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did Marla want you to do with the dress?’

      ‘She doesn’t care. As long as she doesn’t have to see it again.’

      ‘So someone else could wear it. You could put out an ad or something so long as the nuptials are sealed before the thirty-first.’

      ‘I thought about that, but this dress is special. I couldn’t give it away to someone who might not appreciate it.’

      ‘Even for a shot at that contest prize?’

      Even if she explained, he wouldn’t understand. People didn’t value what they got free. What they didn’t have to fight for or respect. That gown deserved to be adored.

      Besides, ‘What if Greg and Marla do get back together?’ She collected her water glass. ‘Not that I’m saying it’ll happen. But in one breath I’m supposed to be working to reunite them and in the next I’m giving her gown away.’

      ‘If those two reunite, all our problems will be solved, including your gown’s. Greg was caught in an unflattering moment. It can happen to anyone.’

      ‘It’s never happened to me.’

      He looked as if he might say, Me either, but then thought better of it.

      ‘I’m convinced he’s meant for Marla and vice versa.’ Nate’s glittering gaze took on a distant look. ‘A man falls in love only once in his life.’

      ‘Wow. Such conviction. Anyone would think you’re an expert.’

      ‘You don’t want to know how big of an expert I am.’

      Elbows on the table, she set her chin prettily in the net of her thatched fingers. ‘But I really, really do.’

      That shadowed jaw shifted and he took another sip of wine. He set down the glass, his chest expanded on a breath and he finally said, ‘Truth is, I’m the product of a happy family.’

      That was it? She sat straighter. ‘More information needed.’

      ‘My father fell in love with my mother at first sight,’ he went on. ‘They married a matter of weeks later. I’ve always known they were happy together. Were meant to be. The looks they share. Marla and Greg look at each other the same way. It’s not something you can fake.’

      Roxy’s throat swelled. She felt sad and envious as well as pleased for Nate all at the same time. What must it be like to have grown up in such a stable, predictable world and obviously, from Nate’s face, not appreciate it nearly enough?

      ‘Must be great to have parents who really get it.’ She swallowed as that familiar dark feeling gripped her stomach. ‘Think I mentioned my dad’s been married three times.’

      Nate gestured for the waiter to bring another glass for Marla. ‘And your mother?’

      ‘She has a circle of good friends.’

      ‘But none of the male variety?’

      ‘She doesn’t believe in love any more.’

      ‘And her daughter creates wedding gowns?’

      ‘My mother supports what I do.’ Roxy relented and sipped her wine, which coursed a warm pleasant path down her throat. ‘She often says how proud she is of me.’

      ‘What about you?’

      ‘Of course I’m proud of my career.’

      His tone dropped. ‘I meant do you believe in marriage?’

      The question took Roxy aback. She thought he’d already pegged her as a huge fan—a woman who stuck her claws in at the first opportunity and didn’t like to let go. And she wouldn’t lie now.

      ‘Pardon the pun but I do. I also believe that making it legal shouldn’t be rushed.’ His eyes took on a new light as those broad shoulders seemed to lock. ‘Sounds like your parents lucked out,’ she went on, ‘but mine married after a whirlwind romance too and they bombed out badly.’

      ‘So it’ll be a long engagement for you?’

      ‘I have a career to nurture. Places I want to visit. People I’d like to meet. I’m a long way off from wanting to get serious with someone.’ Particularly the wrong someone.

      ‘That’s exactly how I feel.’

      Her grin was wry. ‘I kinda guessed.’

      As his gaze roamed her face, the awareness glistening in those crystal-cut eyes sent her heartbeat tripping all over itself and her mind wandering to places it shouldn’t. She already knew she loved the feel of his mouth on hers, the heat of his amazing body pressed close. She also knew developing feelings for Nate Sparks was completely, totally out of the question. Her mother might have been weak and fallen for a rogue who thought only of himself, but, dammit, she never would.

      ‘I have an idea,’ he said, collecting his glass as if ready to make a toast. ‘If you agree to be part of this plan and Greg and Marla don’t make up …’

      His head went back as if he were having second thoughts but now, despite it all, she was curious.

      ‘And if they don’t make up …?’

      ‘If they don’t make up, I’ll walk you down the aisle in that dress myself.’

      Her vision tunnelled, the world tipped upside down and Roxy forgot to breathe. When she did fill her lungs, it was with a gulp. Then she coughed and had to cover her mouth with the napkin.

      ‘You must have a temperature,’ she said over the square of linen. ‘You’re delirious.’

      ‘You have everything to gain, nothing to lose.’

      ‘Except Marla’s friendship when she bans me from her life for deceiving her.’

      ‘I’m betting she’ll name their first girl child after you. If not—’ his smile softened ‘—she’ll understand. That’s what friends do.’

      Slowly, Roxy set her napkin down. ‘You’d really commit to walking me down the aisle in that dress?’

      ‘It’s for a good cause. Besides there’s such a thing as annulment.’ His laugh was a little too quick. ‘We’re not talking for real here, Roxy, just a means to an end. We both agreed. Neither of us is after that kind of commitment.’

      She blinked and felt her cheeks go horribly warm. Well, of course that was what he’d meant. This proposition was simply another of his angles to get to where he wanted to go.

      ‘Was that a yes?’ he asked.

      She held her brow. She hadn’t said that. She couldn’t agree. ‘That’s too wild of an idea.’

      ‘Way I see it, for you it’s a safe bet.’

      Roxy looked down at her placemat and that big striped cat flashed a challenging grin. Was she like that tiger? Powerful, passionate? Reckless? Nate had already said it wouldn’t be a real

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