Page 35 of Baby Perfection

“It’s one of the wedding lines created by Francesca Dante, aimed for the average consumer. I think you’ll find some of her exclusive collections more to your liking. I should have thought about coming here first.”

Angie stirred uneasily. “Exclusive collections?” she repeated. “That sounds pricey. The ring I chose is close enough. I don’t mind—”

He cut her off without hesitation. “I do mind.” He softened his words by linking their hands. “Your instincts are right on, Angie. You need something elegant, but stunning. Something that makes a statement, and yet suits your personality. People will judge your worth, as well as your value to me, by the ring you choose.”

He’d shocked her. “That’s horrible.”

“I agree, but it’s life. Trust me on this.”

The salesman returned and escorted them to a sweeping staircase. Lucius removed Mikey from his stroller, while Angie slung the diaper bag over her shoulder with the sort of loving panache that would have befitted a Fendi handbag. Once upstairs, they were shown into a private room with a view of the city.

The room, accented with a wealth of plants and gorgeous fresh flower arrangements, featured a plush, ankle-deep carpet in a pearl gray, giving the impression of luxury combined with warmth. They were shown to a sitting area that consisted of a love seat covered in a discreet pinstripe of gray and white, accented with narrow bands of black, and silk chairs in a rich ruby red. A glass table fronted the love seat and chairs, positioned slightly higher than a conventional coffee table. Overhead spots creating brilliant puddles of light, focused on the table in order to showcase the merchandise.

“I informed Mr. Arroya that the lady finds our Francesca designs most appealing,” the salesman explained to Lucius. “He’s selecting a few of her pieces with that in mind. In the meantime, may I offer you refreshments? Wine? Champagne?”

“Champagne sounds perfect,” Lucius replied, positioning Mikey so he couldn’t grab at anything harmful. Not that he need worry. Mikey simply stared at his surroundings, occasionallyoffering a babbling commentary in a serious tone, one Lucius answered in an equally serious tone.

The salesman returned almost immediately with a silver tray service that included a selection of hard cheeses, a dish of berries and even a small plate of sushi. He opened the champagne, poured. Then indicated the accompanying food. “Shall I serve you or would you prefer some privacy?”

Lucius inclined his head. “We’re good, thanks.”

The instant he left, Angie turned dazed eyes in Lucius’s direction. “Okay, wow.”

He handed her a flute. “Get used to it, at least when we’re out in public. In private, I prefer leading a far simpler lifestyle.”

She helped herself to some cheese, nibbling in what he took to be a nervous manner. “I hadn’t thought… Didn’t anticipate—”

“You’ve been part of my life for eighteen months, Angie. You’ve seen this side of things.”

“To a minor extent, yes.” She closed her eyes and confessed, “I’m feeling a bit out of my depth.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

She impressed him by nodding, straightening in her seat and taking a deep, calming breath. “Okay, I can handle this.” She studied the tray. “Would you like something to eat? The fruit mixture looks incredible.”

“Are there currants in there?”

“Yes, and color me impressed that you even know what a currant looks like.”

“No choice but to learn. Either that or make sure I carry around a supply of antihistamines.”

She regarded him in surprise. “You’re allergic to gooseberries? How could I have worked for you for so long and not known that?”

“It’s a mystery. I thought you knew everything.”

She offered a casual shrug. “I do now. I assume you’re not allergic to sushi and cheese?”

He took the plate she offered. “That I can handle.”

Tomas Arroya joined them just then, accompanied by an assistant. They exchanged the requisite amount of small talk before getting down to business. He had to give Angie credit. Even though this world was miles out of her realm, she handled it with a quiet poise that impressed the hell out of him.

She took her time examining the rings on display. He was probably the only one to catch the slight hitch in her voice and uncontrollable tremor of her hand when he slipped each ring on her finger. He could also tell that none of the choices was quite right, and sensed she teetered on the verge of choosing one, any one, just to be done with it. Mr. Arroya proved equally astute.

“These all look lovely on you, Ms. Colter,” he said gently. “But none suit the way Francesca would insist they must.”

“Oh, but—” Angie started to say.

Arroya simply shook his head. “No, no. They won’t do. Tonya, bring me Utter Perfection.” He patted Angie’s hand. “I think this next one may work. It wasn’t designed as an engagement ring, but as part of a set. Even so, I suspect it might be right for you.”

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