Diamonds & Desire: The Priceless Collection (9 page)

Lucee thought twenty-four hour notice was plenty of time? Only in her world. Words wouldn’t come out of Jordana’s mouth, even though she had so many things to say. Yet she knew asking her sister what the heck she was thinking would get her nowhere on the phone. Especially since every other word was cut off. “I...you’re on your way to Vegas now?”

Lucee didn’t answer her right away, filling Jordana’s ear with giggles and second-hand conversation with Adam. “Lucee! Pay attention.”

“I’m here. Aren’t you happy for me?”

“I...I can’t believe…I mean, you never mentioned you and Adam were thinking about marriage. I want to talk about this.”

Static cut the reception again, breaking Lucee’s words into incoherent bursts. “No time...hotel...can’t wait to see...don’t worry... I’ll call you tomorrow with the details! Love you!”

“Don’t hang up yet. Lucee!” Jordana pulled the cell from her ear. “Call ended” flashed on the screen. She dropped her arm. The conversation was over and Jordana had barely been a part of it. Lucee was eloping to Las Vegas, that’s all she really got out of it. But Lucee couldn’t get married! She’d only been dating Adam for less than a year. Though he was sweet to Jordana and openly adored her sister, nothing about him screamed perfect husband material. He was a struggling actor and part-time waiter, and up until two weeks ago, didn’t have much of a future going. From what Jordana surmised, their relationship was based on passion and parties, not things to build a lasting marriage on.

Her thoughts were broken by Logan’s warm, steady hand on her shoulder. “You look pale.”

Tom opened the door for them.

“I need to sit down.” She climbed in the cool interior.

Logan got in next to her, concern etched on his handsome face. “Now tell me what’s going on.”

She grabbed his hand and squeezed, as if she could physically share some of her anxiety. “My sister is eloping.”

There was a pause, and he lifted a brow. “I take it you’re not exactly thrilled about it.”

“She can’t elope!” Jordana burst out. “They haven’t been together long enough. It’ll never work. They’ll get married, it won’t be anything she imagines, he’ll break her heart, and she’ll be devastated.”

“That’s quite the conclusion you’re making. All right. It’s not the end of the world. Take a deep breath,” he suggested, and she obeyed. “Okay, so tell me a little bit about her fiancé. Is he abusive, shady, something to worry about?”

Jordana thought a moment about the blonde actor, and couldn’t honestly say something bad about his character. “Well, no. He’s from Arizona, likes to talk about comic superheroes and wears funny, inappropriate t-shirts but he’s not the worst guy on the planet she could be dating. Er, marrying. Ugh! They’re driving to Vegas as we speak.”

Logan’s mouth twisted as he gave a one-shoulder shrug. “He sounds pretty harmless.”

“It isn’t really about Adam as a person. I just don’t think either of them know what they’re doing.” She realized she was still gripping Logan’s hand and released it, digging for her cell phone again. She called her sister. Straight to voicemail. Looked like she didn’t have a choice. She dialed the doctor’s office. “Piper. Finish up whatever you’re doing and lock up the office. You can start your long weekend early.” She took a deep breath. “I’m going to Vegas.”

***

Logan couldn’t help but smile as Jordana ended her call. “Vegas?” He signaled for Tom to take five outside. “You’re going to the wedding after all?”

“I’m going to pump the brakes on the wedding, or at least talk some sense into my sister before she takes this blind leap into matrimony,” she answered. “How long does it take to drive there? She’s got a couple hours head start, but she said they won’t be getting married until Saturday. I think it’s about a nine hour drive? Not too bad.”

He frowned, resting his arm on the back of the seat. “You’re going to drive there?”

Someone with a jet would hardly relate. “A last minute flight is always expensive, and I’d rather have a car so I don’t have to rely on taxis or a rental.” Her expression said her mind was definitely made up. “Hopefully my Ford makes it without hassle. It’s been acting up lately.”

A long drive with an unreliable vehicle? Didn’t sound very safe to him at all. “Will you at least take someone with you?” He didn’t know why he was interrogating her like this.

“Hm. I’d like to, but I don’t want to ask any of my friends to go to Vegas when my intentions are strictly to pound some sense into my sister. It’s too last minute. I plan to get home, reserve a hotel, pack, and drive out tonight.”

“You’ve been up all day,” he pointed out. “Do you really think you’ll make the drive, by yourself, without any sleep?”

