Page 58 of Mr. Aster
“That’s just it,” I said, reaching over to play with her hair since our driver was taking too much of an interest in us, “everything has come naturally from the moment I met you. The ring is just something to represent how I fell in love with you and how I plan to love you for the rest of my life.”
Darcy’s eyes were dazed, which amused me further, leading me to run my hands over her shoulders and follow the goosebumps I’d created down the back of her arms. Here I was, trying to fuck with her, but I had a feeling I was about to fuck myself over again.
“Honey,” she said, pulling abruptly away from me, “you know I’m ticklish there.” She moved a seat over and chuckled, “And unless you want me to jump your handsome ass in this van right now, I suggest you stop turning me on.”
Our humored eyes danced in beautiful harmony, so much so that I nearly forgot to pick up a ring before we arrived at the hotel. I’d found a shop online that looked like it might serve my needs, and I hoped it would because otherwise, I’d have aproblem. There was no way Spencer or Natalia would believe we were engaged if she didn’t have a ring, so I redirected the driver to the shop and prayed for a miracle.
As suspected, my prayers didn’t make it past the roof of the car. The boutique, while charming in its offering of various basic gemstones mounted on sterling silver, had nothing that would pass for a ring that any fiancée of mine might wear.
Darcy and I walked out of the shop and stood on the sidewalk, wondering what to do next. Darcy seemed unbothered, perfectly willing to wear a gaudy turquoise number as if that would serve our purpose, but I had to devise a plan.
Fortunately, we weren’t in earshot of anyone, so I could drop the façade and speak candidly.
“Okay, you need to head to the hotel. I’ve reserved a nice villa, and I know you’ll appreciate it, so go straight to the room once you arrive. Go and enjoy all the luxurious amenities that beingengagedto an Aster affords you, but please do me a favor. Don’t answer texts or calls until I arrive with the ring. I know enough about Spencer’s wife to say that she will see through all our bullshit if we’re not careful. She’s pretty much why I’m determined to get you a ring before we meet up with them.”
“Already worried about what others think, I see?”
“Funny,” I rolled my eyes, “but it’s not that. I’ve heard stories upon stories about Nat from my brother and sister-in-law, Mickie, and I’m sure this will blow up if you don’t have a ring.”
“Jesus Christ, why did I have to open my big mouth?” Darcy scolded herself.
“Regardless, you’ve created the perfect opportunity to enjoy that villa all by yourself before you’re stuck in it with me for the next week.”
“Wait,” she grew irritated, “you booked usoneroom?”
I smiled. “It would seem very strange to people to know we’re going to stay in separate rooms,waitingto have sex until we’re married, if you know what I mean?”
She sighed with a slight growl this time, “I would’ve done just fine with your parents at the estate, you know? Now, this?”
“You’re bitching about it now, but once you walk into the room, you’ll take back those words.”
“Will I?” she said dryly. “Fine, I’ll go to the hotel, but what will you do? You’re going to be wandering aimlessly, hitting the shops, and getting mugged while looking for a ring that’s probably in there,” she pointed to the entrance of the store we just walked out of. “There are plenty of rings to choose from. Let’s just get something and go.”
“Afraid for my safety?” I teased.
“No, I’m convinced you could use an ass-kicking,” she said. “I just think you’re making a bigger deal about this than it really is.”
“Listen, I’m actually having a great time with all this ridiculousness,” I said with a laugh. “I would like this ring to be a fun memory piece for you to remember me by when this is all over with. Whether or not we remain friends, at least the ring will serve as a reminder of you and me.”
“Who knew you had a sentimental side?” she said, tilting her head in amused confusion.
“Why else would I have remained in a marriage for as long as I did before my wife passed?”
Interestingly, I wasn’t haunted by bringing that to Darcy’s attention. I was okay with it, not upset like usual whenever I felt like I’d betrayed Melissa by speaking about her to someone who didn’t know her.
“Wow,” Darcy said, her eyes studying mine, “Mexico is good for you.” She smiled, then stepped in the direction of where the driver waited in the van across the street. “You’ve never spokenso lightly of her. Perhaps you’re healing a little bit. Being closer to the sun might be helping you.”
“How could that possibly help? It’s hot as fuck right now. I should be irritated.”
“The sun brings life,” she smiled, “so maybe it’s bringingyouback to life.”
I frowned, then watched her prance off to the van as if she’d proved some yoga-hippie point of her mother’s to me. I wanted to get angry about her suggesting anything about me and my personal life or emotional state, but I couldn’t.
Shit, maybe she was right. Little did she know how dead I truly was up until very recently, and perhaps that’s why I was enjoying this charade of ours so much. As silly as it was, it was breathing energy into me again, and I could think of no one I’d rather play these nonsensical games with than the woman who would’ve jumped at the chance to stab me last week.
She was fun, and I liked that. I needed that.
Chapter Twenty-Four
