A calmness took hold of her body. Belle unclenched her hands andsat on the couch. "My life is so not its norm right now. I am glad you're around, even if we have missed eachother."
"Just don't fallinlove."
The words fell out of her mouth without a filter. "I don't have a heart, remember? If I did, I'd be devastated and not here, at thiswedding."
"Or you like pretending youdon't."
She sat straight, but then a knock rang in theair. She glanced at the clock, and it read exactly eight o'clock. Bellestood.
"Em, I havetogo."
"I'll see youtonight."
Friend were a good reality check. Her knuckles cracked as she crossed the floor tothedoor.
"Perfect, I'll seeyouthen."
She ended the call and threw the phone in her pocketbook. Perhaps she shouldn't answer holding her bag, but there wasno place to lay it down. She clutched it and threw openthedoor.
Peter stood there in a gray tuxedo and held a box in his hands. Her fingers itched to grab his collar and tug him into her room for a long kiss. She shook off the visual. Lightheadedness remained though she tried to steadyherfeet.
"You look nice,Peter."
He lifted the box in his hand. "You need a few morethings."
Clearly their thoughts didn't align, which was good. The no kissing rule had to stay for now. She licked her lips and stared at the box that obviously heldjewelry.
"We agreed no more presents that make meuncomfortable."
He opened the box and diamonds glittered brighter than the moon outside her window. "Then tonight, when we're done, give them back to me. Considerthisaloan."
"I swear you are looking for my price tag. If you are, jewels and clothesaren'tit."
"Whatwouldbe?"
"I don't know, opening your heart and beingvulnerable."
Peter followed her into the suite larger than her apartment at home. "You drive a hardbargain."
"You havenoidea."
The lightness moved to her chest as she fingered the diamond necklace.It was thicker than anything she'deverworn.
"Tomorrow we can havebrunch?"
He shoved the box intoherhand.
She blinked. “Why would you want to meet metomorrow?”
“Youknowwhy.”
"That's right. You had to tell me something." Adrenaline rushed through her. "Or you could skip the anticipation and anxiety and tellmenow."
"No. Tomorrow is better. Tonight'smy sister'swedding."
She stared at the inside cover of the box and recognized the name, Harry Winston. "Fair enough, though honesty is always the bestpolicy."
"Your world and mine are different. I find very few honest people in theworld."
