As the Georgia sun began to set in the west, Molly Ramsey determinedly shoved her VW Bug into park and scowled at the sprawling mansion in front of her. Anger still rolled off her in steaming waves hours after the truth had finally soaked into her body.
Devil freaking Delancy was not freaking gay.
DAMN IT.
His homosexuality would have solved a lot of her problems, but nope, the man couldn’t even oblige her by having the decency to be gay. Facts were facts, however. She had to deal with what was, not what she wished were true.
Glancing at her slim wristwatch, she knew she was over an hour early. She’d intended to be; taking Devil by surprise was all part of the plan. It might be the only way she gained an advantage with the manipulative jerk. Checking her reflection in the rearview mirror, she quickly pressed her glossed lips together.
She’d taken special pains with her appearance tonight. Dressed in a form-fitting pair of jeans that clung to her ass like a second skin and a pale green top that complimented her hair and eyes, she had even taken the time to wear makeup. Artfully applied by Sami, she’d been made to look almost as good as one of the model-like sticks that the son of a bitch normally dated.
Sami and Vivian had been right. A good looking outfit and a little makeover could make a woman feel much more self-assured. She was quick to remind herself, however, that she’d done this for herself.
She had certainly not made the effort for the undeserving lout residing inside the house ahead of her.
Hell, no.
Shoving open her car door, she stood, confident in her three-inch heels. Squaring her shoulders, she walked up the cobblestone path leading to his door. Standing there on his doorstep, she reminded herself that she was the one in control. This was her ballgame; she got to call the rules. Jabbing the doorbell, she waited, barely containing her impatience.
Catching her breath when the door swung open a few seconds later, she met Devil’s startled eyes with a calm, impersonal smile. “Hello, Devil,” she greeted him sweetly. “May I come in?”
Molly couldn’t deny that she enjoyed the look on his handsome face as his eyes moved over her. Slack jawed and speechless, he seemed stunned by her transformation, and she gave herself a tiny mental pat on the back. She’d have to listen to her gal pals’ advice more often. They’d both been sure that with a little creative thinking, she’d be able to knock the Devil off his game.
It appeared they were right.
“Molly,” Devil managed hoarsely as he finally found the ability to speak. “You’re early.”
Swishing past him and putting a purposeful sway in her hips, she nodded as she turned to face him. “Yep, I am. You and I need to talk, Dev,” she informed him brightly, more determined than ever to present a carefree image to the daunting man watching her every movement.
“We do,” he agreed, closing the door and following her into his spacious living room. Open and airy, it was filled with comfortable furniture that fit his large frame. None of that chrome-and-glass modern crap for him. “There are some things I need to clarify. Immediately.”
“You mean like the fact that you’re not gay?” she asked casually, tilting her head as she turned to watch his reaction.
Blinking, Devil stared at her. “Figured that out, have you?”
“It took a little while, but yes, I did.” Molly didn’t flinch as she admitted her error. “I made an assumption this morning. I’ve had time to reevaluate the situation and determined that I misread the situation. I understand that you are a perfectly heterosexual man.”
“I didn’t lie to you,” Devil pointed out quickly, uncertain how to take this new, composed Margaret Ramsey. She’d bent to sit on the edge of his sofa, her small hands clasped in her lap as she looked back at him.
“I never said you did,” Molly replied in a neutral tone. “The mistake was mine. I apologize.” She was doggedly trying not to angrily point out that he could have tried harder this morning to make her understand her mistake. She’d come here to negotiate after all. Opening fire on him for his ineptitude in dealing with the female population at large wasn’t on the agenda.
She could save that for after they were married, she consoled herself with an inward smile. Once she wore his ring, she was going to make his life a private, but unmitigated, hell on Earth.
Suspicious now, Devil took a cautious step toward where she sat. “You’re being awfully understanding, Mols. Do I need to be worried?”
It was obvious that her sudden change in attitude was making the older man nervous, and she enjoyed the feeling of empowerment that gave her immensely. Smiling benignly, Molly pressed a hand to her chest. “Why would you be worried?” she asked innocently. “Don’t tell me that you’re scared of little old me. You’re just being silly, Devil.”
“Uh huh,” he replied slowly. “What’s the catch? Did you somehow find a way to rig this place to explode? Maybe hire a hit man? Or do you have a gun stowed in your purse? What gives, Molly?”
“It’s simple. I’ve decided to stop fighting the inevitable.” Molly shrugged nonchalantly, refusing to rise to the bait he dangled in front of her. She had to keep her wits about her and her temper under control. There’d be time enough to punish him later. “We both already know that you’re going to get your way because you’ve already realized that I’m not going to hurt a dying old woman that I consider a grandmother by telling her that her grandson made up a marriage proposal. I’ve come to talk terms, Devil. Sit down and let’s get this farce of a show on the road,” she ordered, tipping her head to indicate the vacant cushion beside her on the leather couch. “As you know, we’ve got quite a few arrangements to make between us.”
She was so very proud of herself; her smile never faltered as she spoke.