Page 25 of The Pump Fake

We stay in silence as we drive to the arena. Neither of us says a word as we get out of the car on auto pilot and head toward the locker room. I stop right outside of it because you know I’m a man—you gotta respect the ladies.

Jade pulls out her ear bud and looks over at me. She blows me a kiss and I say, “Good luck, Elsa.”

With that, she leaves me as she goes into the locker room. Once she’s out of sight, my hand instinctively goes to my pocket, and I feel around for it. When I feel the outside of the velvet box, my nerves start to calm. This should be epic.

When half time rolls around, the butterflies in my stomach take flight. I can’t believe I’m about to do this. Both teams have just gotten off the court and are wiping the sweat off, waiting to go into the locker rooms.

That’s when I get the signal. I take a step onto the court and one of the assistant’s hands me a microphone. The spotlight blinds me, and I hold up my arm to block out the light a little.

“Can I get everyone’s attention?” I say into the mic. The moment my voice comes across the speakers, the whole arena goes silent.

That’s when I feel it. Every single eye is now on me, including the ones that matter the most. I take a deep breath and try to hold it together.

“I’m Cliff. Jade’s boyfriend,” I say to the audience. Then I look over to the Los Angeles Stars side, and though I can’t see Jade, I know she’s there.

“Jade, can you come out here?” I ask.

It takes a few minutes, but finally I see Jade slowly walk to the center of the court right in front of me. “Jade, I’ve loved you for a long time now even before I knew it.” Dropping to one knee, I pull out the box, opening it to present her with the ring I picked out for her.

Jade’s hands go to her face as tears begin to well up in her eyes. “Jade, I’m ready for you to be mine forever. In front of everyone I want to ask you, will you marry me?”

Furiously, Jade nods her head and I gather my strength to get up and walk over to her. Grabbing the ring, I slide it onto her ring finger. We wrap our arms around each other as our lips crash together.

The crowd roars with excitement. I grab the microphone from the floor and yell into it, “She said yes!”

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Interested in reading about Cliff's brother Taylor and how he got with Mya? Read about their happily ever after in Her Deal for Love.

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Read an unedited version sneak peek from my next book in Her Love After Goodbye, coming April 14th.

Ashley finally gets her happily ever after.

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Chapter 1

Ashley

I walk into Gary’s bar, holding my head up high. Not willing to let anyone see that the weight of tonight is threatening to crush me. To drink my worries away. I chose the only bar that’s worth anything in our smalltown of Rose Valley. Over the years it’s become our go to place to get away from the world for my friend group.

I love it here in Rose Valley. Which you probably like, whatever, every small town is the same, but I would have to disagree with you on that. Growing up in Rose Valley always felt magical. I never wanted to leave. That was something that my husband Simon I mean my ex-husband and I always foughtabout. He hated living here. After college, he wanted to move to a big city, but he couldn’t get a job except for the somewhat bigger town next to Rose Valley. That should’ve been my first warning, but I told myself that I loved him, and it worked out. I could be in Rose Valley, close to my family, for when we had our own, making it easy to ignore the hurt. Until I couldn’t.

I try to casually as possible to place my butt down on the bar stool that has become my permanent seat over the past few months. Ever since the day I filed for divorce from the man, I try not to think about anymore.

A young bartender named John makes his way over, giving me a megawatt smile. He hits on me every time I come in here, since he was hired a month ago. The way he talks and moves reminds me of Simon, and though he probably has women dropping to his feet every time he smiles at them, I know better. I’ve been there before. Blinded by a beautiful smile and face. What did that get me? Sad and alone.

“What can I get you?” he asks me, but before I can tell him I want my usual, we’re interrupted. “John. Over here.” A man barks, pulling my attention to him. When I look up, my eyes connect with Ricky’s, and I’m struck by the emotion in them.

“One minute, boss.” My gaze never leaves Ricky’s as John yells over his shoulder to me, “I’ll be back in a minute.” Not seeming to be upset or even aware of Ricky’s prickly nature.

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