Chapter 83
A s Adam guides me into the jewelry store, a wave of panic washes over me.
Is this my surprise? “What the fuck?!” I whisper under my breath.
The store is closed to the public, just for us.
I’m not ready for this. It’s been a whirlwind since May, and I begin praying that we are not here to look at engagement rings.
The jeweler, a shorter man, greets us. “You must be Dani, the birthday girl,” he says with a theatrical flair.
“That’s me,” I say as excited as I can right now, trying to mask my anxiety.
“We’ve got some lovely pieces selected, but feel free to explore.” He gestures grandly to the displays.
Adam interlaces his fingers with mine. “Let’s find you something special.”
I halt, feeling the need to clarify. “Adam, what are we doing here?”
“Picking out your birthday present.” He seems genuinely puzzled by my reaction.
“Okay, making sure it’s only a birthday present, nothing more.”
“Of course, what else? Though now that you mention it …” he teases, and I quickly interject.
“No, don’t even think about it,” I say, laughing but serious. The thought of getting engaged is too much, too soon. I can’t shake the feeling of being in a dream. Adam’s generosity continues to be mind-boggling.
“Dani, are you not enjoying this?” Adam asks, noticing my distant look.
“I’m overwhelmed.”
Sensing the mood, the jeweler ushers us to a plush seating area. “First, a drink,” he says cheerfully. “Champagne for the lady?”
“That sounds great.” I’m thankful for the distraction.
“And a whiskey with one ice cube for you, sir?” Adam nods.
“You come here a lot?” The guy knows his drink order, after all.
He gives a cocky shrug. Of course he does.
The jeweler turns to me. “So, Dani, I hear you’re independent, a business owner. I’m thinking you’re more of a gold girl?”
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t own any real jewelry.”
He looks shocked. “Adam, what is she saying?” The jeweler chides. “You need the essentials then: diamond studs, a pearl necklace, tennis bracelet, stacking rings, a watch.” He glares at Adam again. “You’ve been taking her out in costume jewelry?”
I laugh at how appalled he is, and he returns with a tray of stunning pieces, but it’s a ring that catches my eye. It’s not an engagement ring, but it’s certainly special. A large diamond dangles from a diamond-studded band—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Adam leans in. “You like that one.”
“Don’t get any ideas.” I smirk, but inside, I’m awestruck.
The ring stirs something in me, a vision of a life with Adam that suddenly feels real and scary.
My mind begins imagining wearing it, the symbol it would represent.
The idea of being engaged to Adam, which had terrified me moments ago, now seems like something I could want, something I could accept.
But it’s too fucking soon! I sip my champagne, trying to silence my thoughts.
Adam watches me, a knowing smile on his face, before saying, “I think he’s right. You need the essentials.”
“Maybe just the essentials for now.”
“What about the ring?” Adam asks.
The jeweler interrupts before I can say anything. “This statement piece has a three-carat stone that is off the charts in every way.”
“Not … yet, for the ring.” I wink at Adam.
“Don’t give me a heart attack,” the jeweler says. “If you two are whispering about engagement rings, we’re not considering anything under five carats.” His tone is like a scold. “This is a ring she would wear to a gala or dinner with the girls.”
I sip my champagne, hiding my amusement and the flood of emotions coming to the surface.
After seeing the jeweler’s recommendations for the essentials, we leave the store with a few pieces. I have no idea how much money he spent on me, but I have a strong suspicion it’s more than my college education.
Life with Adam is surreal. I wish I could enjoy this moment more. It’s not that I don’t want the things he bought me … I don’t know. I can’t place exactly why I’m not more ecstatic about the last hour. If we were to get engaged … No! You’re not thinking about getting engaged to him.