Page 36 of Judge Me Not

"You like them?"

"Yes. They're exquisite," I admit.

"They reminded me of you." His eyes are full of sincerity and show no sign of his typical cocky expression.

Earlier in the day, I didn't want anything to do with jewelry. But something about the fact he picked them out for me, and the glaring ugly scene I made about the spa, makes me push my thoughts about how expensive they are out of my mind. I reach up and put my hand over his heart. "Thank you. Will you help me put them on?"

"Sure."

I hand him the necklace box and put the earrings on. He stands behind me, moves my hair to the side, then secures the cool metal around my neck. "Hand me the bracelet."

I obey.

He circles his arms around me, and I lean back into his hard frame. Everything about him feels safe and good. I hold my wrist up, and he snaps the bracelet in place.

He leans into my ear. "Mission accomplished."

I inhale his sexy scent and spin. "What is this event for tonight?"

His face hardens. "It's a fundraiser my company put together. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes."

He leads me out of the bedroom and through the penthouse.

"Your home is lovely, by the way. The views are fantastic." Modern grays, whites, and blacks coordinate through the house.

"Thanks."

"Have you lived here long?"

"Few years."

"It's just you?"

His lips twitch. He leans down to my ear. "I'm not hiding a wife and five kids in the pantry."

I laugh. "Would they fit in your pantry?"

He winces. "Possibly."

"Wow. Do you like to cook?"

"I don't know how. Janelle's usually shoving food at me between meetings, or I'm dealing with some dickhead at dinner."

"You don't like what you do?"

"I do. It's the people I have to sometimes deal with I don't care too much for."

I let his words sink in then ask, "Who's Janelle?"

"The world's best assistant."

"Guess I won't be getting that title, then," I tease.

He glances at the ceiling.

"Sorry. Just a joke."