Tickled Pink (19 page)

“I’m glad business went well in Seattle for you.”

He turned to Andrew. “It was good. I didn’t realize how much I needed to get away, and Toni has given up so much.”

“She’s crazy about you.”

Richard grinned and glanced to where his wife had stood with Kayla. She wasn’t there, but outside on the patio talking to Lauren.

“She’s amazing and I’m a lucky man,” he responded, allowing his gaze to linger on Toni for a minute before turning back. “I can’t believe we’ve been married almost six months.”

“Time flies when you’re having fun,” Andrew chuckled. “Anyone who saw you would think you’d been together for years.”

“It’s that comfortable. I never thought life could be like this.” He couldn’t control the grin. “I’m loving it.”

His friend tilted his head and debated. “I understand that I—”

“Andrew Clement, well I’ll be damned. How are you?”

Both men turned to the approaching man. He obviously knew Andrew, but a fleeting strained expression crossed his friend’s face. “Donavon, good to see you.” He then turned to Richard. “Richard, this is Donavon Blake, he practices business law.”

He shook the other man’s hand. “Good to meet you.”

Andrew turned to Donavon. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

The man who stood a couple inches shorter than him and Andrew rolled his eyes. “Well, Judge Bryson issued an invite to the partners of the law group and they suggested we come. I figured since Assistant District Attorney Deluca still has it out for me, it might be good to mingle with Judge Bryson and some of the others. I know he and Judge Masters are pretty tight.”

Richard found the statement interesting on a couple levels.

Donavon rolled his eyes and glanced at him. “Andrew and I go way back.”

“I see.” He contemplated a minute. “Did you go to law school together?”

“No I went to Harvard—I used to date his wife’s best friend. It was not a good break up unfortunately, thus, why the ADA and I don’t exactly get a long.”

He studied the other man. This was one of Toni’s ex-boyfriends.

“Toni is here you know,” Andrew told the other man with minor trepidation.

The other man chuckled. “I saw her—damn she’s looking good. No clue what possessed her to do that to her hair.—but that’s Toni for you. Get’s a flighty idea and runs with it.”

Flighty?

He could see how Toni could be mistaken for that, but anyone around her long enough would know, she was just extremely smart and abundantly creative.

Donavon turned to Richard. “We dated for a while, could have been a hell of an attorney, but dropped out, wanted to decorate things. Such a waste.”

I don’t like this guy. Would anyone notice if a punched him to shut him up?

“I must say though, she is looking hot.” He shook his head. “I just couldn’t keep up with her. She was always volunteering here and there. She is all about charity—I like to make money. Know what I mean?” Donavon darted a glance out to where Toni was still with Lauren, then again faced Richard and Andrew. “I can’t believe I almost asked her to marry me. She must be doing okay though, considering the rock she has on her finger.”

Andrew lowered his gaze and didn’t look impressed.

Richard had heard enough. “If you both excuse me, I’m going to track down my wife.”

Donavon turned to him. “It was good meeting you.”

I wish I could say the same.

The other man cleared his throat. “I didn’t catch your last name.”

He smiled and exchange a glance with Andrew before turning back to the man he didn’t like. “It’s Bryson, Richard Bryson.”

Surprise washed over his face. “Judge Bryson’s son?”

“Yep, one of two.” He couldn’t control his next sentence. “And Toni’s husband.”

His eyes widened and Andrew snickered. Richard reveled in the shocked expression and walked toward the patio doors. He knew one thing for sure. The ass with no class certainly didn’t deserve Toni. His brows furrowed. He couldn’t picture her with anyone. He glanced across the floor and out the double doors to where she stood. He didn’t want to picture her with anyone but him.

I love her. I wish I could tell her.

Strangely enough, he had a feeling Toni felt the same way about him. Though she’d never said the words either, he had to admit, she did look like a woman in love. He stepped closer to where she talked with his niece.

“People matter Lauren. People like you.” The seriousness in his wife’s voice had him reconsider interrupting.

