First Comes Love

  “It’s easy not to care about price tags when you own your own company, Tyson. I can’t afford it! Who’s going to pay my electric bill once it’s installed? You? Then what? Are you going to start paying my rent too? It’s my home and my responsibility. I might live with sacrifices you can’t abide, but they’re my sacrifices, not yours.”

  Jaw tight, he sent her a hard stare and hauled the box out of her house without another word. Confused and upset, she stomped into her room and paced. This was their first fight.

  Unsure what to do, she went to the kitchen for a glass of water and came up short when she saw him sitting on her front porch. Scared, she slowly walked to the door. Glad the gift was gone, she worried he might also leave—for good.

  Stepping outside, she lowered her head and whispered, “I don’t want to fight.”

  He sighed. “I didn’t buy it to insult your pride, Kat. I know you can take care of yourself and Mia. You do a great job. I just wanted to help.”

  She sniffled. “You do help, but—”

  “I get it,” he interrupted, holding out his hand. She slid her fingers into his. “I wasn’t thinking that it would make your bills go up. I was only thinking about your comfort.”

  She smiled sadly. “It was really a thoughtful gift. I appreciate the thought, but our budget’s stretched as tight as it can go. If you want, we can hang out at your place more—”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. A little heat won’t keep me away.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Are we okay?”

  He nodded. “We’re okay.”

  “No more expensive gifts,” she added.

  He pulled her onto his lap and hugged her. “You’re a pain in my ass. I never met a girl so impossible to spoil.”

  “But you love me anyway?”

  He sighed and rocked back in the chair. “I love you.”

  Mid-August, an invitation in the mail and Kat groaned as she read the fancy engraved print.

  The honor of your presence is requested at the fiftieth birthday celebration for Mrs. Vivian D’Angelo…Black tie…The D’Angelo Estate…

  It should be a milestone affair, but her mother celebrated her birthday ostentatiously every year, each party more obscenely pretentious than the last. Vivian’s fiftieth was sure to be a self-important show with a price tag that could feed a third world country. And Kat would be expected to play the doting daughter.

  When Tyson saw the invitation he read it carefully. “Are you going?”

  “I have to go. My mother would disown me if I missed it.”

  Eyeing her carefully, he placed the invitation on the table. “Are you bringing a date?”

  She smiled shyly. “Are you asking if you’re going to be my date?”

  “I guess I am.”

  She sighed. Her parents could find fault in the perfect man. “Ty, it won’t be fun. It’ll be a bunch of egotistical yuppies and political brats bragging about themselves.”

  “So? I can grin and bear it if you can.”

  “You’d have to dress up.”

  “Also not an issue. I do own more than work boots and jeans, Kat. If you don’t want me to go, just say so.”

  She groaned and pressed her face in her hands. “I want you to go, but my parents can be cruel. I don’t want them to hurt you.”

  He smirked. “Aw, kitten, you’re worried about my fragile sensibilities?” He snatched her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I’m a big boy, kitten. I highly doubt your parents can hurt me.”

  “But what if they don’t like you? They don’t like anyone they don’t handpick.”

  “Well, no offense, but I really don’t give a furry rat’s ass if they like me or not. The only opinion I care about is yours. So long as you like me when this is all over, I’m good.”

  The idea of attending another one of her mother’s parties did seem more appealing with the idea of having Tyson by her side. She turned her fingers in his and squeezed. “Thank you.”

  “Who knows? Maybe we’ll end up having fun.”

  She highly doubted that.

  The night of the party Jade did her hair and loaned her a pair of diamond earrings and matching satin heels. Kat had found a simple, black gown for fewer than forty dollars. It was asymmetrical and fitted around the bodice.

  Mia watched her in awe, as she got ready. “Momma, you look like a princess.”

  “Thank you, baby. I sort of feel like one.”

  “When I’m bigger can I have that dress?”

  She grinned. “Sure.”

  There was a knock on the door and Mia bolted into the kitchen. “Tyson’s here! Momma, come on!”

