Taming the VIP Playboy

“You have a plan?”

“Yes, and it’s very important to me that this night go right.”

“It is?”

“Yes. I want to make up for the pain I’ve caused you.”

He led her to the table and seated her and then turned back to face her. But she was so beautiful he couldn’t really think of the words he’d rehearsed. He wanted to be calm and cool but the thought that she wasn’t really his was paramount in his mind. He needed to tell her everything.

“I love you.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. “Damn. This isn’t what I’d planned. But I want you to know that I have loved you for a long time and I was just too afraid to tell you.”

She licked her lips and he groaned wanting to taste her mouth under his.

“Do you still love me?” he asked.

“Yes, I do. I have come to the conclusion that I will always love you.”

“Good. I want…” He stopped talking and got down on one knee in front of her. “I want you to marry me. Will you do that, Jen? Will you take a chance on me and go on the best adventure of our lives by spending the rest of yours with me?”

She just stared at him and he realized he’d forgotten to get the ring out. He reached in his pocket but she stopped him by putting her hands on his shoulders. “Are you sure about this? If you ask me to marry you, I’m not going to let you change your mind later.”

“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. Losing you hurt me in ways I didn’t know I could be hurt. The past two weeks have been like trying to live when I can’t catch my breath. I need you, Jen. I love you.”

“Oh, Nate. I love you, too. I…but will you stay out of the papers with other women?”

“Yes!” he said.

“Then, yes, I will marry you.”

He took the box from his pocket and removed the ring from it. He slowly slid it on her ring finger and then drew her to her feet and into his arms. He kissed her slowly and held her close to him.

“Thank you for loving me. You’ve made my life so much richer by being in it.”

She laughed up at him. “You’ve done the same for me.”

They dined together under the stars and talked about their future. He didn’t let go of her hand the entire time and realized he didn’t want to let go of her ever again. And when their families joined them for dessert, Nate realized how full his life was. They discussed Luna Azul’s tenth anniversary, and their wedding plans.

The future that had seemed uncertain when he’d had to leave baseball now looked so bright. He was positive with Jen’s love in his life that he had it all.