But Colby Wingate's beauty stood out. It was different, it was unique and, like the perfume she wore, the only way he could think to describe it was to simply define it as Colby. Even with her feistiness, there was a rare innocent quality that seemed to radiate from her. He had felt that way ever since their first kiss yesterday. Initially, he had dismissed such a notion as ludicrous. After all, she was twenty-six years old. But then after their kiss today in the park, he wasn't too sure anymore. Although she had returned his kiss with a hunger so intense it had fueled his own, it had been a curious hunger, an uncertain hunger. It was as if she'd been unsure just what kind of hunger had overtaken her. And it had made him want her more than he had ever wanted a woman before.

"You look nice, too, Sterling."

Colby's words penetrated the silence in the room. She watched as Sterling's gaze returned to her mouth. And there it lingered once again. The suite suddenly appeared smaller and Sterling's height and breadth became larger than life. Thinking more of her own survival than anything else, Colby forced a quick smile and took a step back into the room.

"I'm ready. I just need to grab my purse," she said almost breathlessly. She tried to sound calm and composed but knew she'd failed miserably under the intense perusal of his eyes.

"This is for you," he said in a deep masculine voice as he handed her a small box.

Colby raised a brow as she took the gift-wrapped package from him. She had been so engrossed in her appraisal of him that she hadn't noticed him holding anything in his hand. "What is it?"

He shrugged with indifference. "Why don't you open it and see."

Colby didn't miss the silky timbre that suddenly appeared in his voice. She met his gaze. "All right." She slowly opened the box.

She gasped. There inside the box on emerald-green velvet was a five-carat diamond solitaire ring. "Sterling!"

He took the box from her still-shocked fingers. "It's your engagement ring," he said, placing the huge ring on the third finger of her left hand. "This officially makes us engaged."

"B-but you didn't have to get anything so...so extravagant. I didn't expect it."

He released her hand. "Maybe you didn't, but the media will. I've never been engaged before, so they'll expect the woman I've chosen to become my wife to have some huge glittering representation of my esteemed affection," he said. "If you're ready, we can leave now. I've made reservations."

Colby wasn't given the chance to ask where they were going as she found herself quickly ushered from the hotel to a beautiful sleek red Jaguar. Sterling opened the car door for her.

"This is a beautiful car, and it's my favorite color," she said, lowering herself inside the polished leather of the expensive vehicle.

"I'm glad you like it," Sterling replied as he got under the steering wheel. "For some reason I knew you would look good in red," he said.

Colby a.s.sumed the comment had been made in reference to her outfit until Sterling added, "It will be shipped to you in a few days."

"What will?"

"This car."

She thought she must have heard him wrong. She sat upright. "Excuse me?"

Sterling had expertly eased the car out into traffic before he responded. "This car. It's an engagement present from me to you, and I'll send it to you in Virginia."

Colby was aghast. "You can't give me this car!"

Sterling raised a brow. "I can't?"

"Of course, you can't."

"Why not?"

"It's not proper and you can't do it."

Sterling shook his head. She was the only woman he knew who seemed to care about what was or was not proper. Most of the women he dated didn't give a flip. In fact, they thrived on doing improper things.

"Colby, I can do anything I want to do, and you're getting the car."

"Well, I don't want it!"

He frowned. "Of course, you want it. You're a woman. All women like expensive presents. Why should I believe you're any different?"

Sterling regretted saying the words the moment they had left his mouth. Deep down, a part of him knew in actuality, she was was different. Although he wasn't sure to what degree, he believed Colby Wingate was different from any other woman he had ever come in contact with. He had reached that conclusion after watching the video that showed her interacting with her cla.s.s, and then meeting her. But still, a part of him would never fully trust her or any woman. And although he had all intentions of marrying her, their marriage would not be forever. It was a business deal and nothing more. He had spent too many years with his emotions locked up deep inside of him. And he wasn't about to unleash them now. More than ever, he would have to keep his guard up around Colby. She had a way of getting next to him and if he wasn't careful, he would find her suddenly embedded right under his skin. different. Although he wasn't sure to what degree, he believed Colby Wingate was different from any other woman he had ever come in contact with. He had reached that conclusion after watching the video that showed her interacting with her cla.s.s, and then meeting her. But still, a part of him would never fully trust her or any woman. And although he had all intentions of marrying her, their marriage would not be forever. It was a business deal and nothing more. He had spent too many years with his emotions locked up deep inside of him. And he wasn't about to unleash them now. More than ever, he would have to keep his guard up around Colby. She had a way of getting next to him and if he wasn't careful, he would find her suddenly embedded right under his skin.