  A rush of nerves shot threw her and she faced Jade. “I’m so nervous.” This must be what most girls felt before prom. She never went to prom. She’d been home with a two month old trying to figure out where her next meal would come from that night.

  “You look great. Don’t be nervous.” Jade adjusted her necklace and smiled. “Let’s not keep your date waiting.”

  The moment she saw him her heart slammed into overdrive. His broad shoulders filled out the jacket of his tuxedo to perfection. He smiled as she stepped in the room.

  Holding a small box with a delicate orchid, he kissed her. “You’re stunning,” he said in a husky whisper. “This is for you.” Opening the box, he slid the flower around her wrist.

  “Are you two getting married?” Mia asked as she watched them.

  Kat paused and giggled at Tyson. “Um, no, sweetie. We’re just going to a party.”

  “Is it a ball?”

  “Sort of.”

  “Well, then you can dance with Tyson and then he’ll kiss you and you’ll be married,” she decided, quite the expert on such things.

  Kat looked at Jade who was unsuccessfully trying to hide a grin. She turned to Tyson and he wasn’t trying at all. He wore a huge, dimpled grin. “Well, I suppose we better get to that ball then, so I can dance with your momma.”

  Mia beamed. “Then I’ll have a daddy!”

  Kat froze. The comment doused the lighter mood, replacing it with a level of seriousness she hadn’t anticipated. Mia had never mentioned her lack of father before.

  Thankfully, Jade broke the spell. “Okay munchkin, let’s go. Your momma doesn’t want to be late for the ball.” She ushered Mia out of the house, then turned to Kat and said, “I’ll have her back tomorrow morning. Have fun!”

  Finding it difficult to face Tyson, she searched for her clutch. “Well, we better go if we don’t want to be late.”

  “Hey.” He caught her arm and waited as she slowly met his gaze. “You really do look lovely. Let’s try to have a good time tonight.”

  With a shaky breath, she nodded. He shut out the lights and she locked up the house. When she turned, she gasped. “Is that for us?” A sleek black limo waited at the curb.

  “Yup.” He smiled, taking her arm. “And I don’t want to hear a single word about it. It’s my treat. I couldn’t have you arriving to your mother’s party in that gown and in a work truck.”

  Giddy with excitement, she grinned at the novel vehicle. “I’ve never ridden in a limo before!”

  Her parents’ home had been transformed to resemble an elite country club. The large pillars were decked in twinkling lights that could be spotted from the edge of the sprawling lawn. Limos lined the drive; a battalion of chauffeurs guarding the fleet. Valet attendants shuttled cars to the east side of the property as doormen greeted guests.

  A doorman took her bag and he handed Tyson a small ticket. Floors were polished to a high sheen and every bit of furniture was draped with pristine linens. Silver vases and beautiful flower arrangements bathed the air in a sweet fragrance.

  They followed the other guests to the French doors at the back of the house where the main party was taking place. Across the lawn was a huge, white tent bedazzled with millions of twinkling lights. Tables were dressed in shimmering ivory linens and topped with three-foot centerpieces of cascading flowers and candles.

/>   A well-dressed ensemble was arranged with everything from violins to a baby grand piano. Guests mingled and their voices carried into the night over the echo of smooth music.

  The soft wash of cool summer wind teased her shoulders. It seemed Vivian had even controlled the weather gods in her demand for perfection.

  Descending the back steps, Tyson took her arm to escort her across the grass toward the tent. A carpeted pathway was laid out for guests. A woman waiting at the edge of the carpet asked their names.

  “Katherine D’Angelo and Guest.”

  The woman checked her clipboard and informed her they were sitting at Table 6. Tyson took the place card and led her into the tent. She recognized several familiar faces, but didn’t see her parents. When they located their table, it was half full.

  She’d been placed, not with her parents, but with the offspring of close associates. No family table for the D’Angelo’s.

  She introduced Tyson and the men at the table queried about Adams Construction. Being an entrepreneur, he fit in well. Hardhat or tailored tux, he was confident and at ease in any situation it seemed.

  After a few minutes of small talk, he excused himself to get something from the bar. The band started a new set and the newly wed couples sharing their table excused themselves to the dance floor.

