“Thanks. Yeah, I’m based here in LasVegas, but I sell to stores all over the world. The only problem is there’sjust me, and I need the antique store to help fund my design business. Eventhough I can make fantastic money, it can be sporadic.”
“I’d love a job, but I’m not here inVegas permanently. And I’m not sure what my husband would think if I wanted towork. We haven’t ever really talked about it.”
“Well, let me know. The job is yours ifyou want it. You’re obviously better at it than me, and like it a lot more.”
“Yes, I love it, be it a curse or a dreamcome true.”
“I will ring up your purchase for you.”
“Great, thanks.”
I turn back to Rafe. “So, how would youlike to pay for your new ring? I take cash.”
He pulls out a leather billfold from hisinside coat pocket. “Unfortunately, I only have three grand in cash with me atthe moment.”
Only three grand? My word, what is theworld coming to? Who is this guy? “Only three, well jeez.”
He gives me another quick laugh. “I know.I’m good for the rest, I promise. In fact, I’m wondering if you’d be interestedin appraising a few antique jewelry pieces I have recently acquired.”
I bite my lower lip, thinking. Afreelance job wouldn’t be so bad. In fact, it would be so nice to do somethingI’m passionate about and went to school for. It’s not an actual nine-to-fivejob. I don’t think Cole would mind. “Yeah, okay, I would really enjoy that.”
“Let’s exchange numbers and we can set upa time for you to come by and look over those pieces. I’ll pay you the rest ofthe money I owe you, plus whatever your fee is for appraising my pieces.”
“Okay. I’ll bring a proof of sale and allmy original paperwork when we finalize the sale.”
“Excellent.”
Rafe holds out his hand for me. “It was apleasure doing business with you, Mrs. Holt.”
“And you.”
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
After the antique store, I have a fewlast-minute wedding gifts to buy for my bridesmaids. By the time I get back tothe hotel, it’s after five, Cole texts and says they are finishing up thedetails of the sale and he’ll be home soon.
“Mrs. Holt,” the girl behind the frontcounter of the lobby calls. “This invitation came for you by way of courier.”
Keaton holds out his hand for it, and shegives it to him.
He hands it to me. I stick it in my purseand head up to the villa. I drop my packages in the bedroom, and thenlie down on thesofa and open the invitation. “The Mayor’s annual Gala.” It’s an officialinvitation, but the date on it is for Saturday night. Super. I toss the inviteon the coffee table, rubbing my forehead. I pull a blanket off the back of thesofa and close my eyes.
“Cookie.” I feel warm breath on my neck.“Wake up.”
I open my eyes to Cole’s beautiful smile.“Hey you.”
“Hey back. Did you have a nice dayshopping?”
I sit up. “Yes. I got a new dress at the bridalshop. For free. Because they accused me of stealing the dress Olivia bought.”
“They couldn’t salvage the other dress?”
“No, but I found a better one, and oneyou haven’t seen me in.”
“Very good. And your other shopping?”
“It was great. I got exactly what Iwanted.”
Cole wraps an arm around my neck, pullingme closer. “Which was what?”