“I could with a big gulp of coffee! If I have to, I’ll stop at a hotel on the way and finish the drive tomorrow.”

Yeah, he didn’t like that. “I really advise you to take someone with you. You could split the cost and it’d be a lot safer than going alone.”

She flipped a hand. “I’ve done plenty of things alone. I moved to the West Coast alone. I paid for college courses alone. I planned my parent’s funerals, made sure my sister stayed out of drugs, and learned how to survive in this city alone. Driving to Vegas by myself is nothing.” She smiled wistfully, then sighed. “I just wish my sister had given me a little more of a heads up, but this is as good as it gets with her. I’m thankful she didn’t call me after the fact.”

Logan drew his brows together, studying her. He admired her more every day. The steady older sister taking care of the rebellious little sister, stepping in as a parent, and trying to start her own life at the same time. Even so, her plan didn’t sit right with him. Not one bit. Just as he was about to offer to buy her a first class plane ticket, an alternative idea sprung to mind. “You can take my plane.”

Her hazel eyes shot to his. “Say again?”

“I’ll have my pilot fly you to Vegas. He can have you there tonight in ninety minutes.” The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. He had the means and resources to make it happen.

Her mouth dropped with a small “o” as she blinked several times. She obviously didn’t see that offer coming. “Logan…that’s very kind of you, but I don’t need any help. Really. But thank you. I don’t mind the drive. Even with an easy flight there, I’d still have to get around the city—”

“Done. I’ll arrange a suite at the LaVoisier, I always stay there when I’m in Vegas. And I’ll have the concierge hire a chauffeur to take you wherever you want to go, twenty-four hours a day. It’ll only take a few phone calls to make the arrangements.”

“I can take care of myself,” she asserted.

Oh. Pride. He understood that emotion. “I have no doubt of that. Okay. Think of this…as my return favor for sparing me the grief of a scandal. That way you can get to Vegas without any hassles or stress on the road. Everything will be taken care of for you so the only thing you have to think about is Lucee.”

She seemed to contemplate his offer, biting on her lower lip. He didn’t know why she was so reluctant to say yes. Maybe she’d relied on her own devices for too long and wasn’t comfortable accepting assistance from someone she didn’t know that long. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to do this for her. “Jordana. You helped me, now let me help you in return. You can invite whoever you want to go with you. I’ll cover everything.”

“You would really do that?”

That and so much more. “Yes.”

She lowered her lashes, took a little breath, and asked, “Would you go?”

That caught of him off guard. “You want me to come with you?”

“You’re so insistent I don’t go by myself, why don’t you take me? As nice as your offer is, I don’t want to pull one of my friends into this. I can go by myself, or you can be my travel companion. If you’re not busy, I mean,” she rushed in to say.

He was busy. Always busy. Except when it came to Jordana these days. He always made time for their lunches, even though the doctor’s office wasn’t exactly close to his building, and it put him behind for at least two hours for work.

But, the idea held appeal. Why not go? He could telecommute from the hotel room, and be there to make sure things went smoothly for her with every available convenience. Whether or not this logic came from his concern for her safety or his eagerness to spend more time with her—likely both—he wasn’t really sure. All that he did know was he couldn’t say no to her.

He hooked a finger around a tendril of her hair and moved it away from her cheek. “My itinerary now includes a weekend in Vegas.” While she grinned, he added, “Tell Tom your home address. I’ll get in touch with my pilot and have the plane ready to go. Might I suggest a nice wig in case we have to do some reconnaissance? I think you’d make a stunning redhead.”

She laughed and threw her arms around him. The scent of her hair, like fresh mint, how close her neck was to his lips, her breasts crushed against him, were an overwhelming trifecta. He closed his eyes, the last memory of being this close to her shooting to the front of his mind.

The kiss in his foyer. Mingling breaths, soft tongues, urgency. How her curves fit perfectly into him.

He mentally shut off his flashing thoughts.

He shouldn’t relive passionate moments from something as innocent as a hug of gratitude. When she pulled back, smiling with such unguarded joy, all he could do was stare, transfixed, his heart pounding. Her smile melted by degrees, the expression in her eyes altered, desirous and heated.

“Thank you,” she half-whispered, her mouth inches from his, a delicate color rose on her cheeks.

