While wearecelebrating that, too, that didn’t stop Jonathan from wanting to propose at the same time. From helping Jonathan find the perfect ring to secretly making flight reservations for Kiera’s family, it felt like something out ofMission Impossibleto make sure Kiera stayed in the dark, especially when she works as his assistant.

Now that the day has finally arrived and Jonathan will be here in a few with Kiera’s parents and sisters in tow, I struggle to hide my excitement.

I laugh at Kiera’s statement. “What are we drinking tonight?”

“We haven’t decided yet.” Mia cocks her head. “Champagne? Wine? Tequila? What’s your poison?”

On the one hand, tequila will always have my heart. But seeing as this is a special occasion, the drink should be special too.

At that moment, out of my peripheral, I notice a tall figure from behind the bar walking toward us. Perfect timing!

I turn to watch him lay down napkins in front of us when a wave of recognition—followed by sheer panic—hits me hard.

“What can I get—” He stops midsentence when he looks up at me. His facial expression matches my own.

That’s the guy from last night. The guy that I took to bed and who rocked my world better than any I’ve had before. The guy who somehow managed to get under my skin and learn me inside and out. What the fuck is he doing here? Does he work here?

“Kami,” Mia breaks the silence, “this is Ian. He owns the Brick.” The casual tone in her voice tells me she’s unaware of what’s happening between Ian and me.

Finally, Ian’s face morphs into a smile as he extends his hand to me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you…Kami.”

I join his gaze, reluctantly giving him my hand. “It’s um…nice to meet you, too.” My cheeks, without a doubt, are as red as a fire truck.

I try to pull my hand free when Ian tightens his grip. “Say, have we met before?” His tone is obviously filled with sarcasm.

I play dumb. “Nope. Don’t remember meeting you. I guess I just have one of those faces.” I paste on a smile, hoping to hide the complete lie.

He doesn’t look convinced. Figures.

“You think that’s it?” He wraps his free hand around my elbow and draws me closer. I gasp as he whispers in my ear. “How could I forget your sweet pussy and your cries of ecstasy each time you came?”

His sultry voice immediately has my girl parts fluttering.

No. Bad libido. Bad.

I push him away. The questions I had when I woke up beside him this morning now come back as though someone were screaming in my face. My head is telling me to stay away from him, yet my body continues to have other ideas. I seriously need to get myself examined or something.

“Kami, do you and Ian know each other?” Kiera asks. If only she knew.

How do I answer that question without telling her how in one night he unnerved me in some of the best ways possible? How he emotionally opened me raw, captivated my soul, and I’m now possibly enamored by him? How much I want him all over again still.

“No, never met him before,” I continue the lie.

“So strange. I feel like I know you.” He gives a knowing smirk.

Cheeky bastard.

I’m about to give him a similar remark when I see Jonathan coming up behind Kiera. A small, velvet box is in his hand. Right, it’s time. Talk about saved by the ring.

While everyone is distracted by Jonathan’s speech, I move farther away from Ian staring at me and stand behind Kiera. I watch as Kiera’s face fills with surprise to see her family, followed by a shocked and tearful expression at seeing the beautiful engagement ring.

I watch as she stares in awe at the piece of jewelry. Everyone waits with seemingly bated breath for the reply to one of the most important questions in her life.

When no sound has come out of her yet, I prod her in the ribs. “Kiera? This is the part where you say yes.”

My words seem to bring her back to the present. She gives him multiple happy-tear yeses, throwing herself into Jonathan’s arms.

Everyone cheers for the now soon-to-be husband and wife. Men pat him on the back with congrats while all the women congregate around Kiera, trying to get a good look at the rock on her finger.