Page 79 of The Prince's Game
“Is that even a job?”
“Sure, I can make it one. You’ll be a contractor or something.”
“Aren’t there laws against hiring a spouse or relative as a contractor?”
He grinned. “Maybe. How would you feel if I made it a personal job and paid you with orgasms?”
Heat crawled up my neck. “Uh”—I cleared my throat—“yeah, I think I would be okay with that.”
“Perfect. Garrett’s going to love drafting this contract.”
“We’re not really . . . I can’t . . . Rachel can’t read this.” I loved my best friend, but there were some things that needed to remain between me and Evan.
The wicked glint in his gaze made my pulse race. “How about we write up the agreement together and sign it without lawyers present.”
“It won’t be legal that way.”
“No, but it’ll be sealed in love and faith. Isn’t that what marriage is about anyway? Trusting someone enough to share your life with him or her forever?”
“You’re serious about this marriage thing.” He kept saying it without cringing or trying to jump out the window. “Who are you, and what did you do with Evan Mershano?”
He brushed his knuckles against my cheek and down my neck. “He fell in love with a girl, and she changed everything.” His gentle tone wrapped around my heart and squeezed. “I spent most of my life watching my father destroy my mother. She couldn’t leave him because she had nowhere else to go, and I always blamed the institution for that. But marriage isn’t their problem; their choices are the problem. My father chooses to cheat, and my mom chooses to ignore it. It’s my decision whether or not I live that way. Marriage has nothing to do with it.”
“Have we known each other long enough to get married? I mean, our entire relationship was on a dating show.” I hated pointing out my concerns, but it needed to be said. Otherwise this would never work.
“Which is why I propose we get engaged, but not get married right away. Couples do that all the time, and I don’t see any reason for us to be different. But I do want to live with you. The show taught me to be more comfortable with delegating responsibilities, which means fewer business trips and more time at home with you. Although, I meant what I said about you accompanying me abroad. You can work from the jet or the hotel, and fly back as needed. I want to support your work as much as possible, so if you want to stay in Chicago, I’m open to it.”
“Did you just somewhat propose to me somewhere in there?” Because that’s what it sounded like.I propose we get engaged . . .
His dimples flashed. “Want me to get down on one knee again, Miss Summers?”
“I’m serious. Did you just propose?”
“I suggested we get engaged, yes. But I didn’t propose formally.”
“But you want to get engaged, and you’re willing to move to Chicago. For my work.” It was meant to be rhetorical, my brain computing everything he’d just said, but he nodded in confirmation.
“Yes.”
I never in my wildest dreams expected this to happen, but it told me everything I needed to know. He loved me. Not that I doubted his earlier sincerity, but now I knew with every fiber of my being that this man loved me. And I loved him.
I straddled his lap and cradled his face between my palms. “Yes.” I brushed my lips against his and smiled. “To all of it except living in Chicago. Your home is in New Orleans. Loving you is more than enough reason to move, and as you pointed out, I can do my work from anywhere as long as I have a computer. So, yes. To everything.”
“Care to seal that promise with a kiss?”
“Absolutely.”
His fingers wove through my dark strands, our lips a hairsbreadth apart. “As always, it was a pleasure negotiating with you, Miss Summers.”
“Likewise, Mister Mershano.”
Epilogue
For three months, we kept our relationship a secret from the media and Evan’s parents while the show aired on television. That all ended tonight.
Joseph sat in a plush chair center stage, while Evan, Amber, and I sat on a couch beside him. The final episode ofThe Prince’s Gameaired last night, and we were here for the final interview. A tell-all of sorts that would floor everyone. Carrie sat with the other twenty-eight contestants off to the side in rows, watching the drama unfold. She was in charge of asking the girls questions, while Joseph interviewed us.
Amber tried to stroke Evan’s thigh again, making me bite my tongue. The engagement ring I couldn’t wear in public was hiding in his pocket. I placed it there after our make-out session in the limo. He looked so damn sexy in that three-piece suit, I couldn’t keep my hands off of him. My sleek red dress seemed to have the same effect on him, as he couldn’t stop caressing the slit up my left thigh.
