Page 71 of Mason Wilder
“Walk with me.”
Hisgaze was pensive, as if he had something on his mind, and she thought he might want to talk about Kendall a little more, so she walked in silence. He put his arm around her and smiled warmly. Not his usual animated grin, just a small cozy smile filled with affection that made her insides melt.
“Why so quiet?” he asked when they reached the corner and waited for the traffic to clear so they could cross.
“I don’t know. I thought you wanted to talk, and I didn’t want to hijack the conversation. You know how I ramble.”
Now, he gave her his killer smile. “You really do love me, you little chatterbox.”
She poked him in the ribs as they crossed Fifth Avenue, and he giggled. It was the musical, lighthearted giggle that he had when he was a boy, and childhood memories filled her with happiness.
He pulled her diagonally across the street, and she stumbled in her heels on the uneven asphalt. He immediately tightened his grip on her hand for support. “Sorry. Why don’t you wear more practical shoes?”
“I didn’t know we’d be walking through the City streets.” She rolled her eyes. “You Manhattanites.”
He stopped when they reached the east side of Fifth Avenue and faced her. Running his hands up and down her arms, then taking both her hands, he gazed at her in a way that made goosebumps rise on her flesh.
“Do you know where I’m taking you?” he asked.
“No.” She looked back over her shoulder toward the China Grill. I thought you wanted to eat Chinese food.”
He wore a silly smile but didn’t say anything as he pulled her toward a storefront and out of the stream of New Yorkers walking briskly down the sidewalk. Then he took her by the shoulders and turned her toward the display window. She gasped and held her breath for a few seconds as an array of sparkling diamonds stared back at her from the window of Cartier.
“We’re here to pick out your engagement ring.” Mason kissed her temple. “Only the best for my girl.”
She let out a giddy laugh. “They’re all so beautiful!” She gazed at them all, mesmerized, unsure how she’d pick just one. Rows upon rows of different cuts and sizes, one more extraordinary than the other, twinkled at her with an inviting wink saying, “Pick me!”
“Do you want to go inside, or do you want to stay out here and stare at the window?”
She took his hand and almost raced inside, but she remembered her decorum. She was a girl about to be engaged to the most sought-after rock star in America. A uniformed doorman welcomed them into the plush showroom. The place sparkled with bright lights and wealthy customers, all ready to add to their riches. Money and fame had never really affected Tessa before, but at this moment, she was part of an elite group where money was no object.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Wilder,”
Mason nodded his head at the salesman. “I need a ring. And a big one.”
“Of course. Right this way.”
“How does he know your name?” Tessa asked, with surprise.
“Where do you think my mom gets her jewels – Walmart?” he laughed. “I was here with my dad for every holiday, every birthday and every anniversary getting my mom a gift.”
Of course, Audra Abelman-Wilder demanded the best of the best, and nothing outshined Cartier in both beauty and reputation. And now one of the world’s most magnificent diamonds would sit on Tessa’s finger.
The salesman stepped behind the counter, unlocked a case and started presenting diamonds in different shapes and sizes, explaining details about cut and clarity and things that Tessa knew nothing about, like fluorescence. She was dazzled by them all and overwhelmed by choices.
“Pick one,” Mason said.
“I can’t. They’re all so beautiful.”
“May I suggest something like this?” The salesman held up a ring. “It’s an emerald cut three-carat stone set in a platinum band. It’s both regal and traditional.”
It was gorgeous, but she wasn’t regal or traditional. “I think I like the round one.”
“Excellent choice. I’ll be right back with some stones to choose from.”
Tessa watched him return the tray of diamond rings to the case and lock it, then walk to the back of the showroom. “Where is he going?
“He’s getting stones from the safe.”