“I’m fat and unpopular.”

Richard did a double take. How could his strong sister’s kid talk like that?

Toni shook her wheat colored hair with the vibrant pink streak. “No. You’re not fat and unpopular, you have friends—just not bitchy ones like the snobby girls.”

“I was a lot fatter, but lost weight. It was tough, but I am slowly continuing to drop it.”

He was surprised. Lauren didn’t open up. She hardly talked to his sister and mother about what was bothering her. Instead, she remained quiet and often moody—that was, until Toni came along.

Toni smiled sweetly. “I totally hear you. I got really run down was tired all the time a few years back. I didn’t know what was wrong and I gained sixty pounds all because of my thyroid. It took a lot to lose the weight and I still have about fifteen extra pounds to lose.”

She’s kidding right?

“You look so great now,” the young girl encouraged.

“And so do you. I don’t know about you, but even now I look in the mirror and I see the fat chick—not the one I am now.”

His niece blinked and for once didn’t have a sassy comeback. “I know my clothes are smaller, but I think I do the same thing.”

Toni nodded her head. “Probably, it’s normal you know. Just remember, despite the mean things said, you hold the power.”

“I hold nothing,” the defeat in her young voice knotted Richard’s stomach. His brother walked over and he signaled for Erick to remain quiet.

Toni eased against the railing, striking a pose like Lauren. “Sure you do, because you’re so vibrant, and so willing to stand up for everything that’s not right.” She smiled and winked. “That makes you beautiful. You’re so unbiased to individuality, that takes a special soul.”

Piper joined them and exchanged a look with Richard. She was obviously just as stunned that Lauren was opening up.

His niece glanced at Toni with hope in her green eyes. “You think I’m special?”

“No.” Toni laughed and shook her head. “I know you are. Just like your mom, dad, grandparents and even uncles.”

“Uncle Richard is weird—or sad—I haven’t figured out which.” She paused and a thoughtful expression crossed her face. “Well not so much anymore since you’ve come along. He’s happy and nicer.”

“Yeah, he’s a whole lot strange—kind of like me. He’s just hard to get to know—but once you get past his tough business demeanor—he has an amazing heart and really cares about his family.”

She’s defending me?

“But I’m family; this should be easy for me.”

Toni sighed and weighed her words. “Maybe, but just like you and I look in the mirror and see those extra pounds…he looks in the mirror and knows he could be better. He just doesn’t know how.”

“I’m glad you married him. He needed someone nice. I’m happy you’re my aunt.” She flung herself at his wife and hugged her tight. Toni wrapped her arm around his niece and held her for a moment. He could see the gamut of emotions run across her pretty face. “Me too, honey.”

“Dude, let me know when the year is up, I’m so dating this girl.”

“Erick!” Piper scolded. “No one says they’re marriage is ending.”

Both Richard and Piper turned to their younger brother. Erick grinned. “It’s a prison sentence—it’s got to end sometime—I mean, I highly doubt there’ll be a probation period.”

Would I ruin Easter if I knocked my brother out?

“Oh my,” Piper breathed. “Lauren is smiling.”

Lauren rarely smiled. He turned to see indeed his niece had a wide grin on her face and his wife was kicking off her heels.

“So, since no one is looking, let’s go try out the trampoline.” Toni winked. “Before people around here decide looking for pastel colored eggs is a brilliant idea and we get busted for not being lady-like.”

Lauren blinked at Toni and laughed. “But we’re in dresses.”

His wife nodded. “Yeah, which means it’s twice as rebellious. Come on.” She started toward the trampoline as Lauren kicked off her shoes.

“Wait for me!” She laughed and chased after the woman who had turned his world upside down.

Richard couldn’t control his grin and glanced at Piper who had tears in her eyes. “Are you okay?”

She smiled, despite the water filling her green eyes. “My daughter is happy. I love Toni, she is such a blessing.

Me too and that she is.

“I didn’t think she would ever smile, let alone laugh again. Lauren…”

He grinned at his sister. “She’ll be fine.” He stepped toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Erick asked, sounding confused.

