With This Ring (1) (3 page)

“You
think
?”

I wish I could
remember what I said to the caterer. I eye the empty bottle of Cristal, hoping
it will trigger some memory of the conversation.

It doesn’t.

“Here’s my
number,” he says, producing a small card from his wallet. “Let me know.”

“I will.”

“Want me to wait
until the cab arrives?”

“Nah, I’m a big
girl. I’ll see you later.”

He kisses me one
last time before he disappears into the night.

Now that I’m
alone, the enormity of what happened finally hits me.

I just had sex
in a church garden.

Sitting down on
the bench, I look around at the memorial plaques and ceramic vases.

“Forgive me,
Father, for I have sinned,” I whisper into the air.

***

Drew

What the hell
just happened? Did I just nail the wedding planner in the church garden?

I can’t help the
smile on my face reflecting on this unplanned turn of events. I get to thinking
about my own situation and how I can give my mother her only wish. Lily just
might be the perfect person to help me with it. I’ll have to try and look her
up next week after I get a plan together.

Chapter 3

Drew

I know I need to
see her again.

I spent Sunday
with Nick and the other guys, helping him nurse his broken heart with beer and
football. Lily was all I could think about. As I passed through the kitchen, I
asked Nick’s mom about her and if she knew the location of her shop.

Now I’m driving
toward the address that I have plugged into the GPS. I don’t know what I’m
going to say when I get there, but I know I want her to help me with my
dilemma. She’s probably the only person who
can
help me with it.

I pull into the
small parking lot adjacent to Wedding Dreams, taking a deep breath before
getting out of my Cadillac.

***

Lily

“Morning,”
Sierra mumbles as she enters into the shop.

I appreciate the
fact that she doesn’t pretend it’s a good morning, Mondays never are. My entire
body aches, reminding me of my somewhat slutty behavior from Saturday night.

Not that I care.

It had been way
too long, and sex with Drew was the best I’d had in . . . maybe
 . . .
ever.
My only real regret from that night is flirting with the caterer. He’s the only
thing standing between me and another fabulous evening with the rogue
groomsman.

“I’m sorry I
bailed,” Sierra says, shaking me out of my memories of the wedding that wasn’t.

“It’s okay. It
was your first big cancellation.”

“Does it get any
easier?”

“No, it always
sucks when someone is left at the altar. But you’ll get better at putting your
emotions aside and dealing with the problems at hand. You can always cry
later.”

Sierra searches
my face. “Did you cry later?”

“Umm . . .”

Just then the
door swings open, and my mouth falls open as Drew walks inside my shop. He
scans the room until he finds me. A wide, cocky grin stretches across his face.

Sierra spins
toward me. “Hey! That’s—”

I hide my own
smile. “I know who it is.”

Drew walks
slowly around the shop, pretending to be interested in our displays of
champagne flutes and ring pillows.

I know better.

“Sierra, would
you do me a favor? I have some samples I need to ship out. Would you mind
taking these packages to the post office?”

The expression
on her face assures me she knows something’s going on, but she doesn’t ask.
Instead, she nods stiffly and grabs the boxes. I look through the window and
wait until her car disappears from the parking lot before greeting my customer.

“Good morning,
sir. May I help you find something?”

Drew walks my
way, that smug, arrogant grin of his widening as he approaches. He’s in a suit
today. It’s dark navy with a skinny tie to match.

I love skinny
ties.

“I think I
already found what I’m looking for.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, indeed.”

His eyes
smolder, and I’m simultaneously disappointed, and relieved, that a counter
separates us.

“Seriously, what
are you doing here?”

“Would you
believe me if I told you I was in the neighborhood?”

“Nope.”

He grins and
looks around the shop. “You know, I’m surprised.”

“About?”

“What you told
me about never wanting to get married. You’re surrounded by this shit all day
long, and you’re not at all tempted?”

I glance at the
rack that holds my secret wedding gown.

“No, never
tempted.”

“Hmm.”

Drew walks
around, gently sliding his fingers along the veils.

Lucky lace.

