With This Ring I Thee Dread Read online

  With This Ring,

  I Thee Dread

  Ruth Ann Nordin

  Wedded Bliss Romances, LLC

  With This Ring, I Thee Dread - Smashwords Edition

  Published by Ruth Ann Nordin at Smashwords

  Copyright © 2010 by Ruth Ann Nordin

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes:

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Cover Photo Copyright JupiterImages Corporation. All rights reserved – used with permission.

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  What Nathan Wants (Book 2)

  Preorder: Just Good Friends (Book 3)

  More Contemporary Romances

  Chronological List of All Ruth Ann Nordin’s Romances

  Where To Find Ruth Ann Nordin

  Dedication

  Dedicated to Lynda Noel Feng, a beautiful friend with a generous heart. I thank God for you.

  Chapter One

  Ryan Jackson and Jacob Hackman finished giving their presentation to the two Intensity cologne executives. Ryan thought it went well, but now it was up to the executives to determine whether to accept or reject the commercial idea.

  The blinds were drawn over the large three windows of the room, but Ryan took a moment to peek through them to see the hustle and bustle of downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The February sun melted the snow into piles of slush as cars drove on the streets. He took a deep breath to calm his racing heart before turning his attention back to the executives.

  His dark brown hair was neatly trimmed. His face was clean shaven, and his dark blue eyes matched his dark suit. His six foot frame was slender and well-toned. However, despite the fact that he looked his best, he felt uneasy because one of the executives from Intensity was a woman. The man would be impressed with the facts and figures of the presentation, but what would the woman think?

  The man said, “In your presentation, you outlined the dance number you want to use. It is apparent that the men in the commercial are actively leading the dance. Is there a reason for this?”

  Ryan nodded. “Our research shows that men like to pursue women. They like a challenge, so they lead the dance. Though the women are coy, they let the men win. So this speaks to the man's urge to be dominant in a relationship.”

  “We are not saying that women aren’t equal to men,” Jacob quickly added. His dark face revealed a warm smile. “But there are differences that exist between men and women.”

  “What appeal does this commercial have for women?” the female executive asked. “Why should a woman buy this for her boyfriend or husband?”

  Jacob spoke up. “That is why we have the dancers wear formal clothes. Women are romantic. They love to dress up and go dancing. I also think that women want to be pursued, though not aggressively. The way the men approach them in the commercial is not demanding and the women are treated with respect.”

  She nodded, obviously content with the answer.

  Ryan silently thanked Jacob for his quick thinking. Jacob was ten years older than him and was happily married with three kids. If anyone knows how to handle women, it’s a married man.

  The male and female executives quietly consulted each other while Jacob helped Ryan take down the charts for their presentation. Ryan’s father, who was the president of Jackson Advertising Firm, sat farther down the table. He offered Ryan an encouraging smile.

  Finally, the woman spoke up. “We will take the account. Only, let’s leave out the narration at the very end.”

  Ryan’s father stood up and shook their hands. “Thank you. We will be in touch with you as we film the commercial. We should begin our first shoot next week.”

  The male executive smiled. “We’re looking forward to it.”

  After they left, Jacob breathed a sigh of relief. “Did you see the look on her face when you were talking about men's need to pursue women? I thought we lost the account.”

  Ryan sighed. “Are women repulsed by being pursued?”

  “No but they don’t want to be sex objects. They want to be treated like human beings.”

  “You did a fine job,” his father said. “In fact, I need to talk to you alone when you finish putting your things away.”

  After his father left the room, Ryan turned to Jacob. “Do you think the only reason I have this job is because of my dad?”

  Jacob shook his head. “No. You are creative.”

  “Yes but you know how to handle the women clients better than I do.”

  “It comes with the territory. I ask my wife for her opinion on a lot of things and she’s not afraid to tell me the truth, whether it’s good or bad.”

  He supposed that did give Jacob the advantage. Who would understand women better than a married man? “Perhaps you should be the vice president.”

  Jacob crossed his arms and smiled at him. “How can you be so confident when you’re in front of a group of people?”

  He shrugged. “I guess it comes from years of pretending to be something I’m not. I have to act like I enjoy talking to clients I can’t stand.”

  “We can’t like every client who walks through the door.”

  “I’m relieved to know I’m not the only one who has difficulty with some of the clients.”

  “Do you also hate going to the business parties?”

  “If I had someone to talk to, they would be doable. But you know I have a hard time with women.”

