Tickled Pink (6 page)

“Antonia!” Her mother’s crisp scold reminded him too much of his own mother’s. “That wasn’t fair.”

His future wife’s pretty face revealed pure sadness—despite the temper smoldering in her eyes. “Fair? Like the situation he put me in.”

“I should check the next course,” Kayla breathed.

Toni turned to her friend. “Stay seated, I’ll do it.” She rose from her chair. “Excuse me, please.” Without another word, she hurried out of the dining room. He couldn’t blame her for being upset. He thought on her comment about putting a bid in on a casino in Las Vegas. She must be damn good at what she did to even have the opportunity.

He shot a glance at Andrew who cast him a sympathetic look. Richard then turned to Kayla, who was obviously tuned in to her friend’s grief. She looked just as devastated as Toni. He cleared his throat and ask Kayla, “Why don’t I see if Toni needs a hand in the kitchen?”

She offered a weak smile and a single nod of her head.

He plastered a grin on his face. “That way you can visit with your other guests.”

“Thank you, Richard.” Her voice was a mere whisper.

“No problem. Excuse me, please.” He had never been more grateful to get up from a table in his life. He still felt a lot of resentment toward his dad—and Toni’s. Right now, he figured he had to say something to the woman he was destined to spend the next year with, whether they liked it or not. He stepped in the kitchen and stopped.

The pretty blonde had her back to him and he could not help but take in the hourglass shape accented in all the right places by the fitted dress.

Damn!

His future wife had a killer shape. Just what his libido needed.

The most marvelous aroma assaulted his sense—the food smelled amazing—unfortunately, the faint sound of sniffling distracted him from the second course. He ventured another step further into the bright and elegant kitchen.

“I know what you’re going to say,” Toni sniffled again.

“Highly doubt that.”

She turned and surprise registered on her tear stained face. “You’re not Kayla.”

Both their worlds had been turned upside down and both were giving up the lives they knew. Now, they were venturing into what seemed like an impossible situation. He stepped deeper into the kitchen. “No, I’m much taller,” he explained and grabbed a tissue from the box on the counter and crossed the floor to where Toni stood. “Not to mention I don’t have the legs to wear the dress she has on.”

Her full mouth twitched at the corners as he passed her the soft white sheets in his hand. “I don’t usually cry; my father raised me to believe it’s a sign of weakness.” She blotted her face.

“I understand how you feel. I too, should have had a career in law, but decided I liked technology and fixing things more than the legal system.” He studied her a moment, grateful they weren’t arguing for once. She really was quite stunning. He realized this was the first time he’d seen her in makeup. Her dark eyes stood out in contrast to the wheat of her hair and pale pink streak.

He glanced to the counter. “Lobster bisque?”

“Yeah, I promised Kayla I would make it, since it’s one of her favorites.”

He blinked in disbelief. “You cook?”

She nodded. The more Richard talked to her the more he liked her. “You know, I’ve taken companies that have had no chance and turned them into multi-million dollar corporations.”

A thoughtful expression dusted her face as she digested his words. “I get that process. I’ve had buildings and rooms I’ve looked at that seemed bleak and probably have earned a wrecking ball.” She paused and weighed her words and for that moment, he wondered if maybe they weren’t as different as he had first thought.

She smiled and continued, “Only then, I see this small thing I hadn’t noticed before and suddenly the room isn’t what it is, but a bunch of beautiful possibilities.”

A year. The time could drag or it could fly. “I think we should start from scratch.” Richard met her gaze and held out his hand. “I’m Richard Alexander Bryson.”

Toni sniffled and her smile broadened. She reached for his hand. “Antonia Louisa Deluca. It’s nice to meet you, Richard.”

Heat penetrated his hand from the simplest touch and heated the skin over his entire body. He couldn’t control his grin. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

Chapter Three

Let the clock start and the tables turn…

Richard was glad to be in his office after the morning in court and the lunch meeting from hell. Toni had surprised him by wearing a black suit with a black silk blouse. She had dressed as if going to a funeral—technically, she was. No doubt, she was mourning life as she knew it. At least, for the moment, they had a truce going on, which he hoped would last for a bit—like a year or so. The hardest part of the whole situation for him was that he wasn’t used to being with one woman. He had always dated a couple at a time and true—he hadn’t dated since his girlfriend Valerie had gone to Paris. Not that he’d been serious about the model. He hadn’t been serious about any one woman in about seven years—back when he was young and stupid. Marriage was going to be hard on him, especially since he was going to have a pretty wife with a great body and sex wasn’t an option.

He thought of his mother’s threats that they had to make this marriage believable. Right—they barely knew each other. How were the two of them ever going to make this believable? She pretty much thought he was an uptight jerk. However, a couple times last night he got the impression she was attracted to him as well. His brow furrowed as he remembered how his body had heated just by shaking her hand.

