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chapter one
~
“I HAVE ANimportant question for you this evening,” Ryker says as he leans forward, his forearms resting on the edge of the table.
I press my lips together, hiding my smile, and pushing down my excitement. I’m not going to sayI know, because I don’t know for sure.
But I’mhopingthat Ryker’s about to propose. All the clues are there. Fancy restaurant, check. Candlelight dinner, check. Soft music in the background, check. Lingering for two hours over dinner and dessert while he appears nervous, check. Dressed to the nines, check. Bulge in his suitcoat pocket the size of a ring box, check. My family waiting by the phone to hear the official announcement, check.
This is it. My future. I never thought I’d meet someone like Ryker. It’s taken me all of my twenty-nine years to find him. Nothing is as Disney-princess-perfect as I’d imagined it would be, but this is reality. So far, reality is surprisingly good.
“I hope you’ve enjoyed this evening. I love spoiling you,” he says, his voice deep and smooth. His silver cufflinks catch my eyes as his sleeves peek out from his suitcoat.
If there’s a word to describe Ryker, it would be... polished. I swear he was born with perfect manners.
“I’ve loved every minute. Thank you.”
He grants me a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I know he’s as pleased as I am when it comes to our relationship.
The low murmur of conversation and the gentle tinkle of ice swirling in glasses surrounds us. Pleasant background noise for a momentous occasion.
Ryker’s brown-eyed gaze sinks into mine, his mouth parts, and he inhales slightly, the words I want to hear about to drip from his lips.
His phone rings for the fifth time this evening, ruining the moment.
Okay, so maybe I haven’t lovedeveryminute of this evening.
“I’m so sorry, Mila.” He runs one hand through his dark brown hair that’s always styled to perfection, ruffling it slightly. A rare sign of frustration. “I wanted this night to be all about us, with no interruptions.”
“It’s okay. I know you have to take it. Go ahead.”
He nods, his expression thankful. He brings his phone to his ear. “Ryker Martel.”
Of course, I hate the interruption. But I do understand and I refuse to let it ruin the magic of our evening.
Ryker’s father suffered a stroke a year ago, leaving Martel Investments in Ryker’s capable, but swamped hands. I don’t think the man ever stops working. I think he feels the need to prove himself by taking the company to new heights.
And he has.
For a price. I swear, the man doesn’t sleep.
“No, that cannot happen, and I expect you to fix it immediately. Don’t call me back until it’s done,” Ryker snaps.
When his phone call is complete, he holds up one finger. “I apologize, just one moment.” He sends a text before turning his attention back to me, the woman he’s been dating for the past ten months.
“Thanks for being patient with me, Mila. You’re a gem.” He takes a deep breath. “It never stops.”
Ryker tries and succeeds at being attentive, so I don’t allow myself to become upset. While he’s inundated with phone calls day and night, he’s never oblivious to the disturbance, often apologizing numerous times. Like I said, the man was born with manners. Toward me, anyway. I sure wouldn’t want to be the person on the other end of some of his business phone calls. It gets quite heated at times. I’m glad I’m not part of the corporate world.
“I know you love it.” He thrives on his fast-paced life. It animates him.
He shakes his head. “You get me. That’s why we’re perfect for each other.”
“I think so too, Ryker. But don’t be surprised if I hide your phone every now and again.”
He stiffens. “You wouldn’t do that to me, would you?”
Humor is always lost on him. He takes everything literally. “That was a joke.”
