Because I Love You (13 page)

Did she lie? It had never been easy to lie to her mother, but she'd consider it so she didn't have to tell Mum and Da what was going on without moral support.

In the end, she couldn't do it. She was a terrible liar, especially with her mother. Especially about something this important. “It's pretty serious, but would you mind if we waited until he arrived before we discuss it?”

Her mother glanced up at her father, who raised a bushy eyebrow. “You're not pregnant, are you, darlin'?”

“What?”
Pregnant!
“No, no! I'm not, but we've been talking about the next step and . . . well . . . I'd like him here first, that's all.”

“Oh, alright,” her mother patted her hand and smiled sweetly, looking more than a little nervous. She imagined Mum and Da were sending telepathic messages to each other about possible wedding plans. They were going to be disappointed it wasn't that kind of conversation.

To her surprise, her grandparents arrived, and then Amy came in with Nate and Jenna. Everyone looked wonderful, like they'd been invited.

Mum smiled. “We thought it would be nice to have everyone here. You know, a family dinner.”

She and Tris weren't planning on facing the whole family. Wouldn't he be surprised.

Looking around, however, affection welled up inside her. She loved her family without measure. They were amazing individuals, and it suddenly hit Leah that they may muck stalls and wear jeans ninety-nine percent of the time, even Grandma and Grandpa, but her family was rich and powerful. The picture of success. Sure, they all worked hard, but they didn't want for anything and they had advantages most people didn't have. She was suddenly humbled, and very, very grateful. Not only for the advantages she'd had, but for the people in the room with her.

It was perfect having everyone together. They'd do it again in a few weeks for Thanksgiving, and she wondered if Tristan would join them then. She hoped he would. Thanksgiving was one of her favorite holidays, and she'd like nothing better than to share it with him and her wacky family.

The doorbell rang and Mum's shelties took off out of the room like a shot, with Sally following. “You beasties had better behave. No good comes from scaring the company.”

Leah rose, wringing her hands, not knowing exactly why she was nervous. The dogs were still yapping, as was Sally, God love her, but as soon as the dogs quieted down, she heard Tristan's beautiful, deep voice travel through the house. His arrival was preceded by the ticking of the dogs' nails on the wood floor and when he joined the group, Leah lost her breath.

That's why.

There was nothing unusual about the way he was dressed, or his appearance. It was just everything about him. Knowing what a good person he was, how much he'd made a difference in her life . . . everything. Every time they were together, and even when they weren't, Leah found something else to love about the man.

Most recently she was charmed by one of his Sunday phone calls with his mum. He was assuring her she shouldn't worry about the recent cold snap, because he'd had a brand new heating system installed in the house before she moved in. He was so calm and sweet with her, even though Leah could tell his mother was giving him the business.

He stood by the large arched entry to the living room and smiled just for her.

Yep. She was dead-in-the-water-no-turning-back in love with the man.

Aware that all the eyes in the room were on them, she walked to Tris. He took her hands, kissed her softly on the cheek. “You look beautiful,” he said.

And he meant it. Leah had never felt like she was beautiful, but in that single moment—with the look in his eyes, the smile on his lips, and his simple, gently spoken words—Leah felt like the most beautiful woman in the world.

Turning, she allowed him to say his hellos and she introduced him to her grandparents.

“Tristan, the flowers you sent were lovely,” her mother gushed as she took his hand. “And totally unnecessary. But thank you just the same.”

“You're welcome. I also brought you some chocolate truffles. I heard you've a weakness for them.” He handed her the gorgeously wrapped box from Sweet and Leah remembered how he'd charmed her a little less than a week ago with his well-orchestrated apology. Tris handed her father a velvet bag, and she smiled as she watched Da's eyes widen as he pulled the bottle of amber liquid from it.

“Glenfiddich? Twenty-six years old? This is not your average scotch.”

“No, sir. But I figured I didn't have a lot of leeway with a scotch, so I did my homework.”

“Nicely done. And thank you.” Her father shook Tristan's hand gratefully. He was hitting every button, and her mother and grandparents, who were sticklers for good manners, most definitely approved.

