Her smile stayed in place, but something in her eyes softened. “So, you really are a nice guy?”

“A regular knight in shining armor.”

“I like that,” she said. Then she was silent for a moment, tracing a swirl in the condensation on the full glass in front of her. “There are definitely times when a girl could use a knight in shining armor.”

Royce heard the catch in her voice and saw the tightness in her profile. The trouble was back in her expression.

“This one of those times?” he found himself asking, even though he knew better.

She propped an elbow on the polished bar and leaned her head against her hand, facing him. “Have you ever been in love, Royce Ryder?”

“I have not,” he stated without hesitation. And he didn’t ever intend to go there. Love guaranteed nothing and complicated everything.

“Don’t you think Melissa looked happy today?”

“I’m guessing most brides are happy.”

“They are,” Amber agreed. Then she lifted her head and moved her left hand, and he realized he’d missed the three carats sparkling on the third finger.

Rookie mistake. What the hell was the matter with him tonight?

Amber should have had more sense than to attend a wedding in her current mood. She should have made up an obligation or faked a headache. Her mother was in New York for the weekend, but it wasn’t as if her father needed moral support at a social function.

“You’re engaged.” Royce Ryder’s voice pierced her thoughts, his gaze focused on her ring.

“I am,” she admitted, reflexively twisting the diamond in a circle around her finger.

“Don’t I feel stupid,” Royce muttered.

She cocked her head, and their gazes met and held.

“Why?” she asked.

He gave a dry chuckle and raised his martini glass to his lips. “Because I may be subtle, but I am hitting on you.”

She fought a grin at his bald honesty. “Sorry to disappoint you.”