by J. P. Comeau
One of these days.
“So, how are things going with the launch of your line?” Brenden asked.
Sophie started laughing and kicking her legs, and I’d never seen him smile so brightly.
“Hey! I’m curious about that question, too!” Karina exclaimed as she came barreling down the stairs.
Zane appeared from the kitchen. “What question?”
Karina scoffed. “Seriously? You’re eating, and we’re about to leave to go eat?”
He shrugged. “Consider it an appetizer?”
Karina rolled her eyes. “Ugh. Men. Am I right?”
I threw my head back with laughter. “Oh, you are so right.”
“Wait, what did I do?” Brenden asked.
I patted his back. “Come on, handsome. We need to get going.”
He stood with Sophie in his arms. “But what did I do?”
All of us headed to the restaurant where we met up with Roxy and Clint. The two of them were standing outside of the restaurant waiting for us, but for the life of me, I couldn't find Roxy’s car in the parking lot. We always parked next to one another, so we could talk and gab up until the very last second.
“Guys, do you see her car anywhere?” I asked.
Karina gave Zane a look before she turned around in her seat.
“There probably isn’t any room beside her anyway. Zane’s going to take this spot over here on the side, and we’ll just walk. This place looks packed.”
I looked over at Brenden, and I saw something rushing behind his eyes. But, I didn’t pay it any mind. If there was something going on, I knew Roxy would eventually tell me what was up. And until then, it wasn’t any of my business.
However, I was curious and would find out as quickly as I could.
“So, can I ask again now?” Brenden said.
We all sat down at a table in the corner, and I noticed that Roxy was sitting a bit close to Clint.
Gotcha.
“Yes, you can ask now,” Karina said.
I giggled. “I take it you guys want to know how the launch is going?”
Roxy raised her hand. “I know! I know. I know how the launch is going.”
Clint chuckled. “Fill the rest of us in, then.”
I nodded. “Fair enough. I know you guys know about the snags I hit along the way. The issues with the office. The leaking pipes. Stuff like that. Well, suffice it to say, I didn’t think things were going to go well after I had water literally dripping onto a distributor’s head. But!”
“But…?” Karina asked.
I smiled. “I’ve been invited to participate in fashion week in New York City this fall.”
“Oh, my god!”
Karina leaped out of her seat and threw herself at me. Tears of happiness rushed my eyes as Roxy stood and clapped her hands. Zane shushed the baby softly as Brenden rubbed my back, and soon I felt his lips grace my cheek with a kiss.
“I’m so damn proud of you,” he murmured.
I tilted my head back and captured his lips, needing to feel a bit more of him.
“So, how are your sales?” Zane asked.
“Are your customers coming back?” Clint asked.
Karina took my hands. “You did it, girl. You really did it.”
A tear slid down my cheek. “Customers aren’t only returning, it’s like I’ve built a cult following around these boots. I mean, I knew it was a good idea, but I didn't realize it would take off so quickly. Everyone is obsessed with customizable and interchangeable boots. And my sales are through the roof. Every time I announce a new product or boot design or fashion line, my pre-orders come and go within a weekend. Every slot fills up, and it shocks me every time it happens.”
Karina cupped my cheeks. “And you deserve it so much, Kelly. I’m so proud of you.”
Zane nodded. “Why don’t we ask how Brenden’s production company is going since we’re on the topic? Didn’t you take on your first movie bid a week or so back?”
I whipped around. “Brenden, I didn’t realize that--.”
My eyes widened when I saw him sitting there with a small box in the palm of his hand. He picked it up and cracked it open, revealing the most incredible pink diamond I’d ever seen. It sparkled in the light that shone down onto our table, and as the waiter silently divvied out the drinks we had ordered, I slowly looked into Brenden’s eyes
“How’s your production company?” I asked in shock.
He chuckled. “It’s fine. We can talk about that later. But, right now, I want to ask you something.”
I nodded slowly. “So, the movie business is good?”
Everyone at the table laughed softly as he took my left hand within his palm.
“Kelly, I love you. In truth, I’ve loved you since the first time you turned me down for a date in college. And I admit, the love I had back then is different than what I feel for you now. But, it all comes from the same place.”
He pressed my hand against his heart, and I felt it beating rapidly. And it made me snicker.
“You’re so nervous.”
He nodded. “Because I’m about to ask you something really important. So, I need you to have a clear head. Are you ready?”
I drew in a deep breath. “I’m ready.”
He smiled. “Will you help me with the laundry when we get home?”
The table fell apart in laughter as I pushed him away playfully.
“You’re a dick, you know that?” I asked.
He took my hand again. “I joke, and I kid, but I do all of it just to see you smile. I make a fool out of myself every time we go out just to hear that wonderful laugh you’ve got. I love it, just like I love every part of you. Like, the way you slurp your ice cream when eating it with a spoon. Or, the way you sip your coffee in the morning and always manage to burn your tongue coming right out of the gate.”
“I always forget how hot coffee is.”
He smiled. “I even love the way you snore like a lawnmower in my ear.”
My face fell. “I don’t snore.”
He kissed the back of my hand. “My point is, I love you. Every high, every low, and everything in between. So, Kelly Crown, I want to ask you something.”
“Yes.”
“Will you mar--what?”
I smiled. “Yes, Brenden. I will marry you.”
The shock that rolled over his face warmed my heart. I threw my arms around his neck and planted a big, wet kiss against his lips. Our table burst into applause, along with the rest of the restaurant. When Brenden slid that rock of a diamond onto my finger, I couldn't contain my tears of happiness.
Somehow, someway, I got what I wanted. Success from my fashion line, a life I could be proud of, and the man I’d been in love with since my freshman year of college.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” Brenden asked.
I kissed his cheek. “And you get to experience it every day for the rest of your life.”
He chuckled. “Bring it on, gorgeous. Because we’ve got all the time in the world to experience it together.”
_____________________________
If you haven’t already read the first book in the Kinda Cocky Series, Mr. Big Shot, grab Zane and Karina’s story here
I should have never asked him out.
But don’t judge me.
It was a dare.
He looked hot at the nightclub, even though he stuck out like a sore thumb in a perfectly tailored suit.
Long story short – He said no when I asked him out.
Well, screw you, Mr. Big Shot.
That turned us from strangers to enemies pretty quickly.
And then… I applied for a new job.
It was a secretarial position.
Nothing fancy.
And definitely not at a firm that he owned.
Of course, I forgot that Mr. Big Shot does, in fact, own half of Las Vegas.
So, now here I am…
Standing in front of my worst enemy with a resumé in hand.
And his next words will determine my fate.
You think I’ll get the job?
Curl up in bed and enjoy this fun standalone romance with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a satisfying happily ever after!
Yes, take me to Mr. Big Shot now.