  Absorbing the beauty of the evening, she sighed. Despite her tedious nature, Vivian had outdone herself. A small envelope sat at each place setting. She opened the gold filigree favor and read the embossed print. A donation had been made in their name to a breast cancer foundation. She slid the note back in the envelope and reminded herself to show it to Tyson later. He’d appreciate that, since breast cancer was what took his sister.

  “Well, aren’t you a vision.”

  Kat tensed and slowly turned. Nathan Lithe stood to her right holding a place card. “Nathan,” she greeted through clenched teeth, forcing a grin.

  “And I figured we’d be sitting with a bunch of old biddies and stuffed shirts. This is much better.” He took the seat next to her and she scooted her chair closer to Tyson’s empty one.

  “So tell me, kitty cat, what have you been up to? I want to hear all about the naughty trouble you’ve been getting into before Dawson returns from the bar and hogs your attention.”

  The moment the words left his mouth her skin turn clammy and Dawson approached. “Katherine,” he tightly greeted, taking his seat on the other side of Nathan.

  “Hello, Dawson. How have you been?” The last thing she wanted was a scene at her mother’s event. She hoped he’d be cordial.

  “Very well, and yourself?”

  God, I could vomit. “Busy.”

  His gaze shifted over her shoulder. She turned to find Tyson at her back, holding two glasses of champagne. “Price,” he said by way of greeting.

  “Adams,” Dawson replied equally as cold.

  Neither extended their hand. Nathan’s eyes took in the scene and sparkled with mischief. “Nathan Lithe,” he introduced proudly, forcing himself into the exchange with the subtlety of a cannonball.

  “Tyson Adams,” Tyson said, placing their drinks on the ivory table and shaking Nathan’s hand.

  “Any relation to Senator Adams?”

  “No.”

  Dawson shot Nathan a quelling look and Nathan laughed at his joke. “Oh, well, I guess not.” Senator Mathew Adams was an Irish republican with red hair and a year-round, fish-belly-white complexion.

  “Tyson’s the CEO of Adams Construction,” Kat informed Nathan defensively.

  The master of ceremonies took to the microphone requesting everyone’s attention and the small talk, thankfully, was put on hold. The MC welcomed the guests and with much fanfare, announced the guest of honor. Vivian appeared in an elegant, white ball gown and stepped to the microphone.

  She blushed demurely—an interesting trick under so much make up. “Touched does not begin to describe how I feel. It’s a gift in itself to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends.”

  On cue, Kat’s father took her mother’s outstretched hand, perfectly playing his supporting role as doting husband. Vivian delicately dabbed her cheeks. “Edward, you always go above and beyond for me. How did I ever get so lucky? Thank you—thank you, everyone. I hope you enjoy the evening as much as I intend to.”

  Kat nearly threw up in her mouth. As if Vivian didn’t plan the entire evening down to the napkins. Greedily sipping her champagne, her focus was on the dance floor as her mother and her father danced. When they finished everyone stood and applauded.

  Dinner was served while her parents visited each table, greeting guests. When they arrived at their table Kat stood and kissed her mother’s cheek, wishing her a happy birthday. She hugged her father. “You did a wonderful job with the party, Dad.” He had nothing to do with the planning, but her mother appreciated the illusion in front of the others.

  Vivian laced her arm with his. “Your father insisted we make this one special. He’s too good to me.”

  At least that was partly true. Kat cleared her throat. “Mother, Daddy, I’d like you to meet Tyson Adams.”

  Her father, always the politician, shook Tyson’s hand. Vivian made no attempt at physical contact. “Mr. Adams,” she coolly greeted without even pretending to smile.

  Tyson maintained a serene expression as Kat clenched her teeth. After years of playing the polite child for her parents’ friends, the least they could do was be kind to her friends.

  “Well, I hope you all enjoy your evening. Come dear, we have more guests to greet.” Her father smiled before escorting them away. Kat tried not to shake with anger at her mother’s obvious slight.

  They took their seats and she clenched her fists in her lap.