He glanced back. “To get their shoes and bring them over to the rebellious ones, because all three of us know mom will lose her ever-loving mind if she catches them playing on the trampoline on Easter Sunday, with company in the house and in dresses? You know how she gets about women taking off their shoes.”

Piper laughed and his brother just nodded as he walked outside and scooped up Toni’s high heels and Lauren’s small-heeled shoes.

“Who knew Richard could be a gentleman?” The surprise in Erick’s voice wasn’t hard to miss.

His sister sighed. “Me. I just thought he’d forgotten how.”

Richard started over to the trampoline and grinned as he carried the shoes. One thing was for sure. Piper had been right—he’d forgotten, until lately, and he had his wife to thank for reminding him and believing he was the better man.

A wife who he was seriously doubted he’d ever be able to let go.

Chapter Twelve

The business of married life…

“And we are so busted!” Lauren exclaimed and stopped jumping up and down on the trampoline.

Toni glanced at her niece and giggled. “Don’t be negative.”

“I’m not,” the teen said with a solemn expression. “Uncle Richard is coming this way.”

“Oh, dear.” Toni tried not to sound panicked, but she had promised her husband she would behave. “Okay, you’re right. We’re busted.” How she was going to explain this one? She had no clue.

Her husband walked over carrying their discarded shoes and grinned. “You ladies having fun?”

“Are we in trouble?” Lauren asked with a skeptical look.

“Not yet, but grandma is getting ready for the egg hunt and if you’re not around, it might look a bit suspicious.” He winked.

She blinked. “Good point.” She walked over to the edge of the trampoline and got ready to get down.

“Let me help you,” he offered, dropping the footwear.

Lauren swallowed hard. “I’m heavy.”

He shook his head and reached up for her. “You’re fine. And no more negative self-talk.” He lifted her down to the ground and winked. “Now get those shoes on and find Gabriel and grandma before she has the younger kids hunt for you instead of eggs.”

The niece grinned. “Okay.” She slipped on her shoes and started walking toward the house, then stopped and turned to her uncle. “Thank you for marrying Toni.”

For the second time in less than ten minutes, Toni wanted to cry.

Her husband smiled. “You’re welcome, now go.”

Lauren nodded and started running across the massive lawn toward the huge mansion. Richard turned to her and his blue eyes sparkled. “That goes for you too. On the bright side, your hair is closer to an Easter egg, so I’m thinking you have a couple minutes grace.”

Her heart fluttered and her nerves took over. “I thought you had a change of heart about my hair.”

“I love your hair, but my mom won’t be so happy about your shoes kicked off, standing on a trampoline in an expensive designer dress. Ladies keep their shoes on.”

“Thanks for the reminder.” She shrugged. “I’m not always lady-like.”

His firm mouth curled into a devilish grin. “I know, but that is what makes you perfect, even when you or others don’t see it.” He glanced to the house then focused his attention back on her. “Come on, they’ll notice we’re missing.” He waved a hand and motioned her toward him.

“I can get down,” she assured him, not sure what to think or feel at this point. Lately, she struggled to turn off her emotions where her fake husband was concerned. However she had epically failed and loved what they shared.

“And I think I can help my wife down.” She wasn’t sure if it was his tone or the glint in his eye, but something was different with Richard and between them.

Her breath caught for a brief moment in her throat and she nodded not sure what to say. She stepped toward him. His strong hands reached up and caught her around the waist. Instinctively she tipped forward and rested hers on his shoulders.

In a single swoop, he lifted her down and set her on the ground. His hold stayed firm on her. “I heard your conversation outside the patio with Lauren.”

Her heart hit her stomach and somewhere along the way stopped beating. “I…” What could she say?

“I think it was the most perfect thing you could have said and she needed to hear those things from someone who wasn’t her mom or grandmother.”

“She’s had it tough. I get it.” She hung her head and glanced down at the green grass.

