Page 141 of Tempting Me

I slide a hand around her waist to pull her to me and prolong the touch of her lips to mine. When her hand moves to my hair and threads through the strands, I slip my tongue into her mouth.

She hums again, but this time I feel it touch every part of my body.

Yep. I should have done this at home.

I pull back and groan.

“More of that later, but first, come with me.”

Her eyes narrow with suspicion as she smirks.

“All right.”

I lace her hand with mine and lock her in at my side as we make our way to the beach.

It’s deserted, and there isn't a single thing out here that will hint at what I’m doing.

“Let’s go for a dip,” I say, remembering that moment overthe summer when I knew I was completely gone for this woman.

“No way,” she says quickly. “It’s a little chilly out here and have you seen this dress?”

“Yes, baby, I have. Which is why I suggested getting you out of it.”

She leans in and kisses me.

“After this party we are oddly required to attend.”

“Deal.”

We both pause to look out over the water and admire the view. It’s peaceful here. The water being the only surrounding sound.

“I love this lake,” I say. “I fell in love with you just over there.” I point to where she rushed into the water that night.

“You’re so cheesy.” She leans her head on my shoulder. “And I love it.”

“And right there”—I twist to point at The Marina, the glow of the dining room we spent countless hours remodeling after dark shines back at us—"was where I knew that I’d met the woman of my dreams.”

Shay is looking up at me, her eyes are glistening as she bites her bottom lip.

“And right here, this is the spot where I ask you to be my wife.”

I slowly lower to one knee, and Shay gasps.

“Luca! Are you serious?”

I nod and smile.

“I’ve never been more serious. I love you with all my heart, Shay Parker, and I know I’m not perfect and I say cheesy lines and I can be a little dramatic at times, but I also know that I will spend every day I breathe making you feelloved, cherished, and valued while supporting every dream of yours for as long as you let me. I get only one life, and I want it with you. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” she screams and leans quickly to kiss me, but I pull back just as fast.

“I forgot to pull out the ring,” I say and reach into my pocket. “I was so eager to ask you to be my wife, I spaced it.”

I pop the box open, revealing an oval solitaire diamond with a simple white gold band to Shay. Then I slip it onto her finger.

“Your wife,” she says, smiling at the ring and then at me. “I love the sound of that.”

She pulls me in for another kiss, reaching for my belt.

---