She lets out a chuckle, her breath bursting over my skin. “You know I get crazy when I fall in love, right?”
Silent laughter bubbles over my lips. “You don’t. You just get really excited.”
She pulls away, and with a stunning smile and an eager light in her eyes, she says, “Shit, we’re really doing this.”
I nod. “We are.”
“When are we telling everyone?”
Chuckling, I reply, “Whenever you want to.”
“How big will the rock on my engagement ring be?”
I begin to laugh. “As big as you want.”
“I get to pick?” The excitement coming off her is contagious.
“Tomorrow.”
Leaning into her, I reach for the remote and turn the TV off. When she begins to move, I shake my head. “I’ve got you.” I move my hands to her ass as I get up.
The smile on her face as I carry her up the stairs is priceless. As long as I live, I’ll never forget how happy she is in this moment.
When I reach the bedroom, I tap her ass. “Go shower.”
Dash steals a quick kiss before she lowers her legs, letting go of me.
While she gets ready for bed, I head back down and place the plates and cutlery in the dishwasher. Turning off the lights, I walk to the bedroom.
I plug the charger into my phone and check my emails while I wait for Dash to finish. When she’s done, I grab a clean pair of sweatpants from the closet and head into the bathroom. I hurry through my routine, and when I’m finished, and I open the bathroom door, my lips curve up from seeing her in my bed.
Turning off the lights, I crawl under the covers and pull her to my side. Her scent envelops me as she snuggles against me.
“Night, beautiful,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her hair.
“Night.”
With a smile playing around my lips, I close my eyes and soak in the feeling of holding Dash as we fall asleep.
Chapter 8
DASH
That bastard.
After hearing things from Christopher’s perspective, it all makes sense now.
Josh made me feel like less. Nothing I did was good enough. I had to walk on eggshells around him, scared I’d do something to upset him. He was always quick to point out something he didn’t like. Toward the end of our relationship, he controlled what I wore, what I ate, how I spent my time.
To think I let that asshole control me like that. God, what was I thinking? I wish I could go back in time and slap some sense into my younger self.
But Christopher is right. I deserve the world. I deserve him.
My lips curve up as my thoughts turn to this morning. Waking up in his arms felt… right. Feeling his abs under my palm and his chest under my cheek had heat pooling in my core.
“Are you ready?” Christopher suddenly asks.
My head snaps up, and then I nod. “Definitely.”
He waits for me to get up, then he takes hold of my hand. “Time to put a ring on that finger,” he grumbles playfully as he tugs me closer to his side.
I let out a happy burst of laughter.
Excitement bubbles in my chest, and I keep stealing glances at Christopher as we head to the car and on the drive to Tiffany’s & Co.
As we walk into the store, I take a deep breath, and then euphoric exhilaration explodes through me.
Shit, we’re really doing this.
I’ve dreamt about this day since I was a little girl, but I never thought it would be with Christopher.
I should’ve known, though.
I glance up, and my gaze drifts over his face, his sharp jaw, the scruff, those intelligent brown eyes.
I’ve always loved him. I just ignored any romantic thoughts because he’s my best friend. Now that we’ve agreed to get married, and I’m allowed to see him in a romantic light… it’s dizzying how fast I’m falling.
Or maybe I’ve always been in love with him, and now I’m allowed to feel it?
Does it matter?
I’m going to marry him.
Christopher says something to the shop assistant, and then we’re led to a private room.
Once we’ve taken a seat, the assistant takes my ring finger size, then brings us a display of engagement rings. I’m left breathless by all the beauty in front of me.
“See anything you like?” Christopher murmurs.
“They’re all stunning.” My gaze keeps skipping over each one.
As if it’s not hard enough already, the gentleman assisting us adds another display to the mix.
Instantly Christopher reaches for a ring, and taking hold of my left hand, he slips it onto my finger. My eyes widen as I take in the gorgeous blue diamond. I always imagined my ring having a princess cut diamond, but the square shape fits my hand perfectly.
My eyes dart to Christopher, then back to the ring, then to him again. “What do you think?”
The corner of his mouth curves up as he shakes his head once. “It doesn’t matter what I think. Do you like it?”
I stare at the ring on my finger again, and suddenly emotion builds in my chest, and my eyes begin to tear up. “Yes. I love it.”
“We’ll take this one.”
While Christopher fills out the paperwork and pays, I keep staring at the gorgeous ring on my finger.
It’s not how I imagined being proposed to, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s our way.
Glancing up, I watch as Christopher signs a piece of paper, and then my eyes widen, and my brain activity freezes.
Holy. Shit.
Somehow I manage to keep my composure until we’re in the car, and then I turn and stare at Christopher. He notices and instantly asks, “Something wrong?”
“Eight million,” I state. “I could’ve chosen something else.”
I’ve grown up surrounded by wealth, and my own bank account can hold its own, but damn, eight million dollars for a ring?
“Don’t worry. I’m getting myself a Bugatti La Voiture Noire as an engagement present,” he jokes.
My eyebrow pops up. “Really? The one you’ve been looking at?”
“Yes.” Christopher starts the engine, then smiles at me. “I want the best for you, Dash. Only the best.”
