Lisa Watson - Her Heart's Desire

Ivan remained silent.

“Come on, Ivan. I can tell you like her.”

“Sure I do. Tiffany is a likable woman.”

“That’s not what I mean, and you know it. It’s written all over that stern face of yours. You’re attracted to her.”

“I’ve got work to do, Cole,” Ivan said.

Cole stood up. “Fine. I guess I’ll let you get back to it, then.”

“Good. I’ll see you later.”

After his brother left, Ivan resumed working. He was diligent for a while, but his attention kept straying to Tiffany. She was unlike any woman he knew. Her sense of humor made him smile, and her beauty and spirit appealed to him.

But Cole’s reference to Munich was a somber reminder not to get involved with clients. The Munich incident had involved a friend of a client. When it was time for him to leave, she had not taken the news well. That had caused animosity from his client, and Ivan had vowed to keep things strictly professional after that.

Standing up suddenly, Ivan decided to go for a run. Physical exertion would get Tiffany Gentry off his mind—and if it didn’t, he was in trouble.

Big trouble.

Chapter 3

The party was at MG restaurant in a private dining room on the second floor. It was sophisticated and quiet, with perfect views of the Magnificent Mile. It was a fitting backdrop to celebrate her best friend’s first wedding anniversary. Tiffany set her gift on a beautifully decorated table, then walked over to hug Adrian’s mother.

“How are you, Ms. Jeannie? The room is amazing.”

Norma Jean Anderson beamed with pride. “Honey, they’ve outdone themselves,” she replied, hooking her arm through Tiffany’s. “I couldn’t be more pleased. This is the first restaurant they dined at after returning from their honeymoon. I thought it a fitting place for the newlyweds to celebrate their first year together.”

“I agree. You look beautiful, too.”

Norma Jean’s silver cowl-necked gown shimmered on her slender body and complemented her honey-toned complexion. Her gray hair was cut short in a style that suited her no-nonsense personality and classic elegance.

“Thank you, dear. You look divine in that dress of yours. Good thing there’ll be plenty of single men at this party like I promised.” Norma Jean nudged Tiffany.

“About that, Ms. Jeannie,” Tiffany began.

“Speaking of single men, did you call Colonel Mangum?”

“I did,” Tiffany replied. “He came out to the shop today and looked around.”

“He did?” Norma Jean replied. “And?”

“And he said he’d give me a quote in a few days.”

Norma Jean leaned closer to Tiffany. “Ivan is such a sweet man. Why he’s still single is anyone’s guess.”

Tiffany ignored that remark. Luckily Heathcliffe Anderson came up behind his wife just then. He greeted Tiffany and placed an arm around Norma Jean.

Norma Jean kissed Tiffany’s cheek and then turned to her husband. “Cliff, don’t just stand there, go alert the photographer that Adrian and Milán are here while I get the group in position.”

Her husband shook his head and leaned down and whispered conspiratorially in Tiffany’s ear, “Jeannie told me I didn’t have to do any work for this shindig, but we see how that turned out.” With a wink, he headed off to complete his assignment.

Tiffany hoped that when she got to be Ms. Jeannie’s age, she and her husband would tease each other like that. If she were married, that is. Up to this point, not one marriage in her family could be considered a testament to happily-ever-after. Her parents had divorced when she was fifteen, and were cordial when forced to be in close proximity. But the tension was always thick enough to cut. The other relatives that stayed married were so miserable, they would have been better off going their separate ways.

Tiffany was talking with friends when Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Anderson entered. The crowd applauded and cheered as the two made their way to the center of the room. After welcoming the guests and toasting the happy couple, Norma Jean turned the floor over to Milán and Adrian. After all the speeches were finished, Tiffany went over to her best friend, and the two women embraced.

“You look amazing,” Tiffany said.

“Gracias. Tú también,” Milán replied.

“You should have seen how long it took me to pull this together.”

“It’s the end result that matters, amiga.”

Before she knew it, Tiffany was the center of attention. Several people joined their group, and conversation about marital bliss took a backseat to discussion on the available bachelors in the room, courtesy of Norma Jean.

“We’re here to have a good time, remember?” Tiffany pointed out. “Don’t worry about me. I’m too busy for a serious relationship. My shop is the love of my life right now.”

“Honey, you work too much. What you need is the love of a good man to keep you warm at night, not a laptop.”

They all turned to see Norma Jean standing behind them.

A red tint spread across Tiffany’s face. She tried to hide her embarrassment. “I’m fine...really.”

Adrian wrapped an arm around his mother. “You heard her, Mom. Time for us to butt out.”

“Mmm-hmm. That’s what you and your buddies said over the last few years, and look what happened. I found perfect women for you—and the rest is history.” Norma Jean beamed with pride. “Another love connection for the Love Broker.”

Everyone laughed at Norma Jean’s use of their nickname for her.

“If I remember correctly, I couldn’t stand your son when I met him,” Milán said sweetly.

“And then I turned on the charm, and you were a goner,” Adrian boasted.

The whole group let out a collective groan.

Norma Jean turned to Tiffany. “What you need, dear, are my expert matchmaking skills. Don’t worry, lovebird, I’ll find your mate soon enough. You need to make time for some—”

“Jeannie,” Milán said quickly. “Isn’t it time for Adrian and my first dance?”

“You heard my blushing bride, Mom. Tiempo de bailar! Time to dance.”

Norma Jean gasped. “Come on, you two,” she said, ushering the couple away.

Tiffany mouthed a “thank you” to her best friend before she left to dance.

* * *

Tiffany was in a mood by the time she arrived home. She glanced across the hall to Milán’s old apartment. She missed her friend. Now more than ever, Tiffany wished she were there to talk things over with while eating a pint of their favorite ice cream and watching a good movie. With a loud sigh, she locked the door behind her and headed straight for the bedroom.

After a shower, she slipped on a pair of pajama bottoms and a T-shirt before going to the kitchen to retrieve a spoon and a cup of ice cream. Returning, Tiffany plopped down on the bed. While she ate, she contemplated Norma Jean’s words. Was she lonely? Was her job destined to be her only meaningful relationship?

Her store did take up a lot of time, but she loved it, and wanted her business to thrive. Still, she missed having a special man in her life to hang out with, share her thoughts with. Having someone share your bed wouldn’t be bad, either.

Her phone vibrated. She set her cup on the nightstand and picked it up.

She was surprised to see a missed call from Ivan. She dialed voice mail, and Ivan’s warm, deep voice filled her ear.

“Hello, Tiffany. This is Ivan Mangum. I have your quote ready. Call me, and we’ll schedule a time to meet.”

She listened to him recite his telephone number. Twice. She checked the time. It was almost eleven. She pondered if it was too late to call. Being ex-army, wasn’t he used to late hours?

Tiffany dialed his number and waited. She prepared to leave a message, but was startled when Ivan picked on the second ring.