by Cari Quinn
While she was distracted with sparkles, he eased one of the bags out of her hand. “Whatcha looking at?”
“Diamonds. What else?”
“Me, I’m looking at pearls.”
And already imagining what Lila would look like in that necklace. Only that necklace.
Nick nodded at the nearest sales associate, who was eyeing the pair of them as if they were planning a holiday heist. The dude was about to get the surprise of his life. “Hello, sir. We’d like some help.”
“Yeah, I need me some bling.” Jazz popped up on her Converse sneakers to peer at the far end of the case. “Like that banging bracelet. Can you see me in that?”
“Miss, that item is one of our most expensive.” If the sales associate had looked down any further at Jazz, his chin would’ve been on the floor.
“Pretty sure she can pay, since her bank account has more zeroes than you have diamonds in this place.” Nick kept his smile in place, but only because he really wanted that necklace.
Imagining Lila in pearls—and only pearls—was enough of a fantasy to last him for a lifetime. Now he needed to make it a reality.
“Is that so?”
“It’s so.” Jazz gave Nick the side eye and tugged out her wallet. “Not sure what my friend wants, but it’s Christmastime and mama wants some frost. I’m about to buy a really inappropriate gift in the interest of self-love. Talk me off the ledge.”
“Get it. Don’t they have squeezing out the kid gifts or something?” Nick looped an arm around her shoulders as the sales associate alternated between looking shocked at Nick’s commentary and eager that Jazz might be able to pony up some moolah.
“That’s not talking me off the ledge. I need to buy diapers. We just bought a house.”
“A house with how many bedrooms?” Nick asked, making sure the guy was listening.
Jazz blushed faintly. “Eight.”
“Miss, your…companion is right. Treating yourself is a woman’s prerogative.” The sales dude nearly tripped over his mouth-sized feet in his hurry to kiss Jazz’s ass. “You certainly deserve it.”
“She does, and not because you say so. Do you listen to music,” Nick dropped his gaze to the associate’s discreet name tag, “Steve? If so, then perhaps you’ve heard of a local rock band named Oblivion?”
Steve straightened his bowtie. “I’m afraid rock isn’t my genre of choice.”
“Of course not. But perhaps sometime you could stop by our house in the hills to check out our gold records.” His smile never faltered as Jazz jerked her elbow into his ribs. “Anyway, she’d like the bracelet, and I’d like that pearl necklace. The long, black one.”
“I’m not sure,” Jazz mumbled, gnawing on her lower lip. “It’s really expensive.”
“Should I call Gray right now and ask what he thinks?”
“He’d say to buy it if I really want it, impractical or not. He’s a softie.”
“He loves you.”
“Yeah.” Her cheeks glowed as she ducked her head and smiled.
Nick cleared his throat at the tightness in his chest. Not because she was clearly so in love with her husband, but because he wondered—not for the first time—what that was like.
He was beginning to think he already knew. Or at least he was on his way to knowing, and God, that scared him to death.
“It’s actually on sale right now, just until the close of business.” The associate named a price that would’ve made Nick’s jaw drop if he hadn’t had his eye on a necklace that cost even more.
The thing was long, which meant a lot of pearls. Lila tended toward a more classic single strand style, but Nick already had more inventive ideas of what to do with this particular item.
Dual purpose for the win.
“Just get it,” he said to Jazz, since she was wavering so hard that she was practically bouncing on her sneakers. “You can wear it on New Year’s Eve,” he added, remembering that he’d somehow gotten talked into babysitting so that Gray and Jazz could go out.
He still couldn’t believe they were entrusting their practically newborn child to him, but apparently, he exuded an air of capability with the kid. Or else they couldn’t get anyone else to watch the baby on relatively short notice on New Year’s.
Much more likely.
“Yes, I could. That’d be perfect. It’ll go so well with my dress. Gray’s eyes are gonna pop out.” She grinned and released her death grip on her wallet long enough to pry out her credit card. “Oh, what the hell. Go ahead and charge it.”
Shockingly, the sales guy was now all smiles. “Excellent. Will that be on your platinum card?”
