When I still didn't move, he sighed in frustration. "You had better not expect me to get down on one knee."
"No!" I gasped.
"Then take it."
My hand trembled as I reached for the box and opened it. A large solitaire in a white gold, vintage setting, shimmered under the light. It was exquisite.
I lifted my gaze to his.
"I described you to the sales woman and said I wanted something simple yet stunning. There were larger ones, but for some reason, I thought you would like this ring."
His odd, kind words touched me. "I do."
"Well, put it on. It's part of the image."
I slid it on my finger, staring at it. It was a perfect fit, but still it felt strange on my hand.
"I'll take good care of it until it's time to give it back."
He snorted. "I'm sure you'll try. Given your clumsiness, I've insured it."
I rolled my eyes, the moment of being touched passed in that second.
He looked at his watch. "Okay. The car will be outside waiting for you. Go get yourself presentable."
He turned and left the room.
I picked up my purse, the ring catching the light.
Well, it seemed I now had a fiancé.
I was engaged to a man who disliked me, but was willing to overlook it so he could get a new job and piss off his old boss.
Certainly, that was the stuff dreams were made of.
The afternoon was a whirlwind. Ethan had indeed told Amanda precisely what he wanted, and the list was endless, it seemed. Dresses, pants, skirts, blouses, suits—a vast array of materials and colors drifted by me.
There were also new bathing suits, lingerie, and nightgowns. Item after item was tried on, discussed, and either discarded or placed on the ever-growing pile of
clothes to keep.
Thankfully, after watching me for a short time, the footwear she picked out was all low-heeled. Still stylish, she assured me, but I had a better chance of staying upright.
The last straw was the exercise clothing she showed me. By that point, I was beyond exasperated. I couldn't fathom a time I would need to have expensive workout clothes.
He had a private gym in his apartment for God's sake. When she indicated it was on Ethan's list, I threw up my hands and told her to add whatever she felt was suitable. I was
done.
I walked out of the store, carrying the outfit for the next day, wearing a new pair of jeans and a silk T-shirt in a rich red color.
Ethan, apparently, didn't want to see me arrive back in my "old stuff."I was silent on the car ride back, overwhelmed and tired.
I carried my packages up to the condo, letting myself in with my keys. I heard music coming from down the hall.
I knew Ethan was busy working out, so I hung my new dress in the closet, put away the few other items I had brought back
with me, then called the home to check on Penny.
Her primary nurse told me she was sleeping, but it hadn't been a good day, so I shouldn't visit. Sadness engulfed me as I sat looking out the window.
I hated days like today; however, she was right. Going would only upset me further.
Instead, I went back downstairs and rummaged around in the kitchen.
It was well equipped, yet held little food except for some fruit and a few condiments in the cupboards and refrigerator.
"Looking for something?"
I straightened up, startled. Ethan was slouched against the doorframe, a towel draped around his broad shoulders.
His skin glistened with a thin sheen of sweat, his hair damp, and he still looked perfect.
"You don't have much food."
"I have no idea how to cook. I do takeout, or my housekeeper leaves me something."
"Housekeeper?" He hadn't mentioned having a housekeeper.
He nodded, taking a drink from the bottle of water he was holding. "I need to hire one. The last one left about two weeks ago."
He waved his hand. "They come and go."
I hid my amusement. That news wasn't surprising.
"I cook."
He smirked. "So you mentioned."I ignored his sarcastic tone.
"I can keep the place clean and do the shopping and cooking."
"Why?"
"Why not?"
"Why would you want to?"
"Ethan," I started patiently, "I'm not working now. I have lots of time on my hands. Why would you want to hire someone else when I'm here anyway?"
His brow furrowed as he thought about it.
"It would seem natural to other people." At his confused look, I explained. "That I would look after our home. That I would look after, ah, you."
He scratched the back of his neck, obviously unsure.
"Yeah?"
"Yes."
"Okay—for now. Use your card to pay for everything."
I nodded.
"Anything you need to keep the place clean. Buy it. If you need help, get it."
"Okay."
I felt relieved. It would feel normal to do the shopping and make dinner. Stay busy and clean the condo.
"How did your call go with the lawyer?"
"Good." He drained the bottle, tossing it in the recycle bin in the corner. "How was your shopping?"
I rolled my eyes. "Quite the list you gave her."
"I told you I wanted new everything for you."
"Well, you got it."
He stepped closer, rubbing the sleeve of my T-shirt with his long fingers. "I like this."
"Good. You bought it."
"Did you spend lots of my money?"
"Tons. Pretty sure I put you in the poor house."
To my surprise, he smiled. A real smile that lit up his eyes, making him appear boyish and younger.
"Finally, you do what I tell you to do."
I snorted.
He reached past me and picked up an envelope. "Here."
Gingerly, I took the envelope; it felt hard and bulky under my fingers. "What is it?"
"The keys to your car."
"My car?" I squeaked.
"I told you I'd get you one. It's in space 709, beside my other two. Your pass is in there, as well. It gets you in and out of the garage."
"What . . .?"
"It's a Lexus. Safe. Reliable. It's red—like your shirt."
"Unnecessary."
"No. It is needed. It's all part of the image, Ruby. We're selling us as a couple—the details are important. Remember that." He shrugged.