  “You have a hard time with them because you don’t let them see the real you.”

  “If I did that, they wouldn’t like what they saw. I’m boring. Why else would Carmen leave me for another man?”

  “Carmen was a model. She had no substance. You need a woman who can maintain a conversation for longer than five minutes. Relationships aren’t all about sex. The best thing you can do is stop and wait for the right woman.”

  “That’s not going to be a problem since I’ve never had sex.”

  “That’s great, Ryan. It’s good that you’re not using women.”

  “I don’t want anyone to know though, Jacob. I don’t want people to think I’m weird because I’m a twenty-nine year old virgin.”

  “Your secret is safe with me.”

  His father’s secretary knocked on the open door. “Can I take the computer back to the media room now?”

  Jacob nodded. “We’re done.” He turned to Ryan. “Don’t forget to see your dad. I’m sure he’ll want to congratulate you on a job well done.”

  “Thanks to you,” he added.

  Ryan went to his father’s large mahogany office with large windows overlooking the city. He knocked on the closed door.

  “Come on in, Ryan,” his father called out.

  He opened the door and saw that his father was typing something into his computer. Rowan Jackson was a slender man with salt and pepper hair and a big smile.

  “Close the door,” Rowan said.

  Ryan complied and sat in one of the crimson chairs in front of the large oak desk. Pictures of him, his mother and his father decorated the top of his desk, and several plaques and certificates and degrees hung on his walls. He had accomplished many things in his sixty years, and he was proud to show it.

  “You and Jacob make a good team,” Rowan stated. “I hate to break you two up but you have earned your spot as vice president. I know you spent many hours on the Intensity account.”

  “And I would have lost it had Jacob not stepped in to save the day.”

  “You’ve always been modest.”

  “Dad, I’m not ready for this position and we both know it. I do a good job, but I only excel because I have Jacob’s help. Can’t y
ou make him vice president instead?”

  “But you’ll take over this company one day since you’re my son. Don’t you want to do that?”

  “Yes. I enjoy working here, but I’m not in touch with the female clientele.”

  “That will come with time. I’m sure Jacob can give you some pointers to consider on that count, though a wife would be a bigger help. You should consider getting married. You’ll be thirty soon.”

  He didn’t care for the reminder. His father was anxious to get him married off. Part of it was to see his son find a suitable companion but another part was for him to get some grandchildren. Ryan used to think that women were the only ones who felt pressured into marriage.

  “Are you dating anyone?” his father asked him.

  “No.”

  His father looked thoughtful. “There is that party the Hendersons of the Henderson Hotel chain are hosting. Our firm and the Valentine Professional Decor Firm will be attending it. It will be held at the Henderson Hotel right here in Omaha. The Hendersons are interested in having us advertise for their hotel.”

  “Why are the Valentines going to be there?” He was familiar with the Valentine family since his parents were best friends with Harold and Lillian Valentine. Unfortunately, that meant he had to bump into Elizabeth Valentine, their twenty-seven year old daughter.

  “Barry Henderson wants the Valentines to redecorate the interior look of his hotels.”

  “Will there be a lot of people at this party?”

  “Yes.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. He might not run into Elizabeth at the event.

  His father shook his head. “I don’t know why you insist on hating Elizabeth Valentine. She is actually a sweet woman.”

  He rolled his eyes. She’s as sweet as a bulldog.

  “Anyway, if you don’t have a date, I was wondering if you would take her,” his father continued.

  “No! I already have a date,” he lied. Anyone but her would work out. He would have Zack Richards fix him up with one of his girlfriend’s friends.

  “I guess Elizabeth will be showing up without a date again. I don’t understand why she can’t find a man ever since Preston Edwards broke up with her for Carmen Burton.”

  “Because she’s clearly anti-male.”

  “She’s not anti-male. She’s just been hurt. She needs someone to come along and show her that men aren’t as bad as she fears.”

  Good luck to the man who has that kind of courage. She won’t be likely to leave him with his balls intact.

  His father cleared his throat. “At any rate, I want you to seriously consider settling down. Marriage is a good thing for a man. I’ve been married to your mother for thirty-five years and would do it all over again.”

  “I understand,” he finally said.

  “The Henderson party will be Friday at six. Don’t be late,” his father said. “You’ll want to make a good impression since you’ll put on vice president once Victor Tyrone retires next year.”

  “Don’t I always show up on time?”

  “You do. But don’t stop.”