“As a matter of fact, yes, it will.” Jazz handed over her newly minted card with a triumphant smile. She’d been over the moon to qualify for such a fancy card, and she’d danced through their apartment with the mail for half an hour.
Then she’d promptly gone to buy a bunch of odds and ends at the discount store.
Once a poor kid, always a poor kid on the inside. Nick understood that well.
“Wonderful.” The sales dude took her card and went off to complete the transaction.
Jazz signed for the bracelet with a flourish, then decided to wear it out of the store. “Do they really have a gift thing for pushing out a kid?” She traced her finger over the three diamond chips and gold interlocking circles on top of the bracelet. “If so, I definitely deserve something, because wow, my boy has a fat head. He’s beautiful and perfect, but oh my God, ow.”
Nick cringed and squeezed his legs together. Even knowing he would never have to contend with such indignities himself, the idea was enough to make him want to buy industrial strength condoms.
From the expression on the salesclerk’s face, he wasn’t faring much better.
“Well, yes, then you definitely merited such a lovely purchase. I hope you enjoy it. And um, congratulations on your baby.” The salesman cleared his throat. “Sir, you mentioned pearls? We have a lovely selection.”
Nick smirked. He was used to Jazz’s form of bald honesty. This guy was not.
“Yes, I know which one I want.” Nick walked to the mannequin and tapped her shoulder. “This one, please.”
“A wonderful choice. This, however, is not on sale.”
“I don’t care.” Nick set his mouth in a hard line. “I want it.”
“You have a discerning eye. I must applaud your taste.” The sales dude discreetly flipped over the tiny tag so that Nick could see the price.
That he didn’t stagger back and fall to his knees was a miracle.
He almost asked why he couldn’t get the same price as Jazz’s impromptu purchase. That had been outrageous enough.
This was pure insanity.
“These are baroque Tahitian pearls, so rare that only a few strands of them exist in the world. Certainly you won’t find another strand of this length, which is perfect if your wife enjoys a more layered style.”
“Uh, no, she’s not my wife. Not. Nope, no way.” Nick ran his fingertip along his collar. “She’s actually another guy’s wife. Technically. They’re almost divorced, I guess.”
The salesman brushed a shaky hand over his combover. “Well, then, your…err, friend would appreciate a piece with such versatility.”
“I’m sure she would, but holy shit.” Nick slid a sidelong glance at Jazz, who was still drooling over her bracelet. “Hey, wanna spot me that platinum card? Might as well break it in properly.”
Jazz narrowed her eyes. “You’ve been spending your own money just fine.”
“Yeah, well, I didn’t bring enough to cover—” He swallowed and avoided glancing at the price tag. If he didn’t, maybe he wouldn’t throw up. “I only have one credit card, and I don’t carry it with me. Christ, you know I’m good for it. Just dig out my stash under my mattress when we get back to our place. Be careful with the dirty magazines.”
He was totally lying to get the sales dude going. From the way the guy coughed, he’d fallen for the bait. Either
Nick’s dirty magazines or their unusual living arrangement had thoroughly blown his mind.
Probably both.
“Fine, fine. I know you’re a complete miser. You gotta have it. How much is—” Jazz leaned forward to glance at the tag and let out a squeal. “Oh my God, that’s fucking nuts. You’ve gotta love her.”
“Shh.” Nick shifted his bags to the other hand and grabbed Jazz’s wrist. “Keep your voice down.”
Jazz bit her lip. “Sorry. But that’s seriously some cash. It’s gorgeous though.” She trailed a fingertip over the pearls. “She’ll adore it.”
“Well, then. Isn’t this a coincidence.” That cool, sexy voice combined with the click of heels on the tiled floor made Nick pivot—and unintentionally dig his fingers into Jazz’s wrist.
Lila. Naturally they had to run into her then, of all times. And she was staring at his hand circling Jazz’s wrist.
He dropped his hand immediately. If he didn’t have shitty luck, he’d have none at all.
Time for serious damage control.
“You need to leave,” he told Lila. He kept his voice calm. As calm as it could be when his perfect Christmas gift was about to be ruined.
