Page 34 of His Christmas Wife

He was a bastard who planned to never risk his heart again. Even the thought of marriage or love was off limits.

So why in the fuck was he standing here, dumbfounded, staring at her, his desire for her slamming into a need to possess her forever?

And worse, why was he so damn obsessed with the determination to act on that urge?

CHAPTERFIVE

For the space of a heartbeat, nothing more, connection sparked between him and Kaylee. Then she blew out a breath and looked away.

“Spectacular,” Isabelle approved, breaking the spell. “The ring was made for you. It couldn’t be more perfect.”

No matter how he tried, Frost couldn’t keep his opinion to himself. “It would be better if it had a bigger diamond.”

Both women scowled at him. Reluctantly he admitted he probably deserved that.

“Anything more might overwhelm her hand.”

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.” Why the hell was this so important to him?

Though Isabelle’s reprimand was light, steely force laced it. “The most important thing is Kaylee’s happiness, Evan.”

If the ring were something she was going to wear for the rest of her life, a symbol of their shared commitment, he’d have pressed his point. And maybe he could talk her into something larger at a later date.

“Would you like a wedding band to go with this?”

“Yes,” Frost said.

“No,” Kaylee corrected immediately.

Once again, Isabelle was the picture of calm. “Many brides are opting to forgo bands entirely. This is so stunning it doesn’t need any accompaniment. Anniversary bands can be added at any time.”

Which was something he could tell his grandmother he was planning to do later. “Fine,” he agreed, even if he didn’t enjoy continually being thwarted.

“You can pick this up in a few hours,” Isabelle promised. “Go, have lunch. Enjoy the city sights.”

Kaylee shook her head. “You’ve already been far too generous with your time today. Tomorrow is soon enough.”

“I won’t hear of it.” Isabelle’s tone was resolute, and he echoed the sentiment. This needed to happen today.

“Just give me a call. We have lunch reservations.”

“We do?” Kaylee asked as Isabelle plucked the precious gem from its metal cradle and slid the empty setting from her finger.

“At the Bourbon Brasserie.”

Instead of smiling her delight, Kaylee folded her arms, silently expressing her opinion of his choice. Was another argument brewing between them?

After finishing up with Isabelle and Jean Claude, he and Kaylee stepped outside the store, and he addressed her reaction straight up. “Do you have objections to my choice of restaurant?”

“Besides the price and stuffy atmosphere?”

Despite himself, a smile tugged at his lips.“Stuffy?The place is one of the most highly regarded in the Crescent City.” And boasted a Michelin-rated chef. He’d called himself to get the reservations instead of having Jolly take care of the booking.

“I’d rather go somewhere else.”

Greta had loved being seen at Bourbon Brasserie while the beautiful, defiant woman in front of him provided one surprise after another. But practicing being the thoughtful husband his grandmother would expect, Frost overrode his instincts and instead asked, “What would you prefer?”

“Grandma’s Kitchen. Do you know it?”

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