Her Heart's Desire (12 page)

Chapter 15

“A
nd just where have you been?” Norma Jean said without preamble. She took a bag from Tiffany and then stepped aside to let her in.

“I haven’t seen you in a month of Sundays,” she said.

“You’re right. I’ve been changing out some display cases at the boutique this week to give the place a more summery feel. It’s taken up a lot more of my time than I anticipated.”

Norma Jean scrutinized her closely. “Really. And what’s taking up the rest?”

Tiffany gave it her best performance. It was difficult because she was already missing Ivan like crazy. “Oh, you know, just stuff around the house. Hey, I see Milán and Adrian. I think I’ll go say hi.” She hugged Norma Jean and made a beeline for her friends.

* * *

“House stuff indeed,” Norma Jean called after Tiffany.

Her husband came up behind her. “What are you up to?”

Norma Jean jumped. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to sneak up on people?”

He took the tote from his wife. “Jeannie?”

“Honestly, Cliff. Why do you think I’m always up to something?”

Heathcliffe crossed his arms. “You’ve got to be joking.”

“You are a tiresome old man,” she complained.

He leaned in and kissed her soundly. “That’s not what you said last night.”

A gasp escaped her lips. She immediately glanced around to see if they were alone. “Don’t go starting stuff you can’t finish,” she said saucily.

“Take your own advice. Now what were you up to with Tiffany?”

“Nothing. She and I were just visiting. I haven’t seen her in a while, you know. Apparently, she’s been tied up.”

“Good for her.” He winked before heading to the kitchen.

“Good indeed,” she said, and then broke out into one of her favorite tunes.

* * *

Out back, Tiffany found a seat next to Milán and Adrian. They were catching up when Norma Jean came up to their table.

“I was going to have great news, but now my surprise is ruined,” she complained.

“What surprise?” Adrian asked.

“I was going to introduce Tiffany to Fernando. He’s the nephew of one of my church members.”

“She’s got an endless supply of those, doesn’t she?” Adrian whispered.

His wife nudged him in the ribs.

“Miss Jeannie, I’m not—”

Suddenly everyone was looking at her with interest.

“—sure if I’ve ever met anyone named Fernando before,” she finished, then stood up. “I think I’ll get some dessert.”

“I’ll go with you,” Milán said quickly.

“Well, if you’re trying to make it look like you’re not gaga over Ivan, you’re doing a pretty bad job.”

She sighed. “Fernando? Really?”

“Tiff, why are you surprised?”

They made their way to the table to fix themselves a plate. Shortly afterward, Adrian joined them.

“So where’s Ivan?” he inquired.

Tiffany looked up. “Oh, I heard he’s out of town. Your mom said he called to say he wouldn’t be able to make it.”

Adrian took a bite of his food and then said, “Uh-huh. How are things with you two?”

“You aren’t supposed to be eavesdropping on my conversations,” Milán admonished.

He looked offended. “Have I ever needed to eavesdrop? Need I remind you that you speak as loud in English as you do in Spanish?”

With her hands on her hips, Milán broke out into a rapid succession of the latter.

“No
comprendo,
” he retorted with a boyish grin.

His wife’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, you
comprendo
all right.”

The two began a conversation that Tiffany wasn’t even trying to follow. She caught a word here and there, but was otherwise clueless as to what they were saying.

“Hey,” she finally interrupted. “Can we get back to more important stuff...like does your mother know?”

“Why would she?” Adrian turned to his wife. “Unlike women, men don’t gossip.”

“Since when?” both women said simultaneously.

An hour later, Tiffany told them that she had to run and gave them both a kiss, then went to say goodbye to Norma Jean and Cliff.

“I can’t believe you’re leaving so soon,” Adrian’s mother complained. “Things were just getting lively.”

“I know, but I’m expecting a call shortly that I have to take...work and all.”

“I understand, honey. Too bad you didn’t get a chance to meet Fernando. He’s such a nice young man.”

“I’m sure.”

“Summer’s the time for romance, which you’d know if you got out of that store every once in a while.”

Tiffany hugged her. “I promise I’ll get out there soon.”

“Mmm-hmm. I’m gonna stop preaching now, but you make sure you take some food home. Men don’t like women who are all skin and bones, you know.”

“Ms. Jeannie, I’m hardly a twig.” Tiffany laughed. “I’ve got plenty of curves.”

Norma Jean kissed her on the cheek. “And you keep them, too. There’s nothing wrong with a little bump in the trunk.” She laughed.