That wasn’t even taking into account she might not want his present. Or anything to do with him at all.
He wasn’t known for his fits of optimism. Man, he’d picked a fine time to start.
“Excuse me?” Lila lifted one wispy blond brow and adjusted her hold on her shiny red purse. Jazz would’ve called it power red. He’d obviously been spending too much time with chicks if he knew that. “I do believe this store is open to all and I have free agency to do as I please.”
“Mrs. Shawcross, so lovely to see you again. What might you be in the market for today?”
“Hi Lila. Killer purse. New?” Jazz’s perky question might’ve saved the day if not for the fact he just wanted to make his purchase and leave. What the hell good was Christmas if he couldn’t hide the gift until it was time for the big unveiling?
And at that price, the unveiling was gonna be frigging ginormous.
“Hello Jasmine.” Lila gave Jazz a thin smile. “No, I’ve had the bag for a while. Just thought it fit the holiday.”
With nary a glance in Nick’s direction, she then strode toward the erstwhile Steve. “I’m actually here to pick up something I reserved over the phone.”
“Ah, yes, Mrs. Shawcross. Wonderful. Let me go get it out of the back.”
“Hey, hello, mid-purchase here. Big money. What the hell?” he muttered, narrowing his eyes at Steve’s retreating back.
Cash might talk, but evidently, Lila’s spoke louder than his.
Not that he could fully blame good ol’ Steve for jumping when Lila snapped. To say she was gorgeous was an understatement. With all that long blond hair falling down her back, those shrewd blue eyes that assessed everything in a minute flat and a body that wouldn’t quit, she was the kind of woman who drew second and third looks. But her mind, wit and heart drew him even more than the external. Pretty wrapping paper didn’t mean shit if the inside didn’t match up.
“Guess she’s not leaving,” Jazz mumbled, running a finger over her new bracelet.
“Sorry if I interrupted,” Lila said coolly, flipping her hair back without sparing him a look. She rarely wore her hair down, and the sight just made him want to mess it up. To pull on those wavy strands while he feasted on her neck and teased out those moans she gave him so readily when they were alone.
“Interrupted what?” Jazz asked, glancing between them in confusion.
Nick smothered a groan. Christ, Lila was never going to give it a rest when it came to him and Jazz. He didn’t really get how Lila could still be jealous of his extremely brief—and extremely in the past—thing with Jazz when she’d all but told him she didn’t want to see him anymore.
She being Lila, that is.
Which sucked, but he could be okay with some in the dark action. Lights weren’t always necessary. If she wanted to go back to secret screwing, he could get on board with that.
For a while anyway.
“Lila seems to still think we’re harboring feelings or some shit for each other.” He didn’t want to embarrass Lila, and he definitely didn’t want to extend this encounter any longer than necessary, but it had to be said.
Jazz boggled for thirty seconds, her eyes huge. “You’re kidding, right?” She started to laugh so hard that she had to drop the bags she was carrying in favor of clutching her stomach. “Oh my God. That’s awesome.”
“I do not think that, thank you very much, Nicholas.” Lila’s focus remained on Jazz’s fit of hysterics. “Though you certainly seem amused by the idea.”
“Him? Me? Still? Noooo. Oh my God, no way.” Jazz let out another snorting laugh. “We were a thing for like a nanosecond. We only slept together that one time, with Gray.”
Naturally, Steve picked that moment to reappear. He faltered at Jazz’s latest declaration then straightened his shoulders and soldiered on. “Mrs. Shawcross, here’s your purchase, already boxed and ready for you. Incredible selection as always.” He passed her a small black bag and cast a sickly smile in the direction of Nick and Jazz. “How do you know these two…fine individuals?”
Nick coughed into his fist. Still smarting from Jazz’s fit at his expense—yeah, they were so far beyond over it wasn’t worth mentioning, but she didn’t have to find the idea that entertaining—he had to hold his tongue from truly blowing Steve’s mind.
Hey, remember that wife I was buying the pearls for? You know, my secret lover? You’re looking at her, bub. Don’t look too hard either.
