Page 15 of Holidate Pursuit

The moment our lips touch, I’m in heaven. This is where I belong. She feels like home, and I’ve finally returned after a longjourney. Too long. It’s been way… too… fucking long since I’ve had my lips on hers.

Within seconds, neither of us can hold back our moans as the kiss progresses. When her mouth parts, my tongue sneaks in to find its mate, reveling in the feel of her softness, seeking more. Her hands grab my head fiercely, deepening the kiss. This is what I remember. Our chemistry is off the charts.

Unfortunately, if I don’t stop now, we’ll be joining the mile-high club, and there’s one more critical piece to our deception that needs to be taken care of. So, I reluctantly pull back to a dazed Lucy, causing my balls to tighten. Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to keep going right now.

“You have no idea how difficult that was to stop, baby.”

“Why did you then?” she asks impishly, retreating into her seat, making me chuckle.

“Because we’re running out of time, and there’s an essential part of this you didn’t think about.”

“What now?”So sassy.

“We’re engaged, right?”

She nods.

“What’s the first thing people usually ask to see when you tell them you’re engaged?”

Understanding dawns. “Oh shit. I don’t have a ring. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Mom even asked me about it the minute she heard, and I came up with some bullshit reason. Crap.” She slaps her forehead with the palm of her hand.

“It’s a good thing you have such a smart fiancé then,” I say as I reach into the breast pocket of my shirt.

Her hand flies to her mouth when she registers what I’m doing. “What…? How did you…?” I notice the second the light bulb comes on in her head. “Wait a minute—is that why Lily randomly asked me to go ring shopping with her last week ‘for fun’?” She makes air quotes. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

“Because this is so much better.” I smile and reach for her hand. “Would you like me to do the honors?” I present the two-carat princess-cut solitaire encased in thick gold prongs with diamonds between each one. I slowly slide it onto her finger while her eyes widen in shock.

“Holy shit! Why did you get such a big one? Please tell me it’s borrowed. It didn’t need to be real; we could’ve just used a knock-off.” Her hand is shaking as I slide it on.

“I’m not letting my fiancé, fake or not, walk around in a cubic zirconia knockoff or anything less than she deserves. Plus, do you want your parents to question the stability of your future husband if they look too closely?” Once the ring is in place, I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it.

The flight attendant announces we’re making our final descent, and I look at Lucy, wondering if she’ll ever take her eyes off the ring.

“I’d say we’re all set. Though we should practice showing our affection some more.” I wiggle my eyebrows. That gets her attention.

“Ha. Nice try, buddy.”

JOY TO THE WEALTH

Lucy

Using the excuse of needing to freshen up, we stop at the first bathroom we see after deboarding the plane. Once I’m hidden in a stall, it takes me seconds to sink down and hold my hand out in front of me.Holy shit.This ring is humongous… and beautiful… and not mine. I’m practically hyperventilating from the emotions rising to the surface at having it on my finger.

What was I thinking when I asked Justin to do this, and what the hell was he thinking when he agreed? At least I have wine to blame. Justin has nothing. This can’t really be happening, can it? I’m about to introduce Justin to my brother. At least he knows what’s going on. I’m starting to regret not giving my parents a heads-up that he’s with me. Even though they did extend the invitation, I didn’t want to answer a million questions beforehand. Oh well, too late now.

I’m not sure how this is going to play out. He thinks I gave him enough information, but it wasn’t nearly enough to prepare him for what he’s about to walk into. My parents are going to rip him to shreds. I’m pretty sure Justin isn’t used to this level of wealth. Although, you’d think otherwise with the size of this ring. I still can’t wrap my head around it.

Realizing I’m taking too long, I hurry to freshen up before walking out.

“I was about to send the cavalry in for you,” Justin says as soon as I join him.

“Sorry, I just needed a minute before we see Trevor,” I explain.

“I take it you’re nervous?” His eyebrows raise in question.

“Yeah, I guess I am. I shouldn’t be since he knows, but it’s weird having him meet you, period.” I look at Justin sheepishly, seeing the understanding in his eyes.

“The good news is that if this were a real introduction to your fiancé, you’d be nervous, so you’re fine. I’m sure it’s no different meeting a girlfriend’s family for the first time, so I think I’m in the clear being nervous myself.”

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