Tiffany scrunched up her face. “I think it’s junk in the trunk, but either way...TMI, Ms. Jeannie.”

“Well, whichever one it is, you get my point. It gives them something to hold on to, honey.”

“I’m leaving now,” Tiffany replied, practically bolting from Norma Jean’s side.

* * *

Norma Jean’s words were still ringing in her ears by the time she got home. Never once did Adrian’s mother fail to make her smile. She hoped when she got older that she was as full of love and warmth as Norma Jean.

Ivan hadn’t called yet, so she took a quick shower and put on his army shirt. She didn’t tie it up this time, so it hung almost to her knees. She climbed into bed and opened up her laptop. She may as well get some work done while she waited.

An hour later, Tiffany had drifted to sleep. The ring of her cell phone startled her. She picked up.

“Hey,” she said sleepily.

“Hey, sweetheart.”

“How are you?”

“Good. I arrived safely and just got into my room at the hotel.”

“I miss you.”

“I miss you, too,” he replied. “So how was the party?”

Tiffany filled him in on her evening, even about Norma Jean pushing Fernando.

“Another satisfied customer,” he joked. “Sounds like a great party. I’m sorry I missed it.”

She snorted. “You’re sorry.”

He chuckled. “I guess I’d better go. We’ve got an early morning, and from the sounds of it, you need to go to bed.”

As if on cue, Tiffany yawned. “Okay.”

“Good night, Tiff.”

“Good night, Ivan.”

“Hey,” he said, before she hung up. “What are you wearing?”

“Your army shirt.”

“I envy that damned shirt. I bet you look gorgeous.”

She smiled at the compliment. “You want me to take a picture and send it to you?”

“Now, that would be nice. That’ll give me something to—”

“Ivan,” she stopped him. “Were you going to say what I think you were?”

“That depends.” His voice deepened. “What were
you
thinking?”

“What I was thinking would start a whole ’nother conversation, so I’m not going to say. You need to go.”

“Chicken.”

When they hung up, Tiffany took a picture of herself and sent it. Ivan replied right back that he had it, and that it was going to be a good night for him.

Tiffany laughed aloud, then turned her phone on vibrate before placing it on her nightstand. She was glad that he had called her. She felt much better knowing that he had made it safely. No matter where he was, Tiffany knew she would worry about him. He may have a top-notch, kick-ass team, as he put it, but there was one Ivan Mangum, and he was all hers.

With a satisfied smile, she drifted off to sleep.

Minutes later, the darkness was breached by the bright light from her cell phone. “Blocked” popped up on her screen, and after a few rings it faded away to reveal the wallpaper image of her and Ivan.

* * *

Tiffany was in her store the next afternoon when she received a call from Ivan. She let Celeste handle their customer and went to the back room.

“Hi,” she said breathlessly. “How are things going?”

“Just fine,” he replied. “About to head out to lunch.”

“Oh. Well, I’m glad you called me. What time are you coming in this evening?”

“I’m not sure. Can I let you know later?”

“Of course.”

A knock sounded at the door. Tiffany sighed. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go. It looks like they need me in the front.”

“Sure,” he replied in a disappointed voice. “You go back to work. I’ll talk to you later.”

This time the knock was more insistent.

“Oh, for the love of Pete,” she said tersely. “No, wait. Just hold on for a second.”

Tiffany stomped across the room and wrenched the door open. She gasped when she saw Ivan on the other side.

“Hey, beautiful.”

She was so shocked, she dropped her phone. He reached down and caught it before it hit the floor.

“Ivan,” she breathed. She flung herself into his arms. “What... I don’t understand. What are you doing here?”

“I was able to wrap things up earlier than expected,” he said, hugging her.

“I’m glad you did,” she breathed. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“So.” He grinned. “Are you free for lunch?”

Tiffany hugged him tightly. “Of course I’m free.”

“Great. Let’s go, lady. Daylight’s burning.”

Ivan took Tiffany to Grant Park. When he parked, Ivan opened the door for Tiffany and then walked around to the trunk of his Range Rover.

“I thought we were going to lunch?”

“We are,” he replied, opening the door and taking out a picnic basket.

She laughed. “A picnic? You’re taking me on a picnic?”

“Yes.” He chuckled. “You don’t think I can be romantic when I need to be?”

“On the contrary,” she said as they walked. “I’m sure there are many interesting things about you that I don’t even know yet.”

“Exactly, so come on, woman, and prepare to be impressed.”

