Page 64 of About Last Night

"Janine, you can't just change your mind—I have plans."

What had she ever seen in him? she wondered as she studied his cold eyes. "We're too different, Steve, I should've never said yes. I'm sorry if this causes you or your parents undue embarrassment. I'd be glad to call every guest personally and accept full blame."

She tried to walk past him, but he grabbed her arm, his chest heaving. "I'm starting to think you didn't lose the ring after all."

"What?"

"Maybe you're planning to sell it."

A chill settled over her heart at the realization that she and Steve didn't know each other at all, but had still planned to marry. "I swear to you, I don't have the ring. And I swear I'll pay you the money it's worth, even if it takes a lifetime. I'm sorry ithas to end this way, but we don't love each other. I'm sure we'll both be happier—"

"Will you, Janine?" he asked, still gripping her arm. "Will you be happier going back to your old maid existence?"

His hurtful words stunned her to silence.

A lurid smile curled his battered lip. "Since you'll never be able to repay me for my ring, there is something you can do for me."

"What?" she whispered, frightened at the change in his demeanor.

"I still have my hotel room."

Revulsion rolled through her, and her mind reeled for something to say.

"Mr. Larsen."

They turned, and to Janine's immense relief, Manny stood a few feet away, his hands behind his back, his face completely serene.

"Yes?" Steve asked, easing his grasp on her arm a fraction.

"I'm the general manager of this hotel, and I have something for you."

He frowned. "What is it?"

Manny withdrew one hand from behind him and held up a stopwatch, which he clicked to start. "Ten minutes," he said, his voice casual. "Ten minutes to remove your personal belongings from your room and leave the premises." Then he offered a flat smile."WithoutMs. Murphy."

Janine suppressed a smile of her own. The general manager had succeeded in shaking Steve enough that he released her arm.

"I don't think you know who I am," Steve said, his chest visibly expanding.

"Sir, I know exactly who and what you are," Manny replied, then glanced at the stopwatch. "Oh, look, nine minutes."

Steve's bravado faded a bit. "I'd like to speak to your supervisor."

"Iam my supervisor," Manny explained patiently, never taking his eyes off the stopwatch.

Steve looked at her, but she kept her eyes averted to avoid provoking him further.

"I'm going to sue you for the worth of the ring," he hissed.

"Why?" she asked, lifting her gaze. "I don't have anything worth taking."

His feral gaze swept her up and down. "You got that right," he said, then glared at Manny. "Forget the room. Everything in my life can be easily replaced." After a dismissive glance in her direction, he wheeled and strode across the lobby toward the revolving door.

She stared dry-eyed until he had disappeared from sight. Then her knees gave way, and she sank onto a plush couch.

"Real Prince Charming," Manny muttered, patting her shoulder. "If you can wait another thirty minutes, I'll take you home."

"No, thank you, I have a ride," Janine said, although she didn't recognize her own voice.

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