“I didn't really ask properly before. Now I am.” He held up one hand, forestalling her interruption. “Please, just hear me out. I love you, Connie. I always have, from the moment we first met, and I always will. I know you think that's crazy, but it's true. And there's a very good reason why I know it's true… but unfortunately, I can't tell you what that is until after we're married. So: Will you marry me?”
Connie stared at him.
“I also chartered a jet to Vegas,” Chase added. “So we can get married today, I can tell you everything, and then we can still be back well in time for the race.”
“You,” Connie said slowly, “are certifiably insane.”
He didn't move. “If you don't like what I tell you, then we can get an annulment straight away. Please, Connie. Marry me, and I swear this will all make sense. Trust me.”
Connie pinched the bridge of her nose, taking deep breaths until she could trust herself to speak without yelling. “No. I am not marrying you. For God's sake, Chase, we've barely even spent any time together!”
“We've known each other for three years,” he argued. “Lots of people get married in less time than that.”
“Three months over three years! The time when we weren't in contact doesn't count!”
“It does to me,” Chase said softly. “I thought of you every day.”
And I thought of you every night…
“Fantasies of some idealized versions of each other don't mean anything,” she said ruthlessly. “You don't know me, Chase. No matter how much you think you do, you don't. I mean, you didn't even know that I don't like diamonds.”
Chase's expression inexplicably brightened. Carelessly tossing the diamond ring aside, he rummaged in his pocket.
“Constance West,” he said, pulling out a vintage gold ring set with three fabulous fire opals, “will you marry me?”
Connie's mouth hung open.
“I did remember that you'd mentioned once that you didn't care much for diamonds,” Chase explained, offering her the ring. “But I know you also like traditions, so I thought I'd better try a very traditional ring first. Anyway, this one reminded me of that pendant you used to wear, so I thought you might like it.”
“You bought two engagement rings,” Connie said weakly. “In the middle of the night.”
“Well, I found a jeweler who lived above her shop, so then it was just a case of shouting loud enough to wake her up. And then convincing her that it would be worth her while to open up.” He looked a little sheepish. “I, um, actually bought five rings. I also have one with your birthstone, one with emeralds to match your eyes, and an Irish Claddagh ring.”
Connie stared at him yet again.
“I have difficulty saying no to pretty things,” Chase admitted.
Connie folded her arms. “Well, we both know that’s certainly true.”
Chase winced, but didn’t back down. “Connie, I'm deadly serious about this. I need to marry you. Please?”
For a mad moment, Connie entertained the idea of actually going through with it, just to finally get an insight into his peculiar head. Maybe there was some great secret that would explain everything…
Her common sense ruthlessly crushed the silly thought. Of course there was no so-called secret, no rational reason for his erratic behavior. If he wasn't genuinely mentally ill, then he had to be just playing her, in some private, twisted joke.
“No,” she repeated, hoping he hadn't noticed her hesitation. “Now get up. We have a plane to fly.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Chase fought to contain the grin that wanted to spread across his face as he followed Connie to the airplane hanger.
She hesitated! She definitely hesitated before she said no. I'm making progress!
His stallion flicked its tail sullenly. Slow progress. Too slow.
It wasn't in the pegasus's nature to be patient. Or, if he was honest with himself, his own. Even though he treasured any tiny hint of Connie softening toward him, he couldn't help but want to accelerate the process.
Fortunately, he had the perfect opportunity.