Page 66 of Choosing the right Man

Before I can say anything else, my screen blinks as an urgent notification flashes. I click on the notice and read it aloud, then groan.

“Well, there goes our early night,” I say with a pout. I guess my romantic plans with Mason are officially canceled. Considering we have a lot of romantic nights, I shouldn’t feel so disappointed.

“What’s up?” Jenny asks, looking over my shoulder.

“We just got summoned for an all-nighter meeting in the Gold Room.” I look at her. “We haven’t used that room before. I don’t think I’ve ever been in it,” I add, confused.

Dell lets out a low whistle. “The Gold Room? That’s where we hold the fancy parties for clients. Something’s going on. I wonder why we don’t already know about it.” He begins typing on his computer as he tries to find out what’s happening.

“Maybe it’s a merger or a bonus,” Jenny says with a big smile. “Please let it be a bonus. That might be better than an all-inclusive vacation.” She claps her hands and bounces on her feet.

“We do get some nice bonuses, but there’s never been a big event to pay them out,” I tell her.

“Don’t dash my hopes, woman,” she says. “I’m heading back to my desk so I can finish up before the big meeting.”

“Okay, I’ll finish up too. See ya in an hour.” I turn to my computer and get back into the spreadsheet I want to rip up.

We all finish our work, then freshen up before making our way to the Gold Room. As soon as we step inside, we’re stopped in our tracks. My mouth is hanging open as I see all of the fuss going on with lots of people milling about. It seems as if every employee in the company is in here.

“Dang,” Dell says with a low whistle. “I feel underdressed.”

“We look perfectly fine,” I say as I tug on my perfectly suitable blouse. I sort of wish I would’ve dressed up a little more, as I look around at this elegant room with gold and teal decorations, flowers, crystal glasses, waiters walking around with trays of gourmet food, and lots of people socializing and looking just as eager as us to know what in the world is going on.

Jenny looks at me with confusion so I don’t feel as bad about not knowing what’s happening. “Are you sure it said to meet in the Gold Room?” she asks.

“That’s what the note said,” I tell her. “This seems far more like a party than a meeting, though. Are you sure you don’t know what’s going on? You’ve worked here a lot longer than I have.”

“I’m lost,” Jenny says with a shrug. “But I’m not turning down good liquor and gourmet food.” She moves toward a waiter and grabs a couple of glasses of wine, quickly handing me one. I gratefully accept it and take a big swallow.

Dell grabs some food and takes a bite before speaking. “This is weird. Something’s up,” he says.

Before we can figure out what’s happening, Mason steps through the door, making all of our jaws drop. The man always looks gorgeous, but right now he’s absolutely breathtaking. He’s moving through the crowd with absolute confidence, wearing a custom-made suit that fits his body to perfection with a sparkle in his eyes that says he has a secret he’ll let us all in on if we’re well-behaved. His eyes are on me, and me alone. He’s going to alert every person in this room to what’s going on between us if he doesn’t rip his gaze away right now.

He doesn’t though. He moves with purpose through the room, heading straight toward me. My heart’s thundering. I’ve been with this man for over a year now, but completely free to be with him for a couple of months. It’s heaven. I’m still in awe he’s mine as I watch the man every person in this room wants to speak with. He’s beautiful, confident, and I still can’t believe he’s mine.

“Boss looks like he’s on a mission,” Jenny whispers as she looks at Mason, then looks at me, suspicion lighting her eyes. I’d kick Mason’s ass right now if I wasn’t so consumed by him. I can’t hate that he’s gazing at me like I’m the only person in theroom. The intensity between us is so hot, I don’t know how this room isn’t going up in flames.

Dell whistles and takes a step back as Mason closes the distance between us, stopping a couple of feet away from me, his lips turned up in a confident smile, his eyes sparkling. I desperately want to pull him to me and kiss him. I’m always so eager to be in his arms; I don’t know how I ever manage to pull myself out of them.

I notice how the room’s grown quiet as all eyes turn to watch Mason, not sure of what’s happening. There are some whispers going on, as I’m sure everyone’s figuring out a lot more is between Mason and me than a boss-employee relationship.

Multiple gasps can be heard when he suddenly drops down on one knee, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black box. I lose my breath as my gaze widens, and I stare at him in shock. What is happening? This can’t be happening. We’ve never discussed this. We haven’t even hinted at our relationship at work, and it looks like he’s about to propose to me. Tingles shoot through my body as I desperately try to suck in some much-needed air.

“Chloe,” he begins, his voice warm, deep, and sure, “from the moment I met you, you’ve turned my world upside down. You’ve challenged me, grounded me, and made me drop to my knees. I wake up in the morning thinking about you, and fall at sleep at night with your face the last image I see. I don’t want to take even the remotest chance of losing you. I can’t imagine a future without you in it.”

Tears fill my eyes and spill over as my body trembles. This man, the strongest man I’ve ever known, is down on his knee, sharing his feelings with the entire company. Never could I have imagined this happening.

He opens the black velvet box, a stunning diamond shooting rainbows as the light hits it. I barely glance at the ring before gazing into his beautiful eyes again. I can barely breathe.

“Chloe, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

I try to speak but can’t get words past the tightness of my throat. I nod as I desperately try to find words. Finally, I manage to squeak out one single word. “Yes.”

Mason’s smile could light up the entire city. He slides the ring onto my finger, a perfect fit, then stands and pulls me into his arms. He lifts me in the air and spins me before setting me back down, cupping my cheek, and kissing me to seal our promise to each other. I’m instantly lost in his embrace. It takes several moments for me to realize the entire room has erupted in cheers.

When Mason finally releases me, Jenny grabs my arms as she grins at me. “You sneaky, sneaky woman. How in the world did you manage to keep this from us? How long have you been dating the boss?” If there was scorn in her words, I’d be crushed, but she seems thrilled for us.

“Dang, Chloe, you’re so much better at keeping secrets than I ever would’ve imagined. Congrats,” Dell says.

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