Page 85 of The Reluctant Hero

Oh no, another guy that doesn’t approve of me. How will I survive?

“Youanswer her then,” I snap back. “Be a goody-goody and tell her whatever she wants to hear. I’m not the type anymore.”

“You’ve given up on supportive friendship,” South nods.

“I’ve given up on people in general. Are you asking him or punking out?” I lean back in my seat and yell out, “Can I get another beer? And a shot of tequila?Please?”

Her eyes flick to something over my shoulder, and she says in a deadened tone, “Will you marry me?”

I choke on my spit as my eyes go wide. I spin in my chair to catch the stunned look on Shade’s usually blank face. He’s frozen to the spot with surprise. His eyes glaze over like his spirit just left his body. The sound of a camera clicking comes from behind me.

The noise startles him into waking back up. His lips slowly curve into a smirk, and some phantom tension leaves him.

“Where’s my ring?” He asks slyly.

“Where can I get a ring?”

I turn to South in surprise. I thought she was asking him or one of her friends, but her eyes are focused on me with an intensity that pisses me off.

“You fucking pansy, go take him to get one he likes. Something matching andhugeto remind each other you’re cuffed in public for life.”

“Something anime-related?” She turns to Shade. He slides out a chair and joins us, falling into the seat like his legs have gone weak. It’s like she took all of the defense mechanisms out of him, and he’s stunned speechless.

“You’re serious,” he whispers.

“Of course,” her brows furrow a tiny amount.

“Congratulations,” I toast him and then drain the rest of the drink. “Say yes already and put me out of my misery.”

“Yes,” he nods like a puppet, staring at her like she’s the answer to every prayer he’s ever sent out.

South immediately turns to me. “Now what?”

“I’ll get the bottle of tequila,” the shorter guy mutters and disappears.

“Take him out to celebrate? Fancy dinner? Champagne?”

“I don’t need any of that,” Shade seems to come back to himself to glare at me.

“Then sit here looking at each other like saps, who gives a shit. Just be happy.” I glare back.

“Amanda has given me advice on our relationship.”

“That you will discuss in private,” I give South a stern glare and shake my finger at her. “Seriously. Having no emotion is not the excuse you seem to think it is.”

She tilts her head and leans back in her seat.

“No, keep going,” the tall guy pulls up a chair to watch avidly.

“Assholes likethisare why, if you needed thatreally obviousclue,” I smirk. He smacks my arm, surprising me. The sting makes me straighten up with a snarl like I’m a dog.

“Shut up, I love to watch the South show.” He glowers at me.

“Get lost fucker, they’re having a moment,” I slap him back. My hand stings a little, but it’s worth it to see the grumpy glare on his face.

“I wanted to reassure him that I’m ready to take more steps to support him,” South says with narrowed eyes.

“That’s awesome. Tell himwithout an audience,” I give no quarter.

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