Page 98 of Surprisingly Us

“You going to be okay?” Ramsey asks.

“Yeah. Go on, make your move.”

While Ramsey greets Sebastian across the room, I find myself making my way to the silent auction table to pass the time until Lettie comes out. She’s the only person that can lift me out of this mood that the conversation with Diem, Jerrod and Corinne put me in.

I’m already making a substantial donation to Leg-Up tonight, but making a bid on the silent auction items would be beneficial, too. When I reach into my pocket to produce the paddle number I was given at the registration table, my fingers brush against the velvet ring box. I start to pull the small paddle out, but the box comes with it. With my drink in my left hand, I use the fingers of my right hand attempting to flip positions of the box and paddle, so I can hold the paddle in my palm and put the box back in my tuxedo jacket pocket, but the velvet box slips from my hand and onto the ground.

I reach to retrieve it but another hand picks it up instead. My eyes lift to the man now holding the ring box.

It’s Jerrod.

“Whoa, what do we have here?” he asks.

Before I can grab it out of his hand, he flips it open.

If he’s surprised, he doesn’t show it. He was probably prepared for it. Anything to win, right?

I’m about to snatch it out of his hand when Aditi Vega approaches us.

“Gentlemen. It’s good to see you both here tonight.” She turns her glowing smile on me. “Colette was absolutely magnificent tonight. She’s an amazing dancer, and I know Diem has had only wonderful things to say about working with her on this fundraiser.”

It’s hard for me to focus on responding when I’m aware that Jerrod is still holding my engagement ring out in the open. I’m hoping I can keep Aditi’s attention on me before she notices it.

“She truly is a breathtaking dancer. She’ll be happy to hear you enjoyed the performance, and that everyone is here to support Leg-Up.” I motion to the silent auction tables beside us. “Have you checked out the auction items yet?”

“I was just on my way over when I saw you two and thought I’d say hello.”

Fucking fantastic.

“Personally, I’m going for the luxury candle collection,” I teasingly wag a finger at her, “so don’t you outbid me.”

Beside us, Jerrod laughs, drawing Aditi’s attention to him and her gaze to what is in his hand.

“Jerrod, what’s this?” she asks. “That’s not Corinne’s ring, is it?”

“No. Rhys was showing me the ring he got for Colette.”

I press my lips together and attempt to talk myself down.

Do not assault Jerrod at this event. That’s exactly what he wants.

Aditi gasps, then holds her hands out indicating she wants to see the ring. “Oh, do you mind?”

I shake my head because what the fuck else can I do at this point? While Aditi examines the ring, I attempt to keep my composure.

If Lettie says no to the fake engagement and I don’t propose, then Aditi and Jerrod will know.

But Aditi doesn’t know when I was planning to propose. I can do it another time.

“Oh my, it’s beautiful.” She glances up at me. “Are you proposing tonight?”

Fuck.

Don’t say yes. You have to ask Lettie.

It’s like a pinball game inside my brain right now.

Before I can answer, Jerrod turns to Aditi. “He’s getting cold feet, not sure if he can make a commitment to one woman.” He throws a knowing smile at me. “Classic Rhys. But knowing my own strong, steadfast relationship with Corinne, he came to me for some encouraging words.” Jerrod places a hand on my shoulder. “You can do it Rhys. You got this, buddy.”

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