Page 3 of Zane

It was the only restaurant they patronized. At least, William with his careful calculation had chosen the place as it was near his law firm and he represented the owners, which meant a reduced discount and one of the best tables, a corner booth facing the now blossoming gardens and waterfall. She didn't mind the place, and the service was excellent, but just once, she wished he would do something spontaneous, like going to another restaurant, even a fast-food joint. She almost laughed aloud at the very idea of William Blakely stepping foot inside a place like that.

"I'm not really hungry," she said instead as he continued to stare at her and waited for her response.

"You should have said something. I would have ordered smaller portions." He laid his utensils precisely to the sides of the plate and folded his well-manicured hands. "We will ask Christoff to box up what you don't partake of and take it with us. There's no need for us to waste food, is there?"

"No need at all." The slight sarcasm filtered into her voice and could not be helped.

"Is there something the matter, my dear? Have I offended you in any way?"

Yes! She wanted to scream. I'm suffocating here. We've been doing this for the past two years without any variation. Is this what my life is like now? Am I supposed to settle?

She jolted slightly when he reached across the table and covered her hand. "I know I haven't been at my best over the last couple of months, but you know the strain I'm under. The partnership meeting is coming up, and I have my hat in the ring." He squeezed her hand. "I want to give you the life you're accustomed to and that can only happen if I make partner. I'm asking you to bear with me."

She forced a smile and made an effort not to remove her hand. She suspected he did not mean to sound patronizing and condescending, but that was exactly how he came across.

"I'm perfectly capable of carrying my own weight and I've already told you so."

He merely patted her hand and resumed the meal. "A man is supposed to take care of his wife."

"I'm not your wife." For some reason, she felt like being ornery.

He glanced up at her, a frown marring his brow. He was an attractive man, with his smooth chocolate brown skin and immaculately styled hair with its natural waves. She knew that several of the single women in her congregation would do anything to be the one he was paying attention to. At first, it had done her heart proud to be the one he had selected, but that was wearing thin.

"It's only a matter of time." He brushed that away as if he were brushing a speck from his tailored gray suit. "We've been together for two years; I was thinking we could set a date for next April. By that time, I would have established myself as a partner at the firm. I imagine it will also give you time to give in your notice."

She simply stared at him for a moment before she started laughing.

His frown deepened. "Did I say something funny?"

"I'm not sure I heard you correctly. You think I'm going to stop working?"

He shrugged elegant shoulders, as if the matter were settled. "You cannot expect to continue with that pace when we get married. Your job is very demanding-"

"My career."

His brows lifted. "Pardon?"

"I'm qualifying. You said job. It's my career."

His mouth pursed slightly. Picking up his glass of wine, he took a thoughtful sip. "I'm not belittling your career, Kara, but you have to admit that being my wife and, very soon after, the mother of my children is going to be a full-time job in itself. I'm certain you would not want to deny me and our children the love and attention needed."

"And while I'm home playing homemaker, you're free to keep on working. What you're saying to me is that your career is more important than mine. Is that it?"

"Don't be ridiculous." His voice had a touch of annoyance to it that had her bristling. "I'm simply saying that juggling a very hectic career and that of a wife and mother will not be prudent. Something or someone is bound to get the short end of the proverbial stick." He attempted a conciliatory smile. "The partnership deal will ensure you never have to work, and I want to be in a position to be able to take care of my family. It's what real men do."

Kara wondered how she had never noticed how pompous he was, and wondered why it was bothering her now, after two years. "You're forgetting something very vital."

"And that is?"

"You've not made partner yet."

His mouth tightened in displeasure. "I expect as my girlfriend you'd have confidence in me and would be cheering me on."

"Oh, I'm cheering you on all right," she told him coolly. "I'm also telling you right now that I have no intention of giving up my career to suit you. I'm not going to be 'the little woman' who sits at home and waits for her man. It so happens we're living in the twenty-first century where women get to do it all. We can manage a career and a home at the same time."

Putting his utensils down slowly, he aimed a glance at her. "So, you're telling me that you would sacrifice your family for your career? Is that what you're saying? You disappoint me, Kara. I thought we wanted the same thing."

"Apparently not." She shoved the plate aside. "And now I'm afraid I have to go. There are some things waiting for me to attend to."