Taking Tiffany (13 page)

“I hate when you think no one is paying attention then do something nice.” He pulled back and looked at me. A shot of truth shone in his gaze. His expression, his words, were sweet and sincere.

“You’re stupidly handsome,” I said. My brain stalled. I’d run out of insults.

“I hate that you don’t know how good you are.” He put both hands on the table behind me, blocking me in. “You keep things well hidden. But I see you.”

“Don’t.” I shook my head. The emotion was too strong.

“I hate the way your lips are full and look so soft.” He brushed his mouth slightly over mine, a feather light caress, so tender, I felt the shiver down to my toes. Something inside me unfurled. “Kiss me,” he said.

“No,” I whispered back, while grabbing his shirt and pulling him closer.

“Okay, then. I’m going to kiss you.”

I give up.
 I stood on my tip-toes and placed a tentative kiss on his mouth. His lips were soft and warm, sensuous. Oh, that felt nice. He smelled of clean soap mixed with a subtle, earthy cologne.

His hands cupped my cheeks, this time, the touch of his lips was hard and demanding,
liquefying my bones with each delicious stroke of his tongue.
With hands splayed across my back, he pressed me closer still. His touch burned through the material of my cotton shirt.

With a groan, he tangled his fingers in my hair and crushed his mouth into mine. All the angst and sexual tension ignited. I tilted my head slightly, my fingers curling into the soft waves of his hair, pulling. His body pressed hard against mine, but I still needed him closer. I moaned, and his tongue plunged inside my mouth, deepening the urgency of the kiss. It was hot and hard. I shouldn’t be doing this, but I couldn’t stop.

Step away
, my brain yelled, but my feet wouldn’t move. His touch sent zinging messages all the way to my soul.

“God, Angela,” he said, low and thick. Around us, the air felt charged.

I didn’t hear the door open, but the clapping came through loud and clear. Ivy had somehow come into the room undetected and showed her approval of our kiss. My face heated and I finally stepped away from him.

Stefan smiled, gave my hand a squeeze, and bowed to Ivy. “Let’s go, little one, I’ve been distracting Angela enough.” Before he left, he leaned back toward me and whispered in my ear, “That lavender lotion and the shampoo you love? I hate that, too.” He bent and kissed the spot below my ear, letting me feel just the tip of his tongue before leaving with Ivy.

Dizzy, I leaned against the table to catch my breath. Still trying to process the chemical reaction that ignited every cell, a wonderful sense of peace blanketed me.

A voice inside whispered 
I want him
.

No!
I couldn’t have him. He’s too good for me. I’d done bad things all my life. He deserved better. Not some spoiled, lying, cheating, manipulative brat.

But I’m not that person anymore.

I sat on one of the stools, put my elbows on the table, and placed my hands over my face. 
Think.
 Something had awakened in me. This was my life, and I liked it. No, I loved it here.

My parents won, but it was the first time I’d ever been happy about it. While growing up, my main goal was to challenge my parents. Even with things that were simple—where we’d eat dinner, which movie to watch, how much I could spend at the mall. I made sure I got what I wanted. It was easier for my parents to say yes to me than spend time teaching me respect. Dottie and Jerome taught love, honor, courtesy,
and
respect from the moment the children entered their facility. I’d benefited probably more than anyone else by their influence. It was all new to me.

Something awakened in me, religious or spiritual—maybe both. I couldn’t remember feeling so free, so alive. I would not go back to being the same girl who’d arrived here. That girl wasn't living; she’d only been surviving. 

One thing was certain; I couldn’t go through with the kidnapping. It was wrong, I knew that now without a doubt. Standing in that little room, my old, selfish needs and wants slid away, and in its place was a contentment I hadn’t experienced before. I had a purpose here.

 Even before my brain sent the signal to my fingers, they started typing the number to contact the sleaze I’d hired. A feeling of unease settled upon me, even though I left a message calling everything off. Not having transferred the money yet, I was sure he wouldn’t get the ball rolling until he was paid. But anxiety descended even with my efforts to convince myself everything would be okay.

