Taking Tiffany

 Tiffany

M.K. Harkins

Taking Tiffany

Test copyright @ 2015 MK Harkins

All Rights Reserved

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incident either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized by, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

May 6
^th
, 1953 – March 29
^th
, 2013

Do you remember that little stretch of road

you’d walk before reaching the school?

My eyes still travel to that path.

Half expecting to see you, knowing I won’t.

But, you’ll always be with me.

Every time I need light in my world, you fill it.

All I have to do is think of you.

Thank you for shattering the darkness.

I love you.

Intentional: 

Intentional is a real page turner which got me more and more involved. It developed into an intense situation which developed into another and then exploded into a great climax!
This book is a great read. It is very well written and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in intense romance novels with a little bit of suspense in the process – My eBook Café

Have you ever read a book and once you are finished you want to seek out the highest mountain to shout to the world "READ THIS BOOK?" Lola Kay

Unintentional:

I have to say in all honesty….I LOVED this book!!!!! I actually liked it even more then Intentional. I thought this book flowed very well and I loved how she switched off the POV's during the chapters. I felt we got the full feeling of the story that way. This book is listed as a standalone and I truly believe it can be read as one. The author does a wonderful job of recapping the end of Intentional from Cade's POV , that you really don't miss anything from the first book – Jennifer from Book Bitches Blog

This story is great. I love how the author gave me a love story with some mystery thrown into it. This is one of those books that you don't want to put down until you've finished it, because you have to know what happens next. So in this book you have a great story, awesome characters, excellent writing, and a happy reader at the end. I highly recommend this book – Leigh Broxton

Breaking Braydon:

I was left in complete awe after finishing this unbelievably heart-felt book. M. K. Harkins has stolen my heart, and I honestly don’t want it back. This story left me wanting so much more and yet feeling completely content and satisfied. Watching these amazing characters love and support each other was beyond description at times at how it made my heart swell with pride and admiration. What a magnificent journey I was given the privilege to watch and take part in, and I will forever remember the story that made me cry tears of joy and rapture – Shadowplay (Amazon Reviewer)

I loved this book! It’s hopeful and uplifting, emotional without being overwrought. And the author has made incredible, jaw-dropping strides in her craft. The writing is clean, the plot swift, the characters engaging, and the dialogue snappy and often quite funny. Even the secondary characters have heart and humor, and it’s my great hope the author will spin-off a story or two for each of them.
            If you enjoy inspiring, witty romance with an upbeat, playfull vibe, Breaking Braydon is for you. It’s the perfect way to spend the day, curled up with Braydon and Jain – Story Girl

Come On Get Higher – Matt Nathanson

If I fell – The Beatles

I Don’t Want to Be – Gavin DeGraw

Collide – Howie Day

Tove Lo – Talking Body

Photograph – Ed Sheeran

Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

The music is the sole property of the copyright holder/artist represented.

You can find all these songs on YouTube or iTunes.

Before you
embark
on a journey of
revenge
,

dig two
graves
.

THIS WAS GOING to be good.

He flicked the lighter open and lit the cigarette he’d been holding for the past twenty minutes. His new employer hadn’t lied.
The woman at the table with her rich, influential friends stood out, she was breathtaking. Her beaded gold dress clung to a figure that was flawless, and a gorgeous heart-shaped face framed by blond waves completed the package
.

Her name was Tiffany, and he’d been hired to kidnap her. The way it was planned, only a few would know when she went missing, most importantly the man who’d ruined his life. He smiled at his own cleverness, turning his attention back to observe the girl.

 She laughed and swept her hair from her face. The music from the band drowned out their voices, so he couldn’t hear the conversations taking place around the large, oval table. She talked animatedly, appearing to enjoy her friends’ company.

His temporary hiding place was ideal, just beyond the open French doors on the back patio. The shadows kept him concealed, the glow from his cigarette the only indication he was there. It didn’t matter, though, everyone was too busy mingling to notice him. But, he noticed
them
. A dossier had been provided on Tiffany and some of her closest friends, but it wasn’t needed. He knew who they were. The planned abduction needed to happen within the next three months, which gave him time enough to observe the smallest of details. The kidnapping required precision, exactly as his employer instructed. She made it clear. No mistakes.

