Heart Matters by tani shane Page A

out for
her day’s whereabouts. She told him, smiling indulgently, aware
that his concern was bordering on the edge of suspicion. But he had
accepted her explanation rather well and asked her out to give her
a surprise. The thought that Adam had probably bought her an
engagement ring warmed her and she took care to dress up right.
    She observed herself critically in the
full-length mirror in her bedroom. At twenty-seven her figure was
near perfect with all the curves in the right places but she was
sure she could still lose a couple of inches here and there. She
chose an off white figure hugging sensation with a slit that
stopped just above her knee and a neckline that sagged into a deep
boat shape revealing a teasing glimpse of her cleavage. A simple
pearl string with matching earrings set off beautifully against her
dark hair that she tied up in a fashionable knot. Her makeup was
light with just a hint of blush on, eye shadow and an attractive
shade of lipstick. Her shoes had three-inch high heels to lend
height to her natural five foot six inches. She usually wore heels
only around Jeff or Adam for they were both six footers. It made
her feel ‘sizeable’ next to them and made it much easier to dance
on a slow number.
    Adam took her to their favorite restaurant,
the Blue Diamond, well known for its large dance floor. The
restaurant’s name complemented the décor that was lit with a
mysterious mix of blue and silver lights for a perfect romantic
feel. They placed their orders before Adam called for a toast. He
held his champagne filled glass against hers and smiled seductively
over the rims. “To us.”
    “To us,” she repeated, laughing softly over
the tinkle of their glasses before taking a small sip. She placed
the glass down and Adam’s large hand covered hers in an intimate
squeeze. “What’s the occasion?”
    He carried her hand to his lips, kissing her
fingers leisurely. “We are. I thought we should be officially
engaged, don’t you?”
    She drew a delighted breath, her eyes
dancing with excitement. “You’ve bought me a ring?”
    His hand reached into his dinner jacket to
bring out a small velvet case. When the cover popped back, it
revealed three glittering diamonds set in a gold ring.
    “Oh, Adam! It’s beautiful!”
    “A beautiful woman needs a beautiful jewel.
Give me your hand.” He slipped it on her finger and leaned forward
to place a chaste kiss on her lips. “Come on, let’s dance.”
    She rose readily, melting into the blissful
warmth of his arms as soon as they reached the dance floor. He
nuzzled at her neck laying small kisses that made her shiver.
    “Oh, Jessi, you drive me wild!” he whispered
hoarsely and molded her more closely to make her feel his desire.
She sagged towards him, lifting her face to accept his kiss. It
didn’t matter who was looking, all that mattered was their
love.
    A sudden, delighted squeal startled them
both and she felt a hand fall on her shoulder. “Ooh, Jessi! You
devil!”
    Jessica turned in surprise, nearly groaning
out aloud at the sight of Nicola, alias Niki Stanford. Her cousin
on her mother’s side, Jessica was usually glad to see Niki, but
tonight was different. It was a special occasion for her and she
had wanted no interruptions. But here was Niki and that was
that.
    “Niki, what a surprise!” she managed
cheerily, offering her cheek for a kiss.
    “I’ll bet it was,” Niki giggled, grabbing
her arm. “You and Adam are really something you know that! Come on
let’s go to your table, we can’t talk here.” Before the couple
could protest she had dragged Jessica off with Adam following in
resignation.
    When they were seated, she turned upon them
with the zeal of an interrogator. “So what’s the occasion?”
    Jessica threw a questioning look at Adam and
he nodded slightly. Jessica raised her hand under Niki’s nose to
display the brightly gleaming ring. “We just got engaged.”
    Niki gasped, grabbing her hand to examine
the ring.