And Leah was touched. It was obviously important to him to make a good impression on her family, and he'd gone to a lot of effort to do so. That it mattered to him was more than she could have hoped for. Tris, Grandpa, Da, and Nate were all discussing when the right time would be to crack open the bottle when Amy and Jenna took up positions on each side of her.

“You are such a goner,” Jenna said. “Like seriously head-over-heels gone.”

Leah nodded. “It shows?”

Amy looped an arm around her shoulders. “Yup. It shows. Just be careful, you don't really know him that well. Marriage is a big step.”

“Who said anything about getting married?” Leah shook her head. “Don't get ahead of yourself, Amy.”

“It could happen. You never know.”

“Oh.” Jenna clutched her hands to her heart. “A wedding. That would be wonderful.”

“Both of you, please stop. It's still new and he hasn't said . . . well, you know.”

Jenna kissed her temple. “He will.”

Tristan had to admit, one of the most entertaining parts of living with Leah, who'd moved in only a week ago, was watching her get dressed. It wasn't that it was sexy or sultry; it was a comedy of errors with her often dashing about the room in her lacy bra and panties, throwing things out of the closet onto the bed and trying on at least five different outfits. Tris could get a laugh and a thrill at the same time.

So he sat quietly in the chair in the corner of their bedroom as she did just that, and enjoyed the woman in his life. He had no doubt she'd be a hit at Reliance's holiday party, but he knew she was nervous. This was a very public display of their status as a couple and he was going to make the most of it. She emerged from the walk-in closet carrying a pair of mile-high heels to go with her gorgeous black dress with full skirt that drew attention to her small waist and wonderful curves.

She'd spent the afternoon at the salon fussing with her hair and fingernails and he loved the way her flaming hair had been tamed just enough so soft waves cascaded down her back. Without all the wild curls, Leah's hair reached almost to her waist and it was spectacular.

Heels on, she grabbed a piece of jewelry from the bedside table. “Please help me put this on?”

He stood and smiled. “You look lovely. Now turn around and lift your hair.” She did as he asked and that allowed him to swap her very pretty pearl necklace with one he'd picked out for her. Before she knew what was happening, he draped the clusters of diamonds around her neck. As soon as her hand came up and touched the stones, she knew.

“Oh, my God. What did you do?” Looking at herself in the mirror, Leah gasped, her fingers running over the gems in disbelief.

The pure shock on her face was worth every penny, but seeing the sparkling clusters of diamonds encircling her delicate neck was worth more. “Hold on.”

He went into the closet and returned with a velvet jewelers' box. “Matching earrings.”

“Tris, you didn't have to do this. It's too much.” Opening the velvet clamshell, she gasped. Two matching diamond studs twinkled on the field of dark blue. “Oh, my God. I love them.”

The earrings didn't dangle, but sat right on her earlobe, providing a flash when her hair moved in a certain way. Throwing her arms around him, she kissed him soundly. “What brought this on? You know I don't need things like this. It's so extravagant.”

“I know, I do this sometimes. I go overboard. I can't help it. But do you like them? If you don't we can go tomorrow and exchange them for something else.”

“No, that's not it. I love them. I just don't know why you bought me these.”

“Because a beautiful woman should always have a new bauble.”

She grinned and then burst out laughing. “I'm sorry. Really?
A bauble
? Since when do you say
bauble
?”

He smiled. “That was what Rolf, the very nice sales associate at the jeweler, called it. Apparently it's his vernacular.”

“Oh, I can't wait to call this a bauble around some people tonight.” She touched the necklace again, and Tris enjoyed the very appreciative look on her face. He liked it even better when she went up on her toes and kissed him again. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome. I love seeing you happy.”

He was totally unprepared for the feelings that shot through him as Leah slipped her arms around his waist and held him close. “I love you, Tristan,” she whispered.

Without hesitation or thought, for the first time in his life, those words were like light from the sky. Other women had told him the same, but he never returned their feelings and he never felt like he'd been given a precious gift.

With Leah, he felt both. Taking her face in his hands, he stared into her eyes and kissed her. He kissed her because he could, because he wanted to, and because kissing this woman was one of the great miracles of his life. “I love you, Leah. I've never said those words to another woman, and I don't expect I ever will. I love you.”

