Page 83 of Tempt Me

“I hate all the gushy, over-the-top platitudes.”

“There’s nothing phony about any of these people.” I smack his upper arm. “You’re just horrible at taking compliments.”

“No, I’m not,” he growls in my ear. “Tell me how good my dick feels inside of you. I love it when you say that.”

“Stop it.” I giggle as heat floods over my cheeks.

Life can’t get any better than this, and no Brock in sight. He spent over a year in prison, and when he got out, he moved away. Good riddance.

Maverick strolls by with his wife, Ember, snuggled under his arm. Their size difference highlights how adorable they are together. “Congratulations, Dom.” He claps him on the back.

“Thanks, man.”

As they shake hands, Ember pats her hair. “When can you get me in? My hair is a mess. I need to trim the dead ends and do something that looks decent pulled up. I’m tired of the baby yanking strands of hair out of my head.”

“I understand that.” I smile at her. Finishing cosmetology school and getting my own shop was amazing. I still have several classes at the university to finish my business degree, but I’m getting there.

It only made sense to change my focus to business with a minor in accounting. And made all the difference in enjoying the classes.

Well, I’ll have to postpone things for a year.

I study Dominic as he chats with Maverick and Rob, his boss at Twisted Ink. All his bosses, including Rob’s brother Remy and Rissa, are there to support him.

Once we’re alone again, Dominic leads me to a corner away from the crowd. Everyone’s too busy talking and eating appetizers to care that we’re otherwise occupied.

“Bella?” He places his index finger on my chin, tipping my head backward until my eyes meet his. “I’ve known that I was in love with you since you were eighteen. You’re the most important person in my life. Thank you for tricking me into the contest.”

My heart thuds in my ears. We live together, but he’s yet to ask me to marry him. We only spent a couple of months with my brothers before we bought a small house a few blocks away.

“You’re welcome.” My stomach clinches. Is he? Oh, my God. This yoyo waiting for an engagement ring is getting on mynerves. And it’s going to be a problem in eight months when this baby is born.

Do I tell him now? I only found out this morning, and we haven’t had a moment alone. I’m not worried that he’ll be upset. He’s been quite adamant and energetic about getting me pregnant. But I was expecting the ring first.

He steps back and swipes his palms on his pants as his eyes sweep over me. “This is harder than I expected it to be.”

“Okay….” My heart lodges in my throat. Is something wrong?

The corner of his mouth rises as he reaches into his pocket, pulls out a box, and drops down to one knee. Oh, my God. I bite my lips together to keep from laughing. Or crying. Or screaming.

“I’ve been planning this since the day we found out about the contest. That’s why I organized this event. I wanted to ask you here. In front of our friends and family.”

I glance behind me as the room goes silent. Everyone from my best friends to our families to his coworkers watch with wide grins on their faces and white posterboards with shiny red letters that spell out, ‘Wildflower, will you marry me?’ on them.

“Bella Wright.” Dominic holds my hand in his. “Will you marry me?”

Tears spill down my cheeks. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” I launch myself at him, knocking him backward, as he struggles to remain upright while wrapping me in his strong embrace.

Our friends and family break out into cheers and laughter as pops of champagne bottles fill the air. Then comes theflashing of lights as several people snap pictures of us, but all I care about is this man in front of me.

I cup his face. “It’s about time you asked.”

He winks. “You’re welcome.”

“God….” I roll my eyes. “You’re such a pain in the ass.”

“Oh, baby,” he growls, sending goosebumps scattering along my flesh. “You know I am. And you love it.” His lips cover mine as he takes my breath away. Again.

He flips open the box, and my mouth drops open. Wow. The ring is a 2-carat emerald-cut diamond frame engagement ring that glistens under the lights. “This is too much.”

---