Without another moment of hesitation, he kissed her, tasting the peppermint from her after-lunch candy. She responded immediately, lacing her fingers in his hair, opening her mouth. Tongue met tongue, and he breathed in deep, his control already snapping. No woman ever ignited his desire with the merest taste of her tongue like Jordana did.

A car horn blasted somewhere in the parking lot, and they reluctantly broke apart. They were in the back seat of his car in the middle of the day. Not that that would stop him.

He gently pulled out of her arms. It puzzled him how fiercely he wanted her back in his embrace, but his prized self-control kept him in check. “No need to thank me, beautiful.” He cleared the hoarseness from his voice. “Besides, it’s not as if I’m taking you to Siberia. Now we are going to Vegas.”

Chapter Seven

As soon as he dropped her off at the doctor’s office, Logan started on the phone calls. With Ashtyn’s help—who didn’t bother to disguise her astonishment that he was clearing his schedule for the next three days—the details were worked out in short order.

Back at the office, he was replying to some emails when Neil came sauntering in. His closest friend literally had an office in the building next door, and would drop in without notice. Logan guessed it had to do with Neil’s restlessness. Why he chose law, a profession which required a lot of reading and sitting down, Logan hadn’t the faintest.

Neil took a seat, putting his feet up on the desk, knowing how much Logan loathed that. “Hey, what’s this I hear about you going to Vegas tonight?”

Logan shook his head as he kept typing, not taking his eyes off the monitor. “How the hell did you find out about that?”

“Don’t change the subject,” Neil lightly chastised. “We’re talking about Vegas, baby, Vegas! I heard Ashtyn confirming your hotel reservation. You know she would never tell me. What’s the deal? I’m going.”

Logan clicked submit and glanced at the papers in front of him he had to sign. “It isn’t a guy’s trip.”

“Oh, really?” Neil took his feet down and leaned his elbows on his knees. “Damn you, what’s going on? If you’re not inviting me or any of the usual crew—and I know you would never go to Vegas without at least one of us—then that must leave a woman.” Neil studied him as Logan continued to peruse the papers, his face expressionless. “It is a woman! Who in the heck would you take? I thought you were cooling your heels on the ladies for a while.”

Logan didn’t respond. He knew Neil would draw his own conclusion in a matter of minutes. It was Caenon’s gift, though it could be annoying how he figured out a whole story with only one slice of information.

Caenon rubbed his hands together, musing out loud. “A woman...yes. I know her or else you wouldn’t be withholding right now. It couldn’t be Shelby or Colleta, because you never go back to exes no matter what. No. Someone else.” He snapped his fingers and shouted. “Shit, I know who. It’s Jordana, isn’t it? It is, you sly dog.”

Logan’s mouth pursed. Less than a minute. Neil was getting quicker in his puzzle solving. “Your talent for deduction is both impressive and irritating,” he replied, and then Neil hollered in triumph.

“That wasn’t even a challenge,” his friend boasted. “Especially since you haven’t been yourself since the night you two met. You almost transformed into the Hulk when Drew flirted with Jordana all night. Now you’re going on some secret getaway to Vegas with her? Hmm.”

He shuffled the papers together. “We’re going to Vegas because her sister is eloping and she wants to be there. I don’t have to remind you how Jordana did me a favor not too long ago, and now I’m returning it. No big deal.”

“Yeah, right.”

“I’m more or less just keeping her company,” he added.

“More or less just—” Neil burst into laughter. “Oh, man this is hilarious. You honestly think you’re going to stay in the most sinful city in America and keep puritan intentions?”

“You don’t need to know about my intentions, puritan or not.” He half-smiled.

“Ah. So you and Jordana still haven’t...?”

“You’re annoying me.”

“I know. It’s fun to see you squirm. Anyway, go ahead and play the knight in shining armor. Except, I can imagine, knights probably got laid for it.”

Logan slanted him a look. “Great interrogation Caenon, but I’ve got a few things to wrap up before our flight,” Logan said dismissively. “I’ll call you when I get back.”

Neil pushed up from his seat with a sigh and a smile. “Sure. Have fun. Remember, Logan. What happens in Vegas, well, better be worth all this chivalry.” He chuckled as he walked out.

Once his office door was closed, Logan dropped his papers, and folded his hands together. He thought about the look on Jordana’s face, the appreciation, the hug, and the searing kiss. Yes, by God, he wanted her in his bed and would have to do something about that.

