The doors opened, and I followed him to his car. I waited until I sat beside him before I asked.
"Ethan? Did you . . . did you plan all this?"
He grinned, looking almost boyish. "No. I planned on doing it differently, but when he barged in, I went in another direction."
He winked as he slid on his sunglasses. "I do
that well, Ruby. The client wants it changed, you learn to think on your feet. Julian knew what was happening as soon as he saw the boxes. I decided a scene would be a
good thing."
"Good for whom? It was embarrassing."
"It was advertising. The name of the game. In one move, not only did the entire company get to see the dissolution of my relationship with Julian, they also found out about us. By the time we get to Graham's place tomorrow, he will have heard about it.
He'll know I punched David for talking trash about the woman I love. It's perfect. I couldn't have planned it better if I tried."
I shook my head, flabbergasted. I never would have considered what just happened as "perfect."
"Relax, Ruby." He snorted as he skillfully wove in and out of traffic. "You're done. You don't have to go back there. I'll call my lawyer and make sure we send the first volley to cut Julian off at the knees."
"First volley?"
"Julian hates negative publicity for the firm. If he thinks I'm going after him for broken promises and an unhealthy work environment, he won't try anything. It's just for insurance."
I sighed and rested my head on the cool glass.
"You have the afternoon free. Maybe you should do some shopping."
"Must I?"
"Yes. I told you—I need you to look the part. I have a personal shopper lined up. I'll call her and arrange for you to see her this afternoon. We can stick with our plans for the evening."
"Great."
He turned up the music, tapping out a rhythm on the steering wheel, ignoring my sarcasm. I hated shopping— mostly because I could never afford to buy much.
Maybe not having to pay the bill, it would be fun.
I hoped so.
After this morning, I needed something to distract me.
Not long after we arrived back at the condo, Ethan signed for an envelope. He opened it and thrust a black credit card at me.
"What's this?"
"For you to shop."
I looked at the face of the card, seeing my name emblazoned in silver.
"How did . . . ? Never mind." I sighed. It was obvious, whatever Ethan wanted, he got.
He sat down, reaching for the card. "Sign it and use it. I called Amanda Kelly—she's the personal shopper I told you about. She's expecting you in an hour."
"Fine."
"What's the matter?"
"Couldn't she send me a dress for tomorrow? I'm sure you've already informed her exactly what you want me to wear."
He shook his head. "This isn't solely for tomorrow, Ruby. I meant what I said. Get rid of the clothes you've been wearing. I want you in dresses, well-tailored suits, smart outfits. Decent shoes. A whole new wardrobe."
"Do I have to toss my underwear, as well?" I questioned, and even I could hear the snark.
For a minute he blinked, then started to laugh. "You do have a little backbone in there somewhere. Yes. Toss it. All new. All in keeping with the role you'll be playing."
I rolled my eyes, taking the card. "Fine. It's not as if anyone will see my undergarments, anyway."
"What is it with you?" He growled. "I've never had to beg another woman to spend my money. Usually, they can't wait to get their hands on my bank account. Why are you so
fucking stubborn?"
I stood up. "Then get one of them to play your loving fiancée in this ridiculous farce." I began to walk away, stopping when his long fingers wrapped around my arm.
"Ruby."I shook my arm free.
"What?" I spat.
He held up his hands. "I don't understand the problem with outfitting you."
Wearily, I rubbed my hand over my eyes. "If tomorrow doesn't give you the result you want, you will have spent a lot of money for nothing. All of this craziness will have been
for nothing."
"All of this craziness?"
I blinked away the tears I felt forming.
"Pretending we're engaged. Taking me out of my home, throwing away both our jobs, subjecting yourself to having to spend time with me. Even Julian knew how much you disliked me, Ethan. How is this possibly going to work?"
He shrugged. "If, and it's a big if, it doesn't work, you'll have a bunch of pretty new clothes to wear to your next job.
Let's be honest—your hovel wasn't much of a home; we'll find you something far better. Think of it that way."
He stepped forward.
"And, frankly, Ruby, perhaps I judged you too quickly. I don't dislike you. In fact, I rather enjoy listening to you argue with me."
I didn't know what to say to his unexpected declaration.
"I think, perhaps, we need to call a truce. You're right on one thing. We need to present a united front, and we can't do that if we're on edge with each other. So I have an offer to extend."
"Okay?" I asked, almost fearful of what he was about to say.
"You go shopping, spend my money. Spend an indecent amount. Consider it a gift for all the lousy things I've done over the past year.
I'll make my calls, and some arrangements I need to take care of. When you get home, we'll spend the evening talking and getting to know each other a little more.
Tomorrow, we'll face the day as a couple. Okay?"
I chewed on my cheek as I studied him.
"Okay."
"Good. One more thing."
"What?"
He held out his hand, a small box in his palm. "I want you to wear this."
I stared at the box, not making a move.
"It won't bite you."
"What is it?" I whispered, already knowing the answer.
"An engagement ring."