They found a quiet area in the south rose garden to sit down. Ivan opened the basket and pulled out a plaid blanket. He spread it on the grass while Tiffany set the rest of the things out.

“Wow, you’ve been shopping,” she said, taking out four gourmet sandwiches, several desserts, pasta salad, wine and glasses. “Ivan, there’s way too much food in here.”

“I like having choices, and since I wasn’t sure what you’d like, I wanted to cover all the bases.”

She couldn’t argue with that. Tiffany chose a Mediterranean sandwich of roasted lamb, lettuce, tomato, feta cheese and an olive tapenade. Ivan picked roast beef and cheese.

“Name one thing about this city that you love the most,” he asked a few minutes later.

She thought about it for a moment. “I’d say how well the myriad of cultures, traditions and history blend together. There’s literally something for everyone here in the food, the architecture and the people. It’s a wonderful place to live, and there’s always something new to discover.”

“True.”

“Where’s one place you haven’t been that you’d love to go?”

“There are hundreds, believe me, but I’d pick Fiji as being one of the top ten.”

“It looks beautiful there,” she agreed. “There are so many awe-inspiring places to go in the world that it’s hard to pick just a few.”

They discussed a few more destinations before Ivan said, “Your birthday is coming up. Any ideas what you’d like to do?”

“Not really. I have this same problem each year. You’d think I’d take the other three hundred and sixty-four to figure it,” she joked.

“Would you mind if I picked something for us to do?”

“Of course not. Why would I?”

“I wouldn’t want you to think I was being overbearing or anything,” he teased.

She tried to swat him, but he moved backward. Not to be outdone, Tiffany lunged for him. He grabbed her around the waist and took her with him. They collapsed back on the blanket, and tussled playfully. Ivan tickled her until she started hiccuping.

“Do you give up?”

“Yes, yes.” She laughed. “Scout’s honor.”

He released her. She sat up, smoothed her clothes down and then got up. Before Ivan knew what she was up to, Tiffany belted him with a plum and took off running.

He let her get a good distance away before he sprinted after her. Tiffany saw him advancing. She was unable to outrun him, but there was no way she was going to make it easy for him. She darted around bushes, benches, trees, whatever she could find to slow him down, but to no avail. Ivan scooped her up in his arms.

“Scout’s honor, huh?”

Tiffany panted from the exertion. “I guess I forgot to mention that I was never a Girl Scout.”

Chapter 16

“M
om, you do know that some places actually have carryout? Which means a lot less cleanup later?”

Norma Jean turned to see her son standing at the kitchen entryway. “Boy, when have I ever had carryout for a Sunday dinner?”

Milán, Tiffany and Ivan filed in behind Adrian. After greetings were exchanged, Norma Jean handed each person a dish to take into the dining room.

As usual, Heathcliffe blessed the food. Norma Jean said her usual thanks to the crowd for coming to dinner, and for making her home lively with laughter and love.

“I want you kids to know how much it means to Cliff and me that you all can still take time out of your busy schedules to share an evening with us. It truly means a lot to me.” She sniffed. “Especially since I’m not getting any younger.”

“Mom,” Adrian said, looking over at her with concern. “Why so serious? Is everything okay?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I’m just...overcome with joy tonight. Just seeing you so happy and content—it’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

They all sighed with relief.

“Of course, some grandbabies running around would be nice,” she added.

“Do we really need to start that again?” Adrian said, on cue.

* * *

Since Wednesday was her birthday, Tiffany decided to work Monday and Tuesday and then take the rest of the week off so that she could spend time with Ivan before he left for Venice.

Tuesday afternoon, Ivan told her that he had a surprise for her big day.

“What?”

“Uh-uh. You’ll have to wait and see, but we’ll need to pack up some things because we’ll be gone the rest of the week.”

That really got Tiffany’s mind buzzing about where the mystery destination could be, but trying to get anything out of Ivan was about as hard as trying to blow a watermelon with a straw. She gave up after the first twenty times of asking, and just packed the things he suggested.

After they got her bags, they drove to Ivan’s house to get his things in order. By the time the truck was loaded up that night, Tiffany was exhausted.

“Ivan, where are we going tomorrow?” she pressed when they were in bed that night.

“I’ll tell you in the morning.”

She tried tickling it out of him, pleading with him and even trying to seduce him. While her efforts put a wide grin on his face, he didn’t give in. Turning her back to him, she gave up and went to sleep. She missed the amused look on Ivan’s face before he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her up against him. A short time later, they were both asleep.

