Page 72 of A Dangerous Proposal

A warmth curled through her.

She was making the right decision.

“Before I forget.” Alex turned, opened the drawer behind him, and took out a small jeweler’s box, before opening it and removing a gorgeous ring. Her heart stopped.

He stepped beside her, gently taking her free hand and sliding the ring onto her finger. “Is it too loose?” He frowned down at the stunning sapphire and diamond ring. “I can?—”

“It’s perfect,” she breathed, and then cleared her throat when his eyes snapped to hers. “I mean, it fits perfectly.”

Alex’s gaze dipped to the ring again, and his thumb grazed the top of it. “If you prefer something else, just let me know. I can make an appointment.”

“Charming.” Alex looked up. “I love it,” she said firmly. “You did a good job.”

Alex grunted. “Okay, well, I better hit the shower.” He hesitated. “I’ll probably be late most nights. Text me if you need anything. There is a credit card on the counter for you to use, for anything else you want.”

Now, standing in front of the door to their podcast studio, Madison took one last deep breath and pushed the button so Gerry could let her in.

“Morning!” she called, pasting a bright smile on her face and setting the drink holder with two coffees on the reception desk.

Gerry’s eyebrows shot up. “Were they giving out orgasms with that coffee? I haven’t seen you in this good a mood in…. to be honest… forever.”

“That’s not true,” Madison objected, still trying to keep her voice light even while she acknowledged Gerry was right. She hadn’t woken up without a sick knot of fear and worry over either her sister or Jax in almost two years.

The situation with Alex still made her nervous, but it was different. She trusted his word that he would keep them both safe. The nerves were entirely whether she was going to survive this arrangement with her heart intact.

“It kinda is.” Cami leaned against the door frame. She looked suspicious. “What’s going on?”

“Coffee?” Madison pulled out her friend’s favorite coffee and held it up. Anything to put this off.

Cami stepped forward with a smile. “We highly appreciate caffeine as a diversionary tactic.”

Madison waited until she’d taken a sip, and then clutched her coffee in front of her with both hands, almost like armor.

“Actually, I have some news. I know it is going to feel like a surprise, but I’m really happy?—”

“Holy shit!” Gerry sprang up, his saucer-wide eyes lasered on her hand. “What is that?”

“What? What’s happening?” Cami’s eyes swung from Gerry to Madison.

“That?” Gerry pointed to Madison’s ring finger before lifting his eyes to goggle at her. “Ma’am,” he breathed, and then pulled her hand close to study the ring. “Is that a sapphire? That has to be at least five carats, and those diamonds on either side are at least two.” He let out a low whistle.

“Mads?” Cami’s voice trembled a little, and by the look in her best friend’s eyes, Madison knew she understood.

“If you trust them, tell them the truth.”

Alex’s voice sounded in her head. It was the last thing he’d said to her before leaving that morning when she expressed her worry over Cami’s reaction.

“Surprise?”

Cami’s eyes widened even further, and she gave a small shake of her head.

Gerry still hadn’t relinquished her hand, and she yanked it back. “Is this from the flowers guy?”

“Alex.” Madison focused on Gerry to avoid what she knew was coming.

“I’ve gotta get myself a gangster.”

Madison pulled her hand back. “Alex isn’t a gangster.” Her voice was sharper than she intended.

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