Engaged at the Chatsfield Read Online Free PDF

asked.
    She glanced at the photo, standing so close to him he could smell the flower-fresh scent of her hair. ‘That’s perfect!’ She glanced up at him animatedly. ‘It’s on the Thames, too.’
    He messaged the photo to her before putting his phone back next to his wallet beside his laptop. ‘I hate those over-the-top proposals everyone’s doing these days,’ he said. ‘It’s such a waste of money. Not only that, it puts pressure on the woman to say yes. If half a million pounds has been spent on setting the scene, how could any woman say no?’
    Her gaze was suddenly direct. Confident. Assured. Strident. ‘I would say no if I didn’t love him. It wouldn’t matter how much money he spent.’
    ‘You sure about that, sweet little Juliet?’
    Her chin came up a fraction. ‘I wouldn’t promise to marry anyone I didn’t love.’
    Marcus studied her expression for a long moment. She was so darned cute when she took a stand. But how would she recognise real love when she was so inexperienced? She was a babe in the woods compared to her snooty-nosed, street-smart friends. He knew she only stayed connected with them because she didn’t want to hurt their feelings. How would she protect herself from being exploited by some suave, smooth-talking guy who would sweep her off her feet with candles and fairy lights and string quartets?
    She wouldn’t stand a chance.
    ‘Ben’s worried you’ll get taken in by some guy who only wants you for your connection with him.’
    Her brown gaze narrowed and sharpened. ‘Oh, so I suppose you and he think I can’t attract a man in my own right?’
    ‘I didn’t say that.’
    She stalked to the other side of the room, her arms going across her midsection. ‘Just because I’m not a size zero doesn’t mean I can’t find a man. If I wanted to I could go right out there now and hook up with someone.’
    ‘Not while you’re wearing my ring, you won’t.’
    She swivelled back to look at him archly. ‘It’s not your ring, remember?’
    Marcus scooped up his wallet and phone off the writing desk. ‘No, but it soon will be.’
    * * *
    Juliet looked at the tray of designer rings the jeweller set before her in a private consulting room a short time later. Glittering diamonds, huge solitaires or princess cut or mosaic settings, others set with blood-red rubies or midnight blue sapphires or creamy pearls. They were all laid out before her in glorious, decadent array. There were no price tags, which meant they were shockingly expensive.
    ‘I’ll leave you to discuss your choice in private,’ the jeweller said. ‘Just press that button there on the wall when you’ve made your decision.’
    Juliet looked at Marcus once the jeweller had closed the door on his exit. ‘This is ridiculous. I can’t wear a ring that costs more than a house! What if I lose it?’
    ‘I’ll insure it.’
    She looked at the beautiful mosaic-setting ring that was outshining all the others. It was the most gorgeous ring she had ever seen. From a distance it looked like any other good quality diamond but it was so complicated and intricate when you looked closer. ‘I suppose you can always give it back when we’ve finished using it...’
    He picked up the ring she was eyeing and slid it on her finger. ‘Looks good. It suits your hand.’
    Juliet met his inscrutable gaze. His hand was still holding hers, his fingers warm and strong and protective. Possessive. Something swooped and then dropped in her stomach as he slowly drew her to her feet until she was standing less than half a step from him. Her legs felt strangely unsteady, her breathing patchy, her heart skipping a beat as she felt the magnetic pull of his tall, strong presence drawing her inexorably closer.
    She could smell the clean, cologne-fresh scent of him. She could see the pinpoints of his dark stubble even though he had recently shaved. She could feel the warmth of his body, the intimate closeness of him tempting her beyond her power to