He shook his head; he had to get his mind off his future wife and think about the disastrous lunch meeting with the
Singh Capital Trust
representative.
Singh Capital
had billions of dollars and was searching for a group to invest in and for possible joint ventures. Too bad
Stewart Locke Investments
was the fifth one the representative had met with. Apparently the owners, a husband and wife, were extremely picky and not only noted for ripping companies apart, but the people who worked for them as well. If they caught wind that Richard’s marriage wasn’t real—it would be game over. Mrs. Singh had referred to one company’s owners as
soulless rats with no moral character
.

His door whooshed open and his longtime friend and partner, Hank Stewart, blew into his office and tossed himself onto the black leather sofa. “Life sucks so bad. Why the hell did I ever get married?”

“Hi, Hank.” Richard had enough problems. Hanks were the last thing he needed. Especially since he knew Mrs. Singh would question Hank’s moral character—Richard sure as hell did.

“You should see the Hollywood Barbie in the lobby. I would have her eight ways from Sunday—then go for nine and ten if I knew for sure Patricia wouldn’t find out.” He scrubbed his face. “Why did I get married?”

And today was one of the days he questioned Hank’s character. “You love her.”

“I do, but man. This is horrible. I love filet mignon as well and I didn’t marry it. Marriage starts out great then its little league and ballet lessons and “honey I’m too tired for sex, I had my Pilates class today”. Patricia is always tired and expects me to help with the kids. Let me tell you I barely have sex these days.”

Richard blinked. “You had sex twice last week.” Oh yeah, Hank being one of the partners who was going in the
soulless rat
category.

“Deb in the mailroom doesn’t count—neither does Trixie.”

“Was that the name of stripper?” Richard couldn’t believe they were holding this conversation. Not that it was a foreign topic, considering they’d known each other their whole lives and even went to university together.

“Yeah, one of them. I tell you man, Hollywood Barbie out there—is an entirely different breed. She’s in this short, checkered, designer suit, and has these long legs. She is built for…I’m telling you I would do her.”

“Wonderful. Your father got a new secretary. If you’re going to have sex with her—you might want to do it before she becomes stepmother number six.”

Richard’s day had gone from okay, to bad and now officially worse. The Stewarts in the
Stewart Locke
name were complete disasters. He might as well kiss
Singh Capital Trust
good-bye. Pressure built at his temples and he would no doubt have a migraine in record time.

“Oh, no she’s not a secretary—she  smells like money. Possibly a new client.”

Richard frowned. “Why do you think that?”

Hank laughed and nodded. “Because she’s with your mother.”

His heart slammed to a stop. What were the chances? His mind flipped back to Toni saying she was meeting Kayla for lunch and then had a two o’clock meeting. He glanced at his watch. Two-thirty.

Oh God! It couldn’t be.

“Richard, there you are.” His mother purred and walked into the office.

Immediately he stood so she could give him her usual high society semi-hug. “Mom what are you doing here?”

In answer to his question long tanned legs in a designer suit fit to every round curve of her body stepped over the threshold. Toni’s hair fell in thick ringlets at the bottom ends giving her a vintage look. Vintage and stunning. The pink lipstick only accented her full lips and matched the top beneath the suit, which revealed the perfect amount of cleavage.

His mouth curved into a grin. “Hello there.”

Her cheeks tinted slightly—undoubtedly from his appreciative stare and her smile stole his breath. “Hi. Your mom was showing me around the offices.” Toni stepped deeper into the room.

Hank jumped up and stood a little closer to her than was called for. “I’m Hank Stewart, just like the Stewart in the name of the company.”

The smile vanished from Toni’s face and her body stiffened. She shifted on her heels putting some distance between her and his friend. “Good to meet you.”

“And you would be?” Hank’s tone and expression sounded like something he’d use in a nightclub.

Toni glanced at Richard. His mother shot him a warning look, which Toni caught. If she’d been uncomfortable before—the pressure from his mother hadn’t helped. A small, unsure smile dusted her lips. “Honey, you didn’t tell me Hank was so friendly and outgoing.”

Honey? I’m not sure if I should cane her or kiss her.

Definitely the last one. He grinned broadly. “Sweetheart, forgive my manners,” he apologized as he stepped close to Toni and placed a hand at her lower back. Instantly, her body reacted and she relaxed a bit. He turned back to Hank who was suddenly wearing a shocked expression. “Hank, this is Antonia Deluca” he reveled as Hank glanced to where Richard’s hand sat. “She’s my fiancée.”

Hank stumbled back, open mouthed. “You’re getting married?” He darted a glance at Toni and shook his head; then turned back to Richard. “You’re a dog. But congratulations.” He extended his hand, which meant Richard had to remove his from Toni’s back—which he did grudgingly.

Toni turned to him, dismissing Hank with the slight tilt of her chin. She met his gaze then placed a hand on his chest. “Kayla and Andrew are swinging by tonight for a barbeque around five.”

For some strange reason he could feel the heat from her hand through the layers of his clothes. He also noted that in her high heels, she stood only a couple inches shorter than his six three. “I’ll be on time.” He winked. “Go have fun with mom.”

His mother cast him a level look. “Toni has had her overseas engagements canceled and I all but begged her to come and see if she could modernize things around here.”

She nodded and turned to his mother. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

His mom sighed then grinned. “Fabulous. Now I can show you what I have always hated about the waiting area.”

