Page 41 of Grumpy Alien Boss

I tune out his sales pitch. The ring speaks to me of strength and beauty combined - just like my Olivia. The woman who faced down grolgath without flinching deserves nothing less.

"Would you like to discuss our payment plans?"

"Payments?" I laugh. The concept seems absurd. "I'll pay cash."

His eyes widen as I pull out my wallet. The price tag might make most humans balk, but what's money compared to finding your true mate? Besides, Rook Enterprises earned enough last quarter to buy this entire store.

The ring box feels warm in my pocket. Soon it will be on Olivia's finger, marking her as mine in both human and Vakutan traditions.

The lobby sparkles with silver and gold decorations. My staff outdid themselves - though a few raises might be in order for keeping this secret. The ring box weighs heavy in my pocket as I check the time. Everything's perfect.

I pull out my phone and dial Olivia's extension.

"Mr. Rook, what a pleasant surprise." Her voice drips with playful insolence.

"I need you in the lobby. Immediately."

"Mmm, but I'm so comfortable up here. Make me."

Heat rushes through me at her bratty tone. She knows exactly what buttons to push.

"Olivia." I let a growl enter my voice. "Come down to the lobby. Now."

A soft moan travels through the phone, straight to my groin. "Yes, Sir."

The line goes dead and I adjust my tie, scanning the decorations one final time. Streamers cascade from the ceiling like a metallic waterfall. Balloons cluster in strategic corners, ready for their cue. The small fireworks are primed to spray harmless sparkles once she says yes.

If she says yes.

My hands aren't steady as I touch the ring box again. I've faced down entire squadrons of grolgath with less nervousness than I feel right now.

The elevator chimes. My warrior queen is coming.

The elevator doors slide open and Olivia steps out, her green eyes narrowing as she takes in the decorated lobby. Her lips part in surprise, but a knowing smirk plays at the corners of her mouth.

My heart pounds as I stride toward her. The ring box burns in my pocket like a plasma core about to breach containment. In one fluid motion, I drop to one knee before her.

Her eyes widen, glistening with unshed tears. The silence stretches between us as I pull out the box and open it. The diamond catches the light, throwing rainbow sparkles across her face. But she doesn't speak.

"Olivia, what are you doing?" I whisper, my voice rougher than intended. "You're supposed to give me an answer."

"Maybe I'm just memorizing the sight of you, kneeling." Her voice carries that familiar teasing lilt. "Since I'll be the one on my knees for the rest of our marriage."

My breath catches. "So, you're saying yes?"

"Hmm." She taps her chin, pretending to consider it. Her eyes dance with mischief. "Oh, sure, why not?"

The balloons cascade down around us in a flurry of silver and gold, the streamers fluttering like ribbons of light. The small fireworks erupt in bursts of harmless sparkles, painting the air around Olivia in glittering fragments. She’s radiant, her green eyes wide with wonder, her red hair catching the glow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her more beautiful.

I pull her into me, my hands cradling her face as I kiss her. Her lips are soft, eager, and I can feel her smile against mine. For a moment, everything is perfect. The world shrinks to just us, the sparkles raining down like stardust, the sound of the lobby fading into silence.

Then I smell it. Smoke.

I pull back just in time to see a stray firework catch the edge of a streamer. The flame licks up the paper, curling it black before spreading to the next one.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter.

Olivia’s laughter bubbles up before I can even process what’s happening. “Dar, your proposal’s on fire.”

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