A CONTRACT ENGAGEMENT

Julian made a strangled noise and promptly took a long drink of his wine. Nina kept a perfectly straight face as she took in the reactions of Julian’s family.

Elizabeth looked wary. Abby was smiling. Loveth looked murderous. Sam had a strange look that could only be interpreted as a cross between regret and sadness, his father, Ben looked distracted, while Ross nodded approvingly. He reached over to slap his son on the back.

“You’ve got yourself a winner here, son. I heartily approve. This one will keep you on your toes well into your old age. I like her.” he said.

Greaaat, Nina thought. She had the approval of her fake father-in-law to be. She looked over at Julian as guilt swamped her. She’d gotten carried away and hadn’t been able to resist the opportunity to needle Julian a bit. Though he deserved it, she still felt bad about carrying things so far.

To her surprise, he was staring thoughtfully at her, his eyes warm with something she was afraid to analyze.

“I absolutely agree,” Julian murmured. “I’m a very lucky man.”

Julian kept a possessive arm wrapped around Nina’s waist as they navigated the small field of people in the ballroom where everyone had gathered after the rehearsal dinner.

A band played, and already several couples were dancing, his mom and dad included.

He knew the closeness between him and Nina was all for show, but the primitive part of him recognized his desire to publicly brand her as his woman. She’d probably knee him right in the groin if she had any inkling what his thoughts were. The image made him wince and chuckle all at the same time.

Every time he looked at Loveth, he was gripped by such gratitude and relief that it staggered him. How close he’d come to an unmitigated disaster.

All the things he had thought he wanted were ludicrous in hindsight. A woman like Loveth would never hold his attention for long. She didn’t challenge him. He wanted someone intelligent, as driven as he was, someone he could consider a partner.

Someone like Nina.

His lips tightened. Thanks to his decision to go with Standard Gate Communications-he hadn’t told Nina yet-a relationship between them was impossible. Not that he’d give a rat’s ass that she worked for him indirectly, but Nina would never agree.

“If you hold me any tighter, someone’s going to call the police on us,” Nina murmured.

He loosened his hold on her waist and uttered a low apology.

“Let’s dance,” she suggested. “You’re way too tense. No one’s ever going to believe we’re newly engaged and head over heels in loooove with you scowling like that.”

“You’re right. Sorry. Got distracted.” he said.

“I’ll try not to take that personally,” she teased.

He relaxed immediately and let her pull him onto the dance floor. The music was slow and seductive and gave him the perfect opportunity to do what he’d been wanting to do all damn day. Hold her flush against his body so he could feel every one of her soft, delectable curves.

They fit perfectly and he tucked her as close as she would go. His cheek rested against her temple as he slowly whirled her around the floor. Her hips swayed, brushing her belly across his groin. He let one hand trail down her spine and over the curve of one hip.

She tensed a moment, and he wondered if she’d tell him to back off but then she relaxed with a sigh and melted into his arms once more.

“You were fantastic at lunch today,” he said against her ear. “I never thought my father would become such a fan. He’s typically a stodgy, conservative chauvinist.”

Her shoulders shook with laughter. “He’d fit in quite well with my family then. My father and brothers think my sole ambition in life should be to look pretty and let them take care of me and make every decision for me.” She replied

“I’m going to admit something,” he said gravely.

She turned her face up, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Oh, do tell. Is this where you divulge your deepest, darkest secrets?” she asked playfully.

“You could try to express an appropriate amount of appreciation for my confiding in you,” he huffed.

“Very well. I’m sorry. Let me just bat my eyelashes in adoration, but be quick or I’ll mess up my mascara.”

He shook his head as helpless laughter escaped. “What I was going to admit was that while I truly appreciate and agree with everything you had to say, there is a caveman lurking underneath my civilized exterior. I can see why your family wants to protect and take care of you. I think if you were mine, I’d feel much the same way.”

Her lips parted, and she stared at him with the oddest expression. There was no anger or condemnation. Interest and something else gleamed in her beautiful eyes.

“And sometimes I think if you were mine, I just might let you,” she said huskily.

His entire body tightened. His hand raced up her spine and he curled his fingers gently at her nape. Their eyes were locked together and all he had to do was lean down.

Just a bit. He could taste her already. His head lowered. Her eyes narrowed to slits and she let out a breathy, feminine sigh of anticipation.

“Julian, you’ve monopolized her long enough.”

His father’s voice boomed in his ears and Julian jumped, sending Nina away from him for a brief moment.

Ross stood there expectantly. “Going to let me cut in?” he asked.

Julian slipped Nina’s hand into his father’s. “Of course. Just don’t keep her for long.” he replied.

Ross chuckled as he spirited Nina away. “One dance won’t kill you, son.”

Julian watched his dad whirl Nina across the floor. In a word, she was magnificent. She laughed at something he said and her smile lit up the entire room. She sparkled.

“Quite a woman,” Sam drawled.

Julian stiffened and turned to see his brother standing there, drink in hand.

“Where’s the bride-to-be?” Julian asked. “Didn’t figure she’d let you out of her sight until the vows were spoken.”he added sarcastically.

Sam shrugged. “She’s over with your Mom, talking about the honeymoon arrangements.” He replied. He looked again at Nina and Ross. “You’re marrying her for real?”

“Is there some reason I shouldn’t?” Julian asked mildly.

“Doesn’t seem your type.”

Julian regarded his cousin with curiosity. “And what is my type?” he asked. “You seem to know a lot about what I like”