It had to be.

A cold sweat broke out across my forehead.

What have I done?

Tiffany

“THE PAST TWO months have flown by!” I said to Jain. It was warm for mid-April, perfect weather for her baby shower.

“Maybe for you.” She covered her mouth. “Oops, I didn’t mean to imply your mom drove me crazy or anything.”

Mom had gone all out. Her parties were legendary, but they came at a price. I had a feeling she may have driven Jain out of her mind. “Has it been bad?” I winced.

“No, it really hasn’t. She did all the organizing herself, only asking my opinion a few times,” Jain assured me.

We were relaxing in two lounge chairs set out on the patio, waiting for the festivities to begin. The calm before the storm. It promised to be a crazy, busy day.

“Are you sure?  I love her, but I know what happens when she gets in party mode.”

“She’s been great up until today.” Jain leaned closer and said, “She cried earlier because the tablecloths came in eggshell instead of ivory.”

“Uh oh. We have Emotional Mom today.” I hoped she’d shake it off in time for the guests. “She did do a lovely job with decorations,” I added.

“It’s really beautiful,” Jain agreed

From our vantage point, we observed it all—the huge yard decorated in French Country style, in pink and ivory, uh, eggshell. Martha Stewart would be proud. Huge tents with linen-covered tables were placed strategically throughout the grounds. Pink balloons, confetti, and baby shower favors that looked like pretty pink flowers adorned almost every surface. The menu would be extensive, with pink and white food to extend the theme.

  “What is the difference between ivory and eggshell anyway?” I giggled.

“I don’t know, but don’t ask your mom!” Her eyes darted around to make sure Mom wasn’t anywhere close.

“Don’t worry. She’s running around trying to prepare the valets for the onslaught of five hundred guests.” My parents have had large parties before, but I thought this one would be a record-breaker. It started with a hundred guests. Then friends of friends wanted to come. And before anyone knew it, five hundred people wrangled an invitation.

“I think everyone wanted to see the woman who captured Bachelor Braydon,” I teased.

“I don’t mind, they can look all they want. This party will help so many people. I hope no one minds that the gifts will be donated to our foundation.”

“No worries, Mom put it on the invitations.”

“Good. Hopefully we’ll have room in our storage locker.”

We rented a space after forming the charity to hold items donated for the families who needed help. As of late, we’d been receiving many more donations.

“If we don’t, we’ll add another or change to a larger one. We have it in the budget,” I assured her.

“Good. So, I’ll sit on my throne over there like the good princess I am and let the people come to me.” She tilted her head to the ornate monstrosity sitting in the middle of the yard with tables surrounding it.

“Jain, she did not tell you to sit in that!” I thought the chair was for decoration.

Jain chuckled. “She invited me to. I politely declined. I suggested it would make a nice area for the people to drop their gifts.”

I shook my head and said, “Oh, Mom.” Some of her ideas were really out there.

“You know, she’s turning her creative eye to decorating your condo next,” Jain warned.

Mom was so wrapped up in the planning of Jain’s baby shower, she barely registered that I’d moved out a month ago. I was grateful the pranks had come to an end after the delivery of the article about Todd’s parents. After a month without any issues, I finally convinced dad to lift the security he’d put in place. Apparently, whoever pulled the shenanigans decided to move on to something else. I was glad, because the condo Jain owned before she’d married Braydon went up for lease right after the negotiated cancellation of security. It was perfect timing, and I got the greatest neighbor on the planet, Colin.

 “Yeah. I’m waiting for her to turn her focus back on me.” I sighed.

Jain patted my back. “Good luck with that. By the way, where are the boys?”

Braydon, Todd, Colin, and Charlie were carpooling due to the shortage of parking. Mom rented a vacant lot nearby, and the valets would be shuttling everyone back and forth.

“I talked to Todd about a half hour ago, and they’d already left. I think the shuttle system might be holding them up a bit.” I smiled, thinking of Todd. I was excited to see him even though we spent every day together.

