Her Heart's Desire (16 page)

“Don’t.”

Ultimately, Tiffany allowed him to comfort her. He picked her up and set her on the couch in his lap. He held her while she cried.

“God, sweetheart, please don’t cry. It’s killing me inside. I’m sorry, I just got used to keeping the negative stuff to myself to keep the peace.”

“Don’t ever keep me in the dark about your safety again. I don’t care what happened in the past. I’m not
her
. I don’t want that kind of relationship with you, Ivan.”

“Okay. No more withholding information.”

“You’d better not, or I promise I’ll put you in the hospital myself.”

“Roger that.” He grinned and kissed the top of her head. He held her for a few minutes before he spoke again. “Did you say that you loved me?”

“I don’t know,” she groused.

She missed the delight in his face. He continued to stroke her back. Suddenly, he stopped. “I noticed luggage in the foyer the night I got back. Where were you going?”

She sighed raggedly. “I was on my way to you.”

“What?”

She pushed away from him. “I couldn’t stand being without you anymore, Ivan. I know I said I would wait for you here, but then I started to think that I have the means to take off for a while, and that I could be with you in Dubai so that we wouldn’t have to be apart.”

“Sweetheart, I’m...I’m blown away you’d have done that for me.”

“Not just for you. For both of us.”

“So you don’t want to break up with me anymore?”

“I never did. I was just angry. And you’re right. We both have issues to own up to. My track record on relationships is just as spotty as yours, and I did wonder if ending it would’ve been easier.”

He stroked her cheek. “But not anymore?”

She shook her head. “Maybe easier, but I could never do it.”

Ivan smiled. “Why?”

“Because I love you too damn much—I have for a long time.”

“That’s good, because I love you too damn much to ever let you go.”

They sealed their new declaration with a kiss. Over her tirade, Tiffany hugged him.

“I’m glad you tried again.”

“You’re worth it. So how should we celebrate my homecoming and an end to our skirmish—dinner, dancing, a movie? Making love right here, right now?”

“Unless you’re hungry, we can order in...later,” Tiffany told him. “Right now I want you all to myself.”

He kissed her neck. “I can handle that.”

Tiffany led him into her bedroom. She made quick work of undressing him. After his pants were gone, she unbuttoned his shirt. When she slid it off, she gasped at seeing the discoloration on his chest and ribs.

“I’m okay,” he said quickly. “Completely on the mend.”

Tiffany pointed to the bed. “Get in.”

She sat cross-legged on the bed and inspected his wounds. “Tell me everything.”

He relayed the story of how they got ambushed and the attempted burglary that ensued. “None of us sustained serious harm. Our client and my employees,” he clarified. “I didn’t care that we knocked around the bad guys pretty good.”

“Did you break your ribs?”

“No, just bruised. I fell down a flight of stairs.” He grinned. “Well...more like jumped.”

She swallowed hard. “Jumped?”

“Yes, one of the perpetrators was getting away. Don’t worry, he broke my fall.”

“Do not try to make me laugh right now,” she cautioned. “I’m still a little mad at you.”

His hand slid under her T-shirt. “How mad?”

“Go to sleep, Ivan,” she commanded. “You look like you haven’t slept in days.”

“So do you. Come here.”

Tiffany climbed in next to him. She entwined her fingers with his. Seconds later, they were both sound asleep.

Chapter 21

I
van asleep past eight in the morning just wasn’t heard of. Tiffany was shocked. That had never happened since she had known him. Not once.

She tried not to make a lot of noise as she left the room so that he could get the rest his body needed.

After eating, Tiffany fell asleep on the living room couch. When Ivan stood over her, his presence awoke her. She blinked a few times. “Hi,” she said sleepily.

“Hey, baby.”

“I was trying not to wake you. I must’ve dozed off.” She sat up.

“I don’t blame you. It’s been a stressful few days.”

“Try few months, but not nearly as bad as yours.”

He held his hand out to her. “I have an idea. Let’s spend the rest of the day in bed. We’ll be bed potatoes.”