  He smiled. “I won’t.”

  “Okay. There’s a sexual harassment seminar tomorrow morning. All the employees have to be there.”

  “I got the memo.”

  He chuckled. “Just wait until you see who’s giving the seminar.”

  “Who?”

  “The new occupational psychologist at the Valentine Professional Decor Firm.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “You’ll see.”

  He didn’t share his father’s enthusiasm for secrecy but decided not to press the issue. Instead, he left the office and went to lunch with Jacob.

  Chapter Two

  The next morning, Ryan groaned with dread when he realized Elizabeth was giving the sexual harassment seminar. The room was filled with a couple hundred employees who grumbled and yawned. Ryan sat in a chair at a table next to his childhood friends, blond-haired Zack Richards and redheaded Ben Fisher. Jacob sat on the other side of him.

  Elizabeth didn’t look intimidating to people just by looking at her. She was a slender 5'4" auburn haired pretty woman who appeared as if she was still twenty-two. She had big blue eyes, a button nose and thin pink lips. Her complexion was fair and her figure was nice. Anyone who looked at her for the first time would think she was a sweet and quiet woman, but Ryan knew better.

  “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” she greeted the tired crowd.

  She wore her shoulder-length hair back into a tight bun, and her gray pantsuit was baggy enough to hide the figure he knew was there. She wore her black square framed glasses which slid down her nose. She handed out a stack of papers, and he rolled his eyes when he saw that each person got twenty pages of sexual harassment notes that were neatly stapled together. What a waste of paper. I bet this stuff can be condensed to one piece of paper.

  “What did she do? Spend her whole night writing a book?” Zack shook his head. “This is going to be a major snooze fest.”

  “Give her a break,” Jacob told him. “She just started her job. She’s enthusiastic.”

  Ben yawned. “And extremely thorough.”

  Ryan had to agree with Zack and Ben on this one.

  At the front of the room, she spoke. “My name is Ms. Valentine, and I’ll be your instructor for this one hour seminar. Please look at the second page of your sexual harassment packet.”

  He reluctantly flipped to it. Zack and Ben had already turned their attention to scribbling their own notes on the paper.

  “The first thing I want to point out is the definition of sexual harassment,” she said.

  As she talked, his mind wandered to what he would be doing that evening. Most likely, he would go home to his spacious one bedroom apartment and work on a possible advertisement for the Henderson Hotel chain. He liked to get a head start on his upcoming projects. Since Barry Henderson was leaning toward an old-fashioned atmosphere to his hotels, Ryan considered that the commercial for the Henderson Hotels should have an older song playing in the background. Either a sepia or black and white video for the commercial would give it an old-fashioned feel too.

  Zack nudged his elbow. He glanced over and saw what Zack and Ben had come up with so far in their attempts to make fun of the seminar. Ben had written, “harass = her ass.” He forced himself to smile. He didn’t really think it was funny. In fact, it was downright childish.

  “On page seven,” Elizabeth continued, “are a couple examples of sexual harassment.”

  He blinked, not realizing she had gotten that far into the presentation already. He quickly flipped to page seven.

  “I think Darlene looks hot,” Ben whispered to him and Zack. “She’s been smiling at me for the past week. I should ask her out.”

  “She’s on the rebound from a serious relationship,” Zack replied. “She’ll probably do it with anyone.”

  “She’s vulnerable right now,” Jacob hissed. “Do you really think it’s a wise idea to treat her like that?”

  “Look at the skirt she’s wearing. She’s practically asking for it.”

  Despite Ryan’s better judgment, he glanced over at the pretty blond and saw that her skirt reached her mid-thighs when she sat down. It was hard not to be attracted to her long legs.

  As if she could read his mind, Elizabeth said, “I am tired of watching women dress inappropriately at work. From this moment on, the women in the room should dress modestly. Men are visual by nature, so it is the woman’s responsibility to dress in such a way that will not draw the wrong kind of attention to her.”

  “Which explains why she looks so frumpy,” Ben whispered.

  “She’s just upset because she’ll never look as good as Darlene,” Zack agreed.

  Elizabeth stopped talking and walked over to their table which was in the middle of the room. “Do you have something you wish to share with everyone?” she asked Ben and Zack.

  Here it comes. Ryan was relieved she didn’t pick him out.

  “We just want to thank you for your fine example on how to turn men off,” Ben replied.

  Most of the people in the room chuckled. Ryan was among them.