She headed to the door and opened it. “Jacob.”
“Yes.”
He waited for her to turn around, but she didn’t. “If I do say yes, there is one thing that will come off the table. You saidmarriage in name only and that is exactly what it will be.” Even with her body in the way, he could see her knuckles go bone white on the doorknob. “I will not share a bed again with a man that does not care for me or love me.”
“We shall see.” He said darkly.
She exited and slammed the door, the vibration echoing through the room.
Chapter 25
“You look lovely, my dear. How are you holding up?”
Friday had arrived and Sierra stood off to the side, watching people mingle and chat with one another and felt no urge to talk to anyone.
When she had walked in, all eyes immediately fell upon her. Once upon a time, she would have reveled in being the center of attention. Tonight, she just wanted to make it through the event. She’d had her makeup done professionally; the artists had been able to minimize the scar on her face, while a stylist pulled and tugged and curled her hair, which was now pinned up with a pearl-adorned comb on each side. Her choice of dress was a green satin number that fell to her ankles. Earlier, Jacob had come into her room to present her with a pearl necklace to wear. When their eyes met, the tension that swelled between them could have been cut with a knife. Then he left without a word and waited for her to finish getting dressed.
When she had looked in the mirror afterward, she almost looked like her old self.
Sierra turned and gave her father a smile and lifted her ginger ale. She chose to stand as far from the bar as possible, but there was still concern in her father’s eyes. “I am doing okay, Dad. I have Mik on speed dial if I need any help, and I have you to lean on.” She paused and her voice cooled by several degrees. “And oh, there is also Jacob, who is watching me like a hawk.”
She glared at her fiancé, standing several feet away. While he kept up a conversation with some business associates, his eyes were trained on her and followed her wherever she went. Then she glanced down at the ruby red, square-cut diamond ringon her finger. Jacob had a jeweler make a house call as soon as she agreed to his proposal the next day. Though his proposition was infuriating, she wanted back into her child’s life for good, and if she had to play his game, then so be it.
For too long, Sierra held onto so much hope that maybe one day Jacob would also forgive her and come to love the person she was now. Her love for him had matured as she recovered from the accident. Though she left, her feelings never did. Lying in the spare room while he held her in his arms, Sierra realized this truth.
But that afternoon in his office, when he declared how he only needed her as a means to honor his grandfather’s wishes—and explicitly excluded love from the equation—that hope had been crushed and buried.
She was hurt and angry, but she also knew that he and his brothers would do anything their grandfather asked. His limited time remaining was one of the deciding factors for her “yes,” because she knew how much Bruce Norris meant to Jacob. Even annoyed, she thanked him because now she could be a part of her daughter’s life and watch her grow.
Sipping her ginger ale, Sierra told herself that being in a loveless marriage again was fine. They didn’t need to share the same bed, keeping as much distance as possible. She would focus on Kaitlyn’s well-being and get through this farce of a marriage amicably, and whenever they were satisfied, they would walk away from each other.
Unfortunately, her willpower was not that strong when it came to him; like a moth drawn to a flame, she focused on him again.
Then why can’t I take my damn eyes off him?
Even though there hadn’t been much time between the trip and this event, Jacob finally got another haircut and shaved off his beard and mustache. He looked devastatingly handsome in his all-black tuxedo and royal blue shirt. The combination suited his dark hair and brought out the color of his eyes. She swept her gaze away from the intensity of his stare, refocusing on the crowd of people in the room and spotted a familiar face. She sipped her drink and smiled.
There, standing a couple of feet away from Jacob, was Mrs. Bridgewater. She was chatting in a group with other women, but it was obvious she was eyeing Jacob. Sierra watched as Mrs. Bridgewater touched some of the arms by her, no doubt excusing herself from the group. But she barely managed two steps away before she spotted Sierra and her amused expression.
Sierra’s smile deepened and she tapped her finger against her glass before dropping her eyes to the dress Mrs. Bridgewater was wearing. Her eyes and smile gave her a warning look.
Mrs. Bridgewater stepped back into her group and returned a weak smile.
She glanced toward Jacob to see if he caught what she did, and he shook his head. However, she noted his smirk before he turned his attention to the man speaking to him. Sierra used her smile to muffle a laugh.
“The way you two are watching each other, I don’t think this marriage of convenience is going to work.” The Senator spoke in low tones to avoid outsiders catching wind.
Sierra had called her father and talked to him about Jacob’s proposed arrangement. Their relationship was still progressing, and it was nice to be able to confide in her dad. She’d never done that, keeping him at arm’s length during her first marriage to Jacob.
Her dad had been surprised, then angry with the both of them. But after expressing his disapproval, he calmed down and listened to what she had to say. He wasn’t happy about it, but he promised he wouldn’t stand in their way as long as Kaitlyn was happy. He warned Sierra to be sure she knew what she was getting into this time, while still assuring her he would be there no matter what happened between them.
She felt his hand on her arm, and he leaned closer to her ear. “You know Sierra, you came on hard the last time in your marriage; maybe try a softer approach?” Her father advised. “You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar.”
Though she was poised to answer, the loud tap-tap upon a microphone quieted the room so one of the organizers could announce the main course was ready to be served. Everyone was advised to make their way into ballroom A to be seated. The speeches would occur during the meal, then dancing in ballroom B would follow.
Jacob returned to her side, and Sierra was escorted inside, Jacob on one arm and her father on the other. Jacob held her cane as they helped her across the floor.
The dinner and speeches were enjoyable. She was moved by the amount of money that had been donated to the cancer foundation in Kaitlyn’s name. They were both called to accept the check. Sierra stood off to the side and let Jacob take the spotlight. His speech was grateful, his voice husky with emotion from all the support they received. As he wrapped up, he motioned for her to stand beside him. Her spine stiffened, but she did as he asked, painting on a smile and a look of love on her face.
