I snorted. “Bent, do you ever watch TV like a normal person? I’ve seen all their commercials. ‘Ollies, try before you buy!’ is their slogan. They’ll make you a ring right here. Or you can take your idea elsewhere, which is probably the better option.” I leaned close. “We’ll keep that part to ourselves.”
He scoped the room. “All of these men have women with them to try the damn ring on, Aiden. I doubt Emmy’s size four will even fit on your baby finger. Any of our baby fingers. How is that gonna help me?”
“First, we’ll find some styles you like, then figure that out.”
Maddox leaned close. “Holy shit, there are a lot of women trying on rings. Who knew getting engaged was that popular?”
I looked around, noticing a few of the women by themselves eyeing us. Some of their gazes were frank, taking in the three of us standing stock-still and looking like idiots.
“We need to move or we’re gonna get picked off,” I mumbled. “We’re causing a distraction.”
“The hormone level in here is through the roof. Jesus. Diamonds, gold, and women. It’s frightening,” Maddox muttered. “Maybe the internet isn’t such a bad thing after all.”
A shriek behind us made us all jump. One woman had her arms flung around her man’s neck, squealing in happiness. Other women were glancing her way, their looks ranging from amused to downright jealous.
“Christ,” Bentley mumbled. “It’s like feeding time at the zoo. One of them gets the meat, and the others all want it.”
Maddox’s eyes were wide behind his glasses. “The sound starts a frenzy.” He swallowed, looking around frantically. “The chaos is…intense.”
“Yeah, the atmosphere is so romantic. Perfect place for me to pick out a ring for my soulmate. Great call, Aiden,” Bentley hissed.
“The commercials made it seem more, ah, restrained and civilized,” I admitted.
“What a mastermind this Ollie guy is,” Maddox mused as another shriek sounded. “It’s marketing genius. Get a few of them in here, let them try on all the rings they want, gape over the big rocks. No self-respecting man is going to let some other chump beat him out ring-wise. He wants his girl happy too. The things sell like hotcakes once it gets going. Brilliant idea.”
“Brilliant or not, I don’t think I can handle this for very long,” Bentley admitted. “It’s fucking scary.”
I groaned, knowing our time was limited. “Follow me.”
We moved through the many display cases. Bentley would pick up the occasional ring, slide it on the tip of his baby finger, then set it down. The choices seemed endless. There were people everywhere, voices talking loudly, and more excited shrieks from women who had picked out a ring. It was overwhelming, and I could sense Bentley’s frustration. Finally, I gave in and decided we needed some help. Scanning the crowd, I picked out my target.
“Stay here.”
I made my way over to some saleswomen standing in the corner. They all looked at me, commission signs flashing in their eyes, anxious for me to pick them. One woman, though, stood out. Mature, small, and delicate, she would work well. She was dressed more casually than the others were and had a different vibe. She didn’t seem to care one way or another if I chose her. I walked straight in her direction, ignoring the rest of them.
She met my gaze calmly. “May I help you?”
“My friend is getting married. We need a ring.”
“My sincere congratulations.”
“His girl takes a size four.”
“That’s my ring size.”
I fist-punched the air. I knew it.
“I don’t think we’re going to buy the ring here,” I told her, being honest. “If that puts you off helping us, I get it.”
“Not at all. I don’t work here.”
“But you were standing by the salesgirls!”
“You were standing by a case of rings, but it didn’t make you one of them, now did it?” she retorted with a twinkle in her eye. She leaned closer. “I work elsewhere. I’m a friend of the owner’s. He knows I pop in on occasion to scope out the place, and he’s good with it since our clientele is different. He drops by my place on occasion as well. In fact, I was speaking with him when you came in.”
“So, you can’t help me?”
“On the contrary, I think I can help Mr. Ridge find exactly what he needs. Ollie told me to keep an eye on you.”
Instantly, I was on alert. “How do you know his name?”
