Page 24 of Stick to the Deal
Market Research
Daniel drones on about sales projections and running expenses on the screen in front of me. I try my best to pay attention, but I’ll confess my mind is elsewhere. The velvet box on the desk by my monitor might as well be blinking for how easily it draws my eye back to it again and again.
“The website placeholder is up and I’ve secured coordinating social accounts across the major platforms. Following is slowly growing but we might need some help there. I finally understand why marketing is a full-time job.”
“Yeah. Well, if we need it.” My thumb strokes the soft plush covering before popping the box open, revealing the three-carat diamond ring nestled within. One look at the pear-shaped solitaire and I knew I’d found the right one. Funny, I’d always expected when the day had come, I’d either feel sick with nerves or a heavy sense of duty. Browsing the ring counter, I’d felt neither—simply a sureness of purpose—and maybe a mild excitement to see Nic’s reaction.
Nic.
“I was thinking we could hire strippers for the marketing,” Daniel says.
It’s been two weeks since Nic flew back to New York for work. The agreement was to stay out of each other’s way when we’re apart, but I’m finding that term harder to uphold than I’d expected.
She’d looked so sad that last night.
“We can spray paint our website on them and let them pole dance.”
My cheeks tighten as a grin lifts my lip. Well, she wasn’t sad when she left. I had definitely been right about our sexual compatibility. I’ve never had a first time be that natural and easy. And so damn hot. That night has provided sufficient inspiration for weeks.
“Of course, I’m talking about male strippers, so we have the most real estate to work with. Our slogan can go right on their cocks.”
“Wait, what?” My head jerks up and a grinning Daniel regains my attention. “What the hell are you on about?”
“I knew you weren’t really listening. So are you finally going to tell me what’s up? The gossip columns are going crazy, saying you’re getting engaged.” With a sigh, I sink in my chair. Without a word, I hold up the open ring box to the camera. “Holy shit, so it’s true? Weren’t you very much single when we went to the bar a month ago? Why the rush?”
“The earl has declared it is time.”
“Bancroft...”
“It was always going to happen, Dan. I’m actually pretty lucky as far as society matches go—I genuinely like Nic. Plus she fully supports us launching ‘Elysium’ and giving me all the time and space needed to see this through. Not sure many earl-approved brides could say the same.”
“Ok, so the earl approves. What about your Mother?” I wince. “That bad, huh? Is that why you bought a new ring instead of using the Silverbrook diamond?”
“How the hell do you know what the family ring looks like? Or that it exists at all?”
His ears redden on the screen. “Whisper Wire may have posted about it.”
“Dammit, Dan. Whisper Wire? Seriously?”
“I follow them for market research—they are the biggest competitor if we want to launch a social magazine. The fact her current posts are about my friend just makes me read them closer.” I grunt at him as I toss back the rest of my now cold tea. “So when are you planning to pop the question?”
“Technically speaking, we’re already engaged, but I’m going to give her the ring this weekend. We’re taking a holiday in Sweden.” Daniel chokes on his pop. “What now?”
“You’re taking a holiday?” His eyes are wide as he dabs at his shirt.
“Yes. Why is thatso shocking?”
“Not sure I’ve ever seen you take a holiday. Business or family trips, sure, but not one for fun. I can’t wait to meet this woman.” My best friend grins at me like an idiot.
I grit my teeth, picturing the two of them together. “I’ll have the laptop with me if you need me, but you won’t.”
“Just make sure you draft that editorial first.”
I nod as I end the call. Dan’s making something out of nothing. In a lot of ways, this is also a family trip—she is going to be my wife after all. I can’t be changing because of Nic. That’s ridiculous.
The sun is setting when the villa finally comes into view. It’s a picturesque cabin dusted by snow—like something from a storybook. Cheery lights glitter in the windows telling me Nic has already arrived, and from the steady puffs of smoke from the chimney, lit a fire. My phone buzzes, lighting up with a text from the woman herself.
Nic
