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“How did it go?” Milán Anderson, Tiffany’s best friend, asked. “Was the guy competent?”
“Yes.” Tiffany leaned against the counter. “Not what I expected.”
“Uh-oh,” her friend said with concern. “Good or bad?”
A smile covered Tiffany’s face. “Fantastic. I expected some old boring guy with a large belly.”
“Was he?”
“Nope.” Tiffany sighed. “Lani, he was straight out of an action movie—tall, commanding and built like he’s been working out since childhood.”
“What a meeting. Was business discussed, or did you drool the whole time?”
“It was all business. He’s probably married or has a girlfriend.”
Tiffany filled Milán in on her appointment with Ivan, then they hung up.
A healthy appreciation for a gorgeous man was fine, but she would not act on her impulses. She had been attracted to one too many men who were unavailable, and for all she knew, he was just the same. Still, it was impossible not to be drawn to him. When it came to first impressions, Colonel Ivan Mangum was definitely an Army of One.
Chapter 2
Tiffany almost dropped a glass bowl she was wrapping in tissue paper a few days later when Ivan walked in. He was wearing a pair of jeans, and a dark gray Under Armour shirt that fit him like a second skin.
She walked up to
him as he was eyeing a crystal owl pendant. “Wow, you have my quote already?”
Ivan grinned. “Soon.”
“Did you have more questions?”
“Not on security. I’ve got a dilemma and thought you could help.”
“Of course. What’s the problem?”
“I need a gift. My grandmother turns ninety-six next week.”
Tiffany relaxed. “You’ve come to the right place. What does your grandmother like? Does she have any hobbies?”
As they discussed his grandmother, Tiffany guided Ivan around the store, showing him everything from velvet wraps to ceramic bowls, but nothing seemed right.
“Wait, I’ve got it.” With a grin, she retrieved the owl pendant and held it out to him. “It caught your eye earlier, and from what you’ve told me about her, I think she would love having something almost as wise as she is.”
Ivan’s fingers connected with hers. His touch was warm as it grazed her palm. He tilted the pendant in the light.
“That’s true. Always go with your gut, right?”
She laughed. “Words I live by.”
“In that case, I’ll take it.”
“Wise choice.” Tiffany winked. “I’ll wrap it for you.”
Celeste, one of Tiffany’s employees, rang up Ivan’s purchase while she wrapped the gift with care. Tiffany placed the birthday gift in a decorative bag and handed it to Ivan.
“I hope she loves it.”
“I’ll let you know. Thanks for coming to my rescue.”