She laughed quietly. “He’s rather well-known. We recognized him right away. All three of you actually—you do tend to stand out.” She winked. “I think your secret is safe. The girls here are a bit too young to know who he is. Besides, they’re interested in commission, not the men buying the rings.”
I studied her face. She gazed back, calm and steady. I made a decision and held out my arm. “Shall we?”
She slid her hand around my bicep and squeezed. “I’m all yours.”
Darlene was perfect. She listened to Bentley describe Emmy, then she showed him a few settings she thought would be appropriate. When he talked carat size, mentioning six or seven carats, she shook her head. “Larger is not better, Bentley. Quality is of the utmost importance.”
“I can do both.”
“The way you describe her, your Emmy wouldn’t be comfortable with a large ring.” She selected a large diamond, inserting it into a setting and sliding it on her finger. “Do you see?”
“It looks like a skating rink on your hand,” Maddox observed. “Showy.”
“Exactly.” She chose another one, smaller but still eye-catching “Now, this. Beautiful. Elegant.”
“I like that,” Bentley admitted.
“It’s a radiant cut. Very special and looks lovely on small hands. The cut will reflect the brilliance of a perfect diamond. It will set it apart from others, which I believe is what you are looking for. For her hand, three carats would be perfect.” She gave him a wink. “The right jeweler can procure the perfect stone for you.”
I tapped the glass. “What about that one?”
“Ah.” She slid it from the case and onto her hand. “You have a good eye. It’s an Asscher cut. Very rare. Another lovely choice, but better suited to a longer finger and a slighter larger hand. This one should be a minimum of three carats to show the artistry of the cuts. Four is ideal in my opinion. Otherwise, it gets a little flashy.”
For some reason, I stored that piece of information away.
“I like the other one better,” Maddox stated. “What about you, Bent?”
“Yes.” He picked up the ring, studying it.
“You could have your designer customize it. Make it perfect for your girl.” She tapped the band. “Perhaps some pavé work. The center diamond raised slightly to help set it off, but not too high. Add a unique feature to it,” she explained. “Perhaps a perfect sapphire on the underside to reflect the color of your eyes. A private love note from you. I bet she would love that.”
“I need to find a designer.”
She reached into her pocket and slid a card his way. “You just did.”
Bentley gaped at her. “You don’t work here?”
“Nope. Your friend commandeered my expertise. Don’t worry. Ollie is fine with it.”
Maddox started to laugh. Even Bentley grinned. Darlene smiled and pushed her card toward Bentley. “Come and see me if you want. I specialize in high-end diamonds and custom work. I would love to design a ring for your girl. I can tell she’s very special. Or if you go elsewhere, make sure you check their credentials well. This is a lifelong investment.”
“You have credentials?”
“Yes, I do. The jeweler I work for is very reputable.”
“But you come here to…” Maddox asked, confused.
“I enjoy coming in here and getting ideas of what women like. I often encourage sales for them.” She smirked. “Not everyone can afford the type of ring you are looking to purchase. This is a great spot for the average couple.”
&nb
sp; “So you just hang around?”
“The atmosphere is…” She waved her hand, as if looking for a word.
“Horrendous,” Maddox muttered.
She grinned. “I was going to say electrifying.” She chuckled. “You made my day, I must say.”
Looking at her watch, she grimaced. “I have to get going. You have my card, Bentley, if you are interested.” She glanced at the three of us. “Bring your brothers with you if you come see me. They’re very funny.”
“We’re not related,” Bentley told her.
“I never said you were. Family isn’t always blood, young man.” She beamed at us. “I hope to see you again.” She slipped into the crowd with a small wave at us over her shoulder.
Maddox picked up her card and whistled. “I know this jeweler. I bought a set of cuff links there last year. Very high-end. I think you might have scored here, Bent. She seems to know her stuff.”
Bentley took the card and slid it into his pocket. “I think we’re done.”
“Yeah?” I asked.
“You can check her credentials, and then I’ll go see her.”