Colby sat in brooding silence. Sterling's words had hurt her in a way he would never know. Evidently most of the women he knew walked around with dollar signs in their eyes and placed money above everything. If that was the case, then she was was different. different.

Her parents had been two hard-working, G.o.d-fearing, middle-cla.s.s black Americans who had provided her and James with a good and loving home, and had instilled in them good moral values and a firm belief in doing what was right. Even after their deaths when James had become her legal guardian, he had continued to provide that strong foundation for her. No matter how much studying he had to do on the weekends, he had carved out precious time for her and spent a part of his Sat.u.r.days doing fun things with her; and then on Sundays he had taken her to Sunday school and church.

She knew, like Reverend Johnson often said, money was not the root of all evil but the love of it was. Even when James had worked hard putting all his time and energy into his business, she and Cynthia had known it hadn't been about money. It had been about accomplishing a goal in life and making the best out of a talent G.o.d had given you no matter what the odds.

"We're here."

Sterling's words invaded Colby's thoughts. She looked out the window and was not surprised he had taken her to a restaurant she could immediately tell was frequented by the elite and wealthy.

Most of the cars lining the parking lot were very expensive. A valet dressed in a short-waisted white jacket and dark trousers greeted them. No sooner had they alighted from the car than they were thrust upon by a swarm of reporters surrounding the establishment. They suddenly found themselves caught in the firing line of flash bulbs.

"Who's your new lady this month, Mr. Hamilton?" a lanky reporter asked as he held his miniature tape recorder in his hand.

"Where's Diamond Swain? Does she know she's been replaced? Or has she really? When was the last time you saw her?" another reporter asked.

Then there came a question from a third. "How long will your fling with this one last, Hamilton? Considering your track record, I'd say a week or two."

Sterling laughed. "Gentlemen, can't the lady and I enjoy a nice evening without your endless questions?"

"Hey, look at the size of the rock on this broad's hand," the lanky reporter exclaimed, getting the attention of the others.

Sterling gave the lanky reporter a leveled stare. "The lady isn't a broad and don't ever call her that again."

Then he turned his gaze on the other dozen or so reporters who seemed to have all gone temporarily speechless. He knew the reason. He rarely came to the defense of any women he was with.

"I think it's time I set the record straight," he replied smoothly, sliding a possessive arm around Colby's waist and pulling her closer to his side. Colby came to him willingly although he could tell she was somewhat nervous from all the attention she was getting.

"This is Colby Wingate, and as of this afternoon she became my fiancee."

This was news and what followed Sterling's statement was an explosion of more questions, one fired right behind the other. One reporter drowned out his colleagues as he unceremoniously raised his voice above the others. "Where did you come from, Ms. Wingate? And exactly what do you do for a living?"

Acute nervousness churned inside Colby. She looked at Sterling and to her surprise he gave her an a.s.suring wink. That wink somehow gave her the inner strength she needed to answer the reporter's question in a rather calm voice. "As you can tell, I'm not a model. I've got too much hair for it," she said, jokingly placing the blame on her long, thick hair and not her size-ten figure. Her comment elicited laughter from all, including Sterling.

"I'm from Richmond, Virginia. And I'm a schoolteacher. I teach third grade."

"A teacher! Sterling Hamilton is marrying a schoolteacher and not a Hollywood glamour girl?" someone in the crowd shouted out.

"But take a good look at this teacher. They never looked like that when I was in school. If I would have had one who looked like her, I would've volunteered to stay back in third grade another year or two," another reporter shouted. His statement got chuckles and nods of agreement from the others.

"Now that you've gotten your story, do you mind letting us enter the restaurant in peace?" Sterling snapped. He was becoming slightly irritated at the number of reporters who were more interested in Colby's outfit than getting a news-breaking story.

A reporter then asked, "When is the wedding?"

Sterling answered as he ushered Colby toward the restaurant. "As soon as possible in a very private ceremony. So don't any of you wait on invitations."

