Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
This has been something he’s done often since his return. Going quiet. Getting lost in thought. “Hey, you okay?” I ask, and not for the first time.
He nods.
I don’t believe him. Something happened on his scouting trip to the three cities. Something that changed him in subtle ways only a close friend would recognize.
Knowing I’m not going to get any information out of him as I’ve tried many times, I decide to change the subject. “I’m going to ask your sister to marry me,” I tell him.
He jerks toward me, eyes wide. “You think you could have prepared me more? Segued into the conversation or something? Congratulations!”
I laugh. “What makes you sure she’ll say yes?” I ask, though I’m confident that she will.
We’re all but living together in her apartment. It wasn’t a difficult choice. It was easier for me to move my things into hers than all her clothing, toiletries, and things into mine.
“I’ve never seen two people more in love and in sync than you two, expect maybe my parents,” Jack says. “Not that you need it, but you have my blessing.”
“Thanks, man. That means a lot.”
I’d already asked Ian for his permission to marry his daughter. After a stern glare that would have scared off a lesser man, he’d shaken my hand and told me not to hurt her because if I did, he’d hire someone to shoot me.
I’d said, “Fair enough.” And walked out of his home shaking. A little.
I glance at my friend. “We’ve come a long way with this place.”
Jack nods. “We have, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.” He puts a hand on my shoulder. “Well, what are you waiting for? Go ask my sister to shackle herself to you for life.”
Chuckling, I place my drink down on the table and head off to do just that.
I scan the room and find Rainey standing alone on a balcony, taking in the party, a smile on her face.
I wind my way through the guests and walk up the stairs to where she’s standing. “Hey.”
Hearing my voice, she turns toward me. “Hey, yourself.”
I hold out my hand. “Take a walk with me? We won’t be long. I’ll get you back to the party quickly,” I promise.
Smiling, she slips her palm against mine. “I’d follow you anywhere.”
The pounding in my chest and the nerves inside me ease at her words. We take the elevator upstairs. Although I’d prefer that we were alone, we’re using the outside rooftop area for the party. I find an empty corner, pull her into my arms, and look into her beautiful indigo eyes.
“What is it?” she asks, lifting a hand to touch my cheek. “Is everything okay?”
I nod. “Everything is perfect,” I assure her. Then, I know it’s time. “We started as wary friends.”
“Sexually attracted to each other wary friends.”
“Yes.” I can’t help but smile. “Then you asked if we could hide an affair.”
Sadness fills her eyes. “I regret how that made you feel. I didn’t want to hide you; I thought we had no choice. I really believed we had to end things eventually.”
“I know. But you can’t account for feelings and what’s meant to be. And I truly believe that’s us, Rainey. Meant to be.”
I’d pulled the ring out with my free hand on the way up the stairs. Now, I drop to one knee and pop open the box. My heart thunders so loud in my chest, I swear I can hear the sound in my ears.
She gasps.
I think we’ve done enough talking, so I keep it short and simple. “I love you, Rainey Dare. Will you marry me?” I show her the round brilliant-cut five-carat ring with diamonds around the band.
“Oh my God! Lucas, yes! Yes.”
I slide the ring—which fits thanks to a little sleuthing by Kaylee—onto the ring finger of her left hand.
“It’s beautiful,” she says, staring at the diamond and the setting.
“A classic style ring for a classic woman,” I say, rising to my feet.
She pushes onto her toes and seals her lips over mine. A long, deep kiss with sliding sweeps of her tongue and the soft moans that I love.
After a few minutes, I reluctantly break the kiss. “You wouldn’t want to call attention to us by getting naked on the rooftop.”
“True.” She chuckles, her eyes gleaming with happiness. “You have to promise we’ll do just that when we’re alone at the club.”
I sweep her hair off one shoulder. Leaning in, I press my lips to the sensitive spot behind her ear. “I promise,” I say in a whisper. “Anything you want will always be yours.”
“And I promise to always make you as happy as you make me.”
I slide my hand into hers.
“Let’s go reveal the happy news,” she says.
I squeeze her fingers. “I asked your father for his permission. Had to keep Ian happy.”