Page 66 of Falling for Trouble
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 heartthunders 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.”
“And in charge.” She giggles.
I look around at the gathering on the rooftop. “Do you want to wait for the party to end?” I know how hard she’s worked to end the season on a high note.
She shakes her head. “Half the people here are family, and I know the guys on the team. Everyone will be happy for us. Besides, do you really think I can hidethis?” She holds out the gleaming ring. “Or the brilliant smile on my face?”
“In that case…” I bend at the knees and pick her up, holding her in my arms as I stride for the elevator. “Let’s announce our engagement.”