"Why the rush with the wedding, Hamilton?" the same reporter asked. "Could it be Miss Wingate is expecting a bundle of joy in the very near future? Like less than nine months from now?"

Sterling stopped and turned around. His deadly gaze lighted on the short, plump reporter. Removing his hand from Colby's waist, he stood in a threatening stance. The stormy expression on his face radiated the fact that Sterling Hamilton was a man to reckon with when angered.

"For the record, Colby and I very much want a child one day. However, at the present time we aren't expecting one. The only reason we're marrying quickly is for my own selfish reasons."

Colby reached out and placed her hand on Sterling's arm. She felt his tensed muscles relax with her touch. Their eyes met as he returned his hand to her waist. And then to her complete surprise he lowered his mouth to hers. Oblivious of the cameras flashing around them he kissed her. The kiss was soft, warm and tender. And although it only lasted mere seconds, the feel of his lips on hers, as always, totally consumed Colby.

"As I said, gentlemen," Sterling stated in a husky voice as his eyes continued to gaze into Colby's, "my reasons for rushing into marriage with Ms. Wingate are purely selfish ones. Good night." Then he tenderly gripped Colby's elbow and led her into the restaurant.

Once inside, Colby noticed that heads turned and curious glances followed them as they made their way to their table. "Well, that's over," she stated as Sterling pulled out the chair for her.

"Don't count on it," he replied gruffly.

Colby tried to dismiss the brief kiss they had shared. She knew it was all a part of the playacting they had agreed to do, but as usual, it had had a whirlwind effect on her. He had looked at her so intensely, so tenderly and so caringly. His words had seemed so genuinely sincere, so believable, that for a brief moment she had felt...what? A fraction of truth in them? Of course, they were the truth, she realized as she accepted the menu from the waiter. He really hadn't actually lied. They were rushing into marriage for his own selfish reasons. He wanted a baby and was using her as a means to get one.

She glanced around the beautiful establishment. Across the room she could have sworn she saw Will Smith dining with his wife, Jada Pinkett. Colby suddenly wondered how many times Sterling had brought Diamond Swain here with him. She immediately dismissed the thought, convincing herself she cared less. She would not let her mind dwell on one of the questions a reporter had asked him about Diamond Swain that he had not answered.

They studied the menu in silence. Unable to make up her mind on a selection, Colby ended up letting Sterling order for her. She was not disappointed. Both the meal and the wine were exquisite. She didn't know which of the two she could credit with relieving the tension from her body, although she leaned more heavily toward it being the vintage wine he had ordered. She was surprised that, just like earlier that day at the park, she was enjoying his company.

He asked her numerous questions about her job while they ate. He also shared tidbits with her about the movie he had just finished filming in Paris and the one he was scheduled to begin shooting next month in Spain.

He told her about his home in Malibu and the one in North Carolina, saying the latter was the one he considered his real home, although he commuted back and forth between the two while filming. He briefly mentioned his father's death, and the tone of his voice and the flash of pain that appeared in his eyes confirmed just what Edward Stewart had told her-Sterling and his father had been close.

Not once did he mention his mother and after his acrid words earlier that day, she knew it was not a safe topic for discussion. But still she couldn't help being curious. She also noted he didn't bring up anything a.s.sociated with Wingate Cosmetics or the subject of a baby. She was very appreciative of that.

"We can leave now," Sterling said, calling for their bill.

"I'm surprised you didn't have a cup of coffee before leaving," Colby said as he escorted her out of the restaurant. "You appear to be someone who'd love to drink a cup after such an enjoyable meal."

"Really?" Sterling asked, raising a darkened brow as he led her outside and waited as the valet brought them their car. "You're right. A meal such as that should be followed by a good cup of coffee. But I would like to have my coffee without an audience even if I wasn't so lucky with my meal. Whether you realized it or not the two of us were the center of attention tonight."

"Yes, I noticed," she answered. And you gave them a performance worth watching, And you gave them a performance worth watching, Colby thought, remembering his attentiveness during dinner. To anyone looking at them, they appeared to be a couple very much in love. She had hung on his every word, and he hers. Several times he had reached across the table and had captured her hand in his. His touch had been warm, gentle, a.s.suring. It had stirred feelings in her she'd only been introduced to since meeting him. Colby thought, remembering his attentiveness during dinner. To anyone looking at them, they appeared to be a couple very much in love. She had hung on his every word, and he hers. Several times he had reached across the table and had captured her hand in his. His touch had been warm, gentle, a.s.suring. It had stirred feelings in her she'd only been introduced to since meeting him.

