“Some want books more,” Nicholas says.
Seb sips his Dom. “Embed diamonds on the covers and she’ll want them more.”
“Amy loves diamonds, but she prefers to wear them,” Emmett says. “But I really doubt Grace is upset over emeralds, unless they were small and cheap.”
“Sebastian Jewelry doesn’t do small and cheap,” Seb says.
“Maybe she got upset because the shopping was cut short,” I say, thinking out loud. “I should’ve driven her back to her office instead of Madison.”
Grant winces. “You hadMadisondrive her?”
“Of course. Why?”
“Unless Grace is blind, she knows Madison has the hots for you.”
Here we go again. “How many times do I have to say it? She does not. Even if she did, she’s too professional to show it.”
Emmett shakes his head. “You’re blind when it comes to her. She looks at you like a guy she wants to screw.”
“On the floor…” Nicholas says.
“Or the desk…” Grant says.
“Or that comfy couch you have in your office…” Sebastian suggests.
I wave them away, exasperated. “Don’t be ridiculous. I already talked with Madison.”
“This ought to be good,” Emmett says, leaning forward.
“She said there’s nothing, but promised to be more careful about her interactions with my wife. She also told me it’s possible Grace is unhappy with her because she’s been too busy to help Grace with managing her schedule.”
Sebastian gives me a look. “You’re an idiot.”
Grant shrugs. “Just get a male assistant. Problem solved.”
“Or get one as incompetent as Marjorie so nobody could ever believe you’d fall for her.” Marjorie is Emmett’s most worthless assistant. I don’t know how he puts up with her, but he does. Probably too busy to hire a new one to replace her, since he has to do his work and half of hers.
“I’m not entertaining your ridiculous idea.” I finish my cigar.
One of the receptionists sticks her head into the patio. “Thank you for your patience. The ladies are ready.”
Soon the double doors open, and our women walk toward us. I start to step forward with a grin, then falter. The subtle makeup on Grace brings out the high cheekbones and the blue of her wide, expressive eyes. Her dark hair is curled and twisted into a soft updo with wisps framing her beautiful face. The deep royal-purple dress with a side slit wraps around her body like a lover’sembrace, but the stones glittering from her ears and around her throat aren’t emeralds. They’re red garnets set in what appears to be silver.
Sebastian notices too and gives me a slight shake of his head.Not my inventory.
Of course not. The stones aren’t the best, and the setting is okay, but not exceptional. You could purchase them from any mid-tier department store.
“Where are your emeralds?” I ask, without showing any signs of judgment. It’s possible the garnets are from her mother, therefore sentimental and important to my wife.
“At home.” Her gentle fingertips brush over the reddish stones. “I just thought these would be better today.” The words are slow and measured. She flicks her eyes at my brothers and their wives, then presses her lips together. She wants to say more, but in private. Perhaps there’s a story behind the jewelry that she only feels comfortable sharing with me.
I squeeze her hand tenderly to signal I get the underlying meaning: sentimental pieces. The initial disappointment wanes. I would’ve loved to see the jewelry I bought on her, but what does it matter? She’s more breathtaking than I could’ve imagined for our first social gathering as a married couple.
I kiss her, careful not to smudge her cherry-red lipstick. “You look good enough to devour,” I whisper into her ear.
“Maybe after the auction,” she whispers back. “Ifyou’re good.”
I laugh. “Is there something you want?”
