He made a few more notes before asking, “Will other companies be bidding?”
“I’d say that depends on you, Colonel Mangum.”
“Call me Ivan. I appreciate the opportunity, and I’m sure I can help. I’ll call you when I have the proposal ready.” He extended his hand. “A pleasure, Miss Gentry.”
“Tiffany,” she corrected. Her hand slid into his. “Likewise.”
After he left, Tiffany went to the storage room to get a box of clothing. She placed it on the counter, pulled up a stool and began to add price tags. While she worked, she made a mental note to thank Norma Jean for recommending Ivan. He’d been a pleasant diversion today.
The phone’s ring startled her from thoughts of Ivan Mangum.
“Thank you for calling the Petite Boutique. How may I help you?”
“How did it go?” Milán Anderson, Tiffany’s best friend, asked. “Was the guy competent?”
“Yes.” Tiffany leaned against the counter. “Not what I expected.”
“Uh-oh,” her friend said with concern. “Good or bad?”
A smile covered Tiffany’s face. “Fantastic. I expected some old boring guy with a large belly.”
“Was he?”
“Nope.” Tiffany sighed. “Lani, he was straight out of an action movie—tall, commanding and built like he’s been working out since childhood.”
“What a meeting. Was business discussed, or did you drool the whole time?”
“It was all business. He’s probably married or has a girlfriend.”
Tiffany filled Milán in on her appointment with Ivan, then they hung up.
A healthy appreciation for a gorgeous man was fine, but she would not act on her impulses. She had been attracted to one too many men who were unavailable, and for all she knew, he was just the same. Still, it was impossible not to be drawn to him. When it came to first impressions, Colonel Ivan Mangum was definitely an Army of One.
Chapter 2
Tiffany almost dropped a glass bowl she was wrapping in tissue paper a few days later when Ivan walked in. He was wearing a pair of jeans, and a dark gray Under Armour shirt that fit him like a second skin.
She walked up to him as he was eyeing a crystal owl pendant. “Wow, you have my quote already?”
Ivan grinned. “Soon.”
“Did you have more questions?”
“Not on security. I’ve got a dilemma and thought you could help.”
“Of course. What’s the problem?”
“I need a gift. My grandmother turns ninety-six next week.”
Tiffany relaxed. “You’ve come to the right place. What does your grandmother like? Does she have any hobbies?”
As they discussed his grandmother, Tiffany guided Ivan around the store, showing him everything from velvet wraps to ceramic bowls, but nothing seemed right.
“Wait, I’ve got it.” With a grin, she retrieved the owl pendant and held it out to him. “It caught your eye earlier, and from what you’ve told me about her, I think she would love having something almost as wise as she is.”
Ivan’s fingers connected with hers. His touch was warm as it grazed her palm. He tilted the pendant in the light.
“That’s true. Always go with your gut, right?”
She laughed. “Words I live by.”
“In that case, I’ll take it.”
“Wise choice.” Tiffany winked. “I’ll wrap it for you.”
Celeste, one of Tiffany’s employees, rang up Ivan’s purchase while she wrapped the gift with care. Tiffany placed the birthday gift in a decorative bag and handed it to Ivan.
“I hope she loves it.”
“I’ll let you know. Thanks for coming to my rescue.”
A warm smile brightened her face. “Anytime.”
For the second time that week, Tiffany found herself staring as he walked out of the store.
The phone rang, causing Tiffany to almost jump out of her skin. She picked it up.
“Hi, honey. You’re not busy, are you?”
“No, Ms. Jeannie. What’s up?”
“I wanted to make sure you’re coming to the party tonight.”
“Like I would miss Milán and Adrian’s anniversary party. Of course I’ll be there,” Tiffany said.
“Great. Are you bringing a date? If you’re not, I’ve got a few prospects.”
Sometimes Norma Jean was overzealous in her matchmaking quest. And it seemed it was too late to dissuade her now.
“Ms. Jeannie,” Tiffany began, “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but—”
“Trust me, dear. It’ll work out great. I promise. Now don’t be late.”
Before Tiffany could say another word, Norma Jean had hung up.
A blind date was the last thing on her mind, but getting that point across to Norma Jean was more impossible than keeping shoppers orderly at a Bath & Body Works semiannual sale.
* * *
Ivan opened the door to his parents’ two-story home and flipped the light on. He juggled car keys, his grandmother’s gift and a large brown paper bag. Kicking the door shut with his foot, Ivan set everything but the bag on the hall table.
“I’m home,” he called out.
“Down in a minute,” his brother replied from upstairs.
He went in the kitchen for plates, silverware and beers. Back on the couch, he took his carryout dinner out of its bag and assembled his meal.
Cole Mangum walked into the room. “Hey.” He picked up the remote and turned the television on before sitting next to his brother.
“Hey, yourself.”
“It’s Friday night,” Cole pointed out.
“Yeah, and?”
“What are you doing home?”
“Cole, I’m home every night,” his brother replied in a dry tone. “What are you doing home?”
“Waiting to see what’s for dinner,” he joked.
“Thai food,” Ivan replied, while dumping a mound of shrimp pad thai onto his plate. “I got your favorite.”
“Cool, thanks.”
Cole picked up a plate and helped himself to red curry with chicken. He strategically spooned it over his brown rice.
They ate in silence until Cole asked, “How’s work going? It’s been a few weeks since you’ve had an assignment. Aren’t you getting restless?”
“No. Helping people out while I’m here has kept me busy. In fact, I’m working on an alarm system now for a small boutique owner, Tiffany Gentry. I’ll need your help on it, by the way.”
“Is she the one Mrs. Anderson told you about?”
“Yes.”
“Is she attractive?”
Ivan stopped chewing. “Cole.”
A wide grin etched his brother’s face. “What? I’m just