Put a Ring On It Read Online Free Page B

looks alone couldn’t account for all the attention he was receiving. He exuded a confidence and charm that could not be denied, that
forced
you to notice him.
    And then he turned to face them and the trio of women in front of Brighton practically swooned. They snatched up their wineglasses and started toward him, fluffing their hair and swaying their hips. It was like the guy had switched on a tractor beam. The Death Star in jeans and a worn leather jacket.
    As soon as the first trio left, another trio materialized to continue the fangirling:
    â€œLook at his face.”
    â€œLook at his eyes.”
    â€œLook at his hair.”
    â€œLook at his
watch
.” Brighton squinted, trying to discern the details in the dim lighting. “Is that . . . ?”
    â€œ
That
is Jake Sorensen.” Lila waved to the bartender, who slammed down her stainless steel cocktail shaker and motioned them closer. “Designated rebound guy for all the newly single women.”
    Brighton couldn’t take her eyes off the designated rebound guy’s wrist. “Incredible.”
    â€œPretty much,” Lila agreed. “He’s filthy rich, he’s charming as all get out, and he looks . . . well, he looks like that. Although he’s usually smiling, which makes him look even better, if you can believe it.” She shot a sidelong glance at Brighton. “You’re not hyperventilating and dissolving into a puddle of lust? Way to buck the trend.”
    â€œWhat?” Brighton was still staring at his wrist. “Oh. Yeah, I don’t really go for tall, dark, and handsome. I prefer well-read, low-key, and loyal. I’m boring like that. And also engaged.”
I think. I hope.
    â€œMe, too.” Lila clapped her hand over her mouth. “Well, not yet. Not officially. But soon.”
    â€œGood for you. You shouldn’t rush these things,” Brighton murmured. Why didn’t more people understand that? “Patience is a virtue.”
    â€œIt’s not really so much about patience; it’s more about our insane work schedules. I’ve been busy getting the Naked Finger up and running and my boyfriend, Malcolm, works with Jake. Speaking of which, brace yourself.” Lila rolled her eyes like an exasperated but indulgent older sister as Jake Sorensen strode toward them. “He’s headed this way.”
    Some of the women who had been eyeing Jake started glaring at Brighton and Lila. Lila seemed oblivious, but Brighton wasn’t used to being the object of anyone’s envy or hostility. Blending intothe background was more her deal. She studied the drink specials on the chalkboard above the bar until Lila made the official introductions:
    â€œJake Sorensen, this is Brighton Smith. She just arrived for a weekend visit.”
    Base, carnal desire surged through Brighton, shocking in its immediacy and intensity. One second she was reading about champagne cocktails; the next second she was struggling to keep her hands to herself. She hadn’t even made eye contact yet and she wanted to peel his shirt off.
    Then for God’s sake, don’t make eye contact.
    â€œHi.” She jerked her chin in a kind of a side-nod and kept her gaze focused on his wrist. “Is that a 1950s Patek Philippe?”
    â€œIt’s 1953.” He lifted his wrist so she could inspect the watch. What had once been a flawless Swiss timepiece had become nearly unrecognizable with age and neglect. The brown leather band was cracked and scarred. The stainless steel lug and case had blackened. The crystal covering the dial was cloudy and scratched so badly, she couldn’t read the manufacturer’s name. But she appreciated quality when she saw it. “How’d you know?”
    â€œThe lugs.” She pointed with her index finger but didn’t trust herself to touch. “They’re extended and curved downward. That’s really rare. They only made that