Lila’s lips twitched. She must’ve picked up on Steve’s tone too. “I’m their manager. They’re part of Oblivion.” At Steve’s blank look, she prompted, “The band?”
“Oh. Uh, yes, that’s right. They mentioned that. How nice.”
Lila nodded and gripped her bag. “Thank you for your help as always. I’m sure I’ll be back soon.”
“Oh, please return anytime. We truly appreciate your business. Happy holidays!”
“Wait,” Nick said, gripping Lila’s arm as she turned to walk away.
“Now you want to talk to me?”
“Oh, for Christ’s sake, I always wanted to talk to you. I just didn’t want you to see your Christmas gift.”
“My lord,” Steve gasped. He recovered marginally as Nick and Lila glanced back at him. “Sorry. I felt a sneeze coming on.” Quickly, he turned away from the counter and busied himself doing something else. Probably writing up his resignation letter.
At this point, Nick almost couldn’t blame him.
“My Christmas gift?” Lila’s low question brought Nick’s attention back front and center.
He dipped his hands into his pockets. “Yeah. Don’t tell me not to buy you one, because I am. I have to. I saw something and it’s just you. And it’s for me to give to you, so don’t argue. Please.”
“Aww.”
They frowned in Jazz’s direction but she swiftly turned her head away to admire some dangling earrings hanging off a display.
Lila frowned and stared at the floor, giving him no choice but to tuck her hair behind one ear so she’d look at him again. Startled, she glanced around to make sure they hadn’t been seen by anyone else, and then let out a sigh. “I got you something too.”
He wanted—needed—to see her smile again. It had been too long since he’d experienced the simple enjoyment of watching her big blue eyes soften with pleasure. “Let me guess. These tasteful diamond earrings?” He tapped the box in the bag she was carrying. “I’m not pierced yet, but for you, I just might think about it.”
Steve crept closer, daring to tuck away a tray of rings. It was probably getting close to the store’s early closing hours due to the holiday.
A slight flush tinged Lila’s cheeks. “Not pierced where? Ears or elsewhere?”
Nick didn’t even bother glancing at Steve. Anytime now he’d probably drop to the floo
r.
“I have no piercings anywhere.” He lowered his voice. “Have you forgotten so soon?”
Her lips trembled. “I haven’t forgotten anything.”
“Me either.”
She swallowed hard enough to make her throat ripple. “So what kind of piercings do you favor?”
He had to chuckle. She certainly seemed to have leaped upon that idea. He leaned close enough to murmur against her hair, “Maybe I’ll get a Prince Albert, just for you.”
Not bloody likely, but it was fun to tease her, especially when her eyebrows drew together and that little wrinkle appeared above her nose.
“If you don’t know what that is, Google it,” he suggested. “Then we’ll chat.”
Talking about dicks had to be a good start toward a night of romance, right? As long as it didn’t lead to anyone coming at him with any really sharp and painful implements. He nearly shuddered. The thought of that was almost as disturbing as large heads protruding from tiny openings.
Lila nodded and stepped back, then she tilted her head in that adorable way she had. And if he was thinking anything his dragon lady manager did was adorable, he was clearly losing his mind.
Or else he was just lost. Over her.
“I’ll see you tonight?” she asked.
He smiled. She was coming over. Everything would be okay. He’d make sure of it. “Yes.”
She nodded again and glanced past him to Jazz. “See you later, Jazz.”
“Sure thing. And make him pierce his dick!”
When Steve dropped his tray of rings, scattering them all over the floor, Nick only laughed.
Damn, his life was a freaking circus.
Once Steve had recovered from his latest indignity, Nick paid for the pearls with Jazz’s credit card, though she made sure to call Gray first to warn him about their “recent expenditures.” On the way home, he made Jazz stop at a nearly deserted tree farm and grabbed a small Charlie Brown-sized one for his bedroom. Gray had dragged in one for them earlier in the month and it loomed large in the living room, and Jazz had added a ton of decorations to the windows and around the mantle, but the rest of the house was largely undecorated.
