Page 17 of Island Holiday

“She is.” He grabbed his phone. “Work,” he muttered, stepping back from the counter.

“No worries. Go handle it.” She fluttered her fingers. “I’ll narrow down the choices.”

He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “You’re the best.”

“I really am.”

He left her to it as he sent Jess an update and asked for advice. Jess hadn’t been a protector specifically, but she’d been a cop. She quickly confirmed that she’d send a car for them.

When he returned to Sonya, there were three engagement rings with coordinating wedding bands displayed on black velvet. “Do you have a favorite?” she asked, batting her lashes.

He chuckled. “Is this a trick question?” Because he absolutely knew without any doubt which ring he’d want her to wear if this was real. He took her hand and traced the long, delicate fingers. She was stronger than she looked at first glance and if he truly had the honor, he wanted her to wear a ring that made a statement.

“My opinion?” He reached for the ring that he would’ve chosen for her if this wasn’t an exercise in evasion. Sliding it onto her finger, he said, “This is what I’d choose for you.” The band was loose, so he held the ring in place when it wanted to roll. Gave him an excuse to keep touching her.

The salesman beamed. “That’s a cushion cut, with plenty of sizzle and interest in the halo and the bands. Excellent taste, sir.”

“Connor,” she whispered.

The salesman was going on about carats and clarity and customizing the stones and the bands. Connor barely heard him. He was caught up in Sonya’s glistening eyes as she blinked back tears. Could she tell by looking at him how much he wished this was real?

Probably not or she’d be running away, more frightened of him than the thugs who’d chased them in here.

“You like it.” Not a question.

“It’s…incomparable,” she replied, her eyes on him instead of the ring.

He glanced at the salesman. “How long will it take to have it sized?”

Chapter 6

“You bought the ring.”Sonya stared down at the ring on her left hand. He had in fact, bought the ring and the matching wedding bands too. Those would be sized later—or never, since this was all a ruse. Either way, those rings were being shipped to headquarters for safekeeping.

Once the ring was sized and safely on her finger, he’d sent a text message and a big black sedan had rolled up in front of the store and whisked them back to the condo. Where she should’ve taken it off and given it back immediately.

But every time she reached for it, her lips tingled, remembering that kiss. Or she’d glance over and her heart would race. With each passing minute, it was getting more awkward.

“I don’t mind if you wear it,” he said.

That snapped her out of her reverie. “You should. We’re… I mean…”

“Coworkers?”

“Among other things.” Her gaze dropped as the diamond caught the light again. “I’ve never thought of anything like this.”She felt utterly girly for the first time in her life. This wasn’t her speed. Sure, she liked to look good, but she was basic.

This ring was so not basic.

Perched on one of the counter stools, she was still trying to wrap her head around what happened. “What would your girlfriend say?”

“Don’t have one.” He grinned. “Only a fiancée.”

“Stop messing around.” She wiggled the ring off her finger and handed it over. “It’s weird.”

He hesitated, making her wonder if the awkwardness was getting to him too. For a minute, he just held the ring in his big fingers and she hooked her hands in her back pockets to keep from grabbing for it like some spellbound creature.

When he looked up, he was Connor again. Steady and patient. Everything should be fine, back on track. Except she knew how he kissed. She might suck at reading people, but there was no mistaking the fire that arced between them in the jewelry store.

“Thanks for the fabulous acting job back there,” he said. “I would’ve blown it.”

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