“I’m thirty-six
years old,” he says. “My mother is constantly on my ass, asking when I’m going
to settle down, have kids . . . all the bullshit that I want
nothing to do with.”

I’m startled by
this information that has seemingly come out of nowhere, but I say nothing.

“I’m a
successful attorney. I’ve invested well. I have more money than I’ll ever need,
and yet, that’s not good enough for her.” He laughs, but it’s bitter and dark.
“It seems I’ll never outgrow the desire to please my mother.”

“My mom’s the
same way. Not to mention my married friends. The fact that I’m thirty-two and
single is unthinkable to them. They assume, because I’m a wedding planner, that
my life must be so romantic and glamorous. When really, all I do is work and
sleep.”

“So you
understand,” he says.

I smile. “Yes,
but I’m afraid that’s where our similarities end. Unlike you, I don’t have a
bottomless pit of wealth.”

Our conversation
is interrupted by two women walking through the shop door. I excuse myself to
greet them. I try to focus on my customers, but it’s impossible with Drew
standing close by. The young woman asks to look at bridesmaid dresses. I lead
them toward the racks, and when I pass him, I feel his hand softly graze mine.
Looking up, I find his deep brown eyes gazing at me with a look so hungry it
makes me shudder.

I want them to
leave. I want him to touch me. And kiss me. And maybe drag me back into the
dressing room and fuck me against the wall.

I shake my head.
No wonder your business is going broke.

“Miss, did you
hear me? Do you have this in mint green?”

Focus, Lily.

I force a smile.
“No, but I can order it for you. It should arrive within a week.”

Once the ladies
finally leave, I head back toward the counter, only Drew is nowhere to be
found. Glancing out the window, I spot his car still parked in the lot.

There’s only one
place he can be.

I look toward
the dressing room and smile.

***

“Excuse me, sir.
Do you need a hand in there?”

The door swings
open, and I’m grabbed by a deliciously naked Drew. I’m immediately pinned to
the wall, which is frightening in an
I Can’t Believe My Fantasy is Coming
True
kind of way.

“I thought
they’d never leave,” he says with a groan as he kisses along my neck. “Who the
fuck cares that much about mint green dresses?”

And then our
lips meet, ravenous and frantic. Hands down, this man is the best kisser I’ve
ever known. His tongue dances with mine, and it sends my imagination into a
frenzy, wondering just how skilled that tongue would be in other places.

“I’ve thought
about you since I left you in that garden.” His voice is rough and deep, making
everything inside of me tremble in anticipation. “Why the hell aren’t you
naked?”

I laugh as his
hands eagerly reach for my blouse.

“Don’t rip my
buttons.”

“Fuck the
buttons.

My slacks are
next, and they, along with my panties, fall in a pool at my feet.

“You know,” I
tell him, “someday we should try this in a bed.”

He smirks at me
and rolls on a condom. Now that we’re in daylight, I can fully appreciate the
sight of him. My mouth waters, and I’m ready to hit my knees when he says, “I
want to talk to you about that. But first things first.”

Talk to me about
what?

I’ve barely
stepped out of my shoes before I’m being lifted against the wall. I grab onto
his shoulders and wrap my legs around his waist.

“Hold on, baby.”

He enters me
forcefully, driving us against the wall and making me whimper.

“Harder. God,
please . . .”

It’s a plea
driven by lust and desperation. Drew buries his face against my neck and
thrusts his hips erratically. I cling to him, letting my hands slide along his
broad shoulders as he anchors me to his body. It’s crazy, but in this moment,
I’ve never felt more protected. More
wanted
.

“You feel so
good,” he murmurs against my lips.

He bucks his
hips against me, and we both groan into each other’s mouths. His eyes are on
me, and I stare right back. It’s intimate . . . far too
intimate . . . and I close my eyes. If I’m not careful, I’m
going to become addicted to this feeling. To the feeling of him. Of us. And
that could only lead to heartache. If this is all I get—if this kind of
relationship is all we’re capable of—then damn it, I’m going to enjoy the ride.

Literally.

“Touch yourself,
baby. I’m so close.”

