Page 67 of Love to Hate You

“I’ve been thinking a lot about the future.” He twines his fingers through mine. “And you’re it, baby. Well, you and our baby,” he adds with a little smile.

Before I even realize what’s happening, Nash drops down on one knee, reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. He opens the lid to reveal a ridiculously large diamond with a ruby on either side. My heart stops and I meet his serious blue eyes with a wide-eyed look that probably makes me look like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Now before you get that look like you want to run, hear me out, okay?”

I manage to close my mouth and nod.

“I’m not just asking you to be co-President with me. I want to be partners, too. Getting married isn’t something I ever really planned on doing but now I can’t imagine living life without you– as my best friend, my lover and my partner in crime. If you agree to be my wife, I promise I will always be there for you, Charlie. I will hold your hand through the storms and laugh with you through the good times. Family isn’t something I’ve ever been very good at but I’m starting to realize how important it is. That it’s a blessing. I want you to be my wife and my family, Charlotte Langley. Today, tomorrow and always. Because I love you. I love you so damn much.”

Nash removes the stunning diamond and ruby ring, lifts my hand and positions it right at the tip of my left finger. I draw in a shaky breath.

“Will you marry me, Charlie?” he asks.

Swallowing hard, I nod. “Yes,” I whisper, voice catching.

Nash slides the ring onto my finger, and I pull him up off his knee and into my arms. As we embrace, the sun begins to sink over the ocean, creating a spectacular show of reds and oranges on the surface of the water.

“I’m not sure how we got here,” I say, completely choked up. “But it’s the best place I’ve ever been.” I pull back and look up at him through a haze of tears. “I love you, Nash.”

“Don’t cry, baby.” He swipes a thumb across my cheekbone, catching a tear and wiping it away. “You know you just made me the happiest man in the world, right?”

I push up on tiptoes right as he dips his head, and our lips meet in a long, passionate kiss.

Nash Beckett is going to be my husband. I can’t even believe it and my heart swells with happiness as I kiss him with every ounce of love within me. When we finally pull apart, the sun is almost completely set, and I look down at the gorgeous engagement ring on my finger. “I love it,” I say, a little in awe. “And I love you.”

He smiles. “Let’s go home and celebrate.”

I nod and Nash takes my hand, leading me back across the beach. Leading me to a future so bright and so full of love and family that I can’t imagine how I ever lived without him.

When we get back to the city, Nash takes me straight to his apartment and pops a bottle of champagne. We share a plate of cheese, crackers and some fresh fruit. As I finish up my champagne, I study him over the rim of my glass.

“What?” he asks.

“I’ve never seen you with scruff. You’re always so clean-shaven.” I can’t drag my eyes away from his jawline and it looks so sexy on him. I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like against my skin.

He scrubs a self-conscious hand over his lower face. “I’ve been so out of sorts; I didn't bother to shave this morning.”

“I like it. A lot,” I say and move closer.

“Oh, yeah?”

“Mm-hm.” I reach out and cup his face. He nuzzles his cheek against my palm and the rough bristles start putting all sorts of wicked thoughts in my head. I want to feel that roughness all over my naked skin.

“I was just thinking that I’ve never seen you in jeans. You’re always in a suit and so prim and proper looking.”

“Should I change?” I tease as he drops his head and begins to kiss my neck.

“Hell, no. Your ass looks fantastic in denim.”

I laugh and let my head drop to the side, giving him better access. “I missed you,” I whisper.

Nash lifts his head and locks gazes with me. “I missed you so much it hurt.”

My chest tightens and I grab his shirt and yank it up and over his head. “I need you inside me,” I tell him.

We shed our clothes fast and he scoops me up into his arms. I can’t stop kissing him and when we get to his bedroom, Nash lays me down on the bed. I stretch out and let my gaze drop to admire his naked body. God, he’s glorious.

“See anything you like?” he asks, a gleam in his eyes.

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