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“Why don’t we go into the living room,” L.L. said. He followed her into the sitting area with sofas and a fireplace, a flat screen TV mounted over it. L.L. retrieved a copy of her own paperwork from a credenza drawer and gave it to Tague. “You should also know that I went on the pill after Meg and I broke up, so birth control is covered.”
Tague set both documents on the round table in the center of the room, which boasted a tall, robust floral arrangement. “I’ve never considered this approach before,” he confessed. “Even if a woman told me she was on the pill, I’d still use protection.”
L.L. nodded. “I’d planned to insist on it if I ever reached this point with someone. But…” She let out a long breath. “You made it very clear what you want. And, quite honestly, I want the same. Since we agreed to mutual exclusivity, I feel very comfortable wit
h the decision.”
“You are the only woman holding my full, undivided attention,” he assured her. With a grin, he added, “Sort of feel as though I’ve won the lottery.”
“As if you need to win the lottery. Still…” She trailed a freshly manicured finger along the lapel of his jacket. “You’re really very sweet. And ridiculously handsome.”
He chuckled. “I don’t know about that. But I will say I was, surprisingly, eager for the workday to end so we could get onto this dinner. On Monday morning when Chip reminded me of the festivities, I’d considered the event a tedious obligation. Tonight…I’m feeling damn honored to show you off.”
“That’s saying something, coming from a man like you.”
“I mean every word.” His head dipped and his lips lightly grazed her cheek. “I don’t want to mess up your new coat of lip gloss.”
“Nice of you,” she said in a breathy tone. “Though I’m willing to reapply.”
His grin widened, lighting his mesmerizing eyes. “We’d never make it to the party.”
She sighed. “You’re probably right.”
Tague took a small step back and reached into the tux pocket again. “I have an actual gift for you, not just the medical stuff.” He produced a long, slim box in black velvet with Cartier scrolled elegantly in the center.
“Tague. You didn’t have to buy me anything. Really.”
“I know that. I wanted to.” He cracked open the lid.
“Oh, my God.” Her eyes bulged once more. “Holy Christ, Tague. That is gorgeous!” The diamond bracelet was stretched in a straight line, each end secured in the velvet.
“Personally, I believe you should be dripping diamonds.”
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She gave a sharp shake of her head. “It’s too much, Tague. I can’t accept this.”
“But I want you to have it.” He set the box on the table, unhooked the ends and carefully lifted the piece of jewelry from its nesting place. He wrapped the bracelet around her wrist, secured it, then raised her wrist to his mouth and tenderly kissed the inside.
L.L. practically melted at his feet. “You just discovered a highly arousing erogenous zone.”
“Sure it’s not the diamonds?”
“No.” She gazed earnestly at him. “It’s definitely not the diamonds, beautiful though they are. It’s you. One-hundred percent you.”
“That’s nice to know.”
“Really, I can’t accept the bracelet.” It had to cost close to six months’ of rent at her new facility.
“Really, you must.” He released her. “I have one more gift.”
“Tague,” she vehemently protested. “Stop spoiling me.” Wonderful though it was, L.L. was only interested in the man—not his money.
He said, “You’ll like this one, too. And it’s sort of for me as well. Pearls.”
She smiled. “Pearls don’t go with this dress.”
“These pearls will.” He winked.