Tiffany’s eyebrows went upward. “Bed potatoes?” She got up. “Have you ever done that before?”

His smile was infectious, and Tiffany couldn’t help being caught up in the bizarre proposition.

“Probably not, but for you, I’ll make an exception.”

It was surprising to both of them how committed they were to doing nothing. They napped, talked, watched a movie and then napped again. Later, Tiffany ordered food to be delivered. After eating, they went back to sleep.

When Tiffany awoke again, it was to find Ivan hovering over her with a breakfast tray. She sat up and eyed the generous helpings of croissants, bacon, eggs and fruit.

“All this was in my kitchen?”

“No.” He laughed. “It was pretty lean in there.”

He sat next to her and read the paper while they ate.

“What do you want to do today?” she inquired between bites.

“We should swing past my house so I can go through all the mail and do a few other menial tasks—you know, go to the dry cleaner’s, wash clothes, make love to my girl.”

“Oh, that,” she dismissed. “It all sounds so mundane.” She yawned for effect. “How do you stand it?”

He tweaked her nose. “We all have our jobs to do. Tonight, though, is all yours. We’re getting dressed up, and we’re going out to dinner.”

Tiffany perked up. “Really?”

“Yep, and I have a gift for you. It’s in the living room.”

When she returned, she was lugging a big square box. “Ivan, I didn’t see this last night. I’m sure I would’ve remembered.”

“It was in the car.”

She untied the huge bow and took the top off. Under several layers of tissue paper was a stunning gown. “Ivan,” she breathed, and then got up to hold the dress out in front of her. “Oh, my God, you brought me a Donna Karan gown?”

Tiffany stared at the cross-neck, claret-colored, full-length jersey gown. It was slinky, sexy and elegant. “I’m... Wow...I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

“I thought we’d do it up tonight. You deserve it, sweetheart. There’s something else in the box, too.”

She went back and searched until she found an envelope. She opened it.

“A day at the spa?”

“You got it. A full body massage, facial treatment, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup.”

A gleam of pleasure covered her face. “But...you said we had laundry and house stuff to do.”

“I have laundry and house stuff,” he corrected. “You, my darling, have a day of other people catering to your needs. Don’t worry, I’ll take up my shift tonight.” He winked.

She set the gown back in its box and placed it in her walk-in closet. She returned, and as gently as she could, jumped into his arms. Ivan caught her and rubbed his hands up and down her back.

“Are you happy?”

“Ecstatic,” she confirmed. “But you didn’t have to do all this just because we had a fight.”

“I have a confession. All this was planned prior to the battle.” His fingers traced the outline of her lower lip. “Do you love me?”

Her eyes lit up with happiness. “Yes, Ivan Mangum. I love you.”

Ivan allowed his happiness to shine through, too. “Say it again.”

“I love you.”

They kissed, and then she moved off to the side of him. She laid her head on his chest. His heartbeat was loud and steady.

“I love you, too, Tiffany.”

She listened to his declaration through his chest. She raised her head. “Say it again.”

“I love you, Tiffany Gentry. The time away from you has been torture for me. I couldn’t wait to get home and tell you how much I loved you. I want to make sure that I never let you forget just how much.”

“Thank you, Ivan. This has been the best night I’ve ever had.”

Ivan kissed her soundly. “For both of us, love.”

* * *

It didn’t take Tiffany long to realize that Ivan had spared no expense in making their evening memorable. He dropped her off at the spa before promising to pick her up later so she could go home and change for dinner.

The only word that came to mind as her day stretched out before her was
decadence.
Her relaxation level increased with each service she received. By the end of the day, Tiffany felt like royalty. Ivan sent a text to head out front. She thanked the staff and slowly walked outside.

There was a stretch limousine at the curb and a man holding up a printed sign with her name. Tiffany smiled and shook her head.
Ivan.

“I’m Miss Gentry.”

“Hello, madam. My name is Smithers, and I will be your driver for this evening.”

