on her left hand to protect her skin from the water marble mani she was about to do, then she unscrewed the caps and lifted the black over the water and let one drop fall onto the surface of the water. It spread out in a circle, and she placed a drop of gold in the center of the black circle and watched it spread out. She continued with all the colors, repeating until she had a series of rings in a bull’s-eye. She used a sharp toothpick to drag through the polish, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction until she’d formed rows of chevrons across the surface of the water.
Once she had the pattern just the way she wanted it, she dipped two of her nails into the water. When she pulled them out, she admired the result. Little shimmery metallic and black Vs adorned her nails. She pulled off the tape on those two fingers, and started dropping more polish on the surface of the water.
Kane walked into the kitchen and poured himself an orange juice then walked to the table and watched her form the pattern on the water’s surface with the toothpick. He didn’t say anything as she dipped her thumb into the water, and then drew it out.
“That looks like a lot of work.”
“Not really.” She gazed up at him anxiously. “Don’t you like it?”
“It’s very creative. Are you wearing that to the party?”
Her stomach clenched. “Don’t you think it’s appropriate?”
“I’m no fashion expert, but I would have thought you’d do something simple and elegant for the party. Maybe something more neutral.”
Her back stiffened. “That’s not really my style.” Feeling defiant, she added, “In fact, I was thinking of putting a purple streak in my hair. Like the kind of thing I used to do in college. Remember?”
Chapter Twenty
River didn’t know why she was goading him, but then she realized it was probably because of her nerves. She was coiled up so tight at the idea of this party and being paraded in front of all of Kane’s friends that she felt like she’d burst at any second.
“I do remember. But I don’t think it’s a good idea. Wouldn’t it be better if you just try to fit in?” he asked in a persuasive tone.
Her stomach tightened and she had to focus on not clenching her jaw. She hated the fact that he didn’t just accept who she was. That he wanted to change her.
He might find her stimulating and sexy in bed, but in life he wanted her to be the model wife who dressed and acted the way he expected.
Then as quickly as her anger had flared, it dissipated.
Why was she fighting him on this? It was only one night, and it was important to him. She had gone into this arrangement of being his wife with her eyes wide open. He really didn’t ask a lot of her, so she shouldn’t begrudge him this. And being married meant compromise.
She just wished he could love her for who she was.
She nodded. “You’re right. No purple hair.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “That’s great. I know you’re going to look stunning in your dress.”
“Thank you,” she said flatly, continuing to pay attention to her mani. She’d already decided she’d change it to something more neutral, but she’d finish it now, and then strip it off tomorrow.
“Are you going to be long? I’m heading to bed.”
“I’m afraid I’ll be up for another hour or so.” She didn’t look up at him, continuing to drop polish onto the water.
“Okay. Feel free to wake me when you come to bed.”
* * *
“Why are you sleeping in here?”
River blinked at the soft rays of the dawn sunlight in her face and stared groggily at the door of the guest bedroom.
A very unhappy-looking Kane walked toward her.
She sat up, holding her head. It ached.
He stood by the bed, watching her. Waiting for an answer.
Was he mad?
She squeezed her head, wishing the pounding would stop. “I got to bed really late. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“I told you it was okay to wake me.”
She tipped up her head and locked gazes with him, feeling a little defiant.
“I didn’t want to wake you.”
She had been annoyed with him. Feeling that she didn’t meet his standards as a good wife.
“I didn’t mean to come across as demanding last night,” he said. “It’s just that you’re meeting my friends and business associates and I have a better idea of what’s