How odd it was that the single action not only allowed me to feel better, but also created another wave of butterflies, even more relentless than before?
“Let’s get this party started,” I said, realizing this still felt like I’d sold a little bit of my soul.
The entire moment was surreal, but as the sweet man began to pull out rings, I was enthralled with the selection and within a couple of minutes, I was more comfortable.
I hadn’t realized champagne had appeared, the glass of bubbly also glistening in the stunning light.
Even more surprising was the fact that instead of surfing on his phone or making a half dozen business calls, Christian remainedby my side. Yes, he gave me space, but I knew instantly when he didn’t like a choice of one I’d slipped on my finger.
After the fifth ring that he gave the thumbs down to, I wrapped my fingers around his shirt, jerking him closer. “Why don’t you make a selection? Let’s see how well you do.”
“Hmm… I’ll find the perfect ring in less than twenty seconds.”
“Is that a bet?”
His grin went from boyish to evil. “That’s a bet. Darlin’.” The fake Texas boy accent matched the fake engagement, but he could make me laugh.
That was saying something.
I checked my watch. “You’re on.”
He didn’t waste any time, moving from one case to another, sweeping his eyes up and down the rows.
“Ten seconds.”
He growled and moved to the last case.
“Five. Four. Three. Two…”
“I found it,” he gritted. “Right there.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
“Go right ahead, Wildcat.”
Jeremy was smiling although I could tell he was somewhat perplexed by our unusual behavior.
He should get in line.
He pulled the tray and that was when I had the first look. “Oh. My. God.” There was no hiding the delight in seeing the incredible ring. It was without a doubt the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’d ever seen.
“You have excellent taste, Mr. Elliot. An exquisite piece and if I’m not mistaken, Vanessa’s size.”
“May I?” Christian asked.
“Of course.” Jeremy handed it to him and for all the arrogance I’d seen out of Christian, for just a few seconds, he was unsure of himself.
But when he slipped the ring on my finger, something changed between us. I couldn’t put my finger on what that was, but I sensed a deeper vibration and I wasn’t entirely certain I liked it very much.
Yet when the ring was firmly on my finger, I gasped. There was no other plausible reaction. It was absolutely perfect.
“Beautiful. Exactly what I wanted,” Christian said. “We’ll take it.”
“Without asking me if I like it?”
Christian leaned against the counter, grinning like some kid. “I can tell by your face.”
“Expressions can be faked.”
