Page 116 of The CEO I Hate

“And how’s that going?”

“Well, I don’t plan on losing.”

I shook my head, smirking. I wouldn’t bet against her either. A hush washed over the room as the audience took their seats and the night began. I’d worried the jokes would make me cringe, but the hosts were great, riffing off each other, and I found it was easier to laugh in this room than it was curled up on the couch at home.

The first season ofEnd in Firetook home some early awards for Outstanding Directing, Stunt Coordination, Lighting Design, and Music Composition. Lyle and the writing team were up for Outstanding Writing, which they lost to another brilliant show, but there was always next year. When Leo won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for an episode he’d done of another show, the entirety of theEnd in Fireteam jumped to our feet.

“He could totally win Supporting Actor forEnd in Firenext year,” Jerome said over the sound of applause.

I nodded. If his season two performance resonated with audiences the way we thought it would, I could see him walking away with a stack of awards.

We all settled back down again. It felt like we were flying through the awards, everyone anticipating the outcome for the highly competitive Outstanding Drama Series award.

The competition was fierce this year. I took Liam’s hand, squeezing encouragingly. It wasn’t like it would be make-or-break for our show anyway, because Liam had produced an amazing show that the fans loved, but it was always nice to be recognized.

“And the winner is…” the presenter said, flipping open the card.

I held my breath.

“End in Fire!”

I was on my feet in an instant, clapping and cheering and celebrating with the crew. It was madness in our rows. Liam latched onto myhand, pulling me along with the massive crowd that surged to the stage to accept the award. I hadn’t had anything to do with season one, so I didn’t really have any ownership in this win, but I was caught in the swarm.

Lyle was first on the mic, thanking the Academy for Television Arts and Sciences and the fans and the cast and crew and Liam for believing in his story. Paula took over from him, giving another little speech that thanked the fans for giving us the ability to keep telling this story in season two, and then she turned the mic over to Liam.

“I want to thank this dedicated team standing up here with me today,” he said. “And all the hardworking cast and crew who are watching from home. Anyone who touched this show, who believed in it…We wouldn’t be here without your amazing work, and we’re beyond excited for everyone to come along for the ride next season. But what I’m most excited about is standing right here next to me.”

My smile faltered as Liam’s words registered. He handed off the mic to Paula, and before I even knew what was happening, he’d pulled a ring box from his pocket and gotten down on one knee.

“Mia,” he said softly as the whole audience gasped, especially theEnd in Firecrowd squealing around us. “Will you make me the happiest man in the world?”

A burst of elation got wedged in my throat. “Is this real?” I choked out, still in disbelief.

“The realest story we’ll ever write, if you’ll agree to share it with me,” Liam said, taking my hand and holding the ring to my finger. “Will you marry me?”

I nodded, still so stunned that all I could manage was to let him slide the ring on my finger before I fell into his arms and burst into happy tears. The sound of myyeswas drowned out by thunderous applause and the teleprompter flashing at us to get off the stage.

“They’re totally not going to invite you back next year,” I said.

“Doesn’t matter,” Liam replied. “I’ve just locked down the best prize of all.”

40

MIA

“Turn it up!” Jerome called across Liam’s massive living room. “I want to hear that sweet, sweet music!”

Liam reached for the remote, and theEnd in Firetheme rang across the room.

“That’s Emmy-award-winning music, people!” Jerome said, holding up his champagne flute like a tribute. He was already pleasantly buzzed, but the night was young, and Sophie had turned up with what she called thegood stuffalong with half the staff from the Scarlet Parlor for tonight’s season two premiere watch party.

I foresaw an evening of many drunk shenanigans ahead of us.

Ash barked in agreement from under the coffee table, tail thumping like he was the official hype man. Someone had tied a tiny VERITV MVP bandanna around his neck, and he was trotting around like he owned the place.

Tanya threw her arm around Kait’s shoulders, giving her a squeeze as the title sequence started to play. Liam grinned at me from his placeby the massive home theater speakers. He’d taken charge of the electronics while I stayed on top of the food and drink situation.

We’d transformed his kitchen and living room for the evening, welcoming our nearest and dearest to celebrate with us. Jake and Gabrielle had come out along with some of his close firefighting buddies. Tons of cast and crew members had been invited.

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