“Anything you’d care to share with the group?” Mark asked.
Shade shot the other man a look, and found the entire group smirking at him. They couldn’t possibly know what he had planned. But the looks on their faces said they did. Son of a bitch, how the fuck did they do that? “Not particularly at this time.”
“You sure you’re okay?” Cat asked him.
Seeing the concern in her eyes Shade touched her cheek. “I’m quite sure, kitten. Feeling that weird combo that’s between wired to the extreme and exhausted beyond belief. I think the adrenaline is starting to let up faster than usual.”
“You should get that checked out, man,” Chase told him. “It could be a warning sign that other things might be ready to fail. You know, important things.”
Shade flipped him the bird behind Cat’s back to ensure she wouldn’t see the rude gesture. “There is no problem in that area, but I thank you for your concern. Given you’re older than I am, Chase, shouldn’t you be thinking about having such things checked out yourself?”
“Oh dude, all my equipment is in tip top shape. I have several ladies who can verify that if you’d like me to put you in contact with them.”
“I think we’ll take your word on that, Chase,” Cat said. “Your offer is too kind, but it’s likely best we don’t remind those poor souls about what may, or may not have occurred while in your presence.”
Jeremy and Mark burst out laughing while Chase sputtered in outrage. “You did start it,” Shade told the other man. “If you can’t take it, don’t dish it.” Dropping a kiss to Cat’s lips, he hugged her closer to him. She truly was a gem, unique and too precious for words.
Twenty minutes, and a few more zingers thrown around later, they were back at the hotel. Chase looked ready to continue the verbal battle with Cateline, but Jennifer quickly and effectively distracted him with a question. Giving her a mouthed thank-you over Cat’s head, Shade ushered his woman onto the elevator. After swiping the key card, he hit the button for their floor, and then backed her into the corner.
With her arms around his neck, she peered up at him, her lips curved up slightly to give her a bemused look. “You are in an odd mood tonight, Shade Benson. What the heck is up with you?”
“Patience my sweet little kitten, and you shall see soon enough. Trust me, Cat.”
“You know I do.” She twisted her lips and then tipped her head. “But a little hint wouldn’t be totally amiss in this situation, you know.”
Laughing, he hugged her to him and kissed her cheek. “Once we’re in our room it will all become perfectly clear.” If everything was how it should be. Damn but now he wish he’d thought to call Christine after the concert for an update.
His hand in hers, Shade pulled her out into the hall when the elevator stopped. A minute later he let them into the room, and let out a relieved breath. It was better than he could have hoped.
“Shade, what’s going on?”
After making sure the security bar was in place should anyone foolishly decide to be nosey, he led her over to the sofa. Sitting, he patted the spot at his side. When she settled down, he poured her some wine and handed it over.
Candles gave the room a warm glow while setting the mood. On the coffee table before them sat the little box, and its precious cargo which he’d picked up several months before. Sliding off the sofa to a knee he picked up the little box, and faced her.
Cat’s eyes were wide over the glass she was guzzling from. It was probably a good thing he’d only given her a little wine. No way in hell did he want her bombed when he popped the question.
Flipping the box lid open to reveal the unique ring made from diamonds, citron, and emeralds all delicately set in white gold, he looked up at her. “The day we met I knew you were going to be incredibly important in my life. The years that followed only proved that to me. While life didn’t go quite how I’d planned, I think it was necessary for us both to go our own ways for a time to become the adults we are now. Since we met I’ve been in love with you, kitten. You are the one I want by my side through whatever life will toss at us next, and in all the years to come. Cateline Lyon, will you do me the greatest honor and agree to be my wife?”
Tears streaked down her cheeks as Cat nodded, and threw herself into his arms. Somehow, he managed to keep them from tumbling to the carpet, but it was a close thing. “Yes,” she rasped next to his ear. “God yes, Shade. Always yes.”
He couldn’t stop the ear to ear grin that took over. Hugging her tight, he managed to get a kiss from her before she demanded he put the ring on. Gently, he slipped it into place. Relief hit him when the ring fit her perfectly. “Thank you, kitten.”
“For what?” she asked staring down at the ring.
“For saying yes, Cateline.”
Cat lifted her head to stare at him. “Like I could have ever said anything else. You are my heart, Shade Benson. Today, tomorrow, and for every day after.”
A sentiment he was on board with. Cupping her face, he kissed her again. Eventually they would get to the meal he knew awaited them. But for that precise moment in time he couldn’t imagine being anywhere other than on the hotel carpet with his fiancée in his arms. Funny how life worked out.
The End
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