Pretty soon he would be staring at the lights of Las Vegas, greeted by the flashes and colors and sounds of the famous Strip. He had to admit that although he wasn’t headed there with his usual agenda of shenanigans with the guys, he looked forward to going on this mini-adventure with Jordana, on a mission to stand in the way of vows.

He huffed. Stand in the way of what most believed was a fairy tale ending to relationship: getting married.

Logan knew there was no such thing as fairy tales.

***

Tom pulled up in front of her building to take her to the executive airport.

Logan told her he would be taking a cab from his house, so she had to ride solo. She still couldn’t believe she’d said yes to his offer.

Her plan hadn’t been that bad. She would’ve stayed at a budget-friendly hotel and eaten on the cheap, but she would’ve been just fine.

Now she’d be flying in a private jet and staying at a luxurious five-star hotel, all at the expense of Logan, who had insisted his way was the better way.

She couldn’t argue with him. A certain peace of mind settled knowing she wouldn’t be traveling alone, even though she’d done it a hundred times.

Tom parked right by the hangar and nervous knots tightened in her stomach. She was just as anxious to spend time with Logan as she was to get to Las Vegas. She’d packed light, but brought a nice dress and shoes just in case the wedding happened after all. The Sigvy was tucked at the bottom of suitcase too. She’d brought the necklace intending to make Logan take it back. The beautiful bauble just didn’t belong to her. Sitting in her safe collecting dust was not why it was made.

She smiled as Tom opened her door and offered his hand. “Enjoy yourself, Miss Shaw.”

Her eyes widened at the size of the bright white jet, its exterior lights blinking in the darkened hour of dusk, engines warming up.

“Ready for this?”

Her pulse jumped at the sound of Logan’s voice. This was the most casual she’d seen him, light gray slacks and a black long sleeved polo with the sleeves pushed up, showing off his strong forearms. And yep, no less devastating.

“This plane looks a little big for the two of us,” she remarked as Tom pulled her suitcase out to be loaded. “I hope we’re giving a ride to a bunch of showgirls to make the trip worth it.”

He chuckled as he walked toward her, lifting his hand to the stairs. “After you.”

She climbed the steps with care and when she reached the top, was greeted by a friendly silver-haired pilot. He showed her around. She gasped when she entered the interior, her gaze revolving around what resembled a plush hotel suite.

White vinyl seats, wood paneling, spot lighting, brass molding, chrome detailing. By the end of the tour, Jordana could see how businessmen were reluctant to give up their leer jets, even in a recession. Overwhelmed by the luxury, she took a seat in the cool leather chair, and Logan took the one across from hers as the crew prepared the aircraft.

Minutes later, the main cabin door was locked and sealed, and the pilot informed they were taxing for take-off. Jordana settled in and shortly after the announcement, they were in the air with ease.

Logan took out his iPad, swiping his fingers across the screen.

“I hope things don’t fall apart back home while you’re gone,” she said with light tease.

“So do I.” He winked. “Would you like to watch a quick movie or a show? We’ve got a library full.”

“No thanks. I’d rather take this all in and enjoy the ride.”

A flight attendant emerged and offered to make Jordana a drink. She opted for a white wine while Logan chose a whiskey on the rocks.

Once the pilot informed them of the estimated time of arrival, Logan unbuckled the seat belt. “You know what? Work can wait ninety minutes.” He set his iPad aside. The flight attendant kindly handed them their drinks and retreated. “So,” he said after taking a small sip, getting comfortable, “why are you against your sister getting married?”

“It’s not as if I’m against her doing it. Some day. It’s just too soon. Last year she was dating three different guys and hated the idea of being tied down. She used to mock at how young our parents were when they got married. Overnight, she changes her mind? But, then again, maybe she wants what they had after all.”

The ice in his drink clinked as he swirled the liquor. “What do you mean?”

“They were crazy in love. Even now I can remember watching them dance in the living room, the two of them laughing at their endless inside jokes. They loved us dearly of course, but they never neglected each other.” She cleared her throat, casting her gaze down. “My mother died when I was high school. A hit and run accident. My dad wasn’t the same after that. None of us were. Then he…died a couple years later of a heart attack.” She took a sip of her wine, squelching the grief. Still hard to talk about, even after all this time.

A few moments of silence filled the cabin. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “To lose both parents. I can’t imagine what that’s like.”

“It’s been almost twelve years since she passed, eight since Dad, but that feeling of loss never goes away.” She paused. “My sister is all I have.”