Leah kissed him again, before dropping her head against his chest and letting herself be held. He remembered that just a few months ago, she was in total denial about their attraction to each other. He'd been determined that a long-term relationship wasn't for him.

Now, he couldn't imagine being without her. She brought light and fire into his very long and dull days.

Six months ago, Tris was content with his uncomplicated, self-centered, bachelor existence. He did what he pleased, when he pleased, without worrying about anyone but himself.

He was a lucky man, and he had every intention of putting a ring on her finger and making things permanent. He knew, without a doubt, he couldn't live without her.

Leah had changed everything. Absolutely everything.

*  *  *

Taking the elevator to the Rainbow Room, Leah always felt like she'd been transported back in time. The gorgeous art deco interior, the refined finishes, and the spectacular views of the city made the venue one of her favorite places in New York. Normally, when they entered a party, guests would be greeted by Harper, Reliance's director of operations and resident superwoman. However, Harper had delivered a bouncing baby boy a few weeks earlier, and as much as she insisted she could be there to run the show, the partners, and her husband, insisted she take the time to recover.

Robyn, Tristan's assistant, was there, helping the marketing director with the evening's details, and based on everything Tris said about her, the event was in good hands. Still, Leah figured Harper would be calling in at least once every five minutes to see how things were going.

Leah had been to many of the Reliance parties, but sometimes she found the pandering to clients and possible clients a little over the top. Nate, Jason, and Owen spared no expense and gathered financial people, attorneys, and entrepreneurs
to keep their business front and center. Additionally, they often contracted with celebrities . . . models, actors, and athletes, to impress people.

Sometimes, Leah just wasn't up to it. But this time, she was walking in with Tristan. He was using this party as a public statement, a way to show the world he was off the market.

The room was magical; crystal chandeliers and accents caught the light and sent colored beams through the room.

“You look gorgeous, little sister.” Turning, Leah saw her sister, Amy, had arrived, and not missing a detail, Amy reached out and fingered the necklace. “This is . . . oh, my God, Leah. This is stunning. It's a work of art.”

Amy was an architect by trade, but her passion was art. Beautiful creations of all kinds would catch her eye. It was no wonder she noticed the necklace.

“Isn't it beautiful?”

“It's beyond beautiful. Leah, do you know what you're wearing?”

“I know, he really pulled out the stops. It's almost a little embarrassing. Oh, and look . . . matching earrings.”

Tristan winked at Amy, who rolled her eyes. “Leah, come with me.” Pulling her aside, Leah couldn't understand what had gotten under her sister's skin. Yes, the necklace was expensive, over the top, really, but it wasn't like Tristan couldn't afford it. And knowing how Tris never thought about price, only about how much the recipient would like the gift, she'd accepted it graciously.

He bought her the necklace and earrings not because he wanted to impress a soul, but because he thought the jewels were right for her. She wasn't about to let Amy spoil the loveliness of his gift.

“Good God, Amy, what is your problem?”

“No problem, you just have to be super cautious when you're wearing those jewels. The necklace and earrings are probably worth almost two hundred thousand dollars.”

Leah felt her breath leave her chest. “Excuse me?”

“Yup. Your billionaire must LOVE you. I think it must have twenty-five carats' worth of diamonds.” She reached out and fingered the emerald-cut stones.

“Holy shit,” she mumbled. “You can't be serious.”

“I am dead serious. That jewelry is no joke. I'll bet he's going to be getting lucky for a good long time.”

“Seriously?” Stunned for a second, Leah let the sex comment pass, because there was no way to respond to it. She never expected such an extravagant gift, but knowing Tris, he didn't think it was extravagant. He just figured she'd love it. When she spotted him in the crowd, he was chatting with some other suits, and he smiled and winked. God, her ovaries ached every time she looked at him. Touching her necklace, she wondered what he was thinking when he bought this for her.

Leah and Amy had been joined by their mother and Jenna, and both were smiling like fools. She did not need this. The teasing, the speculating. If it wasn't so important for Tristan to be here, she'd have feigned a headache and asked him to take her home.

“Please don't say anything. Amy already compared me to a prostitute.”

“What? Oh, Leah, I think it's beautiful,” Mum assured her. “As are you. It suits you. And if you must know I don't think I've ever seen you so happy.”