When they arrived back at the hotel they again found themselves caught in the midst of reporters. Colby noticed they were not the same ones from the restaurant. Evidently news traveled fast. Once again, Sterling provided them with the same information he had given the others. Nothing more, nothing less.

Afterward, he ushered her across the hotel's plush carpet and well-lit foyer to the elevator and up to their rooms. Colby was mildly surprised when he followed her inside her suite.

"Would you like to join me in a cup of coffee?" he asked.

She felt tired, but more than anything she felt the need to distance herself from Sterling. If nothing else, the reporters tonight had reminded her of just who he was. Sterling was a Hollywood superstar, an acclaimed macho man accustomed to a glamorous lifestyle that included beautiful women who would jump at the chance to be a part of his life, including sharing his bed. And as he had told her on their way to the restaurant, he could do anything he wanted. She knew that included taking advantage of her if she let him. But she had no intention of letting him do that.

"No, thank you, I don't want any coffee," she declined hastily.

Sterling nodded then picked up the phone and ordered coffee to be delivered to her suite. Afterward, the room was quiet for several minutes before Colby finally spoke.

"If you don't mind, Sterling, I want to call it a day. I'm tired and have a plane to catch in the morning."

He met her gaze. "No, you don't."

"Excuse me?"

Sterling ignored her question as he walked away to open the door for room service. When they were alone once more Colby again asked what he had meant by his earlier statement. It wasn't until after he had poured a cup of coffee and had taken a few sips that he answered her. The silence had been unnerving.

"You don't have an early plane to catch. I'm taking you home day after tomorrow. In my private jet."

"You're what!"

"I said I'm taking you home."

"Wait a minute. This is the first I've heard of this. And just who made that decision?"

"I did."

"And who gave you the right? I don't need you to take me home."

Sterling's cool gaze held Colby's and knew she was angry. He watched as she crossed her arms under her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. The gesture made her b.r.e.a.s.t.s swell against the fabric of her dress. He got so caught up in looking at her, that for a minute he had forgotten she was waiting for his response. She soon reminded him, however.

"I asked you a question, Sterling."

"Aren't I the lucky one," he responded smartly, annoyed with himself for finding her so darn desirable that at times he couldn't think straight. He placed his coffee cup down and walked over to where she stood in the center of the room. When he spoke, his voice was soft but very clear.

"First of all, you and I are officially engaged. You are the woman who will become my wife and you're also the woman who will give me my son. You can chalk it up to masculine possessiveness or just plain arrogance on my part, but from the moment you agreed to marry me, temporarily binding our lives together, I claimed you as mine. And what's mine, Colby, I protect."

Colby felt a soft tremor pa.s.s through her body with Sterling's statement claiming her as his, but still she was determined to stand up to him. Squaring her shoulders she said, "But I don't need your protection."

He released a deep breath before he continued. "Yes, you do. Because of our engagement, you'll now find yourself ha.s.sled unnecessarily by reporters who'll want a story, and the paparazzi who'll want pictures. They will badger you relentlessly. You wouldn't even make it to the airport."

"But you've given them a story. Surely they won't bother to ask me anything else."

"Yes, they will. And although I think you handled yourself remarkably well tonight with those reporters, the paparazzi can be relentless, thoughtless and inconsiderate. You do remember what happened to Princess Di don't you? Think about it, Colby. The news of our engagement is now a hot item. Your life as you used to know it is virtually gone. I'll try to protect you from the media as much as I can and taking you home is one way."

Sterling then chuckled throatily. "Besides, if anything I believe your brother will expect me to bring you home. I'm sure he'll want to talk with me."

Colby nervously wrung her hands together. "But I haven't had the chance to tell him about you yet."

"Then I suggest you do so as soon as possible. News of our engagement will hit the newspapers in the morning. It may even make the late-night news on television tonight. I believe your brother is a good and decent man to have taken the responsibility of raising you after your parents' death. I highly respect such a person, and it wouldn't be right if I sent you back alone. Especially if he thinks the two of us are sleeping together while you're here."

"Why would he think anything like that!"