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“It’s a big stone. You’ll get used to it.”
“It’s so beautiful, Max, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He lets me play with the ring for a bit, then tells me, “On the band you’ll seeMaximilian. That means I made it myself, and that only one exists.”
Pulling off the ring, I can seeMaximilianinscribed inside. There is only going to be one ring like this, ever. And it’s for me. I can’t quite comprehend how treasured and wanted that makes me feel. But I also feel overwhelmed, like this is a life I’m not destined for and can’t begin to keep up with.
“Does that mean I can call you Maximilian?” It’s a very powerful, significant name.
“When I make you come you may call out Maximilian.”
His faux-serious tone of voice is just too funny. “Do you think I can manage a five-syllable name when I come? I can barely get out anOh, God!”
His eyes twinkle. “When you’re coming undone on my cock it had better be me you’re thinking of.”
I stifle a laugh. “Are you an atheist or just an egomaniac?”
“Ha! Well, I’m definitely the latter, but God, well, I’ve got lots to be thankful for, but God’s been testing me lately.”
He bows his head, hiding, so I try and brighten his mood. “It all feels very magical right now. Thank you so much for this exquisite ring.”
“You’re welcome.” He thumbs the ring on my finger, then kisses my hand. "Let me explain a bit more about the naming convention. If you see a ring withMdVon the inside it means I’ve made the item but that it’s a limited edition, say, maybe only five are available for sale. If it saysDe Vries,then the company, my team of jewellery makers have collectively made the item, available for sale worldwide.”
“How many designers are there?”
“We employ hundreds of cutters, polishers and setters who make the majority of the pieces, plus designers for the European and North American markets.”
“But you made this for me. Does that mean you cut and polish and set too?”
“I learnt all the skills, but my heart was in design. I think learning the skills required to make a beautiful item of jewellery makes me a better designer.”
“An unproductive one at the moment, though,” I point out wryly.
He grins. “Yes, because I haven’t submitted any of my proposals. But I’m confident when the board sees them that they’ll get approved.”
“But as Head of Design, don’t you choose?”
“Well, I’m on the board too, so I submit what I like and what I think will sell.”
Unable to take my eyes off my finger, I ask, “Can you identify a ring size by touch?” At the cabin, he often fiddled with my fingers and knuckles.
“Yes.”
“So you were thinking of making me something before you saw my impressive knitting skills?”
A slow spreading smile. “Damn right, I was.”
Draping my arms around his neck, I lean in and kiss him, thanking the universe that this man crossed my path, several times it transpires. So I tell him, “Thank you. But you’ve gone and upped the ante. What do I make you now?”
His lips make a slow journey from one corner of my mouth to the other. “I can’t wait to find out.”
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
AVA
Dressedin a black waistcoat and a crisp white shirt, the waiter lays the long rectangular plate of mini desserts in the centre of the table before topping up our glasses with champagne.
“Is there anything else I can get you?”