  “Hey. Relax. Everything’s fine. Would you like some more champagne?” Tyson whispered as he soothed her tense muscles.

  She nodded. Kissing her temple, he stood to refresh their drinks. Kat’s gaze followed his progress, as Nathan trailed him.

  Dawson slid into Nathan’s seat. “So, I see you’ve thawed after all. He’s a little dark for you, isn’t he Katherine?”

  “Shut up, Dawson.” She kept her gaze averted, finding the mere sight of him repugnant.

  “Tell me, is it true what they say, once you go black you never go back?” He chuckled. “Well, I suppose in your case it is, what with your already tainted past and now your taste for dark meat. Can’t damage your reputation much more than that.”

  Her fists clenched as her spine vibrated with pent up rage. By the time Tyson returned she was strongly considering calling it a night.

  Dawson stood. “Nathan, what do you say we enjoy those cigars you brought?”

  Prick.

  “Are you okay?” Tyson asked, once they were alone.

  She gave a tight nod. He didn’t say anything more, but his eyes moved in the direction of the men smoking outside the tent.

  “I have to use the restroom,” she whispered, trembling and on the verge of tears.

  Tyson stood and took her arm. He walked her toward the house. She kept her head down as they passed Dawson and Nathan enjoying their cigars. Tyson waited just outside the French doors as she entered the house.

  In the powder room, she locked the door and winced at her pale reflection. Taking a few deep breaths, she splashed some cool water on the inside of her wrists. Why did people have to be such assholes?

  When Kat returned to the French doors Tyson wasn’t there. She looked around and grit her teeth when she saw him by Dawson and Nathan beneath a cloud of gray smoke.

  Descending the steps, she walked as fast as her heels could manage. Tyson said something and Dawson’s features twisted into a sneer. Nathan took a step back as Tyson was suddenly crowding Dawson, backing him into a pillar.

  “Shit,” she hissed, dashing off the carpet and cutting through the grass to get to them faster.

  Dawson’s voice was the first thing she heard, every decibel tightening her insides to a point of physical discomfort. Sh
e hated him. “Don’t try pulling your thug shit here, Adams. This isn’t the Projects.”

  Tyson suddenly gripped him by the collar, his eyes hard and cold. Her steps faltered. This startling threat was not the gentle man she loved. Painfully aware of other guests nearby, she hissed his name. “Tyson.”

  He didn’t hear her, his attention solely on the man he hated. “You listen to me, you little shit. You mutter one more disrespectful word to Kat, or so much as look at her wrong, I will kill you. Do you understand me?” he growled.

  “Take your hands off me, you animal,” Dawson snapped and her eyes widened.

  Tyson reinforced his hold with a jerk of his arm, snapping Dawson’s head into the pillar. “Do. You. Understand. Me?” His jaw ticked and his shoulders bunched with tension. He was seething.

  “Katherine!” Her mother’s voice cut through her like an ice pick to the heart. Vivian stood, arms stiff at her sides, gloved hands fisted. “I think it’s time for you and your guest to leave. Now.”

  Breath coming quick, she turned back to Tyson. “What are you doing?” This wasn’t what she’d envisioned, no matter how low her expectations of the evening were.

  Dawson scoffed, deliberately brushing wrinkles from his tux. “Fine company you keep.” He turned to her mother. “Perhaps you should be a bit more selective with your guest list in the future, Vivian.”

  Her mother’s eyes widened and Kat had heard enough. “Why are you even here, Dawson?”

  He laughed derisively. “Take a look around, Kat. Who do you think fits in? Me? Or you?”

  “You son of a bitch,” Tyson growled, lunging for him.

  “Tyson!”

  “That’s enough!” her mother snapped, mouth tight with disapproval. “Get off my property before I call the cops. Who do you think you are, coming here and assaulting our guests?”

  “Mother, you don’t understand.”

  Vivian’s cold eyes snapped her. “I understand plenty, young lady. It’s you who will never comprehend how civilized adults are meant to behave.”

  Dawson snidely chuckled and Kat’s breath escaped in a rush, as mortification punched through her. But her mother wasn’t finished.