“Braydon told me Todd’s never been happier.”

Those words did all sorts of wonderful things to my insides. I felt warm and a little breathless.

“I’m so happy. He just, well, he’s...” My face heated. I became tongue-tied and embarrassed about gushing. In the past two months, he had become everything to me. The way he’d bonded with Dad and tolerated Mom, even when in full-on emotional mode, was charming and loveable. How could I help myself?

“Speak of the devils…” she motioned toward the back entrance.

Wow. What a sight. Four of the most handsome men I’d ever had the good fortune to behold walked toward us. But it was Braydon who caught my eye.

“Jain. If that isn’t the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen…” I started.

“Shh. Don’t tell him he’s adorable.” She giggled. “He thinks he’s manly and fatherly with her strapped in.”

Little Tiffany was fast asleep in her Baby Bjorn, and Braydon walked in like it was the most natural thing in the world to have a baby fastened to his chest. My heart skipped a beat, and I locked eyes with Todd. We both knew what the other was thinking.

Children.

We’d talked about them, and we each knew the other wanted them one day. Looking at him now, that day seemed to be coming sooner rather than later.

He smiled and pulled a chair up next to my lounger. Taking my hand, he asked, “Does your mom need any help?”

Brave man.

“There’s something you need to know about my mom. You’ll need to listen carefully. When she’s in party-mode, you want to steer clear. Don’t talk to her. Don’t ask any questions. Pretend she’s an alien from another planet who doesn’t speak English. Stay. Away.” I added, “My dad learned this valuable lesson a long time ago. He’s hiding in his den.”

He smiled, and his eyes did that crinkly thing I loved. “Okay, got it.” He leaned over to kiss me, lingering a few seconds longer than usual. A balled up napkin hit my head.

“Knock it off, you two. You’re making us all look bad,” Colin teased.

It was true. When Todd and I were together, it was hard for us to stay hands-off.

“Okay, okay, we’ll try,” I told them. Then I turned to Todd and said, “Closet?’

He laughed, turned back around and kissed me again, ignoring their moans and complaints.

An hour later, the party was in full swing. I wandered the grounds, mixing with the guests and making them feel welcome. I’d lost Todd in the throng of people. I’d have to give it to my mom; the party was a success. I’d overheard someone say that it was the social event of the year. That should make Mom happy.

“Oh, Tiffany, dear!” a familiar voice called. A shoulder squeeze and a delighted, “I’ve missed you so much!” followed.

“Mrs. Collier, how are you?” I was surprised to see her. It’d been years.

“No, no! Please call me Deanna. You aren’t in high school anymore.” She smiled warmly at me.

When I dated Fletcher, sometimes I didn’t know whom I loved more, him or his mom. I fondly remembered sitting at her kitchen table after school while she made chocolate chip cookies and every other sweet treat available. She loved feeding us.

“It’s been too long. Your mom and I are on the board for Clean Water for Africa. Did you know that?” she asked.

“Yes, Mom keeps me up to date. It’s wonderful work you’re doing.” Mom talked to me about it in great length. The charity helped thousands obtain clean drinking water.

I asked, “Mom said you’re going on a cruise this summer?” Fletcher’s mom was a little like mine, always going a million miles per hour. Except, unlike my mom, she lost her husband early, before I’d even met Fletcher. But she was a strong woman, and did very well on her own.

“Yes! I’m going to Alaska for the first time. Some of the other women from my bowling group are going. We’re still trying to talk your mom into joining us.”

My mom never traveled without my dad.

I laughed. “Good luck with that!”

Her laugh was good-natured. I was glad she hadn’t changed.

She glanced around before she spoke again. “Can I talk to you a minute about something?”

“Sure, anything.”

She took me by the elbow and led me to a quieter spot.

“Did you know Fletcher will be getting a divorce?”

Uh oh. I hoped she wasn’t thinking there was a chance of a reconciliation.

