Innocent's Nine-Month Scandal (Barsi On Fifth Duet Book 2; One Night With Consequences) by Dani Collins

Author:Dani Collins [Collins, Dani]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Mother-To-Be, Sensual Story Theme, Hearts Desire, Lifetime Love, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Small Town & Rural Area, Action & Adventure, Barsi On Fifth Duet, One Night With Consequences, Family & Domestic Life, Expected Mother, Accidental Pregnancy, Establish Paternity, Parenthood
Publisher: Harlequin Presents; Original Edition
Published: 2019-04-01T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

Rozalia emerged from the manager’s office twenty minutes later, thankful to be wearing a tasteful and truly interesting necklace of amethysts set in platinum.

Was Viktor annoyed with her? Insulted that she had rejected his gift? She couldn’t tell. He lifted his head from reading his phone to peruse her new adornment, then met her anxious gaze with a completely impassive expression.

“I agree,” he stated dryly.

Was he patronizing her?

The manager fell over himself apologizing to Viktor, crediting him with a full refund for the original necklace and not charging for the one Rozi now wore.

“You did not pay for that yourself,” Viktor said in an ominous tone.

“We’ve come to a different arrangement.” She waited until they were in the back of his car to explain. “I promised to put him in contact with my uncle and arrange for some pieces from our curated collection to be sold through this location. It’s a win-win. Barsi on Fifth is always looking for ways to expand its visibility.”

“What did you say to make him so apologetic after losing a sale that would have paid his lease for months?”

“Oh, you know me and my buses.” She tried to sound blasé. “I shamelessly threw you under one. I said you should have explained my connection to the Barsi family and that I’m sure if he’d known we were going to an art museum, he would have steered you toward something with more artistic and conversational value.”

His gaze went to the necklace.

“It’s made by a local goldsmith. She’s still new, but she’s managed a very tricky balance—literally. The chain won’t slide even though this side of the design has the majority of the stones. I’m quite impressed and will tell everyone what a good eye he has for spotting emerging talent.”

“Was it his eye? Or did you educate him on that, too?”

“Are you angry? Viktor, the diamonds aren’t me. I would have felt like a mannequin, with nothing to say except ‘Thank you’ while people stared at them. I didn’t mean to act like a spoiled diva.”

“I don’t think you’re spoiled. Maybe a little,” he allowed with a considering tilt of his head. “Who turns up their nose at a small fortune in diamonds? It’s some of the most impractical behavior I’ve witnessed since you climbed into the back of a stranger’s car.”

“You’re laughing at me?” She felt giddily pleased. “I am a snob when it comes to jewelry. You might as well know that up front. But to my mind, this serves the higher purpose of giving me confidence.” She traced the edge of the platinum where it had warmed from sitting against her skin.

“You just put two men at the top of their game into their place. How do you need confidence?”

“I mean in my looks and what sort of impression I’ll make. Intellectually, I’m fine. I know what I know and I won’t let anyone talk me down on that front.”

“Who talks down about the way you look? You’re beautiful.”

She shook her head, sorry she’d let her insecurity slip.

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