Page 327 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

I whispered, “The kind that makes your panties wet.”

Laughing, she slapped my chest. “I’m serious! What’s going on? Something feels off.”

I got out, rushed to her side, and opened the door. “Let’s find out.”

* * *

EVA

Kain was definitely up to something. I could feel it thrumming from him.

Did he buy me a car? I told him I didn’t need one. My car worked fine, and I would feel uncomfortable driving a luxury car. He had plenty and I could borrow his if I needed a change.

We didn’t go into Grandpa’s apartment. Instead, Kain took my hand and led me to the back area where a gazebo sat by the lake. The peaceful scenery was the reason Grandpa chose this complex.

My mom, dad, and grandpa were all inside the gazebo with trays of food. The only person missing was my brother Thomas, who was probably traveling for work.

“There’s my beautiful girl.” Mom threw her arms around me. She’d cut her brown hair in an adorable bob cut. Early retirement had treated her well.

Dad shook Kain’s hands and patted him on the shoulder. “Nice to finally meet you in person.”

“Likewise.”

Mom went to embrace Kain, and Dad hugged me.

“My turn!” Grandpa said.

After the warm greetings, I said to my parents, “I thought you were in Italy for another week.”

“We wanted to see our daughter and . . . and meet her fabulous boyfriend,” Dad said, looking guilty at my mom, who shook her head.

“What’s going on?” I turned to Kain.

He was already down on one knee, holding out a box with a gorgeous diamond ring. My heart raced, and my hands trembled at the gorgeous man wanting me to be his forever.

Kain met my eyes. “Eva, I love you more than I can say. You’ve changed my life for the better. Since you believe that I’m the finest ‘SpeciMen’ to ever exist, I would be honored if you would marry me to strengthen the deep roots we have and grow old together.”

Tears streamed down my face. He had planned this intimate gathering to ask me in front of my family.

God, I love him.

“Yes!”

Joy emanated from him as he slipped the brilliant cut diamond onto my finger. It fit perfectly.

He got up and kissed me.

My parents took turns congratulating us. Mom cried with me while Kain spent time with my dad and grandfather.

After the delicious lunch that Grandpa organized, Kain and I took a stroll around the lake, hand in hand.

He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing it. “Ready for the adventure of a lifetime with me?”

“Been ready since I discovered my new SpeciMen!”

* * *

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