She shouldn’t be surprised that he worked out away from the ranch. “So why is it you own this and only spend a few days a year here?”
“I actually spend a few days a month here. My brothers and their wives know where I am, but I don’t talk about my personal life to anyone.”
“Oh.” Well, she knew for a fact that was true.
“I told you, I like a healthy balance.” He took a swallow from his half empty wine glass looking at her over the rim of the fine crystal.
She felt her heart still. Gosh, the man had eyes that could reach into her soul. Yet, his were as always, indecipherable. Then he looked at his watch.
“Our driver will be here. We should go.”
“Of course.” She mimicked his gesture and finished off the contents of the glass before letting him take it from her. She wanted to ask him if he brought women here, but she already knew the answer to that. Of course he did.
“Do you have a wrap?”
“I do. I’ll fetch it.”
“I’ll meet you at the elevator in a couple of minutes.” He left the room.
Gosh, even his walk was full of confidence and unmatched masculinity. She couldn’t help but feel pride that she was beside him tonight. He’ll keep her grounded so she doesn’t get overwhelmed.
As promised he was waiting and held out his hand as she approached. She handed him her wrap.
“Turn around,” he said softly.
She did.
He gracefully wrapped it around her shoulders like he’d done it a thousand times and she bit her lip to keep from gasping as his fingers gently brushed her bare shoulders.
“Mr. Hartley,” she murmured, “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to seduce me.” She really didn’t know where on earth that came from. Yes, she had a sense of humor, but she never flirted with a man in her life!
He leaned down and whispered deeply in her ear. “Just gearing up for the part Miss Easler.”
She turned around and looked up at him. “Well, you’re a great actor.”
He burst into laughter.
Tammy smiled at the wonderful sound. She couldn’t remember hearing him laugh like that before. Gosh it made him look more handsome, boyish in a way, if that was possible. The sound was seductively deep and heated up every cell in her body.
When he looked at her again, a crooked smile formed. He then reached into his suit pocket and took her hand at the same time. “Just to make it look real.”
Before Tammy realized it, he’d slipped a stunning diamond engagement ring on her finger. It was big—really really big. “Wow, this almost looks real. When did you get this?” She tilted her hand to catch the light from the chandelier overhead. It was captivating and absolutely beautiful. It was a large imitation diamond in the center of a pin wheeled design of white metal, which she assumed was silver, with more diamonds embedded in it. As a fake it was stunning. If it was real it would be breathtaking.
“I can shop in a hurry too.”
“Well, I thought I was quick, you have me beat. This will definitely stop my mother from being suspicious.” Yes, it wasn’t real, but she still felt on top of the world.Give a girl her fantasy for a few days,she thought to herself.
He reached down and took her hand running his thumb over the diamond while looking down at her. “I am going to enjoy myself.” He turned and pulled her toward the elevator. “By the way. It’s not a fake.”
The elevator doors closed on her gaping expression.
“Real!” Her eyes shot to him in disbelief. Then to the gorgeous ring on her finger.
“Yes.”
Her eyes flashed wide. “For the love of God, Lance!” she started taking it off her finger.
He covered her hand with his. “Leave it.” His tone was authoritative, yet it didn’t rise a bit in volume. For some reason she knew it was even more effective that way.