Maddox sighed in gratitude. “So the frenzy torture is over?”
“Yes, I’ve had enough, and I think I’ve found what I’m looking for.”
I clapped my hands together. “Sounds good. You guys up for pizza and wings? I’m hungry.”
They both laughed and moved away.
I stopped and looked at the ring that had caught my eye.
Why, I wondered, did Cami’s long, elegant fingers come to mind?
I found my phone in my hand, about to snap a picture, when I stopped, unsure why I was acting so ridiculous. I slid my phone back into my pocket. Still staring at the ring, I felt a strange yearning in my chest.
“Hey, Aiden, you coming?” Maddox called.
I straightened my shoulders and turned away, hurrying to join them, leaving the ring, and the peculiar thoughts, behind me.
Cami
Aiden checked on me all weekend. He made sure Dee had come home and I wasn’t alone. He texted me at random moments, telling me what he was doing or relating some joke. We spoke on the phone, albeit briefly, but I still was able to hear his voice. I even called him to tell him about a funny show on TV Saturday night, and he didn’t hang up right away, instead switching it on and laughing while watching it with me for a short time. It was as if we were together in the room, and he seemed to enjoy the time we shared.
He told me he had a great day and spent time with Bentley and Maddox, but other than laughing over something about a men’s version of visiting the zoo, he refused to say anything else. He was glad I had taken the day off from my job and asked if I’d enjoyed my spa day. I was honest when I informed him his hands were definitely more soothing. His low laugh gave me goose bumps. I tried not to read too much into things, but he was the one reaching out this time. He made my weekend brighter with his unexpected actions.
Then this afternoon he texted at lunchtime.
Emmy is coming for her lesson. I think we should postpone you joining her until next week. I don’t want to push it.
I replied quickly, feeling disappointed.
I feel okay. I could take it easy.
His response made me smile.
No. You need a bit more time. I’ll make sure you catch up this weekend. Tonight, we’ll have tacos after we’re done. Maddox is going to pick up you and Dee and meet us there.
I wanted to hug myself. He wanted to see me on the weekend, and I would see him tonight. He was making sure I would be there.
I texted back.
OK
“Hi.”
I looked up at Louisa, not prepared for the sight, even though Aiden had told me she had dyed her hair. It was dark—even darker than mine was, but the purple highlights were already fading. The color made her look sallow.
“Hey.”
She sat down, pulling out a notepad. “I made you notes.”
“Aiden told me you dropped by. Thank you.”
She sniffed. “You could have called to say so.”
I ignored her snide tone. I knew she did it to cover up her insecurities. “I wanted to say thanks in person.” I reached into my bag and pulled out three new notebooks, the front covers sprinkled with images of flowers. I had found them on the weekend and thought they were pretty. I slid them across the table.
“I got you these.”
She looked shocked, then pulled them toward her. “Why?”
“Because you were nice to me. You even came to see me. I’m sorry I was sleeping.”
“It’s fine. Aiden and I had a nice chat. He is very friendly.”
I frowned, feeling confused. “He thought he made you uncomfortable.”
“Just the opposite. He made sure I was relaxed. I told him he should wake you, but he seemed fine to talk and let you sleep. He is such a charmer. Such a way with words. He admired my hair,” she added, patting the brown strands.
“You changed it.”
“You like it? I was going for a different look.”
“Different how?”
She tossed her head. “Just different for me. It was a whim.”
“I liked your hair before you changed it.” The soft color had suited her. Now it looked harsh and unnatural.
She smirked, her expression almost calculating. “Why? You don’t like it because Aiden noticed it? He made a point of trying to get my contact information, you know. I think maybe he wanted my number.” She winked at me. “He did say you were just friends.”
Suddenly, I was annoyed. I managed to bite my tongue and not inform her that Aiden had thought she was odd. I had no doubt he wanted her last name to run a check on her. Nothing more. What Aiden and I were, or were not, was none of her business. I stood, gathering my things.