“That she has, but I also heard you defend me. You didn’t have to do that.” His tone was so serious and still he hadn’t released his hands from her waist. Then again, her hands were still resting on his strong shoulders.

She glanced up. “Yes, I did. You’re my husband.”

And I really like being married to you.

For some reason, despite the layers of clothing he had on, the heat from his body beneath radiated up to her palms. Maybe it was the way his sapphire gaze saw through to her soul. “I meant the words I said.”

He winked and her heart picked up speed. “I already know you don’t say anything you don’t mean. Thank you for seeing the best in me.”

“Sometimes you make it so easy.”

He nodded. “And times I’m a jerk.”

“Am I allowed to agree?”

“You are.” He shook his head.

“I made a new acquaintance today—A Donavon Blake.”

Her heart slipped and formed a knot in her stomach. “Oh, God.” She pulled out of his hold and wanted to cry. Bile churned in her stomach.

“What a complete ass. To think he was going to ask you to marry him.”

“Probably, but I got sick with my thyroid, got fat, and got disillusioned with law and we no longer worked. We’re very different people.”

“He definitely didn’t deserve you and I already know he didn’t appreciate you.” Richard stepped toward her and captured her wrist. “He never saw your fire, your passion or all the good you do. However, I will give the dumbass credit. He shed a bit more light on you.”

He grinned and his blue eyes sparkled like gemstones and his hold tightened. Richard lowered his head and her lashes closed the same time his hot breath teased her lips. Seconds later his mouth covered hers and again her hands slipped to his shoulders. His tongue slid across her lower lip and she moaned deep in her throat. 

More than anything she wanted him to take her home to bed. The kiss intensified and she slipped her fingers to the nape of his neck and laced her fingers in the strands of his hair. His hands slid lower and caressed over her skirt then pulled her closer toward him. The bulge in his pants pressed against her belly.

Throat clearing broke the moment. “I hate to interrupt.”

His lips lifted from her mouth and her eyes opened as both turned to the Bryson matriarch.

Must not kill mother-in-law!

She plastered a smile. “Hi Mona.”

“Mom, what a surprise.” Richard greeted still keeping his arms snuggly around her body and close to his.

“People are asking for you both, I didn’t mean to interrupt but the egg hunt is starting.” She smiled and her gaze noted as to where her son’s hands were on Toni’s body. For once, she didn’t care. “Anyway, I expect you’re both on your way up to the house.”

“Of course,” she assured.

“Wonderful. As you were.” She turned and started walking away then stopped and glanced back. “One minor thing, Toni, could you please put your shoes back on and remember you’re a lady?”

She wanted to laugh, cry and secretly had a desire to choke the older woman. “I’ll do that now.”

“Very good dear.” Without another word, she resumed her determined, yet graceful stride back toward the house.

Toni sighed and glanced at Richard. “Is it bad that I’m looking at your mother as a mood wrecker?”

“No, I’d say it’s fitting.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Be thankful she doesn’t have a key to the condo.”

She reluctantly stepped out of his hold and over to her stilettos. “I’m
very
glad.”

Richard lifted his brows and a mischievous expression crossed his handsome face. “Me too
.”

A week and a half later Richard walked in the door and the aroma of food hit him. He was amazed he hadn't gained weight from his wife's cooking. Then again, they certainly didn't have a problem burning off the calories. Their sex life was off the chart and their relationship incredible.

"Sweetheart?"

Jingling echoed in the hall from tags hanging off collars with little bells and the patter of paws on the hardwood floor. Both Boxter and Vette jumped on the back of the love seat in greeting.

Toni stepped around the corner and her face lit up when she saw him.

"Ah, the welcoming committee." He stepped over and petted each of the kittens. "Were you two good today?"

Vette, being the clingy one, nudged his hand with her nose and rubbed her chin against him wanting more attention.

His wife stepped over to him, placed a kiss on his lips, and let it linger for a moment. "How was your day?"

He decided to go for honesty. "I'm nervous about the dinner tonight."

