Page 111 of Making Over Maris

DOES SHE SEEM CRANKY?

She barked a laugh. “Seriously, Jack? Cranky?”

“It is a critical variable…”

IF YES: CHARM HER FROM HER BAD MOOD.

IF NO: PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

STEP TWO: GET ON ONE KNEE.

A movement captured her attention and she looked up—just as he dropped down before her. Her trembling increased apace.

STEP THREE: PRODUCE THE RING.

This took a minute because he had to check several pockets, but it was worth the wait because the ring was an exquisite marquise cut nested in a blue-velvet box. It was the ring of which she’d always dreamed. Tears pricked her lashes.

“Oh, Jack.”

“Keep reading.”

She swiped at her cheeks and directed her attention back to the paper. She couldn’t not.

STEP FOUR: ADMIT THE TRUTH.

Her heart stalled. Her breath clogged. “The truth? What truth?”

His cheeks, which were already flushed, pinkened even more.

“What truth?”

He swallowed heavily. “The truth…about this thing.”

“Which thing?”

“This bargain we made.”

“Okay.” Her pulse stuttered. Did she want to know? “Wh-what’s the truth?”

“I kind of lied to you.”

Oh. God. Panic raced. Heat washed through her. “You did?”

“Yes. I did. I didn’t really hire you to make me attractive to women, Sara.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You didn’t?”

“No.” His chin firmed. “I hired you to make me attractive to…you. You’re the only woman I’m interested in attracting. You’re the only woman I’ve ever been interested in attracting.” Something warm and sweet washed over his features. It looked like devotion.

Elation swept through her, making her tremble. “Honestly?”

“Honestly.”

She nearly went down on her knees at his side but he forestalled her.

“Keep reading, Sara. Don’t leave me hanging here.”

STEP FIVE: TELL HER HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HER.