Page 79 of Burning Embers
“Thank you.” I lean in and kiss his lips softly before pulling back. “Honestly, Olly, this means more than you’ll ever know.”
He nods before his lips find mine, and I allow myself to get swept away in his kiss. I’ve only ever cried happy tears once before—when I had Molly.
I’ve seen women happy, with honest-to-good men, but I knew they were few and far between.
Unknowingly, I found a good man in Olly—who has me believing in the impossible.
Chapter Forty-Nine
RACHEL
My stomach is full of nervous energy as I walk in the arena with Charlie and Sophie. He insisted I leave my car at theirs where Molly and Selene are having a sleepover. It took a bit of convincing from Sophie, but I agreed to let Charlie’s dad watch Molly tonight since he was already sitting Selene. And this charity event means a lot to Olly, so I wanted to be here.
“There, over there,” Charlie says, pointing out our table. The palm of his hand is on Sophie’s back as we weave through all the people, his protective gaze finding me every couple seconds to make sure I’m still with them.
“You made it,” Felicity squeals when we get to our table. She gives me a quick hug before moving onto Sophie.
“How’s Betty?” Nate asks.
“As good as new,” I reply. She’s never run so well.
“Good, good. So, you here to support your man?” he asks. Felicity swats his shoulder and pushes him to sit down. I take a seat beside her.
I look at the caged ring a couple of feet away, the sound of laughter and excitement echoing through the hall. I see Henry among the swarming masses. When he approaches, I stand, and he greets me with a kiss on the cheek.
“You made it,” he says, smiling. “Olly will be stoked.” My face heats. “He’s just finishing up with an interview, but he’d love to see you. Want to come round back?”
Interview? “Oh, no, I don’t want to get in the way.”
He loops his arm with mine. He’s a big guy—solid. “I’ll bring her back soon,” he says to everyone and spins us around.
“What do you mean—the interview?”
He lets out a soft chuckle. “I take it he’s been keeping low-key how big these events are?”
I’d bring us to a stop if I thought I was strong enough. Taking in all the people as we pass, I notice several paparazzi and wonder just how much he hasn’t told me.
Coming to a large door, Henry knocks twice. A guy opens the door, and damn if he isn’t bigger than Henry. He gives Henry one curt nod, then steps aside to let us in.
“Thank you, yeah, it’s a cause close to my heart,” Olly says to a smartly dressed woman in front of him.
“Well, best of luck for the fight tonight, and we hope you exceed last year’s donations.”
A flash goes off from the camera before she shakes Olly’s hand, her crew in tow as they exit.
“Rachel?”
I don’t say anything as I take him in. He looks cage fight ready, and I think my baby makers just somersaulted.
“We’ll be just outside and give you both a minute,” says Henry.
Olly approaches me, his brow furrowed. “You okay? I thought you couldn’t make it.”
“Molly is with Selene. Charlie’s dad is babysitting.”
He wraps his arms around me and leans in for a quick kiss. “Well, I’m glad you could make it.”
I gaze up at him. “Olly, you never told me how much of a big deal this all was,” I say.
