Golden Lies - Barbara Freethy [141]
"And my grandfather lost his daughter to drugs," Riley continued. "He also lost his mind and can't even remember his name, much less what he did fifty years ago. Mr. Hathaway is right. Everyone has paid a price for what was done." He paused. "Now, knowing that we've all agreed on what has to happen, I want to ensure it actually does happen. I think we should have the pieces put into a secure vault until they can be transported back to China."
"I'll make sure of that," Victoria said. "But first we'll put them on display in the upcoming Hathaway exhibit at the Asian Art Museum." Her eyes lit up at the thought. "You'll all be given due credit, of course. I'm a genius with a press release. Just ask anyone. I'd better make some calls."
"She's really something, your mother," Riley said to Paige as the group began to disperse.
"Yes, she is. I guess it's finally over." She couldn't help wondering where they would go from here now that they no longer had a dragon to chase.
"Not quite. I need to fill in my grandmother."
"Give her my love," Paige said. She watched him walk out the door with a heavy heart. Would she ever see him again?
"My family and I are leaving now," Alyssa said, coming up to Paige. "It's almost the new year. I think it's going to be a good one."
"I do, too. By the way, how do you feel about a new job?"
"What do you mean?"
"The House of Hathaway could certainly use another Hathaway."
"But I'm not a Hathaway."
"Aren't you?"
"Really? Can you do that? Hire me on without asking anyone?"
Paige smiled. "As a matter of fact, I can. You see, I'm the Hathaway heir. Only, I just recently discovered that I'm not the only one. And if I have to run that damn store one day, so do you. Of course, we'll have to get my mother out of it first."
"She's not going to want me there."
"No," Paige agreed. "But it's about time she realized that she's not the only woman in this family who gets what she wants. I want you in the store, and in my life. You're my sister. And I can't wait to get to know you."
Alyssa threw her arms around Paige and gave her a hug that Paige gladly returned. Out of this entire mess had come a new, wonderful relationship with a woman she could call a sister.
"I have to go," Alyssa said. "I have a man to meet."
"Ben?"
"I'd like to ring in the new year with him." She paused. "Maybe you and Riley should do the same thing."
"He's already gone."
"So go find him. You want him, too, don't you?"
She did. But this time he would have to come to her.
* * *
Paige entered her apartment just before midnight, exhausted from the night's events. All she wanted was a hot bath, a glass of wine, and bed. Two out of three were waiting for her in her bedroom. She smiled in pure delight. Riley had come to her. Granted, he was asleep, but it was the thought that counted.
She sat down on the side of the bed and put her hand on his chest. He stirred ever so slightly as she leaned over and put her mouth to his. She knew the moment he awoke, the moment he gave his heart to hers in one long, tender, passionate kiss.
He cupped her face when she tried to pull away and kissed her again as if he wanted to make sure she'd gotten the message the first time.
"Beautiful Paige," he murmured as he released her. "What took you so long?"
"I didn't know you would be waiting. How did you get in here?"
"I know a little bit about locks. And you need a better security system. In fact, I can think of a lot of things you need."
"Anything in particular—or should I say anyone?"
"Me," he replied with a grin.
"What about you? What do you need?"
"You, Paige."
"I want a long-term commitment."
"How long term?" he asked warily.
"Marriage, children, pets, a house of my own, furniture I choose, a garden."
"Whoa. Time out."
"What's the matter? Scared?"
"Terrified," he admitted.
"Okay, then, we'll start out slow. How about a real date involving dinner, maybe a little dancing, some champagne, rose petals on satin sheets?"
"Now you're talking. When can we go?"
"Any time