Page 38 of Challenge Accepted

Natalie frowned. “She can’t miss that. Do you have any idea how much money she sunk into those pieces? She used all her savings to buy product—even wholesale it was crazy expensive for the platinum, diamonds, and tanzanite.”

He sighed. “I had a feeling she downplayed just how much of a problem this was. I don’t know what tanzanite is, but the rest I know is really expensive.”

“Oh, my God. Her father is the sweetest guy on earth, but he has no clue just how much she needs that creative side of her. The business side of the store is killing her.”

“You sound like you know her very well.”

“She’s been my best friend since we were in high school.”

“Good, because I need your help.”

Natalie straightened her shoulders. “What can I do?”

Thirteen

Presley beltedthe silk kimono robe. It seemed a little anti-climactic to put on something slinky after what happened in the parking garage. A semi-sexy robe would have to do.

She walked out into the kitchen where Vance and Natalie were laughing over coffee. As soon as he saw her, he put down his mug and crossed to her. “Feel better?”

She slid her hand in his, wrapping her other hand around his forearm. “Much. What time are we leaving tomorrow?”

“From my experience it’s better to get on the island as early as possible. It’s a pretty quick flight when you don’t have to worry about the commercial gates.”

“I agree. The afternoons are crazy to get into town.” She swung her gaze to Natalie. “I guess we’re going to head to bed then.”

“Vance told me you have to miss the expo.”

Presley looked down at the tile with a shrug. “It’ll be there next year. If we close the store on the busiest shopping day of the week in the shape we’re in right now, we’ll be in even more trouble.”

“Are you sure you can’t get someone to cover for you?”

Presley sighed. “A few years ago my mom could have handled it, but with her arthritis, she’s definitely not getting around fast enough for that. Even at island pace.” Things were more relaxed at times in St. Maarten, but people still shopped and they loved the duty-free jewelry.

“This sucks, girl.”

She managed to keep the tears out of her throat when she looked up at her best friend. “Out loud.”

Natalie flew across the room and hugged her. “The collection is going to happen. You just have to be patient.”

Presley nodded. “Of course it is.” But it really didn’t feel like it would, especially now. She pasted a sunny smile on her face. She had to believe it would—someday.

She led a surprisingly quiet Vance down the hall to her room. She reached in to flick on the light, but he stopped her.

He closed the door, locked it and stood in front of her. The lights of the square and the fading storm lit the sky in pulses. Her room was shadow and comfort and now she would have memories of this man in her space.

He cupped her face, his thumb feathering over her cheek, then lightly skittered his fingertips over her throat and along the vee of her robe. He teased the back of his hand around her breast and down to the sash.

With infinite care, he tugged it loose and pushed it off her shoulders. She swayed a little. He was still completely dressed and she only wore city lights.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”

“You’re going to swell my head if you keep telling me that.”

“Good. You obviously haven’t been told enough.”

She stepped into his arms. “Then show me.”

Fourteen

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