Page 36 of Billionaire in Disguise

Adrianna exhaled a shaky breath. “Did that really happen?”

“Yes, it did.” Her mother’s eyes sparkled. “How do you feel?”

She swallowed. “I– I–” The doorbell rang, cutting off the words. Her throat dried. “Are you expecting someone?”

Her mother shook her head. “You should get it.” She touched her arm, guiding her forward. “I have a feeling it’s for you.”

Adrianna tensed, as the others urged her on with nods and smiles. One step in front of the other, then another and another until she stood at the front door. With a deep breath, she opened it.

It. Was. Him.

The man she knew well and not at all.

The man who made her smile and laugh.

The man sheloved.

“How are you here?” she breathed.

He gave a soft smile, and a dimple appeared in his cheek, yet another feature his disguise had concealed. “I recorded it nearby and had a car ready. I wanted to be here as soon as possible.” He clasped her fingers. “I’m so sorry, Adrianna. I never meant to deceive you for so long. I started to tell you a hundred times.”

“Why didn’t you?” Every emotion threatened to burst forth. “I would have understood, especially for such an important reason.”

“I know you would have.” He looked down. “I was afraid you wouldn’t notice the man in Dominick Knight’s shadow. People see the CEO, the author, the celebrity. I thought you’d look at me differently if you knew the truth.”

She traced her finger along his smooth chin, lifting it to gaze into sapphire eyes. “I don’t care if you’re a temp or a billionaire, a celebrity or an ordinary man. Your resume is not what attracted me. You may have lied about your name, but you showed your real self. Were you truthful about your feelings for me?”

“Always.” Honesty burned in his eyes. “Being with you is like finding a hidden treasure. You are everything I could ever want and more, like finding my missing piece, my heart’s dream.”

She blinked as the world started to blur. “I love you, too. I don’t know how it happened so quickly, but–”

“When it’s right–”

“You just know.”

Locked in each other’s eyes, the world sparkled. “I do have some advice. You should fire Dobbs.”

He laughed, as he gazed at her with pure adoration. “I’ve done that and more. I’ll make certain to replace him with a manager who respects and appreciates our employees. I’m actually going to need people for C level positions, in case a certain brother would be interested.”

A gasp came from the adjoining room.

He grinned wider, but then it faded. “I would ask you, but I know you’re planning to leave the company. Your skills are incredible, and you were mistreated to an appalling extent. You are welcome to stay in any capacity, but if you want to start your own business, I fully support you. I would love to invest… or be a partner.”

“A partner sounds great.” She beamed. “In all ways.”

“I’m glad you feel that way, because I did mention a question.” He removed a small blue box from his pocket. She brought her hands to her mouth, as he sank to one knee. He opened the box to reveal a stunning vintage ring, its center a massive round diamond, its edges a halo of smaller diamonds. It was a masterpiece of nature, artistry andlove.

“Adrianna, I love you more than words can express. You are gorgeous inside and out, so kind and caring, brilliant and beautiful. I love the time we spend together, talking, jogging or having a splash fight, for every moment with you is delightful. You are my perfect piece of code, and my destiny.” The words sparkled with love. “Will you marry me?”

There was only one answer she could ever give. “Yes,” She grasped his hands, lifting him up. “Yes, yes, yes!”

He grinned so widely, she laughed. He slid the ring on her finger, where it fit to perfection. “Should we practice kissing?”

“Definitely.”

She gasped in delight as he pressed those luscious lips to hers. Passion sparked from a kiss of true and perfect love. She could have stayed there forever, locked in the embrace of the man she loved, yet there would be time. After all, they had a lifetime to share. “Should we tell the family?”

He smiled, showing his dimples. “I don’t think that will be necessary.” He pointed behind her. Her entire extended family waved and cheered.

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