“I’m glad you love it, but sexy isn’t what I’m going for. I’m going for more of a conservative look. But this dress captured my attention and I had to try it on.”
He grinned widely. “It’s totally captured my attention.”
“I have another blue one that would work.” She held it up and Brandon nodded no.
“It’s too Kate Middleton,” he said.
“Perfect! Because that woman has become a modest style icon.”
“But I like the other dress better.”
“But this one will cover up the babies. I think it’s the right way to go.”
“You’re right. And you’ll look like a bombshell not matter what you wear.”
“Awww. Thanks, honey.”
He smiled, then glanced at her pendant. “So why’s Titanic out? Are you wearing it?”
Marj fingered the sapphire wistfully. “It’s gorgeous, isn’t it? I absolutely adore it, but haven’t had a chance to wear it. So I will now.”
“Don’t wear it with Lena. She’ll put a hex on it or something,” he grimaced.
“Does it look stupid with the dress?”
“No, not at all. The main thing though is—where’s your wedding ring?”
“Oops. I took it off to mess with my hair. I better wear those, huh?”
“Since you’re supposed to be completely besotted and would never let them out of your sight, yes, you have to wear them,” he grinned.
“They’re heavy,” she said with an imitation pout.
“First world problems. My diamonds are too heavy…” he smirked.
“Right. I never had that trouble before. I want you to admire, though, how my nails are not bright or sparkly, and I’m wearing approximately one-third of the makeup I normally do. In honor of meeting your socialite stepmother,” she said, extending her hand for his approval.
“Wear the rings. Wear all the makeup you want. As long as she and her lawyers are convinced that we’re crazy about each other, we have nothing to worry about. Just be yourself.”
“Right. Myself. I’m sure that’ll impress her.”
“She may be rich now, but she was an intern who hooked up with her boss. She is in no way your superior in breeding or education, Marj.”
“I find that only mildly reassuring. She knows how to be wealthy and gracious. I only know how to be scrappy and budget conscious and sort of rude,” she said uncertainly.
“You’re more flippant than actually rude. And she’s about as gracious as a pit of vipers. Chanel-wearing vipers,” he corrected, “You’re twice the woman she’ll ever be.”
“You’ve known me three days. I pick my teeth after I eat popcorn,” she deadpanned.
“Doesn’t matter. We both lovingly accept each other’s irksome quirks. I’m going to grab my jacket.” He glanced down. “Are those the shoes you’re wearing?”
“Yes. Why?” she demanded, indicating her nude stilettos.
“Because they’re not you,” he said.
She playfully nudged him. “And you know me so well?”
“I’m very observant and perceptive.”
“Is that why you excel in the business world?”
He stroked his hand down her arm, giving her goosebumps, and then intertwined his fingers with hers. “I know they’re not you.”
“Neither is the pale lipstick. Or the teensy earrings,” she said.
“I thought women judge each other by their shoes.”
“Total rumor. We judge each other based on values, political views, charitable contributions and hairstyle,” she said, straight-faced, “these shoes are my armor. They declare that I belong in Lena Cates’ house because I have neutral Jimmy Choos, dammit!”
“No, you belong in Lena Cates’ house because you’re married to the rightful heir, and you are as much of a Cates as she is,” he declared, taking her hand, “And I’m going without the jacket, just for the hell of it.”
“You loose cannon,” she laughed, “Is that the most rebellious thing you’ve ever done?”
“Not hardly, but those are stories for another day, wife,” he said.
Brandon put his arm companionably around her shoulders, and she breathed in the scent of him and felt completely at sea. She liked him—liked him so much there was an ache when they weren’t together. After three days’ acquaintance. It had tragedy written all over it.
Chapter 2
If the townhome had been impressive, the mansion outside the city was regal at the very least. Stone columns and ivy and everything landscaped to look like it had been dropped out of nineteenth century Norfolk or something.