I slide my hand
down between us, and Drew bows his head to watch. His needy groan causes my
entire body to jerk in response.

“Imagine that’s
my hand. Imagine that’s my tongue.”

It’s the only
visual I need, and I come hard, screaming his name as his hips thrust wildly. I
hear my name, too, and it’s a deep groan before finally turning into something
soft and sweet and breathless.

***

Drew

Once we get
dressed again, I sit down on the bench and pull Lily into my lap. She starts to
adjust my tie and I wonder what she’s thinking. I have to ask her now before I
chicken out.

“Lily, I have a
proposition for you.”

“Oh?”

I nod. “A
business proposition.”
Oh, God. She’s never going to go for this!

“I’m listening.”
She seems suspicious.

I take a deep
breath and get my nerves under control. I hope she doesn’t notice. I don’t want
to do this here, in the dressing room, so I ask her if she can come by my house
tonight. She tells me she has an appointment but can come after that. I make sure
she still has my card from Saturday night.

“Come to my
house around seven. We’ll have dinner, and then I’d like to discuss something
with you. You can say no. Honestly, you’ll probably slap the shit out of me,
but I’m willing to take that chance.”
I really hope it doesn’t come to that.

“A business
proposition?” Her question is laced with apprehension.

“Yes.” I smile
as reassuringly as I can and kiss her on the cheek. “It’s just dinner and
conversation. No need to look so worried.”

She laughs at
that and I get up to leave. I turn back for one more quick kiss and hurry out
the door.

Chapter 4

Drew

What the fuck am
I doing?
How
in the hell is this going to work? Did I really expect Lily to just show up at
my house and agree to marry me? Maybe I’m the one who’s bat shit crazy!

But then I think
about the visit I had with my mother this afternoon, and I know I have to do
everything I can to make her happy. She was having a pretty good day. She
remembered my name the entire time I was there, so that qualifies. Growing up
an only child, all she talked about was how much she was looking forward to
being the Mother-of-the-Groom and watching me get married. It’s seriously
fucked up, but it’s her wish, and I want to grant it before she forgets me for
good.

I hope Lily was
serious the other night when she said she never expects to get married, but her
mother wants it to happen. We can make both of them happy, and she can continue
to run her business without worrying about her finances.

She just has to
see the practical side of this, and say yes.

I get the steaks
ready to put on the grill while I work out my argument. I’m an attorney, after
all. I should be able to convince her to do this.
I hope.

***

Lily

I’m not sure
what I expect to find at 126 Franklin Lane, but I am not prepared for the gated
mansion with its circular driveway.

How much do
attorneys make in this town?

The gate is open,
so I drive slowly to the front of the house. It’s gorgeous with Corinthian
columns and fairy-tale balconies. There’s a fountain in the middle of the
circular drive that has beautiful lighting and water sprays.

I’m pretty sure
I’ve died and gone to real estate heaven.

After a quick
check of my makeup in the rearview mirror, I climb out of the car.

The pathway to
the door is lined with several different types of flowers. They’re pretty and
smell amazing. It makes me wonder if Drew planted them himself. But then I
think about the size of this place and realize he probably has a gardener. And
a maid. And a chef. And a hundred gorgeous girlfriends.

By the time I
knock on the door, I’m a nervous wreck. I struggle to control my breathing and
my shaking hands.

I’m expecting a
butler, so I’m surprised when Drew opens the door. His gaze instantly sweeps
over me, and I smirk at his appreciative gaze. Before my six o’clock
appointment, I’d changed into a pencil skirt. The hunger in his eyes assures me
I made the right wardrobe choice.

“Hi, Lily.”

He sounds
anxious, and I can’t help wondering if there’s more to this business
proposition than just simple financial advice.

“Hello.”

“Come in,” he
says, waving me inside. “Did you have any trouble finding the house?”

I laugh. “This
place is a little hard to miss, don’t you think?”

“True.” He grins
and leads me through what is probably considered a foyer, but I’m pretty sure I
could fit my entire bedroom into the area. “It’s a nice evening. I thought we’d
have dinner on the patio.”

