Her Heart's Desire (2 page)

Chapter 2

T
iffany almost dropped a glass bowl she was wrapping in tissue paper a few days later when Ivan walked in. He was wearing a pair of jeans, and a dark gray Under Armour shirt that fit him like a second skin.

She walked up to him as he was eyeing a crystal owl pendant. “Wow, you have my quote already?”

Ivan grinned. “Soon.”

“Did you have more questions?”

“Not on security. I’ve got a dilemma and thought you could help.”

“Of course. What’s the problem?”

“I need a gift. My grandmother turns ninety-six next week.”

Tiffany relaxed. “You’ve come to the right place. What does your grandmother like? Does she have any hobbies?”

As they discussed his grandmother, Tiffany guided Ivan around the store, showing him everything from velvet wraps to ceramic bowls, but nothing seemed right.

“Wait, I’ve got it.” With a grin, she retrieved the owl pendant and held it out to him. “It caught your eye earlier, and from what you’ve told me about her, I think she would love having something almost as wise as she is.”

Ivan’s fingers connected with hers. His touch was warm as it grazed her palm. He tilted the pendant in the light.

“That’s true. Always go with your gut, right?”

She laughed. “Words I live by.”

“In that case, I’ll take it.”

“Wise choice.” Tiffany winked. “I’ll wrap it for you.”

Celeste, one of Tiffany’s employees, rang up Ivan’s purchase while she wrapped the gift with care. Tiffany placed the birthday gift in a decorative bag and handed it to Ivan.

“I hope she loves it.”

“I’ll let you know. Thanks for coming to my rescue.”

A warm smile brightened her face. “Anytime.”

For the second time that week, Tiffany found herself staring as he walked out of the store.

The phone rang, causing Tiffany to almost jump out of her skin. She picked it up.

“Hi, honey. You’re not busy, are you?”

“No, Ms. Jeannie. What’s up?”

“I wanted to make sure you’re coming to the party tonight.”

“Like I would miss Milán and Adrian’s anniversary party. Of course I’ll be there,” Tiffany said.

“Great. Are you bringing a date? If you’re not, I’ve got a few prospects.”

Sometimes Norma Jean was overzealous in her matchmaking quest. And it seemed it was too late to dissuade her now.

“Ms. Jeannie,” Tiffany began, “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but—”

“Trust me, dear. It’ll work out great. I promise. Now don’t be late.”

Before Tiffany could say another word, Norma Jean had hung up.

A blind date was the last thing on her mind, but getting that point across to Norma Jean was more impossible than keeping shoppers orderly at a Bath & Body Works semiannual sale.

* * *

Ivan opened the door to his parents’ two-story home and flipped the light on. He juggled car keys, his grandmother’s gift and a large brown paper bag. Kicking the door shut with his foot, Ivan set everything but the bag on the hall table.

“I’m home,” he called out.

“Down in a minute,” his brother replied from upstairs.

He went in the kitchen for plates, silverware and beers. Back on the couch, he took his carryout dinner out of its bag and assembled his meal.

Cole Mangum walked into the room. “Hey.” He picked up the remote and turned the television on before sitting next to his brother.

“Hey, yourself.”

“It’s Friday night,” Cole pointed out.

“Yeah, and?”

“What are you doing home?”

“Cole, I’m home every night,” his brother replied in a dry tone. “What are
you
doing home?”

“Waiting to see what’s for dinner,” he joked.

“Thai food,” Ivan replied, while dumping a mound of shrimp pad thai onto his plate. “I got your favorite.”

“Cool, thanks.”

Cole picked up a plate and helped himself to red curry with chicken. He strategically spooned it over his brown rice.

They ate in silence until Cole asked, “How’s work going? It’s been a few weeks since you’ve had an assignment. Aren’t you getting restless?”

“No. Helping people out while I’m here has kept me busy. In fact, I’m working on an alarm system now for a small boutique owner, Tiffany Gentry. I’ll need your help on it, by the way.”

“Is she the one Mrs. Anderson told you about?”

“Yes.”

“Is she attractive?”

Ivan stopped chewing. “Cole.”

A wide grin etched his brother’s face. “What? I’m just asking.”

“She’s a client,” Ivan dismissed.

“So? That time in Munich—”

“Drop it.”

Cole glanced at his brother. “What’s the big deal? What she looks like isn’t classified information.”

Ivan took a sip of his beer. “She’s about five foot three inches tall, has bright, expressive brown eyes, dark hair with highlights that she wears spiked and beautiful mocha skin. She has a beauty mole above her right collarbone, and when she smiles...her whole face lights up. She’s left-handed, sure of herself and wears a floral fragrance that reminds me of the ocean. It suits her.”

Cole tried not to laugh. “Did you miss anything?”

“In my line of work, it’s imperative to assess problems quickly—and people.”

“I don’t doubt it. She sounds like a beautiful woman.”

Ivan didn’t like where the conversation was going one bit. “Don’t even think about it, baby brother.”

“No reason why both of us should miss out,” Cole reasoned.

Before Ivan could open his mouth, Cole burst into laughter.

“Dude, I’m kidding. Don’t get worked up.”