Just like that, he melts my heart. Leaning over the console, I press a kiss to his mouth. Pulling slightly back, I whisper, “Thank you.”
His eyes lock with mine. “You can do better than a peck.”
Letting out a chuckle, I wrap my arms around his neck, and then I thank him properly. We’re both breathless by the time I end the kiss, and moving back to my side of the car, I can’t stop smiling as I slip on the seat belt.
As Christopher drives us back to Indie Ink, I stare at the engagement ring.
Hold up.
I tilt my head as the realization of what this means settles in me.
Sex.
I wait for the wave of anxiety to hit, but instead, only more excitement spills into my heart.
I’m going to have a baby with Christopher. I’m going to marry him.
God, he’s in every memory I have, and now he’ll be in every dream. My gaze turns to him, the man that’s always been by my side. The one I always chose above all others.
The only one I’ve ever loved.
CHRISTOPHER
I’m taking Dash out for dinner to her favorite restaurant so we can celebrate our engagement.
Seated at a table in the back where we’ll have privacy, my eyes keep going to her left hand.
Seeing my ring on her finger fills me with pride and love.
I order a bottle of the best champagne, and when we each have a glass, I reach across the table for her hand. Brushing my thumb over the ring, I say, “We’re doing this all backward but Dash Marcelle West, will you marry me?”
She begins to laugh while nodding. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry it wasn’t more romantic,” I murmur. “I’ll make up for it with the wedding.” Which reminds me. Taking my
wallet out, I remove one of the credit cards and slide it over the table to Dash. “Once you start planning the wedding, just charge everything to that card. Also, anything you need and household items.”
Dash frowns at it. “You’re aware I have money as well, right?”
“Well aware,” I chuckle. “Let me do this for you. It’s important to me.”
“Okay.” Dash tucks the card in her clutch, then asks, “When are we telling our parents?”
I swallow the sip of champagne I took, then answer, “Tomorrow? Then afterward, we can move your personal belongings over to the penthouse.”
“Sounds good.”
Enjoying the champagne, we stare at each other and seeing Dash happy means everything to me.
This is how I want to see her every day for the rest of our lives. She deserves nothing less.
“What are you thinking?” she asks, her lips curving in a soft smile.
“How lucky I am to be the one who makes you happy,” I answer honestly.
Her lips curve more. “To think how much everything has changed the past week. It feels a little surreal.”
“No regrets?” I ask.
She shakes her head, her blonde hair falling softly over her shoulders. “None. You’re, Mr. Right.”
I let out a chuckle, then tease her, “Glad you finally realized that.”
She tilts her head. “Finally? What does that mean?”
“I would’ve married you five years ago. I only waited because you weren’t ready yet,” I admit.
A slight frown forms between her brows. “I really thought you were joking back then. If I knew you were serious, it would’ve changed things.”
This time it’s my turn to frown as I lean forward. “What are you saying?”
Her eyes narrow slightly, and her lips curve into a seductive smile. “It’s been a constant battle to not fall in love with you.”
“So we’ve wasted five years,” I mutter.
“Basically,” she agrees.
Sitting back in the chair, I shake my head. “New deal.”
“Let’s hear it.”
My eyes lock with hers. “Open line of communication from here on out. We don’t assume anything.”
“Deal,” she says as she picks up a menu.
Once we’ve placed our orders, Dash begins to twirl the ring on her finger with her thumb. She leans forward and whispers, “Now that we’re engaged and I’m moving in with you, how are we going to approach having sex?”
I let out a silent burst of laughter. “We’re definitely not going to approach it. When you’re ready, it will happen. Leave that to me.”
She stares at me for a moment, then she submits. “Okay.”
The corner of my mouth curves up with satisfaction. Dash doesn’t know it yet, but by the time I’m done with her, she’ll be begging me to fuck her.
God, this is going to be so much fun.
Her eyes keep flitting to mine, then she says, “You look predatory. Should I be worried?”
Slowly, I shake my head. “Not at all.”
Our food comes, and while enjoying the meal, we discuss what Dash wants to move to the penthouse.
“What do I do with the rest of the stuff?” she asks.
“Either put it in storage or sell it,” I answer. “You could also donate it.” She scrunches her nose, and it has me saying, “Let me deal with it. Okay?”
Her mouth instantly curves up. “I’d appreciate that.”
“I can handle the renting out of the apartment as well,” I offer.
Dash’s features soften with something akin to love. “You’re really good at being a husband.”
“I had a good example,” I chuckle.
“Remind me to thank your father,” she laughs.
When we’re done with our meal, and I’ve paid, I take hold of Dash’s hand, and linking our fingers, we walk out of the restaurant.
A man almost bumps into us outside the exit, and as he steps back and my eyes focus on him, the blood chills in my veins.
His gaze locks on Dash before they snap to me. “Dash, Christopher.”
“Josh,” I mutter. I tug Dash closer to me as his eyes turn back to her.
“Hi,” Dash whispers, her face pale. Her grip on my hand tightens.
“How have you been?” he asks her.