“So your parents painted the ideal love between two people. Not the worst thing Lucee could strive for.”

“No, but unrealistic,” she emphasized, thinking of her own past. “She needs to give this more than five minutes consideration. It’s hard to have the marriage my parents had. Takes work. They made it look easy, but I’m sure there were times when it wasn’t.”

“At least you’ve seen it. True, consistent love.” He took a long sip of his whiskey, then set his glass down. “My parents fought so often I had a hard time believing they were ever in love to begin with. God knows how I came about.” His mouth half-lifted in a smile. “I have a distinct feeling I was conceived from make up sex.”

Jordana gave a soft laugh. “Are they still together?”

He flinched. “Hell no. Divorced as soon as I graduated college. It’s been years since they split and they still fight whenever they’re in a room together.”

“They have something in common no matter what. You.”

“And man, do they hate it.”

She rubbed her arms together. “What’s your dad like?”

He rose to a cabinet and got her a blanket, and she thanked him. “He’s semi-retired, lives in So Cal. He mainly watches over our L.A. office on abbreviated schedule and couldn’t be happier. The divorce, once it was finally settled, was the best thing for them. I think what brought them together was the same thing that tore them apart.”

“And that is?”

Sitting down again, he reached for his drink again. “Although you would assume they were complete opposites, they were actually too alike,” he answered. “When they were young, it made sense. My aunt said they were all over each other. They had the same isolated childhoods, same backgrounds, same ambitions. They argued a lot, but to solve their problems they did what young couples do, worked it out by ignoring each other, then making up out of loneliness, without learning anything. But, as they say, passion fades, and if that’s all you had to begin with, well then, once that’s gone, there isn’t much left.”

She completely agreed. “Lucee thinks great sex and good times are the only things you need in a relationship. That stuff doesn’t last forever on its own. You need more.”

“You need a miracle.” He leaned over holding his glass out. “Cheers.”

They clinked glasses, and as they drank, Jordana felt a squeeze on her heart.

Logan’s cynicism stemmed from his parent’s broken marriage and hers came from being dumped by her fiancé. She wondered if they were better off or if people like her sister, blind to the warnings and hopelessly romantic, had it right. Because, even if Lucee’s happiness was temporary, at least she would have a time when she was hopeful and the future looked nothing but bright.

Jordana looked out the window, watching the wing’s light flash in the dark as they flew over the desert. Not long ago, she’d been in love, dreaming of a wedding, and anticipating the future with bated breath. But, it’d been nothing but an illusion, as men’s intentions often were.

Now who sounded cynical?

By the time they landed in Las Vegas, left the airport, and arrived at the private VIP entrance to the LaVoisier hotel, it was nine o’clock. Though by Vegas standards, the night hadn’t even begun yet. As soon as Jordana saw the Strip, her face lit up at the sight, and a small part of her wished she could have a little fun.

“Mr. Savant, welcome back,” said the VIP manager. He came around the counter and shook Logan’s hand.

Jordana looked around in awe, taking in the polished floors, gleaming brass, oversized vases with exotic flowers.

“Unfortunately,” she heard the manager begin, “Your usual suite burst a pipe in the bathroom and has flooded. We’re working on it as quickly as we can but with the hotel booked through, I’m afraid I can only offer you one villa with two bedrooms at this time.”

“This is unacceptable,” Logan said a quiet, firm tone. “I require two. One for me, one for Miss Shaw.”

Sweat started to break out on the balding man’s forehead. “I’m very sorry, please understand I am trying to accommodate all of my valuable guests and this is the best I can do. I will of course comp you at any of our restaurants and give you credit toward play.”

“Theo, it’s imperative the lady have a suite of her own—”

“That’s okay,” Jordana interjected, coming to Theo’s aid. “I’ll have my own bedroom, that’s good enough.” Share a villa with Logan? Hardly bad news.

He made a stern face and pulled her to the side. “You should have your own. If he can make it happen, I’m sure there is another hotel that can accommodate us.”

“It’s a two bedroom. I’m sure there will be plenty of privacy. Unless you’re uncomfortable sharing?”

“Absolutely not. I’m just thinking of your preferences.”

“Then I prefer to take what the man is offering and settle in. He’s in a bind. It’s not like he’s sticking us in the basement next to the boiler room.”

He started to smile. “All right. If you’re okay with it, I’m okay with it.”