Page 12 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

“It’s not every day I sell a pink diamond ring,” he replied with a smile. “Wait! Don’t tell me, it’s…Payton and Lennie, right? And I’m Felix Halliday, the owner. Did you have a wonderful wedding?”

Oh man, if only he knew.

Before I could reply, Payton squeezed my arm. “So nice to see you again, Felix, and yes, we did have quite an interesting night.”

I snorted and Payton glared at me.

“Unfortunately,” Payton continued. “We won’t be staying married. So, we need to return the rings.”

Felix’s face fell. “Oh, I’m sorry. You two looked so happy last night. I thought for sure you were going to beat the odds. In any case, I’m afraid I can’t help you. We have a strict no-return policy.”

He pointed to the sign at the end of the display case. Fuck.

“All sales are final. These are wholesale prices. You get the best quality at the lowest price in the city, but no returns.”

Don’t panic, don’t panic. It’s only fifteen grand. Your emergency fund will cover it.

“Out of curiosity,” Payton added. “What was the total for both rings?”

“Fifteen thousand,” I croaked. “I checked my credit card statement.”

Then it hit me. I’d used the company card with no limit. Regan was going to put me on night shifts for a year.

Payton looked like he was about to faint. Or puke.

“Exactly,” Felix nodded. “The pink diamond in the white gold setting was $10,000. The platinum band was $5,000.”

This time, I reached for Payton’s hand, steadying myself.

“So, the only thing we can do now is sell them?” Payton murmured.

Felix nodded. “But you won’t get full price, only a fraction. That’s the gem market.”

“It’s okay.” I finally found my voice. “I’m sure Van or one of the guys knows someone we can sell them to. It’ll be fine.”

“Once we sell them, whatever the difference, I’m paying my half,” Payton insisted.

“No.”

“Yes. No arguments. All right?”

I finally nodded. We’d also have the legal fees for the divorce. Jesus, I was never drinking hard liquor again.

“Can I give you a piece of advice?” Felix asked, leaning forward. “Give it a few weeks. The value won’t change. Take your time and make sure you get the best price. I can give you the names of a few reputable buyers.”

“We’re heading back to Nashville today,” I added.

“That’s fine; two of them own online stores. If you give me your email, I’ll put you in touch with them.”

“Thanks, Felix.”

I tapped on my email and showed him my phone. While he was busy taking my information, I turned to Payton.

“I think it’d be cheaper if we stayed married,” he announced with a flirty grin.

“Angel, you took the words right out of my mouth.”

CHAPTER 5

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