Page 268 of The First Time
The crowd parts until it's a straight shot between Blake and me. Good thing his mic is cordless, because I can't move a muscle.
He walks to me slowly.
He hands off his champagne glass.
The expression in his eyes is pure love.
I believe him.
I believe everything.
He takes my hand and strokes my fingers. "Kat, I love you more than I've ever loved anyone."
My stomach flutters.
This is pretend.
But my body can't grasp that.
My body is on fire. It's demanding him. Not just the heat of his touch, but the softness of his embrace.
"You make the happiest man alive." He drops to one knee.
I force my lips into a smile.
Blake pulls a ring box out of his pocket. "Will you marry me?"
It's a solitaire on a platinum band. Four carats, five maybe. Sleek, like everything else he owns.
The room goes quiet. Every ounce of attention is on us. I catch glances from his mother. Her mouth is hanging open, but there's no mistaking the joy on her face.
I go for a big smile. I throw my hands over my mouth like I can't believe my luck. "Of course."
His eyes stay glued to mine. He slides the engagement ring over my finger and rises to his feet.
Blake leans into a kiss. Our lips meet and fireworks explode inside my body. But it's fake. Everything but the ring is fake.
I'm engaged to Blake Sterling.
This is either the best decision I've ever made or the biggest mistake of my life.
