Page 103 of Married to My Grumpy Minotaur Boss

I mumble, “Um... yeah. Sorry. I was going to tell him no.”

“Girl—”

I hush her as Ronan continues.

“Justine, if you see this, I’m more sorry than I can express. I’ve been an ass. I don’t deserve you, but I’m still selfish enough that I’m going to beg you for one more chance. This is the apology you deserve, and you deserve it in person, too. If you can see it in your heart to forgive me—even if it’s just enough to let me say goodbye—please let me see you today. And if you want to keep me waiting for an answer to my proposal for months—years!—then you have every right. I’ll still be here when you’re ready to answer.”

I can’t concentrate on the rest of the interview. I can barely hear Courtney’s excited noises beside me. Nothing seems to penetrate past the rushing of my heartbeat.

“Oh my god,” I whisper.

“What are you going to do?”

I turn, searching her face for the right answer, though I know that’s not where I need to look to find it. “I don’t know. I was so sure last night. But I think he means it. I think he really gets it.”

Courtney nods. She’s forcibly holding in whatever she wants to say, bouncing on her seat with excitement.

“Am I an idiot if I say yes?”

“No!” The word bursts from her before she pulls me into a fierce hug. “I’m right back on team stern minotaur daddy. Or is it bosshole minotaur daddy?”

We both laugh.

“OK, I’m doing it.” I hold up my phone. “I’m calling him. Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Courtney grins. “Pretty sure that part doesn’t come until the wedding, and I’m officially inviting myself.”

We share one more excited squeal. “Of course you’ll be there. You have to be my maid of honor!”

“Damn right! Now call him, girl, and relish that grovel for a little longer. And make sure he buys you the biggest ring you’ve ever seen.”

I’m nervous, waiting outside his door. I have the key, but I can’t decide if I should use it or knock. It’s a strange conundrum, which I’m sure it has more to do with my last minute nerves and the way I’m second guessing myself.

It didn’t help I had to scramble through a press of reporters and photographers at the door to his apartment complex to get here. Seems like the appearances on the Morning Show have put us right back in the headlines. I hope the board aren’t too angry with him for the fallout. I’m sure they did not approve this morning’s apology.

The door opens just as I lift my hand to knock.

Ronan’s frown is only the customary one, so I know he’s not really mad. “Did you lose your key? What are you waiting outhere for?” He reaches for me and seems to stop himself at the last moment. “You saw the whole interview?”

I nod.

“And you’re still talking to me. That’s good. That’s as much as I dared to hope for really. Will you come in?”

I follow him into the familiar space, trailing him into the kitchen. Then I stand awkwardly, not sure if I should sit.

He asks, “Should I apologize again?”

I hate the line of worry between his brows. I shake my head.

“Should I beg?”

He looks as if he’s going to get on his knees. I stop him. “Ronan, you don’t need to do any of that. Only, would you tell me the part where you say you love me again?”

A profound look of relief sweeps across his face and he steps much closer and pulls me into his arms. “Justine, I was a fool not to see it sooner. You’re the sweetest, most loyal person I know and I’m hopelessly, appallingly, in love with you and I’m afraid it’s unlikely to ever change.”

My smile stretches so wide it makes my cheeks feel odd. “Really?”

He nods seriously. “Really. Will you marry me? Please?”

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