Priceless

He closes his hand around the ring and I know he’s dying to ask Levi right this second. Levi is currently on a photoshoot and won’t be back until tomorrow. Gavin’s soon-to-be fiancé is an artist himself. I knew he and Gavin were meant to be the day Gavin introduced me to him. He showed me a picture he’d taken of my brother and in it he’d somehow captured the real Gavin. Not the man who wears a suit like a shield, but the Gavin that only a few of us get to see. The one that is kind, considerate and loyal.

“I have a night planned for us.” His lips twitch into a smile. I wrap my hand around the one that he’s holding the ring I created in.

“I would like to create yours as well. Let that be my wedding gift to you.” I get a little emotional knowing that it will be the greatest piece I’ve ever created. Knowing that all the love I have for my brother will pour into the piece as I create it. He simply nods his head in true Gavin fashion. I change the subject quickly.

“I can’t even imagine.” I’m sure he’s come up with something over the top. We both know Levi would be fine with something simple but this is Gavin’s way of showing he cares, so Levi will go along with it. I’ve learned to do the same. There really is no fighting with him or staying mad at him. He is quick to admit when he’s done something wrong and will drive you bonkers until you forgive him. I think it’s why he lets so few people get close to him. At the core he’s tender. That hard exterior is there to protect that heart of his and I know Levi will never do anything to hurt it. It’s why I didn’t stop until the ring was perfect. Gavin might be giving the ring to Levi but it is my thank-you to him for being the man I know he’ll be for my brother.

“It’s almost go time,” Gavin says, causing me to get up. I hug him for good measure while walking by him. His arm wraps around me. “The ring is stunning. It’s perfect just like I knew it would be.” He releases me with a kiss on the cheek and heads out the backdoor of the store. I swallow down the lump of emotion and continue toward the glass showcases at the storefront when I hear a little bit of commotion. I stop, peeking around to see my assistant Trudy going off on a very handsome man who is wearing a godawful sweater. I turn, going back to my studio. I want no part of that. Trudy can handle herself. I know there is work to be done and I’m behind. I also know ugly sweater man isn’t going to get any of the pieces that I make. He can dress himself up but I know his type. He wouldn’t appreciate anything that I created. He only wants what he can’t have. I just don’t realize that is going to be me.

Chapter 3

Major

“What do you mean I can’t buy it?” I stare in confusion at the sales clerk with hair so red it could’ve only come out of a bottle. All natural my fucking ass.

“This item isn’t for sale at the moment.” Her lips, as scarlet as her hair, are pressed into a thin line.

“Not to be crude, ma’am, but that’s bullshit. You took it out for the lady over there.” A woman about the age of my mother is relaxing in a nearby sitting area. She passed on the necklace and instead went with a bracelet which is in the process of being wrapped.

“It’s not for sale,” the clerk insists.

I remind myself that this is for my own mother and it’s because I love her that I’m standing in this tiny store that has a shopping space only big enough to host three people at a time wearing the ugliest clothes known to man with ten grand burning a hole in my pants pocket. Clearly facts aren’t going to work with this clerk. I let the smile curve across my mouth—the one that my sister says is rude, the one that my last secretary told me she dreamt about, the one that my mother described as the devil’s delight.

“Trudy, right?” That’s what the old lady called her. Trudy hesitates and then nods. “I hear you. This isn’t for sale.” She nods again. We’ve come to a consensus. We’re on the same wavelength. I broaden my smile. Trudy’s stern expression softens. I lean in. “What is for sale?”

Trudy tugs at her collar. “The thing is that this store is about love. We design things for people in love.”