His cool gaze never leaving her face, Michael nodded slowly. “All right, Winter. But I’d still like to get you something here. Why don’t you look around, and show me what you like?”
Winter felt the heat of guilt rise to her face. Quickly, she turned her head to hide her expression form his too-penetrating gaze. Her heartbeat was still too fast. While she attempted to get hold of herself, she made a pretense of looking at the contents of all of the showcases. As her nerves steadied, she was able to make a suggestion. “A bracelet would be nice, I think.”
“All right.”
She was grateful that he hadn’t questioned her decision. After some debate with him on the rival merits of several pieces, she settled on a pretty, wide, solid-gold bangle. It wasn’t a particularly showy piece, but it was something that she could pair with her suits or her jeans. She tried it on, admiring it. “It’s lovely, Michael. Thank you.”
He smiled at her, a wicked gleam entering his eyes. “It will be my pleasure,” he said in a low intimate voice.
She knew exactly what he was referring to, and it wasn’t the bracelet. Warmth tinged her cheeks. She turned her head, afraid that she would give away her thoughts in front of the clerk.
Michael slipped out a credit card. She almost choked when she heard what the bracelet cost, but he didn’t bat an eye. She couldn’t begin to guess at what the necklace was priced. She wondered, not for the first time, how much he was really worth financially. He had given her a cell phone, bought her clothes and lingerie and small pieces of jewelry, leased a Lexus for her, and now he had plunked down for an expensive piece of jewelry. There was also the small matter of the monthly salary that he was depositing into her bank account. Michael had told her that he was in IT. She had always heard that it was a lucrative field, but he must really hold an influential position in some company. Either that or he was a drug lord, she thought dryly.
Before they left the jewelry shop, Michael insisted that he wanted an inscription cut inside the wide bracelet. He did not tell her what he wanted inscribed but wrote it out for the clerk who assured them that it would take only a few moments for the jeweler to do the inscription if they would like to wait. Michael agreed, and the clerk carried the bracelet to the back of the shop.
Michael turned to her and asked what her plans were for the remainder of the weekend. Winter tensed slightly. “I have some family matters to take care of.” She hoped that he would not inquire too closely for details or ask her to change her plans to accommodate him. She couldn’t do that, not with Chloe coming home.
However, Michael only made a casual comment. “I have some paperwork having to do with my trip that I need to wrap up. I was just hoping that we could catch a bite to eat later.”
“I’m sorry, Michael—” she began.
“It’s not a problem.” He shrugged casually. “I’m not sure what my schedule will be like this coming week. I’ll have things to catch up at the office. I’ll call you when I know better.”
Winter interpreted his explanation to mean that it was unlikely he would want to see her over the next few days. She was relieved. It would give her time to settle Chloe in and to make the transition from her office to her home office. “I understand. My own schedule is going to be busy.” That was an understatement if ever there was one, she thought.
The clerk returned with the newly inscribed bracelet. Michael would not let her read it. He took the shimmering gold band from her and slipped it onto her wrist, closing the clasp securely. Before letting go of her hands, he pressed a light kiss into her open palm. Her fingers curled involuntarily, and a sizzle zinged up her arm.