The Weekend Proposition - Ella Jade Page 0,33
I don’t—”
“Let’s not over think it.” He’d acted on impulse. He wanted her to have it. “Please open it.”
As she tugged at the white bow on the pale blue box, her hands trembled. He wondered what that was about.
When she flipped the lid on the box she didn’t say anything. She stared down at the bracelet for a few minutes. She ran her finger along the strand and then her breath caught in her throat.
“Coda?”
She looked up at him, a tear sliding down her face.
Why is she crying?
CODA TRIED TO COMPOSE herself as she stared at the bracelet. She’d never seen anything that sparkly or real up close. The platinum links were covered in over a hundred diamonds. She didn’t even want to think about how much something like this cost. He bought this for her. He said it was different. It was a gift not a term in their deal.
She wiped the tear from her face.
“Are you okay?” He took her hand but she saw the panic on his face. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. I wanted you to have something exceptional for tonight. It wasn’t supposed to be a bad thing.”
“It’s not. I’m sorry, I think I’m overwhelmed.”
“Why?”
“Look at this thing.”
She was certain she sounded like a complete idiot. Spencer had more money than he knew what to do with. He didn’t understand how hard it was for her to experience a weekend like this. The people in her neighborhood were struggling to feed their families. That wasn’t Spencer’s fault but witnessing such an elaborate affair made her feel bad she got to experience something so spectacular when others had so little.
“Please tell me you’ll accept the gift.” He took the delicate piece of jewelry from the box. “I want you to have it.”
“It’s beautiful.” She watched as he placed it on her wrist. “But you’ve already given me so much.”
“A woman like you should have beautiful things.” He placed a soft kiss on her inner wrist. “I want to give them to you.”
“Thank you.” She didn’t want to ruin his moment. She could see how much this meant to him. “No one has ever given me anything like this before. Well, I’m sure you know that, I mean, duh, a Tiffany bracelet? Who would give me that?”
Stop babbling, you nervous fool.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done to me?” He tucked a curl behind her ear. “I don’t know how you managed it but I see more now than I ever have before. I’ve been missing an awful lot, Dakota. I promise you, no one has ever given me anything like that.”
“Oh,” she whispered. He wanted her to know she gave back to him too. He didn’t see what had developed between them as one-sided. She got it.
“Let’s go enjoy the evening, shall we?” He stood and extended his hand for her. “I can’t wait to walk downstairs with you on my arm.”
“I was thinking the same thing about you, Mr. Cannon.” She placed her hand in his. “I’m a fortunate girl.”
Chapter 10
“The ceremony was like a fairy tale wedding,” Coda gushed. “Everything was perfect. They’re so in love.”
“They are. I’m very happy for them.” Spencer took her hand and led her into another beautifully decorated room. Coda had never seen so many roses. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Yes, champagne please.”
“That makes you giddy.”
“Don’t forget frisky.” She winked. “It makes me want to touch you.”
“Then I’ll get you a bottle.” He kissed her. “We have a long night.”
“I’m going to use the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll meet you at the bar.”
She made her way through the crowded room, smiling and stopping to chat with Spencer’s aunts and mom along the way. The more time she spent with these people the more she felt like part of his family. Everyone treated her with such warmth.
Well, almost everyone.
When she stepped out of the stall and washed her hands, Ava stood by the sink waiting for her.
“Hi.” Up until now they had been cordial to one another but Spencer had always been in their presence. Coda had a feeling the gloves were about to come off.
“Still here?” Ava asked.
That didn’t take long.
“What did you do, follow me in here?” Coda dried her hands. “Shouldn’t you be taking pictures or something?”
“Nice bracelet.” Ava’s nostrils flared when she stared at the stunning piece of jewelry.
“Thanks, Spencer gave it to me.” She retrieved her lipstick from her small clutch.
“That doesn’t surprise me. Spencer buys his way out