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JUNE
“I’ll be good,” Anderson says. But the amusement in his eyes still worries me.
“I just don’t want to be any more nervous than I already am?—"
“Relax, June. You were born to play this role.”
“Myself?”
He grins cheekily, while keeping his eyes on the road.
I roll my eyes. “You’re a real funny guy when you want to be.”
“Glad you’re finally appreciating my sense of humor.”
“Yes, well, being the butt of the joke for years put a damper on enjoying it.”
His face darkens, and I immediately regret saying that. “For what it’s worth, June, I am deeply sorry for all of that. Truly. I hate?—"
“Don’t flog yourself on my account, Anderson. I’m fine now.”
“You’re more than that. You’re flourishing.”
“Huh?”
“Look at you. You’re with one of the top firms in Boston, even if you hate it there. You’re brave enough to do something risky to meet your goals. And you look ravishing tonight.”
Warmth creeps up my throat and into my cheeks. “Guess I look okay?—"
“Don’t do that. You’re stunning. Own it.”
I don’t know how to react to his seemingly genuine praise. It’s nice and uncomfortable at the same time. So I mutter a strained, “Thanks.”
He pulls out a small box from his jacket. “Size seven, right?”
“Not since the tenth grade.”
He passes me the box. “Your ring size, June.”
“Oh, right.” I’d forgotten about this part of the ruse. When I open the box, it takes my breath away. “Wow.”
“I hope it’s okay. I’ve never bought one before.”
A huff of a laugh puffs out of me. I can’t stop staring at it. “Well, I’ve never gotten one before.” The engagement ring is a huge emerald-cut diamond with tiny alexandrite stones down the sides of the band. “It’s incredible. But why alexandrite?”
“That’s the birthstone for June,” he says, like I should have known.
I laugh hard, shaking my head as I slip it on.
“What’s so funny?”
“My birthday is August eighth.”
“Shit,” he says with a laugh. “Seems like the kind of thing your fiancé should know.”
“Yeah, but it’s okay. We’re new at this.”
“Why did your folks name you June if your birthday is in August?”
