Page 43 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

I opened my mouth to voice my objections.

He held up a finger.

“I hate when you do that.”

“Do what?”

“Cut me off with your obnoxiously long index finger.”

“It’s a gift. All the men in my family have long fingers.” He balanced his hip on the corner of the desk.

“What’s this about?” I took another drink of my coffee, realizing it was probably a bribe to soften me up when he gave the trip to Fredericka.

“I know you care about Marco. I care about him too because… I’m hoping he’s going to be my new brother-in-law.”

It took all my effort to keep from spewing the coffee across his desk. “Your what?”

“I asked Angel to marry me last night.”

I was speechless. And a small part of me was also jealous. Jake had always been mine. Even when we weren’t dating, we were best friends. My inner voice held up a sign that read One Less Potential Husband.

“Wow, that’s fantastic. Angel said yes, right? I mean, why wouldn’t she? You’re a great catch. How’d you ask her?” My babbling made me sound pathetic.

He grinned wide, sinking deep dimples into his cheeks. “I took her to our favorite restaurant, got down on one knee, and proposed with my aunt Pearl’s ring. You remember the ring? It has a rather large Princess Diana sapphire.”

“Yeah.” I’d coveted that ring when I dated Jake. Aunt Pearl used to tell Jake that when he found the right girl, he could have the ring. That’s back when I assumed I was the right girl.

“She didn’t say yes.”

“She didn’t?” Relief washed over me, followed by a hefty dose of guilt. I wanted my best friend to have everlasting happiness.

He shook his head as if the memory made him gooey inside. “Nope. She asked, ‘What took you so long?’”

“That’s great news. Super-duper.” I forced a smile.

He looked down at me and chuckled. “You have a hard time hiding your true feelings, Jennifer Cloud.”

I set my cup down and sighed out asorry. “I’m happy for you. It’s just that we’ve been friends for a long time. And it wasn’t that long ago I thought I’d be the one wearing Aunt Pearl’s ring. But I’ve changed, and so have you. She’s perfect for you.”

I bolted from the chair and hugged him tight, a sisterly hug, and it felt good.

“It’s all your fault anyway.” He leaned away from me and loosened his grip.

“My fault?” I swiped at a wayward tear.

“Your mom called my mom, and I hear congratulations are in order.” He scanned my face for answers.

Damn. Mom didn’t wait a minute before blabbing to her friends.

“Uhm, it’s new.” I returned to my chair and reached for my coffee. The bribe had turned into my protective shield. “We’re planning on a long engagement.”

Jake pushed off the desk with a chuckle and retrieved his coffee. “Someone better tell your mom. She booked Bush Hall in April for the bridal shower.”

“The gigantic Bush Hall?” My hands clenched around the mug, and I mentally punched Caiyan in the throat.

“Anyway, when I heard you were engaged, I thought, ‘What the hell am I waiting for? I love Angel.’ I already had the ring, so I took the chance.”

“Angel’s amazing.” I slugged down the last few sips of coffee, wishing for a shot of tequila.

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