Page 72 of A Bossy Proposal

“Taste it,” she groans.

I chuckle as I stab my fork into the juicy pink flesh and lift it to my mouth. Letting the delicate flavors explode on my tongue. But despite the delicious taste, it’s not the food that has my heart racing. It’s the way she looks tonight, and the way she smiles at me.

The evening rolls on, laughter and chatter filling the air as we savor each course. I watch her engage with everyone around us, effortlessly charming.

Each compliment she receives sends a rush of pride through me. She’s perfect for this world, even if she doesn’t yet realize it.

As dinner winds down, a slow song fills the room, and I stand, extending my hand toward her. “Come and dance with me?”

The doors open to the dance floor, everyone gasps at the Christmas themed room.

She bites her lip as she glances around, and then she smiles as she takes my hand. We weave through tables to the dance floor.

“I love this song,” she whispers close to my ear.

The dimmed ceiling lights cast a warm glow over us as we sway together.

“Yeah?” I pull her in closer, feeling the heat radiate between us.

Amelia nods. “This feels...”

“Real?” I spin her around.

She smiles. “I suppose.”

“Get used to it because I’m not letting you go.”

She gasps. “You keep telling me.”

“Then start believing it.”

Dom taps my shoulder, a mischievous grin on his face. “Mind if I steal your fiancée for a dance?”

“Be my guest.” I step back, letting Dom take Amelia’s hand. Her laughter echoes across the dance floor as he spins her dramatically.

I join Sam, Henry, and Arabella at the edge of the room. They’re all watching the dancing couple. Dom says something that makes Amelia throw her head back in genuine amusement. From nowhere, a flicker of resentment roils in my stomach.

“You look different,” Henry says, taking a sip of his champagne. His dark eyes studying me.

“Different how?”

“Less...” Henry waves his hand as if he’s finding the right word.

“Less like you’ve got a stick up your ass,” Sam finishes, running his fingers through his dark blond hair. “Who knew all you needed was to find what you never knew you wanted?”

I shoot him a look but can’t help smiling as Amelia’s laughter rings out again.

My sister Arabella’s pale blue eyes fix on the dance floor as she twirls her platinum hair in her fingers. Arabella hasn’t said a word, but she watches Amelia and Dom as he dips her low, causing another burst of giggles.

“You’re quite the dancer,” Henry comments to Dom as they twirl past us.

“I’m terrible,” Amelia calls back, still laughing. “I keep stepping on his toes!”

Dom grins, leading her in another spin. “Worth every bruise, darling.”

I catch Amelia’s eye as she spins. She gives me a bright smile. It’s genuine, reaching all the way to her eyes, lighting up her entire face and makes my heart skip.

Suddenly, the music cuts out, leaving an echoing silence. Confused murmurs ripple among our guests as they look toward me.

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