Nothing escaped his trained eye. He’d pinpointed where the important people were, and where they'd sit during the auction. It was Valentine’s Day, and the Paramount Ballroom in downtown Seattle overflowed with guests, each attired to impress, not just each other, but the media as well. The organizers spared no expense for the wealthy and pampered. Decked out in shades of pink and ivory, the ballroom’s tables were artfully spread with food that would satisfy royalty. An extravaganza. He’d give them that. Yet, it was another boring fundraiser for charity, this time for breast cancer research.

He hated everything about these spoiled, rich people, especially one in particular. Entitlement wafted from them like the stink of garbage left too long in the afternoon sun. They were tolerated because it opened doors. He’d been thrust into this life and learned to despise it. Except now. His employer made it clear his background was the reason for his recruitment.  The connections due to his place in society were vital to keep him close to the mark, the lovely Tiffany Thompson.

He scanned her table, and one of the men caught his attention. The man came late to the party and seated himself across from Tiffany. Dark, curly hair, with movie star good looks, seeming like a typical ‘good guy’ with his starched shirt and bow tie. But it wasn’t the man’s appearance that drew his eye. It was the fact he stared at Tiffany. The infatuated man shifted his gaze to her every available moment, keeping his watchful, yearning eyes averted whenever Tiffany looked in his direction. The man undoubtedly believed his feelings were hidden or undetectable. He’d need to deal with Mr. Love-Struck if he became a problem. Nothing would stop him. Twenty million dollars wasn’t the only reason he’d taken this job, although it would be put to good use. Something much more powerful motivated him.

        Revenge

Tiffany

COLD, HARD STEEL pressed against my back. I stiffened as a hand reached around and covered my eyes.

“Don’t move,” he whispered in my ear.

The low voice threw me off for a moment. What was he up to now?

“Don’t you dare!” I removed the offending hand from my face and glared at its owner, Colin. “You’ll smear my makeup!”

 He flashed his most charming, handsome smile and waved the spoon at me. “You’ve waited almost a year to meet Charlie. You don’t want to miss the big introduction do you?”

 Colin was one of my best friends, a respected scientist, but you’d never know it by his goofy demeanor. Even though he was my age, twenty-eight, he still hadn’t fully left his teenage years behind. It was part of his charm. That, and his disheveled good looks, intelligence, and his fun-loving and carefree personality. I loved spending time with him. He’d joke and say it was because he was gay and content to be himself. But I knew the truth. Colin was simply Colin. He’d act this way until he reached the age of hundred years or more. He was a loyal friend, a trusted confidante, and a kind and caring soul. Well, at least when he wasn’t driving me crazy.

“You’re right, but I don’t want to meet Charlie looking like a raccoon with my mascara smeared all over my face.  How does it look?”

He examined my face, pulled a pocket square out of his tux, spit into it, and brought it toward my eye.

I raised a butter knife at him and warned, “Back off. Don’t make me use this. I will not have your saliva all over my face.”

We’d been two of the first to arrive at the social and philanthropic event of the year: The Breast Cancer Fundraiser at the Paramount Hotel. I’d have plenty of time to reapply my makeup myself. 

He shrugged and rubbed the handkerchief over the spoon in his hand instead.

“Ugh. Colin, you aren’t going to reuse that spoon? That’s disgusting.”

He placed the utensil across the table at another place setting. Another charming smile followed. “I’ve always said, what you don’t know—”

“I know,” I interrupted, “won’t kill you.”

“You’ve never heard of spit-shine before?” He waggled his eyebrows.

That did it. I waved to one of the passing wait staff, nabbed a new spoon, and replaced it.

He scooted his chair closer and put his arm around me. “I have a feeling this will be a great night.”

I agreed with a nod. The room was stunning with massive chandeliers that cast a soft light over the gleaming hardwood floors. The tables were decked out in the finest linens, antique silverware, and sparkling crystal glasses. It was beautiful, and I appreciated the work that went into creating such an event, but I hadn’t wanted to come tonight.

 “Something has been bothering me all day. Will you promise not to mention it to anyone? Especially Jain? I don’t want her stressed out.” I didn’t want to douse his enthusiasm, but I had to tell him.

Colin made the cross sign over his heart.

“Do you ever feel like you should have stayed home? Like something bad is about to happen?” The entire day was one mishap after another. So far, I’d had a fender bender in the grocery store parking lot, a broken heel, a glass of grape juice down the front of my dress, and the finale—smeared makeup. All small things, but it made me wonder if I shouldn’t have left my house today.

