Powerful (The Driven World) - Kathleen Kelly Page 0,62
you promise never to leave me again?”
“Never again.”
She squints at me, tilts her head, and just when I think Athena is about to say no, she nods. “Yes.”
I stand and cusp her face. “Yes?”
Athena nods and smiles. “Yes,” she replies firmly.
“Yay,” says the sales lady clapping her hands. “So, a simple solitaire? Or a princess cut?”
“Anything she wants.”
Chapter Thirty
Athena
“Anything she wants.”
He sounds so confident, and the way he’s looking at me like I’m the most important being on the earth, I feel precious.
“Do you have an idea, my dear?” asks the saleslady.
Looking into Kris’ eyes, I answer, “Show him the princess-cut ones.” Reaching up, I touch his face. “You know me, you pick.” Rubbing his jaw, Kris looks uncertain. “Doesn’t matter what it is, I’ll love it.”
The saleslady smiles. “Mr. Livingston, why don’t you look around while I get your fiancée’s ring size?” She takes me by the arm and guides me away while Kris looks like a lost puppy. “Would you prefer a single diamond, or do you want other stones in the setting?”
“I don’t mind.”
Clearing her throat and patting my arm, she says, “It’s best to give him some guidance. Would you like colored stones in the setting?”
I shrug. “I’ve always like tanzanite. But honestly, anything he picks will be fine.”
“Well, tanzanite gives me something to work with.”
I watch Kris as she shows him around the store. Occasionally, he glances at me, and right now, he’s tilting his head from side to side as though he’s trying to decide. Finally, he nods, and the saleslady looks incredibly pleased with herself.
Hopping foot to foot, I impatiently wait as the saleslady puts the ring into a box and one of those cute little blue bags—something every girl wants. Kris dangles the bag in front of me then holds it behind his back as he pulls me in close with his other arm.
“Let’s go to city hall and get a license and get married tomorrow.”
Barking out a laugh, both my hands flutter to my throat. “But what about our families?”
“I want you to have my name. I want to tie you to me, Athena. I need you to know you’re the one for me.”
My insides melt at his words, and I nod while tears spring from my eyes. Kris Livingston has always been the man for me, and now he finally realizes I’m the woman for him.
***
I feel like Alice in Wonderland, and everything is topsy-turvy. I’m dressed in a simple white dress that ends just above my knees. I have on a pair of glittery gold six-inch heels that will probably kill me before the day is out, but I had to have them. Kris and I decided to get married at city hall, but we’ll have another ceremony later with our family and friends. This ceremony is just for us, a celebration of our love. Kris said he didn’t want me walking to city hall, so he’s hired a car. I’m waiting in the lobby for him.
He’s a little late. I’m tapping my foot and pacing. He’s been gone for nearly two hours, and he’s not answering his phone. I’m nervous, but every time I look at my engagement ring, a thrill runs through me, and I know he wouldn’t leave me again. The princess-cut diamond with a pear-shaped tanzanite on either side, sparkles in the light. I find myself holding it in the sunlight and marveling at how beautiful it is.
“Miss Goddess?”
I turn to a member of the hotel staff. “Yes?”
“Is everything all right? Can we do anything?”
“I’m waiting on my boy… fiancé.” Smiling, I continue, “He’s running a little late.”
“Would you like us to call him?”
“No, I’m sure he’ll be here.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Kris
Gabby, my assistant, for whatever reason, organized for me to hire a car from the East Village. I’m standing in line when a guy comes up to me. He’s looking me up and down, nodding and smirking.
“You’re that movie star, Kris something.”
I nod. “Yep.” I hold out my hand. “Kris Livingston.”
“Yeah, yeah, that’s it. Livingston.” He shakes my hand. “What brings you to New York? You working on a movie?”
“No. Nothing like that.”
“Like what then?”
He’s not in my world, in fact, he didn’t even know my name. The guy is dressed in jeans, a dark red silk shirt, and a long leather coat. He looks more like a pimp.
“I’m getting married.”
His mouth drops open. “Married? To that Athena Goddess?”
Shuffling back a step, I give him the once over. “How do you know, Athena?”
Flaring his nostrils, he