“Okay.”

Before we make
it past the entry, he turns and faces me. He looks like he has something to
say, so I stop and wait. In an instant, he grabs my face and pulls me into a
deep kiss. His lips are soft, and I moan as his mouth becomes urgent. He pushes
me back against the wall, and my body melts against his as his tongue finds
mine. Drew groans loudly, and I’m ready to wrap my legs around his waist when
he suddenly breaks away, burying his face against my neck. I try to catch my
breath and calm my hammering heart.

He lifts his
head. “Sorry. I just couldn’t help myself. You are so beautiful.”

I blush and look
down at the floor.

“Come on. I
promised to feed you.”

We grin and he
grabs my hand, leading me further into the house. I follow him out onto the
dimly lit patio. The table is set and I can smell something on the grill.
There’s a chilled bottle of wine waiting for us.

“I hope you like
steak,” Drew says, offering me a seat. He reaches for the wine. “I probably
should have asked.”

“Steak’s great.
You’re doing the grilling?”

“That surprises
you?”

“Well, now that
I’ve seen your house, yeah. I just assumed you have a chef or something.”

“I gave her the
night off.”

“Oh.”

I reach for my
glass and take a long sip.

“You’re
nervous.”

“What tipped you
off?”

He smiles.
“Because I’m nervous, too.”

With a sigh, I
place my glass on the table. “All right, why am I here?”

“Like I said, I
have a business proposition for you. And I’d appreciate if you’d hear me out
entirely before you slap me or kick me in the balls, okay?”

I nod. “Go on.”

“I’d like to
wait until after dinner.”

“I’d like to
know now.”

He sighs loudly
and gets up to check the grill. The steaks smell amazing despite the fact that
my stomach is twisted into knots. He returns to the table and reaches for his
glass. I can tell he’s anxious. I just don’t know why.

“I would like to
pay off the mortgage on your business.”

He says it
nonchalantly, like he’s just offered to buy me a tank of gas.

“And why would
you want to do that?”

“Because you’re
good at your job, and you enjoy it.”

I don’t believe
that for a second. For one, he’s known me for less than forty-eight hours, and
he knows nothing about me except that I’m a wedding planner and that I am
willing to have sex in public places. For another, he’s never seen me
do
my job because his buddy got left at the altar. But for the sake of
conversation, I play along.

“Okay . . .
and in exchange?”

He pours more
wine into each of our glasses. I’m tempted to down it, but I have a feeling I’m
going to need to keep my wits about me so I take a long drink and wait for his
answer.

“And in
exchange,” Drew says, his voice breaking slightly, “you marry me.”

As if those
words aren’t insane enough, he reaches into his pocket and places a velvet box
next to my wine glass. I stare at the black box while my heart thunders in my
chest. I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience.
Marry him?

“Say something,”
he whispers.

Several words
come to mind.
Whore. Slut. Prostitute.
But none of those words come out
of my mouth. Instead, I jump out of my seat and say what’s really running
through my head.

“Are you fucking
crazy?!”

“You promised to
hear me out.” His wide eyes plead with me to listen.

“I don’t need to
hear you out. You’re insane! I’ve known you for forty-eight hours, and you’re
proposing
?”

He stands up,
and we stare each other down like a pair of wild animals ready to pounce. Two
minutes ago, that might have been fun.

But not now!
There will be no pouncing tonight.

“Please,” he
says softly, and it’s the
please
that breaks me. He sounds so
vulnerable, so scared, and I can’t deny I’m curious as to why he would ever
think this was a viable option or a good idea.

I slowly sit
back down. He does the same.

“I’m going to
need more wine,” I tell him. Fuck having a clear head now! He wants to get
married?
What the hell?

He uncorks the
bottle and tops off my glass. I take a long drink while he gathers his
thoughts.

“I told you that
my mother is eager for me to get married. What I didn’t tell you is why.” Drew
grabs his own glass and quickly finishes his wine before continuing. “My mom
is . . . ill. She has dementia.”

His voice
breaks, and it’s all I can do not to reach out to him. I’m beyond stunned that
he’s shared this information with me.