Dash is still stunned from running into him, so I answer for her. “We’re well.” Wanting to bring the fucker down a notch, I add, “We’re actually celebrating our engagement.”
His features harden as his eyes snap to Dash’s left hand, then he mutters, “I always knew it was only a matter of time.”
Letting go of Dash’s hand, I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pin her to my side. “We’re heading home. Enjoy your meal.”
I steer her down the sidewalk, and when we reach the car, she turns her body into mine, bringing her arms up between us. I wrap her against me, knowing all she needs now is to feel safe. I press a kiss to the side of her head and leaning down, I whisper, “I love you.”
Dash lifts her head, and then her lips are on mine. She pushes her arms around my neck as she deepens the kiss. Unlike the night before, where she was tentative, she doesn’t hold back. She instantly ignites a fire inside me as her tongue brushes against mine.
Taking control of the kiss, my teeth tug at her lips as a possessive growl builds in my chest.
When the kiss finally ends, Dash smiles against my lips. “I love you.” She pulls back until our eyes meet. “Thank you for handling Josh.”
“I’ll always protect you,” I murmur.
She presses another kiss to my mouth before her eyes lock on mine again. “I had my worries about us, but after tonight I’m hundred percent certain I want to marry you.” Her gaze is filled with emotion as she whispers, “I want to have your children and build a life with you.”
My lips curve up as I take in how beautiful she looks right now, and then I murmur, “My Dash.”
Chapter 9
DASH
I’m so excited to share the news with our parents, I’m a second away from bouncing in the seat as Christopher pulls the car up to my parents’ house.
Wanting to surprise them, I only said we were coming over for coffee.
We climb out of the car, and I grin up at Christopher as he takes hold of my hand. Using my key, I let us into the house, then call out, “Mom. Dad.”
“Kitchen,” Mom answers.
The instant we walk inside the kitchen, I can’t keep it in anymore, and I lift my left hand for my parents to see. “We’re engaged!”
Mom’s the first one up from where they’re sitting at the table, having breakfast.
“Oh my God. Let me see.” Mom takes hold of my hand, and then a happy smile spreads over her face. “I was hoping this day would come.” She hugs me, then moves to Christopher, and when she wraps her arms around him, she says, “Finally, I get you as a son-in-law.”
Dad takes hold of my left hand, and I watch as emotion washes over his features. His eyes lock on mine, and seeing how happy he is for me, makes me feel overwhelmed. I throw my arms around his neck, and when Dad holds me tightly, I struggle to keep the tears back.
“I’m so happy for you,” he murmurs. “You chose a good man.”
When I pull back, I smile at Dad as I swipe a single tear away from the corner of my eyes. “Just like my dad.”
Dad and Christopher shake hands, but then Dad tugs him into a hug. Patting his back twice, Dad says, “I’m glad you’ll be the one taking care of my little girl.”
As Christopher pulls back, he says, “I’ll do my best to always make her happy, Uncle Jax.”
“We’re going to have to upgrade that to Dad,” my father jokes.
“I’d be honored,” Christopher replies, a grin tugging at his lips.
“Come sit. Have you had breakfast yet?” Mom asks.
“No, Dash wanted to come over as soon as possible,” Christopher explains.
While I make us each a c
up of coffee, Christopher sits down next to Dad.
“When’s the wedding?” Mom asks as she begins to load bacon and eggs onto his plate.
Christopher glances at me. “We haven’t decided on a specific date yet, but as soon as Dash can get everything arranged.”
Mom glances at me. “You always wanted a spring wedding.”
“Yeah, and six months should be enough to plan the wedding,” I answer.
“March? April?” Mom asks.
“When’s Easter?” I ask.
Mom thinks for a moment. “April.”
“Then we can set a date for March,” I mention.
Carrying the coffee to the table, I sit down next to Mom and hand Christopher his cup. Meeting his eyes, I say, “You can pick the date.”
Christopher pulls his phone out and scrolls through the calendar. “The twelfth.”
Mom takes hold of my right hand, giving it a squeeze. “March twelfth, our baby’s getting married.”
She turns her gaze to Christopher again. “You have no idea how glad I am it’s you she’s marrying.”
“That makes two of us,” Christopher jokes, drawing laughter from my parents.
We hear the front door open and close, then my godmother, Miss Sebastian, mutters, “Why did I have to rush my bedazzled ass over so early on my day off?”
I get up and go hug her. “Because of me, Mamma G.” When I pull back, I hold my left hand up in front of her face.
“Oh. My. God.” Her eyes widen as she stares at the ring.
My godmother is eccentric, so I prepare myself for her reaction. She was born male, but the year before I was born, she went for a sex reassignment surgery, so she’s always been my aunt to me. She was also the one who helped deliver me, so basically, she’s the first person I saw.
“Who’s the man that gave you that rock?” she asks, her eyes darting to Christopher. “God, please tell me it’s Christopher.”
When I nod, she darts past me, going straight for him like a heat-seeking missile. When she grabs hold of Christopher, who stood up just in the nick of time, Miss Sebastian begins to jump up and down while she lets out a shriek.
When she calms down, she presses a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you. Now, my bedazzled ass can stop worrying about my godbaby.”
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