Ivan’s eyebrow shot upward. “You haven’t seen me worked up.”

Cole sat back and put his feet up. “I’m sure that’s true, Colonel Mangum.”

An hour of dinner and television later, Ivan stood up. “I’ve got some work to do.”

Cole glanced at him. “Go ahead, I’ll clean up.”

Ivan thanked him and headed upstairs. He retrieved his laptop and sat down on the couch in his sitting area. He placed his feet on an old leather trunk and got to work on Tiffany’s proposal.

But twenty minutes later, he found himself leaning back, closing his eyes and recalling his initial meeting with Tiffany. Her playful manner and humor were refreshing. In his line of work, a personal life was challenging. Working in the private sector was no different. Ivan’s company and his time centered on his clients. Some of his men and women traveled to dangerous locations with dignitaries, business professionals and wealthy notables.

Even when he wasn’t on assignment, Ivan was involved in each case to ensure the safety of his employees and customers. The hours were long and the job physically demanding, but he was proud of his accomplishments and thriving business. He excelled at it, and loved every minute.

A knock sounded at his bedroom door, and Cole entered.

“Mom called. She asked how the renovations were going, and if we were eating.”

Ivan shook his head and smiled. His mother was a worrier. It had been eight months since he’d moved back to his family’s home in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. With work keeping him busy, he had taken his parents, Lennox and Maris, up on their offer to move back home and make Chicago his hub. Since they now spent the winter months in St. John, that gave him and Cole time to reconnect. So far they were making the most of their temporary bachelor pad.

“Did you tell her that you haven’t cooked since they left?”

“Ha. I told her we’re doing well, and the guest bathroom is coming along. She wants us to send some pics.”

Thanks to their father, Ivan and Cole were pretty handy carpenters. While their parents were gone, the brothers had decided to upgrade the first-floor bathroom. The remodel, his business and checking on their grandmother, Cecile Mangum, kept him busy. GiGi, as he and Cole called her, lived in an assisted-living facility in nearby Evanston. As the oldest, it was his duty to keep his feisty grandmother and Cole out of trouble while his parents were gone. It was a full-time job.

Cole sat down and propped up his feet on Ivan’s trunk. “Did you finish your proposal?”

“Not yet. I got...sidetracked.”

“What’s the cause of your preoccupation—or who?”

Ivan remained silent.

“Come on, Ivan. I can tell you like her.”

“Sure I do. Tiffany is a likable woman.”

“That’s not what I mean, and you know it. It’s written all over that stern face of yours. You’re attracted to her.”

“I’ve got work to do, Cole,” Ivan said.

Cole stood up. “Fine. I guess I’ll let you get back to it, then.”

“Good. I’ll see you later.”

After his brother left, Ivan resumed working. He was diligent for a while, but his attention kept straying to Tiffany. She was unlike any woman he knew. Her sense of humor made him smile, and her beauty and spirit appealed to him.

But Cole’s reference to Munich was a somber reminder not to get involved with clients. The Munich incident had involved a friend of a client. When it was time for him to leave, she had not taken the news well. That had caused animosity from his client, and Ivan had vowed to keep things strictly professional after that.

Standing up suddenly, Ivan decided to go for a run. Physical exertion would get Tiffany Gentry off his mind—and if it didn’t, he was in trouble.

Big trouble.

Chapter 3

T
he party was at MG restaurant in a private dining room on the second floor. It was sophisticated and quiet, with perfect views of the Magnificent Mile. It was a fitting backdrop to celebrate her best friend’s first wedding anniversary. Tiffany set her gift on a beautifully decorated table, then walked over to hug Adrian’s mother.

“How are you, Ms. Jeannie? The room is amazing.”

Norma Jean Anderson beamed with pride. “Honey, they’ve outdone themselves,” she replied, hooking her arm through Tiffany’s. “I couldn’t be more pleased. This is the first restaurant they dined at after returning from their honeymoon. I thought it a fitting place for the newlyweds to celebrate their first year together.”

“I agree. You look beautiful, too.”

Norma Jean’s silver cowl-necked gown shimmered on her slender body and complemented her honey-toned complexion. Her gray hair was cut short in a style that suited her no-nonsense personality and classic elegance.

“Thank you, dear. You look divine in that dress of yours. Good thing there’ll be plenty of single men at this party like I promised.” Norma Jean nudged Tiffany.

“About that, Ms. Jeannie,” Tiffany began.

“Speaking of single men, did you call Colonel Mangum?”

“I did,” Tiffany replied. “He came out to the shop today and looked around.”

“He did?” Norma Jean replied. “And?”

“And he said he’d give me a quote in a few days.”

Norma Jean leaned closer to Tiffany. “Ivan is such a sweet man. Why he’s still single is anyone’s guess.”

Tiffany ignored that remark. Luckily Heathcliffe Anderson came up behind his wife just then. He greeted Tiffany and placed an arm around Norma Jean.

Norma Jean kissed Tiffany’s cheek and then turned to her husband. “Cliff, don’t just stand there, go alert the photographer that Adrian and Milán are here while I get the group in position.”

