Page 41 of Cole
“Jewelry? Oh, no. I don’t think that’s appropriate,” she said shaking her head.
“Honey, it’s okay,” said Riley. “They’re tracking devices. We’ll implant one at the base of your ear, completely unseen, but also one in the ring, necklace, and bracelet of your choice. If for some reason you were taken, disappeared, whatever, we could find you. It’s how we found Cole.”
“Oh,” she said looking down at the options. “They’re all so beautiful.”
“Our own team designs the jewelry,” said Gray. “Believe me, it comes in handy more often than you think.”
“I love the pink tourmaline,” she smiled. “Pink isn’t a color that I was allowed to wear and I love it.”
“Your coloring is perfect for it,” smiled Riley. “I’d say it’s an excellent choice.”
Hiro fitted the jewelry to her, making it permanent. Next, Cruz entered with the syringe to implant the device behind her ear.
“Are you, um, are you staying on as a nurse here?” she asked.
“No. It’s time for me to spend more time with my beautiful wife but I’ll be available for emergencies,” he smiled.
“Oh.That’s good.”
“Is it?” he frowned.
“Sorry, but I don’t think I need to be distracted by your beautiful face and smile all day while trying to focus on sick people.”
“Told you,” smirked Riley toward Cruz.
“We’ve all told him. He’s too damn pretty for his own good.”
“I’m not pretty!” he said with a frown.
“No offense, Cruz, but you are the prettiest man I’ve ever seen. Albeit a limited pool of men to compare to.” Cruz could only laugh, shaking his head.
“Well, I thank you. You’re all set, hun. Don’t go off and get taken, but if you are, don’t sweat it. We’ll find you.” Cruz left the room, followed by Hiro and the women all looked at Layla, a bright red blush on her cheeks.
“Sorry, that was unprofessional.”
“Girl,” said Gabi, “that only proved to us that you’re a woman just like the rest of us. That man is hotter than my bra in July.”
“Gabi,” muttered Riley below her breath.
“What? I didn’t say it to him. I’m better with my out of control mouth these days. Really.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“How in the hell could we have forgotten that Thanksgiving is coming up?” asked Ajei. “It’s not like we don’t know it’s coming. And then we have Christmas!”
“We’re totally going to bomb this,” frowned Sophia Ann.
“No, you’re not,” said Erin walking toward the young women. “Claudette, Marie, Camille, and all the rest of us are here to help you just like Mama Irene helped all of us the first year we were in charge. Oh, and by the way, technically she’s still in charge. This is easier than you think. The meal is turned over to the kitchen staff. Dylan and Casey will handle the menu. They’ll get the café to contribute to the desserts.”
“So, what do we do?” asked Gwen. “I know clothing but I know nothing about cooking.”
“You don’t have to,” said Lauren. “You know that we always try to eat beneath the tents in the grove. You just launched your newInto the Woodscollection, so use that as inspiration for a theme. Then, you just get with the kitchen staff and we’ll start to make plans.”
“Miss Ajei, ladies,” said Trevon walking toward them. “It’s about time for me to get the orders on wreaths and trees. Do y’all have a number for me?”
“Oh, shit,” muttered Kate. “I never even thought about all the work that goes into Christmas.”
“Listen to me,” said Claudette. “One wreath, one tree, per cottage and cabin unless someone wants an extra one on the porch. We did that a few times and it was pretty but a lot of work. The big house usually has more. You can decide to doless, or more. It’s in your hands. You can make the holiday whatever you want it to be. You can pick the theme, the menus, all of it. It will be fun. Just relax.”
