“Is that your hockey jersey?” I asked, feeling ignorant.
“Yes, we call them sweaters. Coach thought it would be good optics.”
“Smart,” I murmured. “Of course I will.”
“The jeweler will be here shortly. In case you want to get dressed,” he said.
I dove into the bags, not sure I could face Maxim again in that moment. He’d bought me clothes. My favorite underwear. My favorite foods. Dillon never knew any of that.
Maxim had read my messages, which, sure was going too far, but he’d done it so that I didn’t have to see more of the hateful comments from Dillon. The detective said all those communications were helpful if Dillon broke the restraining order, but I would have preferred to block his number. The unspoken compromise had been to allow Maxim to read them. I could tell him that, but then we couldn’t continue this game I’d created where I could be upset with him over him checking up on me.
That was the issue: I loved being an independent woman to a point. I also loved that Maxim wanted to take care of me, protect me. Love me.
Yes, some men did those same things to control a woman. I understood that, and I understood I needed to be aware of Maxim crossing lines I wasn’t comfortable with him crossing. But he hadn’t.
The man was doing everything he could to show me he cared, and all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and cry.
* * *
Maxim
Ida Jane scurried into the bedroom to change clothes, her anxiety making me nervous. I wiped my sweaty palms along my pants leg, but I didn’t know how to ease the tension that had been ratcheting up between us.
When she returned to the living area, she wore a soft cotton top with yoga pants. Her hair was pulled up into a damp, messy bun. Her features were still obscured, thanks to the swelling, but she looked lovely—fresh and young and gorgeous. And rattled.
“Will you come over here for a minute?” I fidgeted, suddenly antsy. I’d thought being with Ida Jane would be easy because our chemistry was so strong.
She headed toward the table where the jeweler had set out the rings. He stood in the corner of the kitchen, sipping a mug of tea, trying—failing—to be unobtrusive.
After taking a deep breath, she touched the first, her fingers shaking. She glanced up at me, her eyes soft. “These are beautiful.”
I nodded, unsure what to say. So far, I’d only worsened the situation. This moment imprinted on my mind because Ida Jane was choosing the ring I’d slide on her finger tomorrow when I made her my wife.
“This one.” She pointed at a single band of yellow gold that was inlaid with numerous brilliant cut diamonds. I was sure she picked it because it was the least ostentatious and expensive option.
The jeweler choked, then coughed, no doubt sputtering at the much lower commission he’d get. I threw him a scowl, all while wishing she’d chosen a different band.
“That’s yourfavorite?”
“That’s the one I’m choosing,” she replied.
I picked up the double band with two rows of slightly offset round brilliant diamonds—my favorite of the rings there. It was a statement piece, one that others wouldn’t help but notice. “If you won’t let me get you an engagement ring—” The jeweler whimpered, no doubt upset with yet another lost sale.
“That seems silly,” Ida Jane said. “I mean, we’re never going to be engaged, so why should you spend all that money on a ring?”
“Because it’s beautiful,” the jeweler coughed into his hand.
“Then at least wear a wedding band that others will notice,” I finished.
“What’s the point, Maxim?” She leaned in closer so that she could speak quietly and just to me. “This is afarce. It’s a worthwhile one, and I’m glad to help you. You’re helping me, too. I’m glad we’re helping each other.” She rose from the table and paced. Irritation and sadness pressed against my chest. “But you don’t love me, and I don’t love you. There’s no point in doing more than the bare minimum—”
I shot the jeweler a death glare. If he repeated any of that to anyone, ever, I’d find some way to ruin his business. He looked away, studiously studying the wall.
“Give us a minute,” I said.
“I can’t leave the gems,” he said.
“You can. Stand in the hall.”
