Ruthless Rival

Then we untangle and there's no more waiting. No distractions. No buildup.

This is it.

Vanessa invites me to shower with her.

I tell her to start without me.

Then I find the tiny box in my coat. Set it on top of the rumbled sheets.

But that's not quite it.

I move her dress. My tie. The shoes.

There.

Perfect.

"Simon." Vanessa steps into the doorframe. "Are you coming?"

I turn to her.

She studies me for a moment. A long moment. That gorgeous, perfect lingering I love to drink the sight of your body gaze.

Then she looks to the bed.

Sees the ring box next to my tie.

"Is that…" She takes a step into the room.

I pick up the ring box, and I meet her in the middle of the room. "I know it's early. If you need time, I can wait."

She nods.

"But I'm ready. I know what I want. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." I drop to one knee. Open the ring box. "Vanessa Moyer, will you marry me?"

Her eyes go to the ring. "You're asking when we're naked?"

"When else?"

She nods. "Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes. I'll marry you."

"Tonight? We can fly to Vegas."

"Simon!"

"We can."

"You'd never get married without your family there."

"We can bring them."

"In your private jet?"

"Pierce's private yet."

"You're ridiculous."

"You love that I'm ridiculous."

"I do. I love you." She offers her hand. "I want to. I want to marry you… just not tomorrow."

"The day after?"

"I don't know. It might take me awhile."

"I can wait."

"For how long?"

"As long as you need. That's what I want, sweetness." I slide the ring onto her finger. "I want to be the person you need."