Dare to Play (Dare Nation 3)

Way to impress the hot man you’re about to marry, she thought wryly. “Jaxon, I wasn’t expecting you. Is everything okay?”

“It is. I just wanted to stop by for a few minutes.” He ran a hand over his hair and groaned. “Okay, look. Nothing about us is traditional, but if I’m getting married, I want my wife to have a ring.”

Only then did she notice he’d had a blue Tiffany bag behind his back that he now held out for her to take. She accepted the gift and, with shaking hands, pulled out a blue box with a white bow.

“Go ahead. Open it,” he urged.

She untied the ribbon, lifted the box, and pulled out a velvet case. He took it from her and popped it open, turning the case toward her.

She was unable to take her eyes off the huge diamond staring back at her, and her mouth ran dry. “It’s fake, like the engagement, right?” she asked only half jokingly because she didn’t know what she would do with a ring this big. She wasn’t used to a life of luxury.

Looking into his eyes, though, she realized she’d hurt his feelings. He’d gone out of his way to buy her a ring, and she didn’t mean to seem ungrateful.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just didn’t expect you to really buy me a ring, let alone a Tiffany one. It’s gorgeous, Jaxon, it really is.”

He pulled out the ring and held it in his big hand. “If you don’t like it, we can get you something else.”

“No! I mean, I love it. You just took me off guard, that’s all,” she said, softening her voice. What woman wouldn’t adore this ring? Of course, she wouldn’t keep it after the marriage ended. That would be all kinds of wrong, but the fact that he’d thought of buying it at all was touching.

This man constantly surprised her, from backing her up with Hannah the other night to insisting on a big wedding and real marriage, and now with the ring. He wasn’t the arrogant playboy he wanted people to think he was based on his past behavior. He was a good guy, a decent man, and he cared about what she thought, felt, and wanted. She almost wished his public persona was the real Jaxon Prescott. He would be so much easier to resist.

“Let’s see if it fits.”

She held out her hand, grateful for the manicure she’d had last week, and he slid the ring onto her finger.

“A little snug but better than big. I’d die if I had to worry about losing it,” she said, wiggling her fingers. “God, Jaxon, it’s incredible.”

He blew out a relieved breath. “I’m glad you like it. So officially, Macy Walker, will you marry me?”

“Considering I already bought the dress, yes.” She met his gaze and grinned.

He held her hands in his. “Did you know that you have an amazing smile?”

She blinked in surprise, feeling his compliment straight down to her toes.

“And I like kissing your sexy lips,” he said in a gruff voice.

She liked him kissing her, too. “You don’t say?” Her pulse began a rapid beat and excitement built up inside her chest.

His slow smile evidenced his intent as he moved in close, his mouth hovering over hers. Before she could back out, she rose and met his lips with hers. Still feeling the heaviness of the ring on her finger that marked them as a couple, she parted her lips, and soon their tongues touched, tangled, and sparks flew throughout her body.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and yanked her roughly against him, the hard lines of his chest pressing against her softer curves. Her stomach twisted with desire, and he clearly felt the same, because his hand cupped the back of her head, and he held her tightly against him as his mouth devoured hers.

With a growl, he moved his lips, kissing his way down her jawline to her ear, nuzzling the sensitive skin, making her tremble, and her nipples rubbed against his chest, arousing her even more. He worked his way back up to her mouth, their lips joining once more.

“Eew! Get a room! Is this what I’m going to have to live with?” Hannah stomped into the hallway, making her presence known.

Though Macy attempted to pull back, Jaxon kept a firm grip on her waist. “I just brought your sister her ring. Want to see?”

Some of the irritation left Hannah’s expression, replaced by definite interest. “I guess,” she said begrudgingly.

Macy stepped away from Jaxon and this time he let her go. She approached her sister, holding out her hand for Hannah to see.

“Holy shit, that’s one huge rock!”

“Hannah, that’s rude!” Macy chastised but Jaxon merely laughed.

“It is, isn’t it?”

She shot him an annoyed glare. Condoning Hannah’s behavior wasn’t going to do them any good. But she had to admit his method worked, because a grin lifted her sister’s lips.