“There are days
when she’s as lucid as ever. Other days, she’s asking me to find my father, and
he’s been dead for five years. During her more coherent moments—when she knows
exactly what’s happening to her—she asks me when I’m getting married. That she
wants to see me married before she . . . forgets who I am.”

“I’m sorry about
your mom,” I tell him, “but I’m still not sure what this has to do with me.
You’re obviously wealthy. You’re sexy as hell. You could have your pick of
women who are ready and willing to be your wife. Why me?”

“Because I don’t
want a wife, and you said that marriage isn’t in the cards for you.
We’re . . . really good together. No expectations. No strings.
Fuck-hot sex. If I’m going to be bound in holy matrimony, I’d prefer you to
anyone else.”

How’s that for a
rousing endorsement.

“It doesn’t even
have to be legal,” he assures me. “All we need is the ceremony and the illusion
that we’re living happily ever after. That’s all my mom wants. And in exchange,
I’ll pay off your mortgage. You’d never have to worry about losing your
business. Hell, you could even expand if you want. I’ll bankroll all of it. You
could truly be financially independent for the rest of your life.”

Two words I
never expected to hear –
financially independent
.

I start to think
about all the things I’ve always wanted to do with my business. I could hire a
seamstress and print invitations instead of sending them out to other
companies. We could add more staff, allowing Sierra and I to concentrate on
planning and directing, instead of the daily duties of the shop.

Damn, it’s
tempting.

“And how long
would we keep up the charade?” I ask hesitantly, terrified of his answer.

His eyes meet
mine, and in the deep pools of brown, all I see is sadness. He doesn’t have to
answer the question. I can read it all over his face.

“Drew, that’s
seriously fucked up.”

“I know, but
believe it or not, my intentions are good.”

I do believe
that. The guy obviously loves his mother and would do anything to make her
happy. But isn’t this . . . wrong? Fucked up? On so many levels?

I decide to be
honest. “I really don’t know that I can do this.”

“That’s not a
no
.”

“It’s not a yes,
either.”

“Does that mean
you’ll consider it?” He grins slightly and nods toward the ring. “The jeweler
assured me that you couldn’t possibly say no to that rock. You should look at
it.”

“I don’t want to
look at it.”

He sighs and
nudges it a little closer to me.

“Fine,” I
mutter, reaching for the box. I hold my breath and lift the top.

I gasp.

Loudly.

Naturally, I’ve
seen my fair share of engagement rings, in various shapes and sizes.

They were
nothing compared to this massive diamond.

It remains in
the box. I don’t touch it.

“It’s platinum.”

“Okay . . .”

“And three
carats.”

Holy shit.

He watches me warily.
“If you don’t like it, we can certainly—”

“Drew, stop. The
ring is amazing.”

“Oh. Good.”

I close the lid
on the beautiful, and completely inappropriate, ring. An awkward silence fills
the air as I fidget in my seat. I have absolutely no idea what to do or say in
this moment. My mind is on overload with all the possibilities and scenarios.
This man—this beautiful, sexy man—is offering to make my dreams come true. All
it will cost me is a wedding vow.

A wedding vow
that is destined and designed to be broken.

Can I do this?

“I
think . . . I’m going to need some time,” I tell him. It’s all I
can give him.

“But it’s not a
no?”

I shake my head,
and he sighs with relief.

“Good. And of
course, you should give yourself some time to think. I wouldn’t expect you to
say yes tonight.”

“Okay.” I stand,
and he does the same. That’s when I remember the steaks. “I’m sorry about
dinner. I’m sure it would have been delicious. I just . . . seem
to have lost my appetite.”

“It’s no
problem, Lily. You’re okay to drive?”

I nod, and he
leads me through the house and out into the evening air. Just as he’s about to
open my car door, I turn to him.

“I don’t even
know your last name.”

He smiles. “It’s
Hamilton. Andrew Hamilton.”

Lily Hamilton.

Could that be
me?

He doesn’t try
to kiss me this time. He simply opens my door, and I climb inside.

“Drive safely.”