She took a deep breath. “I’m going to Vegas.”

  ***

  Logan couldn’t help but smile as Jordana ended her call. “Vegas?” He signaled for Tom to take five outside. “You’re going to the wedding after all?”

  “I’m going to pump the brakes on the wedding, or at least talk some sense into my sister before she takes this blind leap into matrimony,” she answered. “How long does it take to drive there? She’s got a couple hours head start, but she said they won’t be getting married until Saturday. I think it’s about a nine hour drive? Not too bad.”

  He frowned, resting his arm on the back of the seat. “You’re going to drive there?”

  Someone with a jet would hardly relate. “A last minute flight is always expensive, and I’d rather have a car so I don’t have to rely on taxis or a rental.” Her expression said her mind was definitely made up. “Hopefully my Ford makes it without hassle. It’s been acting up lately.”

  A long drive with an unreliable vehicle? Didn’t sound very safe to him at all. “Will you at least take someone with you?” He didn’t know why he was interrogating her like this.

  “Hm. I’d like to, but I don’t want to ask any of my friends to go to Vegas when my intentions are strictly to pound some sense into
my sister. It’s too last minute. I plan to get home, reserve a hotel, pack, and drive out tonight.”

  “You’ve been up all day,” he pointed out. “Do you really think you’ll make the drive, by yourself, without any sleep?”

  “I could with a big gulp of coffee! If I have to, I’ll stop at a hotel on the way and finish the drive tomorrow.”

  Yeah, he didn’t like that. “I really advise you to take someone with you. You could split the cost and it’d be a lot safer than going alone.”

  She flipped a hand. “I’ve done plenty of things alone. I moved to the West Coast alone. I paid for college courses alone. I planned my parent’s funerals, made sure my sister stayed out of drugs, and learned how to survive in this city alone. Driving to Vegas by myself is nothing.” She smiled wistfully, then sighed. “I just wish my sister had given me a little more of a heads up, but this is as good as it gets with her. I’m thankful she didn’t call me after the fact.”

  Logan drew his brows together, studying her. He admired her more every day. The steady older sister taking care of the rebellious little sister, stepping in as a parent, and trying to start her own life at the same time. Even so, her plan didn’t sit right with him. Not one bit. Just as he was about to offer to buy her a first class plane ticket, an alternative idea sprung to mind. “You can take my plane.”

  Her hazel eyes shot to his. “Say again?”

  “I’ll have my pilot fly you to Vegas. He can have you there tonight in ninety minutes.” The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. He had the means and resources to make it happen.

  Her mouth dropped with a small “o” as she blinked several times. She obviously didn’t see that offer coming. “Logan…that’s very kind of you, but I don’t need any help. Really. But thank you. I don’t mind the drive. Even with an easy flight there, I’d still have to get around the city—”

  “Done. I’ll arrange a suite at the LaVoisier, I always stay there when I’m in Vegas. And I’ll have the concierge hire a chauffeur to take you wherever you want to go, twenty-four hours a day. It’ll only take a few phone calls to make the arrangements.”