Page 70 of The Arrangement

Could this thing take any longer to get us from the garage to the penthouse?

The bell chimes, and the elevator comes to a stop. The doors open onto the landing in front of Renn’s door. My heartbeat is in my ears as I step gingerly onto the tile, my knees wobbling with anticipation.

Jason takes his time getting the fob out of his pocket and has the audacity to whistle some silly little tune while he unlocks the door. Meanwhile, I stand behind him, trying desperately not to turn into a pool at his feet—or strangle him.

Finally, the door swings open, so I start to move around him, but he sweeps me off my feet.

I shriek in surprise, wrapping my arm around his neck as my legs dangle over his arms. “What are you doing?” I ask, laughing.

“Carrying you over the threshold.”

“I didn’t peg you to be so traditional.”

He smirks. “You’re never going to peg me. Let’s get that straight right now.”

I laugh as we enter the penthouse. Jason flips on a light in the foyer—and I gasp.

Candles flicker strategically around the space, the light bouncing off the glass in the atrium. The air is warm and rich, scented with a creamy spiciness that stirs something in my belly.

“It was the best I could do since you decided to change plans and get married tonight,” he says, kicking the door closed behind us.

I try to respond but can’t find the words.

He peers down at me with a reverence that steals my breath.

The weight of the ring on my finger is suddenly heavy, and I hold it up. Even in the low light, it’s stunning. Nine small diamonds form a halo around a large transitional cut diamond in the center of the cluster. The platinum band is perfect against my skin. It’s understated and eye-catching at the same time.

It’s absolute perfection.

“We need to talk about this ring,” I say, dragging in a breath.

He readjusts his grip on me. Concern etches across his face. “Do you not like it?”

“Jason, really?” I smile up at him. “This is the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen, and it’s entirely too much. Tell me you rented it or something.”

His shoulders fall as he exhales.

“You bought it, didn’t you?” I ask.

He carries me into the atrium. “Of course, I bought it.”

“I don’t want to know how much this cost. It would make me sick.”

“That’s a good mindset. Hold on to that.”

“What do you mean?” I ask as he sits me on the marble table.

He plants one hand on either side of me and peers into my eyes. “Don’t ask what things cost.”

“It’s the first thing that goes through my mind. I can’t help it.” I glance at the sparkler again. “I’ll give this back when this is over. And, speaking of that, I haven’t signed a prenup and, as your EA, I’m panicking over that piece of missing paperwork.”

He grins, the candles reflecting in his eyes. “We need to set a few ground rules, I think.”

“I agree.”

“I bet you do.” He licks his lips, trying not to chuckle. “You promised me you wouldn’t worry about anything. Remember?”

“Yes, but?—”