He was British. Tiffany shook his hand. “Hello, Mr. Smithers.”

The driver assisted her inside. She discovered a bottle of chilled champagne that had just been opened, a bowl of fresh strawberries and a single red rose standing regally in a vase next to the ice bucket. She lowered a strawberry into the bubbly and took a sip. Tiffany settled in for the drive to her home, but instead they headed to Lake Shore Drive, and then back through the city. The car pulled to a stop. She peeked out the window. Her mouth gaped open.

Smithers opened her door and escorted her onto the sidewalk, handing her bags to a waiting porter. “Welcome to the Trump International Hotel and Tower, Miss Gentry.” He handed her an envelope. “I’ll see you shortly.”

Tiffany opened the envelope and retrieved a card. “See you at eight, love I.”
Her pulse raced with excitement.

She checked in at the front desk and was escorted upstairs. From the moment Tiffany stepped over the threshold of her room, she was in the lap of luxury. Ivan had reserved a one-bedroom suite with a scenic view of the river. It was eleven hundred square feet of pure indulgence. A large flat-panel television sat on a low table. There was a fireplace, a plush couch and chair with an ottoman, a kitchenette with granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a dining table and chairs.

She moved to the bedroom. A king-size bed sat regally in the middle of the room with a floor-to-ceiling wood headboard. The furnishings were muted colors in gray, taupe and white. The view of the city was stunning. The en-suite bathroom was like a personal spa with rich neutral tiles, a chocolate wood table with glass sink bowls, fluffy white towels and thick terry-cloth bathrobes.

“Unbelievable.” Before she could say another word, a light knock sounded at her door.

She went to open it. Two women with carry-on bags greeted her.

“May I help you?”

“Miss Gentry?”

“Yes.”

“Hi, we’re your hair and makeup stylists for tonight.”

“Oh. Come in,” she said, stepping aside.

Ivan had pulled out all the stops on the day just for her, and she was going to ensure that he received his money’s worth. By the time he saw her that evening, she would be as primped and coiffed as she could possibly be.

After a delectable bath prepared by one of her stylists, Tiffany submerged herself up to her neck in rich, perfumed water infused with rose petals. It was straight out of a movie. She couldn’t wait to tell Milán and Jeannie about her lavish day.

By the time she was completely dressed and ready two hours later, she felt like Julia Roberts in
Pretty Woman
. Except Richard Gere wasn’t the one waiting for her in the hotel lobby—it was Ivan standing in front of the limo dressed in a black shawl collar dinner suit. His tall, well-built physique definitely did his attire justice. He was clean-shaven and too desirable for her to put into words. She tried, but the only thing that escaped her lips came out in a soft whisper. “Have mercy.”

* * *

When she reached him, Ivan’s eyes roamed over her wine-colored gown, her smoothed hair and plum-tinted lips. Lips that, if he were lucky, would travel all over his body later. The thought made him grin. Ivan held out his hand when she reached him. Her fingers lightly touched his before he raised his hand up and slowly rotated her around. Her hair was slicked down and reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. The only ornamentation was a single diamond pin. The style accented the low-dipped back of her gown.

When he completed the turn, he raised her hand up to his lips. “Have mercy, indeed.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “You read lips, too?”

“Only yours,” he remarked smoothly.

Ivan took her wrap and helped her into the limousine. Smithers shut the door behind them. Before their driver pulled off, he raised the privacy shield between them.

Tiffany turned to Ivan. “Do you know how ridiculously pampered I felt today...right now? Ivan, no one has ever, ever spoiled me this way before. It wasn’t just about the money you spent, it was the thought and love that went into it. Those simple gestures were loud and clear amidst all the extravagance. I just wanted you to know that I saw them, and they mattered.”

“Tiffany, you are such an exceptional woman—you’re kind, thoughtful, sexy as hell, smart, determined and loyal to those you love. I would spoil you like this each day if I thought you’d let me.”