"Don't be!" Felix assured them as he appeared from the kitchen or dining area. "Everything is perfect, I have this covered."

He smiled at the other man. "Thank you for everything."

"This will be good, trust me, I have a feeling about things like this."

Richard turned to his wife. “How are you doing?”

"I'm good." her brows furrowed. "I still don't like the fact that Hank is going to be here."

He couldn't blame her. "He is one of the owners so it's not an option. I wish he didn't have to be here either. I worry that Hank and his dad are going to blow this."

"That's understandable from what I have read and heard."

"Katerina is very picky about who she and Denshi do business with, it's true. Thankfully Manny won't be here." Felix added as he walked over to the bar.

"It just creeps me out Hank is going to be in our home," Toni confessed.

He loved the fact she considered this home, he hated the thought it unsettled her to have someone who forced himself on her under their roof. The last thing he ever wanted was for her not to feel safe or comfortable, even though it had been months. Richard hadn't shaken what he walked in on or let go of what could’ve happened.

"It'll be okay and I promise, I won't let you out of my sight."

"Richard is right love," Felix agreed as he walked over with a glass of scotch for Richard and a goblet of red wine for Toni. "Your husband will be here and if that ignorant pig does anything, polite company or not, he’ll most certainly realize fast that I can be the biggest bitch of them all."

Richard wanted to laugh at the comment, but it warmed him, knowing Felix was protective over Toni. "Thank you for everything."

Their friend grinned. "Don't thank me, actually praise your wife. She's brilliant you know."

He smiled broad. "Oh yeah, the complete package." He turned to Toni. "What did you do now?"

Toni sipped from her glass and a sparkle filled her dark eyes. "Well, I had a phone call this morning. Kerry and Sally Sutherford were passing through tonight on their way back out to Dallas. They were hoping we'd be free." Her full lips twitched into a smile. "I explained we had plans but we would love them to come by and I told them the Singh's would be here and they were thrilled. So I figured this way it's equally as social as it is business and good for you all round."

He was floored; she truly was the best thing to ever happen to him. "I..."

Richard caught himself in time. He'd almost told her he loved her. Even though, he knew she loved him too, he couldn't bring himself to say the words. Afraid the simple three word statement might jinx what they had and he didn't want anything ruining that.

“Well played.” He covered her mouth with his. The flavor of the wine met his tongue and he knew he had to stop before he wanted more than a kiss. He lifted his head and she gazed at him. He could tell she wanted to say something, but remained quiet. “What is it?”

“I should get ready.”

He understood and she stepped around him. Toni walked toward the bedroom and he sighed. He lifted the glass and sipped the scotch. Again, he hoped that the Stewarts were on their best behavior.

“You look like you’re stressing.”

He met Felix’s gaze. “I am; the Stewart name in
Stewart Locke Investments
is a disaster. I don’t want to worry Toni, but I already know the Singhs are not going to like them.”

The other man waved a hand and lifted a martini glass. “Really, gorgeous, how bad could it be?”

Could this possibly get any worse?

Toni glanced across the dining room table at Richard, who wore a displeased expression on his face. Oh yeah, her husband wasn’t amused. At this point, it could be from a variety of factors. The fact Hank had felt up his dad’s wife, or the fact his own wife had remained silent and had not spoken a word the entire night.

“So, Richard, tell me about this hotel casino proposal of yours,” Kerry Sutherford prodded.

“The location is prime and directly across from where you’re building another tower community.” Sally, Kerry’s wife laughed. “Clever and genius.”

Her husband turned to the woman. “No. Completely marketable. Your husband is an astute businessman, I’m just following suit.”

“I like casinos,” Denshi chimed in. “The location is indeed prime.”

“
Stewart
Locke Investments only represent money,” Hank interjected. “We don’t do loans and we don’t build, nor do we hold interest outside of financial investment in companies.” He cast Richard a sardonic smile.

It took every lady-like ounce of control not duct tape the pig’s mouth shut. Richard flinched. “What Hank is saying is we haven’t joint ventured a project at this point.”