She ducks her head, and even in the dim light from the restaurant windows I can see the color in her cheeks. “The Rhodes’s are wonderful. You’re a lucky man, Slade.”
She’s looking at the ground when she says it, still a little overcome, pink hair falling forward over one shoulder.
I can’t fix what her people did or didn’t give her. But I can give her this: one loud, imperfect, warm-hearted family around a table who wants her there.
“I’m a very lucky man,” I agree.
But I’m not thinking about my family when I say it. I’m thinking about how lucky I am that she’s agreed to be my wife. Temporarily. It will be a new experience. An adventure.
I ask, “You ready to get our marriage license tomorrow?”
Her eyebrows raise up. “So soon?”
“I took the first available appointment.” Damn it, could I sound more eager? “But, uh, we can reschedule. If you’re busy.”
“No, no, tomorrow’s fine.”
She comes to a halt by her car. “This is me. Thanks for a wonderful evening.”
“Didn’t lock your keys in, did you?” I tease.
Her eyes narrow, but she’s smiling. “That wasonetime. I’ll never live it down, huh?”
I nudge her arm gently with my elbow. “You just need a newer car that doesn’t let that happen. Something safer. With airbags from this century, preferably.”
“I’ve got student loans and a hefty small business loan. The last thing I need is a big car payment.”
I lean close. “You know, I’ve heard a rumor you’re coming into some money soon.”
She laughs. “I’m not spending a dime of that on myself, no way. That money is going to people who need it.”
As I open the driver’s side door for her, we stand there in the empty road, watching each other. The night is cold and clear, pocked with stars. Lila’s looking up at me with those brown eyes, and even in the moonlight she just seems to sparkle. I want to touch every one of the half-dozen jewels she has sparkling on her ears again. Let my fingertips trail across the shell, down her neck, across the tantalizing swell of her breasts.
She holds my gaze for a moment, like she’s waiting for something.
If she were really mine, this is where I’d kiss her. I’d put my hand on her jaw and tip her face up and kiss her until we were both breathless.
No sex, we agreed. No complications.
I’m trying to remember why that’s for the best right now.
“Goodnight, Lila,” I say instead.
“Goodnight, Slade.” Before she gets in, she pauses with one hand on the frame. “For what it’s worth, I think we’re going to be okay at this.”
I watch her taillights until they disappear.
Chapter 13
Midas Touch
SLADE
We get our marriage license the next day. It’s a gorgeous Montana autumn day, blue sky and a slight chill breeze cutting the warmth of the sunshine.
The velvet box sits in my inside jacket pocket. I’m aware of it the whole time I’m filling out the forms.
Days now I’ve had this ring, and I’ve been aware of it every hour since I first put it in my pocket. Now the moment has come to give it to her, and I’m nervous as hell. I’ve glided onto the ice in Game 7 with a Stanley Cup on the line and felt nothing but ice in my veins.