* * *

“Wake up, birthday girl,” Ivan whispered into her ear the next morning.

Slowly, Tiffany opened her eyes. She blinked a few times until Ivan came into view.

“Good morning,” she said huskily.

“Morning, sweetheart.” He kissed her tenderly. “Happy birthday.”

“Thank you,” she replied, sitting up. “Now where are we going?”

Ivan found her tenacity endearing. He placed a breakfast tray on her lap. He had filled it with her favorites: banana pancakes, turkey sausage and milk. He’d also added fresh flowers from his mother’s garden.

He walked over and grabbed his plate that was sitting on the dresser, and then sat on the bed next to her.

“Okay, I’ll tell you,” he said in between bites of food. “We’re going to Lake Geneva. My family has a small cottage there.”

“Wisconsin?”

He nodded. “We’ll leave as soon as we finish breakfast and get dressed.”

“I’ve never been, but I heard it’s great.”

“You’ll like it,” Ivan said confidently.

She leaned over and kissed him. “How can I not? You’ll be there with me.”

* * *

After breakfast, Tiffany went to shower. She was still in there when Ivan returned from taking their breakfast dishes downstairs.

Without warning, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. It was commanding, firm, all-consuming and intoxicating. He picked her up and carried her back to the bed.

“Ivan, I’m still wet,” she exclaimed.

“I don’t care.” Ivan plunged his tongue into her mouth, and then rained kisses down her face and neck.

Her hands gripped his shoulders, and she gave herself over to his kisses. Minutes later, Ivan was buried to the hilt inside her. He made slow, maddening love to her, and the only thing Tiffany could do was hold on as he painstakingly took them both careening off into a world of mind-blowing orgasms. Tiffany lost count of just how many she had in that short amount of time. Afterward, Tiffany didn’t even possess the strength to raise her head off his chest. “This has already been the best birthday I’ve ever had. How in the world are we going to get up and drive to Lake Geneva?”

“I’m not sure yet,” he murmured. “But we’ve got about twenty minutes to figure it out.”

“In that case...can we do that again—all of it?”

A smile of male satisfaction covered his face. “Yes...but not before I’ve had a chance to recuperate.”

But he flipped her over and under him. He kissed her with a newfound strength that left them both breathless.

* * *

True to his word, Ivan had them both up, dressed and on the road in twenty minutes. But Tiffany fell back asleep before they had even made it to the interstate.

When she woke up, it was an hour later. She glanced out the window.

The memory of her birthday morning was still fresh in her mind. Sex with Ivan was explosive. Each time left her replete, but wanting more. Just thinking about the last time was enough to stir the embers within her. There was no complicated equation. The more of Ivan she got, the more she wanted. He was addictive. They would be on the road another hour and a half, and yet she was ready to have him take her in the backseat.

Tiffany rotated slightly so that she could observe his profile. There wasn’t one thing about him that she did not find physically desirable. “Ivan,” she said slowly.

He glanced over. “Yeah?”

“Can we...stop somewhere?”

“Do you have to use the restroom?”

She reached out and stroked his leg through his jeans. His leg was rock hard. She bit her lower lip. “Not exactly.”

“Honey, we’ll be there in about ninety minutes.”

“I can’t wait, Ivan. I was just thinking about earlier this morning and my birthday present and—”

“Ah,” he smiled knowingly.

She nodded, moving her hand even lower.

Ivan’s jaw clenched. “I do know a place...”

* * *

Two hours later, Ivan maneuvered his Range Rover up a winding pebble road. At the top of the hill a log house surrounded on three sides by trees came into view.

“Welcome to Windmere.”

Tiffany took in the chestnut-colored A-frame house. She stared at him. “You said it was a
small
cottage.”

“It is.” He got out and went to retrieve their luggage.

“You know, you and I view the word
small
completely differently.” Tiffany got out and went to help with their things. “Call me old-fashioned, but since when does a ‘small cottage’ describe a six-thousand-square-foot home?”

“It’s not that big.” He laughed. “Come on.”

Following him up the wide steps to the porch, Tiffany noted that it extended around the entire front of the house. Ivan unlocked the front door, and they went in. The lights were already on, and fresh flowers were set in the river-stone fireplace and on the tabletops.

“How did you do this?” she exclaimed.

Ivan motioned for her to follow him. “I had help.”