Her husband shook his head and leaned down and whispered conspiratorially in Tiffany’s ear, “Jeannie told me I didn’t have to do any work for this shindig, but we see how that turned out.” With a wink, he headed off to complete his assignment.

Tiffany hoped that when she got to be Ms. Jeannie’s age, she and her husband would tease each other like that.
If
she were married, that is. Up to this point, not one marriage in her family could be considered a testament to happily-ever-after. Her parents had divorced when she was fifteen, and were cordial when forced to be in close proximity. But the tension was always thick enough to cut. The other relatives that stayed married were so miserable, they would have been better off going their separate ways.

Tiffany was talking with friends when Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Anderson entered. The crowd applauded and cheered as the two made their way to the center of the room. After welcoming the guests and toasting the happy couple, Norma Jean turned the floor over to Milán and Adrian. After all the speeches were finished, Tiffany went over to her best friend, and the two women embraced.

“You look amazing,” Tiffany said.

“Gracias. Tú también,”
Milán replied.

“You should have seen how long it took me to pull this together.”

“It’s the end result that matters,
amiga
.”

Before she knew it, Tiffany was the center of attention. Several people joined their group, and conversation about marital bliss took a backseat to discussion on the available bachelors in the room, courtesy of Norma Jean.

“We’re here to have a good time, remember?” Tiffany pointed out. “Don’t worry about me. I’m too busy for a serious relationship. My shop is the love of my life right now.”

“Honey, you work too much. What you need is the love of a good man to keep you warm at night, not a laptop.”

They all turned to see Norma Jean standing behind them.

A red tint spread across Tiffany’s face. She tried to hide her embarrassment. “I’m fine...really.”

Adrian wrapped an arm around his mother. “You heard her, Mom. Time for us to butt out.”

“Mmm-hmm. That’s what you and your buddies said over the last few years, and look what happened. I found perfect women for you—and the rest is history.” Norma Jean beamed with pride. “Another love connection for the Love Broker.”

Everyone laughed at Norma Jean’s use of their nickname for her.

“If I remember correctly, I couldn’t stand your son when I met him,” Milán said sweetly.

“And then I turned on the charm, and you were a goner,” Adrian boasted.

The whole group let out a collective groan.

Norma Jean turned to Tiffany. “What you need, dear, are my expert matchmaking skills. Don’t worry, lovebird, I’ll find your mate soon enough. You need to make time for some—”

“Jeannie,” Milán said quickly. “Isn’t it time for Adrian and my first dance?”

“You heard my blushing bride, Mom.
Tiempo de bailar!
Time to dance.”

Norma Jean gasped. “Come on, you two,” she said, ushering the couple away.

Tiffany mouthed a “thank you” to her best friend before she left to dance.

* * *

Tiffany was in a mood by the time she arrived home. She glanced across the hall to Milán’s old apartment. She missed her friend. Now more than ever, Tiffany wished she were there to talk things over with while eating a pint of their favorite ice cream and watching a good movie. With a loud sigh, she locked the door behind her and headed straight for the bedroom.

After a shower, she slipped on a pair of pajama bottoms and a T-shirt before going to the kitchen to retrieve a spoon and a cup of ice cream. Returning, Tiffany plopped down on the bed. While she ate, she contemplated Norma Jean’s words. Was she lonely? Was her job destined to be her only meaningful relationship?

Her store did take up a lot of time, but she loved it, and wanted her business to thrive. Still, she missed having a special man in her life to hang out with, share her thoughts with.
Having someone share your bed wouldn’t be bad, either.

Her phone vibrated. She set her cup on the nightstand and picked it up.

She was surprised to see a missed call from Ivan. She dialed voice mail, and Ivan’s warm, deep voice filled her ear.

“Hello, Tiffany. This is Ivan Mangum. I have your quote ready. Call me, and we’ll schedule a time to meet.”

She listened to him recite his telephone number. Twice. She checked the time. It was almost eleven. She pondered if it was too late to call. Being ex-army, wasn’t he used to late hours?

Tiffany dialed his number and waited. She prepared to leave a message, but was startled when Ivan picked on the second ring.

“Oh...hi. It’s Tiffany. I hope I’m not disturbing you. I didn’t know if it was too late to call.”

“Of course not.” There was surprise in his voice. “Are you available on Monday to go over my proposal?”

“Uh, sure.”

“Great, how about three o’clock?”

“That’s fine.”

“Good. See you Monday.”

She nodded as though he could see her.

“Good night, Tiffany. Have a great weekend.”

Unable to stop herself, she grinned at his use of her name.

“Good night, Ivan, and you do the same.”

Tiffany returned her phone to the nightstand and replayed the conversation in her head. His voice was so sexy. It resonated in her ear when he said her name. A tingle shot down her spine. Unable to help herself, Tiffany thought about seeing him again.

Being attracted to him would probably turn out to be a colossal waste of time, but for right now, in this moment, she allowed herself to revel in the excitement of how he made her feel. After turning out the light and pulling up the covers, she closed her eyes, and Ivan instantly appeared—just as sexy and compelling as he was in person. Her stomach quivered in reaction as though he were standing right there.

For tonight, the image of Ivan Mangum would have to do.