Toni lifted her hand from his chest and stepped away. Immediately, he missed her touch as she walked toward the threshold and followed his mom out the door.

It is going to be a long year.

“You’re marrying Hollywood Barbie?” Hank still had issues wrapping his brain around the thought.

Toni completely saved the moment. I might actually have to live with the word honey.

“That I am.” No girlfriend he’d ever had used an endearment. Then again, Toni wasn’t a girlfriend—she was going to be his wife—one he hadn’t counted on. “Now if you don’t mind, I have work to do since I have a barbeque to get to.”

“Unbelievable.” Hank walked over to the office door, shaking his head. “Well, good luck man.”

“Thanks.” He thought a moment. “Hank, there’s one more thing.”

“What’s that?”

Richard grinned and debated before he flexed his jaw. There was one thing he couldn’t live with. “If you ever refer to Toni as Hollywood Barbie again—I’ll knock your ass out and make sure your teeth go down your throat.”

“I can’t believe you said that.” His friend wore a surprised expression, then walked out of the room.

Richard chuckled, and then tried to remember the last time he’d gone to a barbeque. The sad part was he couldn’t remember. He better call his sister Piper and figure out what to wear. He somehow doubted his Armani suit was the answer.

Toni turned to Kayla. “It was a nightmare. Really and truly. If you think my mom is out of control, Mona Bryson takes things to an entirely new level. I wouldn’t be surprised if she has Christmas dinner catered.”

Her friend giggled. “On the bright side, you know the best in Beverly Hills.”

She paused and smiled. “Don’t kid yourself; I know a few in New York and Vegas too.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

Toni studied the other woman a moment. “Because your my best friend and you
know
me.”

Kayla walked over to where Toni was cutting vegetables for the salad. “I also know something else is bugging you. I think it’s because we’ve been best friends since we were fourteen and freshman.” She shook her head. “What is going on with you?”

Toni had no clue where to begin so went with the easiest answer. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“You’re such a liar and a bad one at that.” She grinned. “Pause.” Toni stopped cutting and Kayla swiped green pepper and some mushroom slices. “Resume and tell me what has you out of sorts.”

“Richard.” His name fell of her tongue in a tone similar to a whisper. She lifted her gaze from the green pepper on the cutting board and stared at her friend. “Richard is driving me crazy. I know it’s been forever since I’ve dated.”

Her friend’s expression lost its luster and she sighed. “Okay, so no man makes it past date two. You officially took yourself off the market after that jackass Donavon and devoted all your time to your charities. I got sick and you went out even less. “

“You had breast cancer and I just knew if you died you were taking Andrew with you. He was so scared. I was too; I love you so much and I didn’t know how I would   go on without you.  You were the only thing normal in my world, always—you’ve met my parents.” Toni struggled not to cry. Tears showed weakness and she had shed enough in Kayla’s kitchen on Thursday night to last a lifetime.

“You gave up so much for me,” her friend scolded, though she knew Kayla was grateful.

“As I recall, your mom couldn’t handle the stress and jumped into a bottle.” She wasn’t a fan of Kayla’s mom—but despite all, it was her best friend’s mom.

“That’s my mom.”

“You had stage four—I didn’t know anyone who has survived something so severe. It was the scariest time of my entire life.” She hung her head, hiked up her big girl panties within her mind and slowly exhaled while she found her inner Zen. “It’s over, you’re better, you’re married to the love of your life and you’re happy. I’m happy.”

“Something is wrong.” Kayla covered Toni’s hand still holding the knife. “This can’t be easy; getting married to a man you don’t know; you’ve already had to re-arrange your life for the year.” She gave the hand a squeeze. “Please tell me, don’t shut me out.”

She sighed heavy. “I am attracted to my husband-to-be.”

“Imagine that.” Kayla burst out laughing and stole another couple pieces of green pepper. “I think anything with a pulse would be attracted. I’m quite sure  the majority of straight women would be attracted to your future husband—only it wouldn’t surprise me if a few batting for the other team crossed the line—if you get my meaning.”

Toni set the knife down. “Joke all you want, really I can take it. Seriously though. He’s more than that. I mean, he didn’t get into law either and you’ve met his dad—just like mine, you know damn well Judge Bryson took it personally.” She shook her head and sighed, then met her friend’s gaze.

“I’m coming to terms with the fact I’m going to be his wife. I get it. What I am seriously wondering, though, is how I’m going to survive the next year wondering if his body under the suit is as hard and defined as I think it is.” She waved her hands. “And those dimples—I swear when he smiles they have the same effect as a stun gun…or an exclamation mark in punctuation.”

A strange look crossed Kayla’s face.

Toni frowned at her friend. “Unless you’re choking on that green pepper, know that I’m serious. I mean we’re supposed to have this fake—but perfect marriage so we don’t embarrass our families. In the meantime, I’m standing in a kitchen planning the ultimate barbeque to impress this guy. I’m even dressed preppy so he finds me attractive. I broke down and actually have eyeliner on.”

Kayla made a strange muffled sound. “Oh boy!”