Page 151 of Until I Claim You

He’s kept his blond hair shorter, although still a bit shaggy for my liking. He’s stepped into his role at Lyons,working as our new vendor liaison, which allows him the freedom to travel for work rather than making him feel stuck at the club all the time.

We are making it work, and it has been seamless.

He’s got the Lyons charm but his mother’s affability, and he’s served Lyons well in his tenure thus far. “You’re about to propose, Dad. That’s a big deal.”

“Thanks for being here.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Nate’s eyes fall to the lower level. “And there she is.”

Sonia emerges from the front hall into the club and my heart leaps into my throat.

Her ruby mask suits her so well, just as I expected, creating a stark contrast with her dark hair. She wears a gold dress; a Grecian goddess stepping down from Mount Olympus.

“Wow.”

Nate laughs. “Man, you’ve got it bad for her.”

“Is it obvious?” I don’t take my eyes off my bride-to-be. I hope.

“Yes. Never stop, Dad.” Nate pats my shoulder.

Solomon and Bridget walk on either side of her.

Bridget served as the distraction to keep Sonia occupied and unsuspecting.

“I’ll go alert the musicians.”

“Thank you.”

Nate rushes off ahead of me.

The timing all has to be perfect.

I watch Nate approach the band leader, Jack and Abigail are now alert.

Bridget and Solomon are walking Sonia to the dance floor, all the waiters serving champagne avoid her just as I instructed.

It’s time.

I descend the stairs as the music peters off and emerge onto the dance floor where people are clearing a path for me.

I stop at the very center and take a deep breath when my eyes lock with Sonia’s.

She’s frowning. Looks to her right and left for support from Solomon and Bridget, but they, as instructed, have scrambled off to the viewing gallery.

It’s just me and her, the only two people in the world.

Just like that first moment we saw each other, not knowing how the courses of our lives were about to change.

I hold out my hand to her. “Come on. I won’t bite.”

Sonia laughs. “I don’t know about that.”

I laugh too. She’s right about that. I have bitten from time to time.

Sonia is hesitant as she steps onto the dance floor. “What’s all this about?”

“I think you might have a bit of an idea.”

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