Page 7 of The Square Up

“Here we are.” Stanley holds out two champagne flutes.

“Perfect timing, Stanley.” Kade tucks me into his side. “We’re hanging things up. Please take my bride-to-be somewhere comfortable to wait while you help me pick out the perfect ring for her.”

“Absolutely, Mr. Nash.” Stanley puffs out his chest.

I find myself in a room draped in velvet, my heart racing and my stomach fluttering with a thousand butterflies. I shouldn’t feel this giddy, this happy—but heaven help me, I do. Kade is on the other side of the store, selecting a ring for me.

Getting engaged was never something I imagined or desired. Yet, the way Kade looks at me, the way he kisses me, the way he makes me feel… if I could find a man like him to call my own, I’d marry him tomorrow.

I take a sip of the Cristal, struggling to catch my breath as waves of emotion crash over me. For my entire life, I've mastered the art of compartmentalizing my feelings; it’s what made me a strong, sought-after pro basketball agent. Yet in less than twenty-four hours, Kade has shattered those defenses.

I want to be with him.

I crave to know everything about him.

Oh, no…

I close my eyes as it hits me.

I wish our fake engagement was real.

Horrified, my eyes dart around the room, looking for a way out. What is happening to me? How can a Playboybasketball player unravel the barriers I’ve taken years to construct?

“Miss Roberts?” Stanley sweeps a velvet curtain to the side. “Mr. Nash is ready for you.”

I can’t run now; I can’t do that to Kade. I drain the last of my champagne, feeling its warmth settle in my chest. Taking a deep breath, I follow Stanley, my mind racing with how to protect my heart.

But the minute I see Kade’s beaming face, I realize it’s too late.

He’s already stolen my heart.

“There she is.” He grins. “I missed you, bright eyes.”

“Babe, I wasn’t gone that long.”

“Any time you’re away from me is too long,” he kisses my forehead then drops to one knee. “From the moment we met, I knew you were the one. You're everything I've ever wanted in a partner and more. I can’t imagine my life without you. I promise to never take you for granted, to always love you, protect you, and cherish you all the days of my life. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

Tears roll down my cheeks. “Yes,” I breathe.

He slips a stunning ring onto my finger. “I am the luckiest man alive.” He presses a soft kiss to my lips. “The absolute luckiest.”

Stanley is smiling like a Cheshire cat. “How does the ring fit?”

I hold up my hand. “It’s perfect.”

“Do you like the ring, baby?”

I stare at the large stone sitting on a band of sparkling pink stones. “It’s beautiful.” I swipe away a tear.

“Not nearly as beautiful as you.” He kisses me again.

“Mr. Nash selected the finest ring in the store. Your engagement ring is a flawless oval-cut five-carat diamond surrounded by a platinum band of pink diamonds.”

“Kade…this is too much.”

“Hush.” He grins down at me. “Just kiss me.”

I stare into his deep green eyes and decide not to argue with my fiancé. I simply obey his command and kiss him with a full, happy heart.

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