Page 64 of One Hot Chase

His eyes sparkle with mischief and something deeper, something heady and sweet and as irresistible as the man himself. "Life, Bree. We live it together, to the fullest."

The joy bubbling up inside me is almost overwhelming. "That sounds suspiciously like a proposal, Sir Declan."

His lips gradually slide into that heart-stopping, knee-weakening grin that first drew me to him. "And if it was?"

Every hair on my body lifts and stiffens, but it's not from fear. I've never felt safer in my entire life than I do with Declan. "Then my answer would be yes. A thousand times, yes."

Declan's face lights up, his smile so bright it could outshine the sun. He pulls me into a kiss that's tender and passionate all at once, filled with promise and hope for our future together.

When we finally separate, both breathless and giddy, laughter bubbles out of me. "I can't believe this is happening. We're engaged, and I don't even know where we're flying to."

Declan smirks and winks. "Well, future Mrs. Wilde, allow me to enlighten you." He gestures to the horizon, where I can just make out the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean. "We're headed to Japan."

Chapter Twenty-Two

Declan

"Japan?" Sabrina's eyes bulge, and she's almost gaping. Then she shakes her head, rather violently. "Declan, that's halfway around the world. What about Tabby's wedding? I can't miss that. As much as I love bouncing around the world with you, I need to be there for my sister."

"Relax, you won't miss anything. I'll make certain of that."

She gnaws on her bottom lip. "Well, if you're absolutely sure..."

"I promise you will be on time to your sister's nuptials." Since I still have the autopilot on, I pull Bree onto my lap so I can wrap my arms around her. "I have a mate who lives in Nikko. It's a beautiful, romantic destination. We'll need to make stops along the way to refuel, but even that long a trip won't take more than a day or so. Don't worry, love. We'll be back in plenty of time. I've got it all planned out."

She shakes her head, laughing despite herself. "You know, most people just go out for dinner when they get engaged."

"Ah, but we're not most people, are we?" I give her a quick kiss, then pat her arse. "Now, you need to return to your seat, please."

She climbs back onto her seat. "I trust you, Declan. You'll get me home in plenty of time."

"Thank you for the vote of confidence." I turn my attention back to the controls. "I thought you wanted an adventure, anyway."

"Yes, I do want that. But we can't tell anyone about our engagement yet." She bites her lip. "I wouldn't want to steal Tabitha's thunder. She deserves to be the center of attention."

"We will keep it a secret, for now." I lift my brows. "Does that mean I can't even buy you a ring yet?"

"Hmm, I'll need to think about that." As the reality of our impromptu engagement sinks in, a giddy excitement bubbles up inside me. "So, tell me about this friend of yours. And please tell me we're not staying in some kind of luxury resort that costs ten thousand dollars. I've had plenty of that, but I'd love something more low-key this time."

"Whatever you want, I shall provide." I chuckle at Bree's request. "Low-key, eh? I think I can manage that. My mate Inada Ren operates a traditional ryokan---it's a type of Japanese inn---that's just outside the city of Nikko. Think sliding paper doors, futons on tatami mats, and hot spring baths under the stars."

Bree's expression lights up. "Hot springs? Now that sounds like my kind of adventure."

"I thought you might approve," I say, unable to keep the smugness from my voice. "And don't worry about the ring. We'll find something perfect when the time is right. For now, let's just enjoy the journey."

As we soar over the vast expanse of the Pacific, I replay my time with Declan in mind and can't believe how fast things have changed. Just a few weeks ago, I was a restless soul, drifting from one adventure to the next. Now, with Bree by my side, every moment feels like a new discovery.

"So, tell me more about this ryokan," Bree says. "I've never stayed in one before."

I grin, picturing the serene beauty of Nikko. "It's nestled in the mountains, surrounded by ancient cedar trees and babbling brooks. The rooms are simple but elegant---all natural materials and clean lines. The onsen, the hot spring baths, are the real draw. There's nothing quite like soaking in mineral-rich waters while gazing up at the stars."

"Okay, it does sound magical. But...do we have to wear those kimono things? I'm not sure I can pull off that look."

"They're called yukata, actually. And yes, they're traditional, but don't worry---you'll look stunning in anything."

Bree rolls her eyes, but I note the hint of a blush on her cheeks. "Oh, Declan, you are the consummate sweet talker. But seriously, I'm going to need some serious guidance on Japanese etiquette. I don't want to offend anyone."

"That's what you've got me for, love," I say, reaching over to give her hand a squeeze. "Though I have to warn you, my Japanese is a bit rusty."

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