Page 85 of Rating the Book Boyfriend

“If we’re going to be together, you’re just going to have to deal with it, Libby. I?—”

Her eyes go saucer-round, and she cuts me off with another jab against my chest. “Deal with it? Oh, noooo, Mr. Romero. I will certainly notdeal with it. Do you think you’re going to marry her and still see me on the side? I’m nobody’s side piece.”

Okay, I’m completely perplexed at this point. “Marry who?”

Libby throws her hands up in exasperation. “Lucinda! I know all about your littleholiday proposal,” she grits out. “I found the ring box in your underwear drawer.”

Ahhh, things start to clear up in my mind, and I fight a smile at her gross misconception.

“So you were snooping.”

“I was not,” she snaps indignantly. “I was checking your underwear size for… something. It’s not important right now. The point is that I know you don’t want to marry Lucinda. You don’t even like her. You like me. And I like you, even when you’re being an idiot.”

“An idiot? Seems you have poor taste in men, Liberty,” I say, biting the inside of my cheek to control my face.

“It seems I do, but you’ve grown on me. Like a wart,” she snarks, and I cover my snort with a fake cough. “If you’re being pressured to marry Lucinda, I’m here to stand by your side and help you resist the pressure. I know it can be hard standing up to people you love, but I plan to be here to support you.”

My heart melts into the consistency of warm oatmeal. I mean, she’s completely off base, but she’s offering to be something I’ve never had: a true partner.

Then those pretty eyes narrow again, and she grips my jaw. “But if you still think you’re going to propose to Lucinda tonight, you’re going to have to do it in front of me. You’re going to have to get down on one knee before her, knowing you’re breaking my heart in the process. And that’s not the kind of man I know you to be, Riggs Romero.”

Then she nods with finality, pats my cheek a bit harder than necessary, and marches into the house.

I watch the door close behind her and finally allow my smile to break free. The fucking balls on this woman. The strength and loyalty.

God. Damn.Is it weird that I’m fully hard right now?

After giving my penis a moment to calm down, I follow Libby into the house, only to find her standing with Nana Viv. Their clasped hands are between them, and the grin on my grandmother’s face smacks me right in the chest.

How did I ever mistake the tolerant smile she used to have when she saw me and Lucinda together for this… this… purely joyous one?

I’m happy Nana approves, but like she told me, it’s no one else’s business who I decide to love. And I’m utterly, head-over-heels in love with the sassy woman in the red pantsuit.

The one who adores me. The one who plays peek-a-boo with my dog. The one who can write a sex scene so hot it makes my neck sweat. The one who can bring those scenes to life in my arms.

Heading to the corner of the living room, I motion for the deejay to turn down the Christmas tune he’s playing, and I take the microphone. Tapping on it twice, I step onto the small, raised platform and say, “Everyone, can I have your attention please?”

All the furniture has been removed for the party, and the enormous space is filled with almost a hundred people, a mixture of friends and business colleagues. Their chatter dies down as every eye turns toward me. Including Libby’s.

Getting through all the formalities, the wholethank you for coming, we’re so grateful, happy holidaysspiel,I allow my eyes to skitter across Libby as I look around the room. She stands with her arms crossed defensively over her chest at the front of the crowd, and her eyes are hazel fire.

Oh, my sweet Libby.

“I have something special I’d like to share with you all tonight,” I say, and I can feel the sharpness of her gaze, like she’s shooting actual daggers at me. Then I turn to look at her,reveling in the shock on her face when I hold out my hand. “Libby, can you join me, please?”

When she doesn’t move, I walk to her and take her hand. “What are you doing, Riggs?” she whispers but allows me to lead her onto the low stage.

“You’ll see,” I say in a low voice. “Just smile and listen.”

Libby bares her teeth, but instead of looking like a smile, it looks more like she may bite off any part of my anatomy I get too close to her mouth.

Speaking into the microphone again, I hold tightly to her hand. “I want to introduce all of you the beautiful Libby Hill.” I smile reassuringly down at her and get lost in her eyes. “She’s my girlfriend, and I’m absolutely crazy about her.”

A series ofawwwnoises come from the crowd, and her face softens. I kiss the tip of her nose and manage to pull my gaze away to once again address the guests. “Libby is fairly new to the area, so everyone please make her feel welcome because she’s very important to me.” Releasing her hand, I wrap my arm around her waist, claiming her as mine. “Except for you, Phillips; you keep your distance.”

I look pointedly at Andy Phillips, one of Mercato’s food suppliers and a known playboy, as the room lets out a collective chuckle. He lifts his champagne glass in a silent salute of surrender.

“Everyone enjoy the food and drinks, and if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with my girl privately for a moment.”

---