“What are you worried about? An earthquake, terrorists, or a freak hurricane?”

“No, nothing like that. It’s just a feeling. I know it’s silly and irrational.” I waved in dismissal.

“You aren’t silly. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” His bright smile warmed his face. “The worst that will probably happen tonight is they’ll run out of those lobster canapés you love.”

“Yeah, that would be bad.” Our eyes met, and we burst out laughing. “Okay, I get it. I’ll shake it off.” I didn’t want to put a damper on the night, so I changed the subject. “Do you think Jain and Braydon will have their baby tonight?” 

Colin’s eyes softened, and he leaned against me. Colin and Jain had been best friends and co-workers for years. After meeting Jain last year and developing an immediate friendship with her, I’d received Colin as a bonus.

“I hope not. I want them to enjoy their anniversary before their little human makes an appearance.”

Laughing, I asked, “Little human? Is that some scientific…”

He smiled. “Not scientific. It reminds me of something Jain would say. She’s beyond happy. Those two…” He shook his head.

“I know.” The same warm emotions I always felt when I was with Braydon and Jain enveloped me. Talking about them was the distraction I needed.

“Speaking of love, I can’t believe I’m finally going to meet your mystery man. You’ve been dating Charlie for over a year, and I’ve never even laid eyes on him.”  I’d been hounding him for months for an introduction.

“Yeah. He should be here any minute. He rarely gets to travel to Seattle. It’s hard doing the long distance thing.” He sighed. “His parents expect him to be available at the drop of a hat. It’s difficult working with family.”

“Well, he needs to cut the cord, don’t you think?”

“Says the girl who
still
lives with her parents.” Colin followed his remark with a pointed stare.

“Touché.”

Colin was right. I’d been living in a cocoon of convenience. My parents, God bless them, were the easiest people in the world to live with. Although, technically, we didn’t share the same house. I lived in the abandoned gardener’s cottage three hundred yards from the main home. Technically, I was on my own. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t. As a result, I postponed, procrastinated, and put off my flight from the nest. At the age of twenty-eight, it was well past time.

“I don’t blame you, though. If I had your parents, I’d probably sit comfortably in my little haven until I was shoved out.” He chuckled.

“My dad doesn’t scare you?”

“Your dad? No, he’s a big teddy bear. Anyone can see that.”

“Yeah, he’s great.” I paused. “But, to be honest, both my parents are starting to drive me a little nuts. I love them, but I think it’s time.”

“What are they doing? Trying to feed you caviar for breakfast?” he teased.

“No, worse. It’s the ‘when are we going to become grandparents?’ question. I don’t think it’d be so bad if I weren’t the only child. I can’t leave the carrying on the family genetics to someone else.”

“I don’t think it’s genetics they’re worried about. I think it’s some sort of parental requirement to see their children settled down and happy,” he assured me.

“I understand that part, and I do want to settle down someday. I just don’t want to
settle
. My parents are partially to blame—I want what they have, or what Jain and Braydon share. They both have a genuine, love connection. It’s the best friend, soul mate type of love.”

“They do. It’s inspiring and nauseating at the same time.”

I giggled. “I know! So many of my college friends have married in the past few years, and they get along fine, I guess. But I don’t want fine, or good, or good enough. I want spectacular, or else I’ll adopt some cats. I don’t want an in-between type relationship. Know what I mean?”

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss on my cheek. “I sure do.”

The room filled up quickly. I grabbed my clutch and informed Colin, “I’d better go touch up my makeup before anyone sees me. If your boyfriend gets here before I get back, tie him to the table or something. I don’t want to miss meeting him again.” The last time Charlie came to town, I’d missed him by a matter of minutes.

“Go! Beautify yourself. I’ll be here when you get back.” He smiled and winked.

“You’d better be.” I leaned over to give him a hug. There was something huggable about Colin. Most people noticed his toned, six-foot-two body, dark, wavy hair, and deep blue eyes. For me, it was his warm and caring personality. He was rare, and I appreciated every minute spent with him.

As I entered the bathroom, I almost ran smack dab into Emory Hart, a friend from high school who’d turned out to be no friend at all.

She tossed her long, brown hair over her shoulder while she puckered her lips in the mirror. She glanced at me. “Oh, it’s you.” With a roll of her eyes, she turned back to the mirror.