“Yes. I did.”
Please let this conversation end.

“He’s been suffering, Tiffany. He was never the same after you two broke up.”

I took her hand. “I’m so sorry.”

“Do you think…?”

I remembered the day Fletcher and I broke up. Mrs. Collier came to our house, pleading Fletcher’s case. We’d sat at the kitchen table and cried, but it didn’t change my mind. I couldn’t get over the betrayal.

I shook my head.

Her shoulders slumped. With a lowered voice she said, “Emory, that woman he married, is horrible. All she did was spend his money and complain about not having enough. You would never have done that to him.” She studied me closely. “Are you sure? He’s different now. He’s grown up and is much wiser. He’d never make that mistake again. I know it.”

She hadn’t seen him a few months back at the Breast Cancer Fundraiser. She was right; he was different, but much worse. It was obvious he hadn’t filled his mom in on our conversation. I was positive he hadn’t told her how he’d behaved either.

“Yeah, I’m sure. I don’t know if my mom told you, but…I’m seeing someone. His name is Todd Jameson.” Where did he go anyway? I needed a rescue.

“There she is!” My mom’s voice rose above the noise of the crowd. “Oh, Deanna, it’s so nice to see you.” The two women hugged. I was glad they were able to keep their friendship after Fletcher and I broke up. It must have been awkward at first.

“Tiffany, dear, I want you to meet some friends of mine from Boston—George and Karen Harper. We’ve worked together on many fundraisers.” She turned to Fletcher’s mom. “Deanna, do you know the Harpers?”

“Why yes, we met last summer at the opera. I had a nice chat with their son Erik. How is he?”

“Right here, Mrs. Collier.” Erik walked through the crowd and joined us.

“Oh, there you are, dear,” Mrs. Harper kissed her son. “I want you to meet Clara and her daughter, Tiffany.”

“Clara.” He gave a slight bow and a mischievous grin. He turned to me. “Tiffany.” Another bow followed.

“Erik,” I answered with a laugh. I remembered his flirting at the Valentine’s Day fundraiser. He was a charmer.

“Mrs. Collier, your son was asking for you. Can I take to you to him?” Erik asked.

“Well, aren’t you sweet?” She hooked her arm in his and they left, heading toward the east side of the property. George and Karen Harper said their goodbyes and left my mom and me alone for a moment.

“Tell me you did not invite Fletcher.” My hands were fisted.

“No! I wouldn’t do that. But, I’m so sorry, I think Deanna must have used her plus one for him. I haven’t seen him, though. Maybe you can avoid him?” Her eyes started to pool with tears.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to try and let it go. How bad could it be?

“It’s okay, Mom. I’ll avoid him. It’ll be fine.”

The party was going great. I didn’t want to ruin it for her. Maybe Fletcher would be on his best behavior. He’d always been the perfect gentleman around his mom. They shared a close relationship.

Two strong arms reached around and gave me a hug from behind.
Please let it be Todd.

“I’ve been looking for you.” He placed a soft kiss behind my ear. I turned in his arms, put mine around his neck, and breathed, “I’m so glad to see you,” while I hugged him close.

He pulled away a little. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. Although I had an awkward conversation with Fletcher’s mom, and she actually tried to convince me to give it another try with him. Luckily, Mom and the Harpers interrupted. So, anyway, Fletcher’s roaming around here somewhere.”

His brow furrowed. “You and I are not getting separated again for the rest of the party. You good with that?”

“I’m
so
good with that.” 

Todd stayed relaxed, but his eyes were alert as he scanned the crowd.  “If you decide to punch him, can you wait until after my mom’s party?” I asked.

Smiling, he took a lock of my hair and twirled it around his thumb. He always enjoyed doing that when he was in deep thought. “Yeah. I can wait.” About to say something else, he was interrupted when Braydon approached with Colin and Charlie.

“Hey, Todd. We thought you might want to see Colin’s new car. It’s a BMW M3.” Braydon took Todd’s arm.