Page 40 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

After lunch,we wandered down the main drive. Brooks’ hands were shoved in his pockets, and his strides were long and determined. He hesitated for a moment when the jewelry store came into view. “Are you ready to do this?”

I shook my head with a laugh. “Not really, but I guess I’m doing this anyway.”

He stopped walking and stared down at me. “You act like being married to me is a bad thing. I’m quite the catch, so try to act a little more excited.”

I scoffed. “Oh, that’s right. How can I forget? I’ll try to remember how lucky I am.”

“Glad to see you’re finally catching on.” He winked as we reached the store.

The reality of what we were about to do caught up to me. Pretending to be in love with him would be easy—too easy. That’s what made this so risky.

He slid his hand into mine. “Show time. Try to be convincing.”

I swallowed, hating how holding hands with him felt like second nature. “I’ll do my best.”

“Just don’t crinkle your nose. That’s your tell that you’re lying.”

I frowned. “I don’t have a tell.”

“You do,” he said, tapping me on the nose. “Now let’s go get you a ring.”

The bell over the door chimed as we walked in. An older woman in a black pantsuit looked up from the counter.

“Hello, there. I’m Maggie. Are you looking for anything special today?”

“We are shopping for an engagement ring.”

The woman’s smile widened. “Congratulations. Do you have anything specific in mind?”

Brooks swung his arm along my shoulder and pulled me to his side. “Something that screams she’s taken.” He winked, and I wanted to punch him in the stomach. “It took me six years to wear her down, so I want everyone to know she finally said yes.”

The saleswoman swooned and pressed a hand to her heart. I had to admit, he was very convincing. For a minute, I had to remind myself that it was only for show.

She led us over to a case with sparkling rings.

We looked through the glass. There were so many shapes and colors that I didn’t even know where to begin.

“See anything that catches your eye?” she asked.

Brooks didn’t have the kind of money that Baz had. I didn’t want to break his bank account on something that would be temporary,

I leaned closer, trying not to get swept away in the moment. “I don’t need anything elaborate or over the top, a simple diamond will do.”

His jaw ticked. “Let’s see that one.” He pointed to the simple, solitary diamond in a silver band. The jeweler pulled the tray out and handed Brooks the ring.

“Try it on,” he encouraged. Something about seeing him holding the diamond ring made my stomach flutter.

I slid it onto my trembling finger and stared at it. It was simple and elegant, and it fit perfectly.

“It’s shiny,” his tone was gentle as my thumb grazed over the band.

I nodded while swallowing the lump in my throat. I couldn’t let myself get caught up in the moment. Couldn’t let myself wish that things could be different. I always wondered what it would be like to wear his ring, and let’s say this wasn’t what I had pictured.

My vision blurred as I stared at something that was supposed to mean everything but meant absolutely nothing. My chest felt tight, and I wondered if my heart could survive this.

I glanced up at him, wondering if he knew how much this moment hurt me.

“What do you think of the ring?” he asked, holding my hand out and angling it under the light.

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