She hadn’t changed. Emory was rude in high school, and it looked like things weren’t any different. I didn’t want to talk to her either, so I thought I’d go for polite and make my exit.

“Hi, Emory. I hope you have a nice evening.” I turned to leave. There had to be another bathroom in this hotel.

“Wait.”

Oh, hell. I was almost clear.

She looked around the bathroom to make sure no one else could listen in. “I bet you’ve heard the news already.”

There was no point in lying to her. Emory and I had been at odds since she’d stolen my boyfriend, her now current husband, in high school.

“Yes, I heard. I’m sorry to hear about your spilt with Fletcher.” I felt more pity than satisfaction.

“Sorry my ass,” she said. “I bet you can’t wait to get your hands on him.”

“Really? You want to do this here?” I placed my hands on my hips and felt my temperature rise in response. No. I wouldn’t let her get to me. “That was ten years ago. Why would you think I’d be interested anyway? I’m sorry for your situation, but it doesn’t have anything to do with me and hasn’t for years.”

“You’re still single.” Her eyes narrowed, accusing.

“I haven’t seen or talked to Fletcher in years, and I don’t think about him. Ever. You could serve him to me on a platter and I still wouldn’t be interested.”  I hadn’t lied.  But, back in high school was a different story. Fletcher was full of boyish charm and a dangerous edge—an intriguing combination for a young girl. He captured me from the first sly smile he sent my way. That all ended abruptly one spring evening of our senior year.
What a fool I’d been.
I didn’t have any romantic feelings for him, but the sense of betrayal lingered.

“You probably think I got what I deserved then.” Her head remained high, almost proud, but I sensed the pain behind her façade. 

 “No. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, Emory. Even though it hurt at the time, I was saved years of…” I stopped short of telling her she’d saved me from wasting years with a cheater.

“Did you know Fletcher brought you up every time we’d fight? He’d always say he should have stayed with you. He told me you wanted him back.” Her jaw clenched, and her eyes stayed laser focused on mine.

“Well, it’s not true. I’m sure he was only trying to make you jealous.” I needed to make my exit before this conversation became even more uncomfortable. “So, uh, I have someone waiting for me; I’d better get back.” The last thing I needed tonight was to get involved in her marriage drama. Fletcher obviously hadn’t quit lying. What a snake.

“Stay away from him.” It came out as a whisper, but I heard a threat—pure and simple.

***

I FOUND AN unoccupied bathroom, fixed my makeup and hair, then returned to the table where Colin sat looking bored. “Miss me?”

“Tell me again why we came early?” He leaned forward on his elbows.

“Remember? I brought the brownies for Braydon to bid on, and you’re keeping me company.” 

He smiled, and his bored expression vanished. “Jain will love the brownies. Braydon’s a genius.”

Braydon planned to outbid anyone vying for the brownies during the auction. He was mega-wealthy, so cost wasn’t a factor. It wasn’t the money, though. He said there was a story behind it, and come hell or high water, Jain would be eating a brownie tonight.

“Yeah.” I let myself drift into a delightful fantasy. “I’d give anything to find someone to love me like that.”
Wait
.
Did I say that out loud?
Colin’s face softened as he took my hand.
Damn. I did
.

“You will. You just haven’t met the right guy yet.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

“Speaking of wrong guys, do you remember my cheating high school boyfriend, Fletcher?”

“Yes, I think you called him Faker Fletcher. And another word that starts with an F, I believe.” Colin knew I didn’t usually swear. Well, maybe just a few times in my head.

“Yes, I remember. Anyway, I ran into his wife in the bathroom. And guess what? They’ve separated, and she had the nerve to tell me to stay away from him. Like I’d get anywhere near that…well, you know.”

Colin leaned back in his chair, his hands linked behind his head. A grin spread across his handsome face. “Let the games begin.” He chuckled.

“What do you mean?”

“These events. They’re better than one of those reality shows. You know, the housewives of wherever.” His eyes darted around the room.

“So you think this is funny, do you?” I was tempted to further muss up his already tousled hair. He was a handsome devil, but, right now, he tested my patience.

“You know I wouldn’t tease you if I thought he meant anything to you. He’s old news. Now, let’s talk about your love life. How are we going to spice it up?”

“Ugh! I have no idea! I haven’t had a real date in months. Is there something wrong with me?”