“I hope you know you’ve exceeded all my expectations tonight.”

He held up her hand and kissed a trail down her arm. His eyes glittered like a tiger stalking his prey. “Lord, I hope not. Then again, there are plenty of hours left for you to have a change of heart.”

Tiffany reveled in the moment...their moment.

By the time they returned to the hotel, Tiffany had been thoroughly wined and dined. As they rode the elevator up to their suite, she looked to him and said, “You’ve definitely made up for not telling me about getting hurt. In case there was any doubt, you’re forgiven.”

He opened the door for her. “Well, if I wasn’t, I think I have just the thing that would’ve sealed the deal.”

Tiffany walked through the door and stopped in her tracks. The living room had been transformed with music, a fire and lit candles. On the dining table there was another bottle of champagne with a platter of fruits dipped in chocolate.

“I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that I’m the most romantic man you’ve ever met.”

She peeped up at him from under her eyelashes. “Yes, but I guarantee that is
not
what I was thinking.”

“Ah. My mind-reading skills aren’t what they used to be.” He held out his hand. “Would you care to dance, Miss Gentry?”

“I’d love to, Colonel Mangum.”

Ivan twirled her into the center of the room, and then they swayed in time to Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin’.”

“I love it when we’re cruisin’ together,” he sang in her ear.

“He sings, and dances, too. Is there anything you can’t do?” she said as he dipped her.

“There are most definitely a few things on that list, but luckily for you, romancing my woman ain’t one of them.”

“I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it...” she sang back.

Ivan smiled. “Oh, my lady also has a few hidden talents. Can’t wait to see what else you have in your bag of tricks.”

When the song ended, Ivan went to pour two glasses of Dom Pérignon. He handed one to Tiffany before unbuttoning his jacket and taking it off. He laid it across a dining room chair.

“Did I mention how incredibly hot you look in that suit? All the women stared when we came in just now. That must happen in a lot of places you go, doesn’t it? London, Venice, Dubai...”

Ivan set his glass down on the table. He sauntered over to Tiffany. He slid a finger down her bare arm. “I only have eyes for one woman. Anything else is a job hazard.”

Tiffany heard the words, and the solemn way he said them.

“There were a fair share of men ogling you tonight, too. I should’ve set up a fail-safe on your security system to alert me when a man’s checking out your delectable backside.”

She heard the same hint of jealousy in his voice that had been in hers. “I only have eyes for one man. Anything else is a job hazard.”

Ivan wrapped his arms around her waist and hoisted her up so they were at eye level. “That’s good to know, because I don’t play nice with my toys.”

She felt pure satisfaction at his possessive words. Tiffany kissed him. “You’re the only man who’s ever getting my toys.”

Ivan carried her into the bedroom. It was laid out in a similar fashion with only candles illuminating in the room. He stopped at the bed, but did not set her down.

“I’d like to seal our pledge of fidelity with a kiss, but I think I can go one better than that.”

He placed her on the bed and retrieved a bag from the dresser. He took out a light blue box with a white bow and placed it in her lap. She gazed at the signature wrapping.

“Tiffany?”

“A Tiffany for my Tiffany.” Suddenly, Ivan burst out laughing. “Okay, who would’ve thought I’d ever get to say that?”

She laughed, too, then untied the box and opened it. Her fingers trembled as she held the small package suspended in midair.

“Ivan...it’s an engagement ring,” she choked out.

“Yes, it is. A one-carat Tiffany Novo, to be exact, but only if you let me put it on your finger. That’s the engagement part. If not, it’s just a brilliant ring in a box.”

The tears welled up in her eyes. She gawked at him. “Really?”

He took the ring from the box, and then took her hand. “I could give you thousands of reasons why I want you to spend the rest of your life by my side, but the truth is, Tiffany Adele Gentry, the most important one is that I simply—” his voice faltered “—love you, and can’t live without you anymore. The time we were apart truly put things in perspective for me. You’re everything to me, and I want you by my side—always. So will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?”