Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 99(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 99(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
“He’s smart. It’s important to work for what you get and not have it handed to you.” She taps her fingers against the table as she seems to weigh the phrase.
“Please don’t ever tell Sterling you find him smart. I’ll never hear the goddamn end of it.”
“It can be our little secret.” Yvette smirks, raising an eyebrow. “For now.”
We both laugh, and I slant my head to survey the contest more thoroughly. Romi’s up on stage, holding a microphone with such effortless charm she could probably sell ice to an Eskimo.
She smiles brightly at the crowd, egging them on to cheer for the participants, her enthusiasm infectious. I can’t help but revel in how natural she looks up there, commanding attention yet bringing in a sense of playfulness.
“What the fuck?” I mutter to myself, leaning forward in my seat as I see the pirate push his way up on stage to stand right in front of Romi.
Just then, the pirate plants himself in front of her, leaning in way too close. “Ahoy, fair maiden! What's a beauty like you doin’ in a place like this?” The microphone in her hand catches his drunk slurs.
Romi, ever the professional, slips a polite smile on her lips. “I’m just here to run this contest. Why don’t you take a seat at the bar and check out the scary costumes?”
Before she can finish her sentence, the pirate cuts her off, lunging in and pulling her into his arms. My entire being ignites into a full-fledged fucking rage. The instinct to break the fucker in half surges like a tidal wave as I leap to my feet.
“Motherfucker!” I roar, pushing through the crowd, fueled by a rush of adrenaline. My caveman instincts go into overdrive as I march up to the stage, ready to confront the asshole who dared to touch my little treat.
In one swift motion, I yank the pirate back by the collar of his ridiculous shirt, pulling him away from Romi. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I glare at him, ready to tear his ass apart limb by limb.
He looks back at me, his bloodshot eyes holding an arrogant gleam. “What’s it to you, buddy? I don’t see a ring on her finger,” he snaps, speaking like he fluently believes his logic excuses his crass behavior.
In that moment, fury and disbelief whirl together in a cyclone. “I’ll fix that,” I snarl. Reaching into my pocket where I’ve kept the ring I planned to give her tomorrow night, I turn my attention back to Romi, who’s still trying to process what’s happening. “Little treat,” I begin, sweeping my eyes over her as I kneel slightly to present the ring, holding it forward like it’s the literal light of stars. “I was planning to take you and your sister to Midnight Scares tomorrow night and propose on the new ride, but this asshole threw a monkey wrench into my plans. I love you more than anything in the world. Will you marry me?”
Romi’s mouth drops open for a second, and I gauge her reaction, redirecting the energy swirling wildly around the room. I’m just as surprised as she is, really, but I’ve known since our first kiss that she’s worth the leap I’m about to take. I notice Yvette standing on the side of the stage with tears in her eyes and realize I managed to win her over with my crazy display of love.
The pirate swells to his peak of indignation, foaming indignantly. “B-But—”
“It’s your last goddamn chance to escape,” I cut him off, giving him the chance to leave without my foot stuck up his ass while I pull Romi into my arms. The microphone squeaks when she drops it on the stage at our feet.
“Yes, I can’t wait to be your wife, caveman,” she whispers against my lips before kissing me for all the patrons in the bar to see. Having lived in this small town my entire life, I’m well acquainted with the town grapevine, and I have no doubt this display will be on everyone’s lips tomorrow.
Epilogue
ROMI
Three months later
It’s a misty morning in Midnight Falls, a few months after Sullivan and I took the plunge, quite literally, into the neon-lit wonderland of Las Vegas and came back as Mr. and Mrs. Midnight.
Since that evening of rhinestones and sequins, we’ve melded our lives together, leaping over any hurdles and roadblocks that threatened our cozy union.
My things are now scattered in strategically chaotic harmony throughout our house, and Angus has gotten accustomed to his new bed next to the fireplace in our room. He fought the change in sleeping arrangements for a few days, but the new treats I found online helped change his mind.
Tony wasn’t too enthused when I asked to work part-time hours in the club and do the paperwork from home, but my boss finally decided he could live with that. Especially if it keeps my powerful husband happy.