Page 11 of Playboy Boss

“What’s this about?” Konrad asked. He had his own issue to contend with.

“I have no clue,” Tylund chimed in, turning to Melina, who shrugged.

“Fucking say something.” Dallas’s East Texas accent came out strong. His date giggled, cuddling against his side. She seemed a bit young for his normal taste.

Fabian and Antonia gazed at each other like lovesick puppies, their fingers intertwined, their smiles growing wider as if they shared some secret. Konrad grew conflicted. Something deep inside him knew what the couple had to say.

Antonia started after she and Fabian finished eye-screwing each other. “Well, we have some good news. First, I’d like to announce that my mom is actually doing better despite all signs and prognosis. So, we are celebrating that.”

Everyone cheered. Konrad lifted his glass. He’d known what it was like to lose a mother. His whole heart went out to Antonia. He drank, as did everyone else.

Fabian nodded to his left, summoning Scottie to pass out champagne flutes. He pointed at the group.

Scottie refused to look at Konrad as she handed him a glass of champagne. In a low voice, he said, “Thank you, Scottie.”

She nodded under reddened cheeks. Still no eye contact.

“First, everyone please get a champagne flute. We have another announcement,” Fabian said.

Konrad’s instinct was right. He knew exactly what they were going to announce. He held the flute stem between his fingers. Dallas, who sat next to Konrad, elbowed his side. He knew too.

When every person held a champagne flute, Fabian began. “This has been such a whirlwind, meeting Antonia again after so many years and then chasing her down until she wanted to be with me.”

Everyone laughed. Antonia smiled, her dark eyes glistening.

Fabian continued, “I don’t know how I got so fucking lucky with this one, but fuck, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She makes me want to be a better person.”

Konrad couldn’t look at him anymore. This was too much. He’d felt too many new emotions, uncomfortable emotions. A longing grew inside him, making him feel lonely and lost a little bit.

“And I think I offer her some things too. Maybe?” Fabian laughed.

Konrad heard the pop of their kiss, and he knew it was wrong to not face his friends when they were about to change their lives forever in his presence.

“Last night when I picked Toni up from yoga class, I couldn’t hold back. I couldn’t wait. Because when I looked over at her, all sweaty and in spandex, I knew I couldn’t go another day without her being with me. Permanently. So, I asked her to marry me, and she said yes.”

Konrad took in the sight, his throat aching. He averted his gaze and caught Scottie staring at him from across the living room, the tray pressed against her chest. Her eyes were soft, her mouth in a slight curve. He gasped, getting Pilar’s attention, who in turn rubbed his leg again. Scottie turned away, walking back down the hall to the kitchen.

“We know it’s so fast, but when you know, you know, right?” Antonia said, taking Konrad’s attention from Scottie. She’d held up her ring finger, showing off a gigantic diamond ring.

When you know, you know… Konrad had heard that saying ad nauseam. It didn’t make sense to him. It couldn’t…

The women swooned at the ring. The men stood and congratulated Fabian one by one.

“Congratulations, mate.” Konrad and Fabian embraced and patted each other on the back. “You honestly couldn’t have done better. She could have, but you already knew that.”

Fabian grinned. “Fuck you!” He grew serious. “She’s everything to me, Konrad. Seriously, I can’t imagine being without her.”

I can’t imagine being without her. Fabian’s words gave him pause. Konrad had lived his life so he wouldn’t have to find out what that meant, with great success.

“That sounds awful, mate.”

“You’ll eat those words when it happens to you.” Fabian winked at him, turning his attention to Dallas.

Konrad glanced back to the bar where Scottie had stood. He wondered if he ever would eat his words.

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