“I have class. I’ll see you later.”
She caught my hand. “Don’t be mad. I was just teasing. He was nice, though.” She tapped the top of her new notebooks. “Thank you for these. It’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
That caught me by surprise. “They’re just notebooks.”
She shook her head. “They’re much more.” She stood and hurried away.
I sat back down, feeling unsettled. Aiden was right.
She was odd.
Then I decided I didn’t care about Louisa.
I would see Aiden tonight.
That was all that mattered.
I drank two margaritas at dinner. Aiden had ordered a mountain of food, the table almost groaning with the vast variety of dishes. The three men seemed to be sharing private jokes, all of them relaxed. Aiden sat beside me and made sure I had food on my plate, adding extra salsa to the side without my asking. He asked me quietly about my shoulder, and I assured him it was feeling better.
“You’re limping a little.”
“My knee still aches, but it’s getting better.”
“Did you use that soft knee brace I left you?”
“Yes. It helps.”
His hand found mine under the table and squeezed. “Good.”
I didn’t know if I imagined how gradually he pulled his hand away, his fingers dragging over my palm as if reluctant to break the connection. He smiled and turned back to Maddox, asking about mismatched socks. Maddox punched him in the arm, and they laughed. Bentley shook his head, whispering something to Emmy, who laughed and kissed his cheek.
After we were done, Maddox stood. “I’m in the mood for bowling.”
Bentley groaned. “Seriously?”
Emmy grinned and high-fived Maddox. “Yes!”
Aiden looked my way, a silent question in his raised eyebrow. I felt a quiet thrill at his worry, but I squeezed his knee in agreement. I didn’t want the night to end yet.
Aiden stood, flexed his muscles and pointed to Maddox. “You’re going down, son.”
We arrived at the bowling alley, the smack talk loud and boisterous. Even Dee joined in, making Maddox laugh loudly at her antics
. Everyone was relaxed and happy. Emmy and I grabbed a beer for each of us, and the games commenced. Strikes, spares, and gutter balls alike were all greeted with cheers. Emmy and I each had another beer, while the rest of them had water. The games were tied one each when Aiden lined up for his last frame, which would decide who would win or lose the night. I admired his back as he lifted the ball, his biceps flexing, and the muscles across his back tightening. His form was perfect as he stepped forward, the ball racing down the center for a perfect strike. He threw up his hands, spinning on his heels, shouting his victory. His excitement was infectious. So happy.
Plus, I’d had too much to drink.
It happened in an instant. He was celebrating, and without a thought, I was on my feet, rushing toward him. All my common sense disappeared. I wanted to be close to him, drawn in by his effervescent mood. I flung my arms around his neck, yanking his mouth to mine.
For one blissful, perfect moment, he kissed me back. Hard. Then he tensed, grabbing my arms and pushing me back, his hands holding me away from him. Our eyes met—his shocked and angry, mine pleading and apologetic. Behind us, the stunned silence from our friends was loud.
I tried in desperation to play it off. I knew I had crossed the line and broken our silent rule. No PDA—ever.
I held up my arms. “Spoils to the winner!”
He shook his head. I saw him withdraw, the warmth and ease of earlier disappearing.
“Aiden,” I whispered. “I’m—”
He brushed past me, pausing only to grab his jacket. He didn’t even stop to get his shoes, storming up the stairs. I met Emmy’s eyes, and hers filled with sympathy. Maddox and Bentley looked at the floor, their shoulders slouched. Dee held her hands to her chest, her gaze worried.
I hurried past them, rushing after Aiden. He was in the parking lot, leaning on his car, his breathing heavy.
“Why?” I asked. “It was just a kiss. You could have laughed and brushed it off, made light of the whole thing.”
He met my gaze, his eyes tormented. “It was more than that, and you know it.” He tugged on his hair, the action rough. “We’re not together, Cami. We’re not a couple.”
Vested Interest Box Set: Books 1-3 Page 34
