Page 102 of The Red-Hot Stakes

I asked quietly, “You okay?”

He nodded. “Just preoccupied.”

I hoped nothing was wrong at work. We’d rebuilt The High Five, turning it into a successful business we ran together. Most of my ideas were hits, though some had failed. But Liam always let me try.

It had taken a while, but I truly no longer believed I was cursed. My life was too amazing for that nonsense. Therapy had actually helped this time around.

I frowned again at his pensive expression. I knew he’d tell me in his own time, but I didn’t want it to ruin our rare evening with all our friends. Especially with the surprise I had planned.

He held me back as everyone else stepped out of the elevator, going to the event room we’d rented for the night. “I love you, Gina.”

“I love you, too. Now let’s go, I’m starving.” I pulled him along, hating to be the last ones in.

As I stepped inside, a huge banner unfurled over the table saying, “Marry me, Gina?” Flowers and candles covered every surface, and I whirled to find Liam down on one knee with a small black box open in front of him.

I gasped then turned to glare at Avery and Rhonda, who tried to hide their amusement.

Liam looked confused, shifting awkwardly. “What’s so funny?”

“Just…” I sighed. “Hold that thought.” I walked past him to poke my head into the hallway, signaling the waiting four-string quartet.

Those green eyes widened as the musicians piled in the room, playing a beautiful, romantic song. “What?” He got to his feet.

“At least let me say my speech. I practiced, you know.” I smiled, grasping his free hand. “I love you, Liam. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of being my husband?”

He shook his head. “No ring?”

I saw the teasing in his smirk. “Nope, sorry. Guess I didn’t think of everything.”

We stared at each other for a long moment, then burst into laughter, our friends joining us.

Liam stared at me in awe. “I can’t believe you proposed.”

“You still haven’t answered me.”

He broke into a smile. “Yes, I’ll marry you. You didn’t answer me, either.”

“Technically, you didn’t ask. The banner did.” I smirked as Liam rolled his eyes. “Of course I’ll marry you.”

And he slid the ring onto my finger, a perfect fit. I beamed, then I threw myself at him, knowing he would catch me. Like he always did.

He wrapped me in his strong arms, kissing me to the cheers of our closest friends. “What am I going to do with you?” he murmured.

“Haven’t you learned yet?”

My favorite furrow appeared in his brow.

My lips brushed his cheek as I told him, “When it comes to me, all bets are off.”

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