He explained as they walked that the house was built so that the major living areas were at tree level. They walked through the family room to the kitchen. The whole space was engulfed within the trees. She set the bags of groceries onto the dark green-and-black marbled granite counter.

“Looks like the Mangums have commercial-grade kitchens wherever they go.”

“What can I say? We love to cook.”

They put the groceries away, and then Ivan took her upstairs to his bedroom. Tiffany was in awe. It was like they’d stepped into a tree house. One side of his room had large sliding doors that recessed into the walls so that he had a completely open space that spilled out onto a private balcony. His bed was a massive wooden king-size sleigh bed with dark green bedding. It was a homage to nature, with earth tones and splashes of color as accents. His bathroom was decorated in the same color scheme. There was a round Jacuzzi tub and the same doors that recessed into the wall.

“This is so beautiful, Ivan.”

He walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “So are you.”

After unpacking, they returned to the kitchen to cook dinner. Tiffany opened a bottle of wine while Ivan prepared steaks to grill. She made a salad, and he took care of baking potatoes. Tiffany found the table linens and set the table, complete with candles and one of the vases of fresh wildflowers. She walked onto the deck and watched him finish up their steaks.

“It must have been wonderful coming up here as a kid.”

“Yeah, my parents and grandparents really made sure we had an adventurous childhood. We were always going on fishing trips, campouts and hiking expeditions. We were an outdoorsy group.”

“The most outdoorsy thing my family’s ever done is the zoo. I think it’s great that you have a close-knit family, Ivan.”

The longing in her voice was unmistakable. He leaned over and kissed her. “I can’t wait for you to meet them. Of course, my GiGi is going to have my hide for not bringing you to see her sooner.”

When dinner was ready, they ate and shared more childhood stories. When they were finished, Ivan cleared their plates. He waved her off when she offered to help.

“You stay there and relax, birthday girl. I’ll be right back.”

When he returned, he carried a small round cake with candles burning brightly on top. He sang happy birthday, and then Tiffany made a wish and blew out the candles.

“Carrot cake is my favorite. How’d you know?”

“A little birdie told me.”

“Does that birdie have a Spanish accent?” She laughed.

He smiled. “It’s possible.”

They moved to the couch. It was a little chilly, so Ivan started a fire. Tiffany sat watching him. When he returned, he carried two wrapped gifts and then sat down beside her. Ivan handed her the boxes.

“Happy birthday, Tiffany.”

“Thank you.” She unwrapped the first gift and peeked inside the box. She took out a miniature chess set. “Oh, my gosh, Ivan, it’s beautiful.”

“It’s a Thuya wood chess set from Morocco. I thought it would be nice for the Petite Boutique, being that it’s the travel-size version.” He grinned.

“When did you go to Morocco?”

“I didn’t. One of my employees was there on assignment and just got back last week. I asked him to pick it up for me.”

“It’s perfect,” she gushed. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Here.” He handed her the next one.

She pulled the paper off a black box. Tiffany opened it. Her mouth dropped open as she stared at a white-gold and ruby necklace. It was a three-stone setting with each ruby bigger than the last. She touched it lightly with her fingers.

“It’s...stunning,” she said in a choked voice. “I love it, but it’s way too much, Ivan.”

He took the necklace out of its case and secured it for her. When it slid down her neck, he settled the rubies into place. “No, it’s not. It’s your birthday, Tiffany, and I want to spoil you. Do you know how much I’d love to shower you with gifts if you’d let me?”

“Which I won’t,” she added. “This is too expensive, Ivan.”

Ivan dug his heels in. “I’m not taking it back. I should be entitled to splurge on you whenever I want.”

Tiffany walked to the hall mirror. He was right; it was perfect. It took considerable effort not to become overwhelmed at the beautiful pendant.

She went back to the couch and sat on his lap. “Thank you for such a special gift, Ivan. It’s perfect. My birthday is, too. It’s the best one I’ve had since I don’t remember when.” Her voice caught in her throat.

He kissed her. “I’m glad, but it’s not over yet.”

“No? You’ve already made it a birthday I’ll never forget. What else is there?”

“A while ago I was thinking about what I’d like to do for your birthday. Let’s just say it involves you and some leftover icing.” A wicked gleam entered his eyes. “And it appears we’ve got plenty of cake to spare.”

Tiffany jumped up. “Oh, no, you don’t, Ivan Mangum.” She screamed when he tried to grab her arm. She yanked it free and took off up the stairs.

“Wait.” He laughed. “You haven’t seen the best part.” He grabbed a spatula and raced after her.