“Outside or inside?”
She took a bite of bread and pushed the basket toward him. “Outside. Try this—the hummus is delicious here.”
“Hmm. You have to be careful with those contractors. Do you have one you trust?”
Julianna wondered if she was losing it, or if he was studying her face as intently as she thought. Like he waited for something. She concentrated on her plate. “Sure, he’s fine. He’ll be gone tomorrow.”
“Well, good. Then it’s a date for tomorrow.”
“Fine. Now I think…” Julianna’s gaze caught on a tall, familiar build and she trailed off, her attention completely focused on the couple across the room. A young woman with short blond hair, a slim build, and a killer smile bent forward and rubbed her companion’s knee. He smiled back and leaned in to tell her something, forming an intimate circle which seemed to delight her. Julianna felt the room go still, then spin and throw her completely off kilter. She shook her head hard as if to clear it, noting Bryce’s sudden worried frown and her inability to form any words.
Jack.
With another woman.
“What is it, Julianna? Are you ok?”
She forced a smile and tore her gaze away. Her heart pounded in a frantic rhythm, but she spoke calmly. “Nothing. I thought I recognized someone I knew. Now, tell me about your day.”
She listened to him half-heartedly and snuck glances at her lover. They seemed intent on their own conversation, ignoring the waiter when he delivered the food. Jack had ordered a bottle of wine. Was it expensive?
He wasn’t wearing his usual attire of jeans and t-shirt. He’d dressed for this occasion, in a button-down blue shirt with navy cotton pants and leather shoes. His hair glistened in the dying sun and turned some strands a golden blonde. Who was she? He seemed less physical with this woman, yet interested in her words. Was he sleeping with her?
Even worse, was he courting her?
She attacked her shrimp with a ruthless intensity, but Bryce didn’t comment. Occasionally, he glanced over his shoulder as if wondering what distracted her. Julianna cursed under her breath, using a few choice words Jack taught her. This was ridiculous. He was a free man. For God’s sake, she was probably getting married! It was for the best.
Julianna finished the meal and refused to look at the couple across the room.
The waiter delivered a tall crystal goblet filled with fresh strawberries and whipped crème. She grabbed her spoon, lifted it to her mouth, and stopped dead.
Something brilliant caught the light and sparkled amidst froths of whipped cream. Slowly, she took the spoon away and tapped the object.
A ring.
The waiter stood back from the table, a delighted grin on his face. Bryce reached over and took her hand. His dark eyes glinted with purpose and seriousness as he plucked the princess-cut diamond ring from the top of the fruit. He cleaned the cream off with a napkin, then held the ring out to her.
“Julianna, I think we can make each other very happy. Will you marry me?”
An eerie silence settled around her. A slight roaring attacked her ears, and she realized everyone was staring at their table, holding their breath.
Her gaze cut across the room.
Jack stared back at her. Whiskey colored eyes mercilessly caught and held her prisoner. Raw anger carved out his face, his jaw locked tight, his fingers clenched into fists at his side. Pure masculine rage flew at her like shards of glass, and she flinched.
“Julianna?”
Her throat stuck. She made an effort to speak, but only managed a squeak. The walls closed in, and Julianna realized with horror she was having an outright panic attack. Her plan had worked. She had a chance to keep her promise, and also marry a man she had legitimate feelings for. Maybe friendship could grow. Maybe this was the best decision of her life.
She watched Jack whisper something to his companion. The woman looked over in confusion, and then Jack rose from his seat. And began to walk with deadly purpose toward her.
One second. Two. A decision.
“Julianna?”
She saw her future across the table. She saw the love of her life walking toward her. And she chose.
“Yes. I’ll marry you.”
Bryce let out a breath and slid the ring onto her finger. The waiter clapped, and surrounding patrons murmured happy approval. Champagne was uncorked and poured into two glasses. Julianna closed her eyes in brief prayer that Jack would go back to his table. If she let him, surely he would do the same for her?
“Hello, Julianna.”
She opened her eyes and swallowed. His gaze was hard, accusing, and dangerous. The game had been played and the final deal was on the table.
Ante up.
“Hello, Jack.”
She was surprised at the raw tension and open competitiveness of the look the two men shared. Almost as if there was something else going on she had no knowledge of. But then they nodded at each other as if a decision had been made.
Julianna cleared her throat. “Bryce, this is Jack Wolfe. He’s finishing up the work around the Cliff House.”
Bryce sat back in his seat with an amused look. “Wolfe, huh? I always did respect hard labor. Julianna seems satisfied with your work. I’ll check it out tomorrow when I see the Cliff House.”
She blinked at the obvious gloat in his tone, feeling like she was missing something crucial in this exchange.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Jack said. “I’m surprised. Didn’t think you had known each other for long.”
Bryce grinned. “Long enough, old pal.”
“Yes, so it seems. Long enough.”
The men stared each other down. Julianna shifted in her seat, desperate to end the whole evening.
“Will this be a long engagement?” Jack asked.
Bryce gave a wink. “Don’t think so. No need to wait, right, sweetheart?”
Julianna shook her head to clear it. “We haven’t discussed dates yet. Umm, thanks for stopping by, Jack. I think your companion is waiting for you.”
Jack nodded as if he had made his own important decision. “Yes, she is. Enjoy your night.”
He turned and strode away without a glance back. He whispered something to his date. Within minutes, he paid the bill and walked out with her hand in hand. The woman was laughing.
Julianna knew he would make love to her tonight. Enveloped by rage and betrayal, he’d feel there wasn’t another choice. He’d strip her naked and plunge inside of her and call someone else’s name.
“Interesting guy,” Bryce commented. “Seems like he knows you better than a contractor would. Did you ever date?”
Julianna told the truth. Her voice was whisper soft when she spoke. “No, we never dated.”
How about a walk by the marina?” Bryce asked. “We can discuss plans. We have some decisions to make.”
“Yes."
Her heart shattered piece by piece as she took her fiancé's hand and accompanied him out of the restaurant.
Jack sat in the darkened bedroom and waited.
Silence closed around him. He sank deep into the stillness and let his thoughts take control.
He’d underestimated his cousin’s thirst for power. Now Jack would pay for his mistake, and pay dearly. He’d met Angela on one of his jobs and immediately asked her out. After all, his purpose in Newport had been to find a wife. A wife who wanted him for the person he was, and not for the money she’d inherit. Angela was sweet and sexy. A lunch date had turned into dinner. He felt there was potential in the relationship, that it might go further, but most of the time he compared her to Julianna.
When he left the restaurant, he’d intended to sleep with Angela. She was willing and ready, but her body was long and thin and almost boyish. Her taste was a bit tangy rather than the smooth caramel sweetness of Julianna’s mouth. Everything felt wrong, so he’d claimed exhaustion and put her off for another evening.