“I am happy, Mum.”

“Then that's all that matters.” Her mother laid a hand on her cheek, and Leah wished she could tell her everything. “You deserve a man who wants to make you happy.”

Amy snorted. Rolled her eyes. “Those diamonds will do it.”

Leah had had enough. Something snapped. Anger, frustration, hurt . . . feelings she'd buried long ago consumed her, and she knew she couldn't stay quiet any longer. She grabbed her sister's hand and dragged her off.

“What are you doing?” Amy tried to shake Leah off, but there was no way she was letting her go.

“You and I are going to have a conversation.”

“What? Now?”

Shoving her into the bathroom, Leah checked the area, and when she was satisfied they were alone, she turned to her sister. “Tell me you're moving soon because I might hurt you if you don't run for the hills ASAP.”

“Well, that's nice. I'm moving around January first. I start right after the holidays. I thought you didn't want me to leave.”

“Considering your need to constantly editorialize my life, it might not be a bad idea for us to have some distance. I'm happy, Amy. Why isn't that enough for you?”

“I think he's impressed you. Don't let it go to your head.”

This was too much for Leah to handle. Frustrations forced tears to her eyes, and she lashed out. “Oh, I'm impressed? So much so that you practically call me a whore? You pass judgment, snipe behind people's backs, put down anything you don't have, but you never have the nerve to actually say what you mean to anyone's face. Everything is backhanded. You're always good, sweet Amy. When Jenna and Nate got married, you were more certain Jenna was in it for the money than I was. But I followed your lead, and then you stepped back and let me be the bad guy.”

“You didn't have to say anything. That was your choice. Don't put that on me. Where the hell is all this coming from? You're so angry.”

“You're right, but it almost cost me my family, and you said nothing. You let me dangle out there alone.” Leah paced, furious. “You make assumptions about everyone and everything. You gossip, and you take advantage of my trust. I've always worshiped you, Amy, but I put my faith in you when you didn't deserve it. I—so I'm thinking you were right about one point. We need some distance.”

“He's a player, Leah.” Amy snapped, her voice echoing off the marble walls. “A player with a long line of diamond necklaces and broken hearts in his wake. You'll be next, and after your meltdown the last time a guy hurt you, I expect this will be epic.”

“You'd love that, wouldn't you?”

“How can you be so naïve?”

“Why is it so hard to believe that he loves me?”

“Oh, for God's sake. It's not that, it's just—”

“What?”

Amy started to say something but then stopped, her mouth clamping shut, holding back what she really thought. This was hell. The person Leah always trusted, always listened to, didn't care about her at all.

Leah took a deep breath, walked out of the bathroom, and smacked into her brother. “Hey!” Then he saw her face. “What's wrong?”

“I think I should go. Amy and I just had an argument.” Another deep breath. “I should go before I cause any problems. That is what I do.”

“Stop it,” he said. “Just stop. I was glad to see you here and thrilled to see you so happy.”

“I am happy. Why does Amy have to ruin that? Why can't she just let me live my life?”

Slipping a finger under her chin, Nate tilted her face toward his. Her big brother. “So do it. Live it. Show all of us that you know what's best for you. That's what I did, and I've never been happier.”

“I know and I'm so sorry. I caused so many problems and I'm so very sorry.”

“I know. It's okay and it's over. Be happy, Leah. Fight for it.”

A strange quiet settled over Leah's heart. Knowing her brother and her parents forgave her for all the things she said, she felt more at peace than she had in months. The guilt for the scene she caused at the July Fourth party that caused Jenna to run off was on her. Amy may have egged her on, but Leah acted in a way that was unacceptable.

“He tells me the truth, Nate. And as long as he keeps telling me the truth, I think we'll be okay. He's a good man. Smart, loyal, sweet. I don't understand why Amy can't see that.”

“She doesn't want to see it; Amy is cynical and that may never change. As far as Tristan telling you the truth—that's a reasonable expectation. You might have to tell him to stop dropping a couple hundred grand on diamonds, though. It's a little showy.”

Amy slipped out of the bathroom, and both Nate and Leah watched her go into the restaurant. “She's so overbearing sometimes.” Leah sniped.