Page 103 of Bad Boy Neighbor

Even Pa pulls me in for an embrace. “Got me another daughter, eh?”

All of a sudden, I hear, “Hello, Gabbie… Gabbie!”

In the palm of my hand sits my phone with Lana and Sebastian still on FaceTime.

“Oh my God, you guys,” I shout excitedly. “Did you hear that?”

“We saw that.” Sebastian grins. “Congrats, Gabbo. Olly’s a pain in the arse, but he’s all yours now.”

“I’m so happy,” Lana squeals. “The proposal was perfect.”

“Your timing was impeccable, calling me at that moment.”

Her eyes widen, her mouth pursed as she stares at me with a knowing gaze. She knew this was going to happen. Lana and Sebastian are like family to Olly, so it makes sense he would approach Lana for some guidance.

“Look at the ring.” I hold my hand toward the screen. “It’s stunning.”

“Harry Winston cushion-cut center stone framed by micropavé diamonds, set on a micropavé band,” she says matter-of-factly.

I can’t help but laugh. “Thank you. And listen, I’ll call you guys tonight.”

“We love you. Chat later,” Lana says, waving goodbye.

Ma and Pa have finally released Olly from a group hug, and he motions for me to join him.

“Gabriella,” he whispers slowly, prolonging each letter as if to savor them.

I smile, my heart fluttering at his voice as I clasp my hands on either side of his face. “Yes, Oliver?”

“I have one more surprise for you… tonight.”

“Does it involve edible underwear? Don’t think I haven’t seen what’s sitting inside your closet.”

He kisses my lips, stopping himself from laughing. “No, it’s much better than that.”

We take a stroll along Sydney Harbour, holding hands and admiring the view.

On this warm, sunny evening, the moonlight casts across the city. The harbour is dotted with hundreds of sailing boats, cruise boats, and ferries, their lights illuminating the dark water.

This has been the most magical week, and I never want it to end. Waking up beside a man I love with every fiber of my being is pure perfection.

“This is perfect. I can’t believe I’m here, with you, engaged. I’m in love with Australia.”

“I knew you would love it here, but you know, I also love being in the States. We can go back and forth.”

We haven’t talked much about our relationship moving forward, caught up in passionate sex at every waking moment. Long distance will be extremely hard. I’ve committed myself to my work back home, and can’t let Lana down, yet Olly’s whole existence is here.

I stop midstep, eager to gain clarification. “As in I live there, and you live here?”

“Do you really think I would be that far apart from you?”

“Just checking… carry on.”

“So, I was thinking, if you’re keen, we stay here during my season, and off-season we live in the States.”

“But…” So many questions fill my mind. I don’t know where to begin. “I have my job.”

“About that…” He scratches his head, wincing as if he’s about to drop a bomb on me. “I’m kind of well off… rich, to be exact.”

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