Page 44 of Igniting Sparks
“I think you’re right.” Taking the ring from Teddy, I grasp Mina’s left hand and gently slide the ring down her finger.
As I do, the strangest feeling rushes through me—a connection to this woman I still barely know, yet an uncanny belief that she’s the best thing that will ever happen to me.
Plus, this fake engagement offers me a chance to toss out all my preconceived notions—about Mina’s age, her lack of sexual experience, and my slightly spotty sexual history. All the reasons I’ve concocted why we won’t work.
It’s given me an opportunity to focus on why we might.
“Well,” I murmur, gliding my thumb across her fingers, “what do you think?”
When our gazes meet, I know she feels it too.
Her eyes are bright with tears as she bites back a smile. “It’s the most perfect ring ever.”
Yep. I’m a goner.
I hand Teddy the ring. “We’ll take it, but I have a huge favor to ask. I need this ring sized by tomorrow.”
Teddy chuckles, running a hand over his jaw. “Talk about a rush job.”
“I know it will cost more, but that doesn’t matter.”
Teddy’s gaze bounces between us before he nods. “You’re lucky I like you. No problem, Braden. It will be ready to go by tomorrow. No extra charge.”
“No, I don’t expect it for free.”
“Trust me, man, the ring isn’t free, but the sizing is no big deal. I do the work myself, so it’s not outsourced.”
I reach across the glass, clapping Teddy on the shoulder. “Appreciate it.”
Mina and I walk out of the store fifteen minutes later and hop back into the truck.
My credit card isn’t speaking to me anymore, but it’s worth it.
She’s worth it.
Mina flops back against the seat with a sigh. “I’m going to be indebted to you for the next hundred years.”
“Maybe more.”
I move to put the truck into reverse, but she grabs my hand. “Why did you do that?”
“I wanted you to have a nice ring.”
“There were nice ones that cost half that amount. You didn’t need to buy me something fancy.”
I lean over and steal a quick kiss from her mouth, determined to lighten the mood. “Brownie points. Besides, I know you like me a little.”
Mina scoffs at my cocky aside. “Liking you was never a problem.” She waves her hands, motioning to me. “Just have no clue what to do with you.”
“Trust me, sweets, that’s the fun part.”
“What is?”
“Discoveringeverythingyou can do with me.”
Chapter 10
Let Me Handle Bitsy
