Page 97 of Perfect Assumption

Angie trips but manages to catch herself before she falls. “Excuse me?”

“You know. That movie where you’re the doctor in the emergency room? That’s my favorite of all the movies you’ve been in.”

Angie reaches up and touches her dark auburn hair before a faint smile crosses her face. “I think you have me confused with someone else. I’m not an actress.”

“You’re not?” The store owner’s face falls.

“No, ma’am. I’m just a regular citizen.”

“Oh. Then those earrings are regular price. I don’t discount nothin’ during ski season.”

Angie regains her aplomb. “That’s fine. What about your huckleberry products?”

The two women get into a discussion about the benefits of huckleberry hand lotion while I meander about the store. “What is it that had her so scared?” I mutter to myself. Whatever it is, it’s holding her back from being able to tell me how she feels.

I know Angie trusts me with her body, with her mind, and with her soul. But never did I realize the difference of not having a woman’s heart until I gave them my own and was left wanting.How long must I wait until she’s able to let go of whatever’s holding her back?I wonder dejectedly. Then I shake myself. I know I’ll keep steady on this path, giving her my whole heart until she’s ready to join me. There’s no other choice.

That’s what love is.

“Hey, are you going to buy anything?” Her voice jolts me.

“Hmm? Buy something?”

“Yes, Shepherd of Wealth and Benevolence. Are you acquiring anything to distribute as gifts to individuals as a memento of your trip?” Her teasing makes me realize she’s processed any issues she had about my money and dealt with them.

Good. Now I can have a little fun shopping.

“Actually, I do have a place I need to stop. Are you getting hungry?”

“Starved, actually.”

“There’s a coffee shop on the corner that serves great coffee and huckleberry pie. Want to get us some? I’ll grab what I need to and meet you there in twenty minutes.”

She rises up on her toes to kiss my mouth. “Deal.”

“Angel?”

“Yes?”

“I can see why she mistook you for an actress. You really are that gorgeous.”

Angie blushes to the roots of her hair. “Stop. I’m totally not.” She ducks out of the store’s side door.

“No, you really are.” I follow her down the alley between the two stores before I duck into the jeweler’s.

I don’t spring my purchase on Angie until I see what her outfit for the party at Kristoffer Wilde’s consists of. When she steps out of the bathroom, she takes my breath away. The puff sleeves on the black silk dress flows down to show off her small waist and flared hips. “You look stunning.”

“It’s just a dress, Ward.” But the faint flush that accompanies her words lets me know her pleasure.

I step closer and play with one of the curls strategically pulled out from Angie’s updo. “This reminds me of the night we went to Redemption.”

She bats my hand away. “And that night it took forever with your sister’s help and half a pound of hairspray. Tonight’s a crapshoot.”

My laugh echoes throughout the room until she walks past me to fiddle with her purse. It abruptly dries up when I catch sight of the back of her deceptively demure dress. I swallow hard when I see the cowl that dips down to the middle of her back—silk meeting silk. “Are you sure we have to go to the party?”

She whirls around. “Ward? What is wrong with you?”

“You. That dress. You’re incomparable, Angel.” Then I slip my hand into my slacks pocket and pull out a square jeweler’s box. “I thought I might add a little sparkle to your outfit, but I realize it’s going to be dull in comparison. Nothing and no one in that room tonight is going to shine like you, Angela.”