She fisted her hand, and then opened it up. He slid the ring down her finger, and it went down perfectly, with ease.
“Perfect fit,” he said. “I want to marry you, Aria. We’ve known each other our entire lives, and I know I love you.”
Tears filled her eyes at his declaration. She had loved him her whole life, and staring at the ring, and then into his eyes, she knew it was the truth.
“You don’t even know if I’m any good in bed yet. I may be useless, and not very good.”
“Sex is just one part of it, babe. I love being with you, talking to you. You mean everything to me, and besides, sex just takes practice to be perfect.”
She started laughing.
Her heart was racing, and she couldn’t stop the tears. They were not tears of sadness but tears of happiness.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she moved to straddle his waist. He cupped her hips, moving her against his cock, which was very hard as it pressed against her core.
“Our parents won’t approve.”
“Don’t care what they think.” He ran his hands down her back, to grab her ass.
“When did you know you were going to propose?”
“A year ago.”
“It doesn’t take you long to make a decision.”
“Did you know that it took my dad three days to decide that my mom was a keeper?”
“Three days?”
“Yeah, we’ve had over fifteen years to know each other.” They had first met in nursery, which their parents had placed them when they were three years old. It was supposed to promote early stimulation and education.
“My dad won’t allow this.”
“He can’t stop you, Aria. He can’t force you either. That arranged marriage was without your consent, and that is what he needs for you to marry. I want to marry you, Aria.”
It was so romantic, and she wanted to as much as he did.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He leaned down, and pressed his lips against hers.
“When do you want to tell our parents?” he asked.
“Whenever you want.” She cupped his cheek, and leaned up, pressing a kiss to his lips. “I love you, Eli.”
He took possession of her lips, and for Aria, every worry seemed to fade away under the onslaught of his kiss.
Chapter Eight
For the morning, Eli made her breakfast and took his time making her some pancakes.
“How long have you been able to cook?” Aria asked.
“I’ve been practicing a long time.” He flipped the final pancake, and put it on her plate. Sitting on his side of the counter, he watched as she dug in, dipping her butter pancake into the sauce.
“This is amazing.”
“I know.” He took a whole pancake, swallowing it down.