Page 52 of The CEO

“I wasn’t going to leave them at home alone and miss out.” Her bottom lip stuck and as she pouted.

The way she loved my dogs our dogs made me love her all the more.

“I’m glad you did, but you should have told me, and I would have arranged for the dog walker to come with you or even myself.”

Pria tilted her head and smiled up at me. “You know how I like to keep you on your toes.”

That I did.

Peeking around me, Pria’s brows knitted. “What is going on here? Why is there some other lady here on our picnic?”

I gestured for Lexie to come over and join us. “It’s not just a picnic. This is our engagement photoshoot.”

Pria’s brows jumped up before she looked down at what she was wearing. “What the hell, King? Don’t you think you should have told me to wear something nicer? Everyone is going to see these pictures.” Her arms flapped at her sides. “And look at you, looking like a Greek god, while I look like I just came from the gym.”

“That’s where my expertise comes in,” Lexie spoke up. “I have a makeshift changing room from behind those trees. Trust me.” She smiled reassuringly. “I’ve done this all over the world, and your man here picked out a pretty kick ass outfit for you to wear.” Stepping forward, Lexie extended her hand. “I’m Lexie.”

Pria’s eyes softened as she shook Lexie’s hand. When she looked back at me, all the annoyance was gone.

“You’re the best. I love you.” I wasn’t sure if she was speaking to me or Lexie, but I went with me.

“I love you too. Now why don’t you go get ready? The sun is close to setting.”

“Oh.” Pria jumped and looked at the position of the sun. Since she was late, we only had thirty to forty minutes for my impromptu idea. I was starting to think maybe I should have told her what we were doing.

Jumping up on her tippy toes, she grabbed my face between her hands, indicating she wanted me to bend down. I had no problem giving her what she needed. Our lips melted together. I wanted to take it further, but before I could deepen our kiss, Pria broke away. “I love you, and I promise to hurry.”

Lexie followed, directing Pria to the dressing room she set up before I even arrived. It was obvious this wasn’t Lexie’s first rodeo. I never even thought about Pria needing to change, but no matter how much I liked her in leggings and a t-shirt, Pria wouldn’t want our special pictures in anything less than her best.

In less than ten minutes, Pria came out with her sleek black hair cascading down her back in a tight-fitting green dress with pink heels adorning her feet.

“Damn, you look gorgeous.”

Her hands skimmed down her dress. “It’s not too much?”

“You’re perfect.”

“You two are so cute together.” Lexie rubbed her hands together with a gleam in her eyes. “This is going to be fun. It already is.” She amended as she stepped back and looked around at our brood. “How trained are these dogs?”

“Not trained enough for whatever you’re thinking.” There was no way in hell Orvi, Sarah, and Jimmy were ruining my surprise. Not today of all days.

“Okay. Okay.” Lexie held her hands up. “We’ll proceed as planned, but ultimately, I’ll take candid photos of all of you.”

My only hope was no one ended up in the emergency room. Sarah was already looking around for trouble.

Pria’s soft hand wrapped around mine as she gazed up at me. “You did all of this for me?”

Leaning down, I brushed my mouth across hers. “When are you going to realize I would do absolutely anything and everything for you?”

“I think I already know,” she whispered.

Lexie made some sort of squeaking noise, but I wasn’t going to let it wreck the moment.

The wind blew, and the aroma of garlic and tomatoes filled the air. “Are you hungry?”

Pria’s eyes lit up as she took in the picnic set out before us. “For Italian? Always.”

We stayed clear of Chinese food. Pria had too much of it when she was growing up and then with her ex. Italian was her favorite and who was I to deny her?

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