Page 152 of Emergence and Ascendance

"You mean it?"

"I don't play games, Scot. I think I've proven that I'm a man of my word. We're still new at this shit. We're figuring it out as we go, and I don't have all the answers about what we're doing orwhat this will be, but what I do know is that I'm in love with you. Not the idea of you, not what you represent, just you, Angel. The woman who challenges me, trusts me enough to submit to me, makes me want things I thought I'd never want again. I'm all in… with this and you. Whatever our future looks like, I’m good with it, as long as I have you."

She yanked at the harness, unclasping everything before she climbed into my lap. "Me too," she whispered. I was cool with that because I knew exactly what she meant. She was all in too.

I really wanted to get her out of those jeans and drop her down on my dick but that wasn't going to work up here. So I kissed her as a preview of what would happen later, then pointed to another area below us. "Look over there."

When she looked down, I watched her smile big as hell when she noticed the aerial view of what she had been working on for the past three months. The first phase of her property. The land had been cleared and a few weeks ago the parking lots had been paved. The main road that led to the entrance was also complete. From up here we could see the setup for her community preview happening this weekend. Electronic billboards were placed at the site of each space to showcase the finished shopping area, hotel, and condominiums that would surround them.

Golf carts were lined up in rows so everyone could tour the first phase.

"This is really happening."

I reached into the cooler I requested to be on board and lifted two flutes. I handed them to Scotlyn before I lifted the bottle of champagne and popped the cork.

"Champagne?" she asked.

"Yes, we're celebrating. I wanted a private moment with you to tell you how fucking proud I am."

Scotlyn grinned. "I'm not mad at that."

She held the glasses and I filled them then worked the bottle between her thighs so it wouldn't spill. After we lifted our glasses, I made my toast.

"To the most beautiful and brilliant woman I know. Congratulations on proving that you know your shit. This project is amazing, it's all you, and you killed it. The first of many."

She tipped the glass to her lips, drank some, then lowered it and leaned in to kiss me. I placed a hand at the back of her neck and took more before she pulled away.

"Thank you," she whispered against my mouth.

"You're welcome but this is all you."

An hour later I pulled up to Seasonal Sweets and she glanced at the building then back to me.

"Cheesecake?" She smiled big and I laughed but didn't answer. After that first night, she fell in love with a lot of their menu, but the cheesecake was her favorite. I got out and rounded the car to let her out, extending a hand, which she accepted. When we walked inside, Scotlyn stopped and swung her head in my direction before her eyes darted back to the display set up near the window—three glass trays of wedding cake samples arranged on a table.

"What is this?"

I reached around her and lifted the black leather ring box off the table and opened it. When she turned around, her mouth dropped open at the sight of the emerald-shaped diamond sitting in the center.

"What is this?" she repeated, this time her voice was unsteady.

I pointed to the table. "That's me learning your preferences for future meals."

"Wedding cake?" She smiled and I had my confirmation. I was making the right decision. This woman could have all of me.Hadall of me…

I nodded and took the ring out of the box. "This is so you know that my future is with you. Everything I want for my life moving forward has to be connected to you,lovingyou, making sure you know how fucking amazing you are. We have time and I'm not rushing this, but I want it to be understood thatthis..." I motioned to the ring, "...is the end goal."

Her smile expanded. "You love demanding partnerships."

"Only when that shit works in my favor."

"So this isn't about me?" She lowered her eyes to the ring and her brow lifted.

"It's definitely about you. Because whatever works in my favor will always put a smile on that beautiful face of yours." I dropped my eyes to her lips then moved lower, slowly taking in every inch of her body until she groaned under her breath.

"How can I refuse that type of offer?"

"You can't." I stepped closer. "Now give me your damn hand."

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