Page 126 of Wicked Love

She grins and I try to relax and ease into conversation, but I’m nervous. And she notices.

“You’re okay?” she asks when there’s a lull in conversation.

“I’m so good,” I say, wanting to snap myself out of the nerves but failing. “And you?”

“Still good,” she says, starting to look concerned.

I hop up and return with a small platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Her eyes widen.

“You’re spoiling me,” she says. She reaches for one, and I watch her savor it, my own mouth watering.

And then I remember the music. “Shit,” I say under my breath, hopping up again and rushing to turn on the music. My playlist, with everyone from James Arthur to Rihanna, is primed to set the mood.

When Calum Scott starts singing, “You are the Reason,” the timing is perfect.

She looks concerned when I sit back down. I lace my fingers with hers and inhale deeply, trying to gather courage.

“I know it’s been a whirlwind, you and me,” I say. “When I look at you, I see the woman who holds my heart. You havetaken the empty spaces inside of me and filled them with light. I was living before you came into my life, but I wasn’t trulyalive.”

Her eyes shimmer, her lips parting. When I rise from the chair and kneel in front of her, her breath catches. I reach into my pocket, pulling out the small velvet box, and open it to reveal the ring.

“I started putting this in motion before the weekend,” I tell her, wanting her to know this proposal has nothing to do with proving myself but everything to do with wanting her to be my wife. “I love you. I want to spend every day making you feel as cherished as you make me feel. You don’t have to say yes now,” I say, voice slightly unsteady, “but I’d marry you today if I could. I want you to know that my heart belongs to you, and I want our forever to start as soon as you say the word. Will you marry me, Poppy?”

“Bowie,” she whispers, her hand flying to cover her heart.

Her lips tremble and tears slip down her cheeks. She’s quiet for a moment, and I realize I’m holding my breath.

She reaches out, taking my face in her hands. “You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted,” she says. “I love you so much. I knew the moment I saw you with Becca that I was in trouble.” She smiles and heat thrums through me. “I want to be your wife more than anything.”

“You do?” I rasp.

She doesn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

I slip the ring onto her finger, my hands shaking slightly. Then I stand and gather her against me. I kiss her forehead, her cheeks, and her lips, as we laugh.

“How long do we have before everyone gets home?” she asks.

“Not long enough,” I say, grinning against her skin.

She takes my hand and leads me upstairs to our room. “I can’t wait to tell Becca, but first I need to show you how much I missed you.”

We peel away our clothing as fast as we can. When we reach the edge of the bed, she gives me a soft shove and laughs when I pretend like she’s knocked me out.

“Wow, I didn’t realize my strength,” she says, laughing.

I lean up and put my hands on her stomach, leaning in to kiss it. “Hey there, little coconut,” I say softly.

I kiss her belly, my hands going up to her tits. They’re so sensitive lately that sometimes she comes from me playing with her nipples alone.

I swirl my tongue around them one at a time, and her legs buckle. I steady her and lean back, guiding her over me. She looks like a goddess with her hair falling over her breasts and grazing her baby bump. I tug her forward.

“I need you up here, Wicked Stella.” I tilt my head back. “On my face.”

She gasps. “I’ll suffocate you.”

“Please suffocate me.” I point to the headboard. “You can hold on there or here.” I point to my hair. “Growing it out just because I miss you pulling it,” I say roughly. “And that bet I lost was with Rhodes. He bet that I’d be married within six months—not that you have to marry me that soon,” I hurry to add, “but I conceded when I realized how much I hoped that would come true.”

Her eyes get all melty and I grin.

---