Page 112 of Reputation (Tempt)

“Declan is inside,” James said, leading us through the house. “And Astrid.”

We were introduced, and while Declan was friendly to Brooklyn, I got the feeling I had my work cut out for me. Since he was her coach and her father, I already knew we weren’t going to agree on a number of things. He viewed me as an obstacle. And I didn’t like how hard he pushed Emerson.

“It’s so nice out,” James said. “We thought we might eat outside.”

We’d barely made it through the back door when a chorus of voices shouted, “Surprise!”

I took a few steps back, and Emerson tensed. All eyes were on us, and there were a lot of them. I spotted my brother and cousins in the crowd, along with friends and colleagues. Emerson’s fellow athletes and other family members.Shit.

Emerson turned back to me and smiled. Barely moving her lips, she asked, “Did you know about this?”

“No.” I maintained my smile as a server handed us each a glass of champagne. “Did you?”

She shook her head and turned to me, placing her palm on my chest. James, or Papa J as Emerson referred to him, gave a speech about love and family and commitment. And with every word, I imagined having that with the woman at my side. I might not be ready to marry again, but the idea no longer seemed as abhorrent as it once had. I was still processing that when everyone lifted their glasses to toast the happy couple. Us.

Emerson’s red diamond sparkled, reminding me of the passion we shared and the depth of my trust and love for her. A wave of calm washed over me, a sense of peace.

I turned to her and smiled, brushing her hair away from her face, knowing that everyone would expect us to kiss. And I didn’t really care what they expected, but in this instance, I was happy to deliver.

Everyone else faded into the background. They were still there, but I only had eyes for Emerson. Her breathing was shaky and her smile bright.

“What are you doing?” she whispered.

“Kissing you,” I said, and then I cupped her cheek, using my other hand to pull her even closer.

When I pressed my lips to hers, my world exploded with colors and sensations. I lost myself in her, only pulling back when the whistles and cheers became too loud to ignore.

Emerson smiled up at me, our foreheads still kissing. Knox and Kendall approached to offer their congratulations. It was the first time we’d seen them since our engagement and theirs.Crazy to think…

“Congrats. I’m happy for you,” Knox said while Kendall and Emerson hugged. “Surprised—” He winced, and I wondered if Kendall had pinched him before he could finish his thought. “But happy.”

Kendall smiled at me with tears in her eyes. “Congratulations.”

“Same to you,” I said, genuinely pleased for my brother.

“I mean…” Knox rubbed a hand over his beard. “What are the chances?”

Was he asking for real or just making idle conversation? I wasn’t going to answer.

Declan glared at me from across the yard. He’d stayed in the background. His displeasure was clear, even if he was a gracious host to everyone else.

“Thanks,” I said, shaking my brother’s hand and then embracing him.

Apart from Sloan’s unexpected visit, I’d only had short phone conversations with my family since the engagement. I’d blamed it on my hectic filming schedule. And I assumed they all had questions—especially Knox.

Even if they were surprised, surely they could see how perfectly Emerson fit into my life. From her relationship with my daughter to her interactions with the rest of my family. The way she supported me and challenged me and…

On and on, the evening went, everyone wanting to talk to us. To admire Emerson’s ring. To hear about my proposal. To wish us congratulations. It was exhausting when all I wanted was to be with Emerson.

“Finally,” I sighed, careful to keep my voice low as I kissed Emerson’s neck. “A moment alone.”

She laughed. She was much more relaxed now that she’d had a few glasses of champagne.

“Oh no,” she murmured, her lips against my jaw. “Papa J looks like he’s on a mission.”

I arched an eyebrow and turned in the direction of her gaze. James was approaching, a familiar blonde in tow.

“Nate,” James said. “I’d like to introduce you to Juliana Wright. She’s an?—”

---