When Rivals Lose (Bayshore Rivals 2)

“I’m glad you called. I had planned to ask you out tonight or tomorrow anyway, so it was perfect timing,” Matt tells me.

“Yeah, I’m glad I called too,” My eyes stay glued to the triple bacon burger. I can almost taste the savory goodness on my tongue. Shit, hopefully, I’m not drooling.

“I was going to give you this,” Matt’s voice is soft, and I peek over the menu and look down. In his hand is a small black velvet box. That isn’t… lord, please tell me that isn’t what I think it is. At the thought, I lose my appetite.

“I figured people would raise eyebrows when they get to the wedding and realized I never gave you an engagement ring.”

My throat tightens, and my ears swoosh with the sound of my heartbeat.

I drop the menu, laying it flat on the table as Matt slides the ring box across the wooden surface. Pausing, I stare at the box like it’s going to jump up and attack me.

Part of me still wonders if all of this is a dream. Hesitantly, I reach out and grab it. The box is soft, but the meaning of what’s inside it is what terrifies me the most. It makes all of this real, it’s not just something inside of my head anymore. It’s real, physically real. Opening the box slowly, I gasp at the first sight of the ring. Massive, glittery, with enough diamonds to weigh my hand down. How will I even wear this thing?

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper. “It really is.”

“Are you going to put it on?” he asks after I stare at it for a few more seconds. I nod and take the beautiful piece of jewelry out of the box gently like it might break. It feels just as heavy as it looks. Slowly, I slide it into place on my ring finger.

Of course, it fits perfectly, almost like magic… almost.

“My mom must have measured my finger while I was sleeping or something.”

Matt chuckles as he brings his cup to his lips, “Honestly, I wouldn’t doubt it. Your mom’s a little on the crazy side.”

You have no idea.

“Oh, my god, did you just get engaged?” Someone next to us squeals, looking up, the waitress is standing by our table, pencil, and notepad in hand, ready to take our order.

“What? No! We’ve been engaged for a while,” I say quickly, wanting to defuse the situation before it gets worse. Judging by her excited facial expression, she is ready to bring out a celebratory cake and have the whole staff sing us a song. That would be embarrassing and draw way too much attention.

“Oh, well, congratulations. That ring is to die for. He must really love you a lot,” the waitress giggles, her eyes big, and her cheeks red like she just walked in on some secret. Yes, tons. I look up at Matt, who is watching me, his face is a mask of nothingness. He’s impossible to read, and I’m not sure if I should even respond. Does he love me? Will he ever? Through all of this, I never really bothered to ask what his feelings on our marriage were? He just always seems okay with it.

“I’ll take the mammoth burger, and she’ll have the bacon cheeseburger, both with fries.”

“Of course.” The waitress doesn’t miss a beat, as she jots down our order and then grabs the menus practically skipping back to the kitchen.

Placing my hands down in front of me, my eyes catch on the ring again. It’s going to take some time before I get used to wearing this thing.

“Do you like the ring?” Matt asks.

“Yes, I do. It’s… it’s almost too much. You didn’t have to get me something extravagant. A simple band would’ve been fine.”

“Not for my girl. You deserve the best, and I told you, I would take care of you. This is merely the start. The moment you have my last name, I’ll provide you with everything you need and more. You’ll never go without.”

My heart thumps heavily in my chest. I’ll be taking his last name soon, forever sealing my fate of never being with the Bishop brothers again. It hurts, bad, so bad, but I have to remind myself that this is what must be done. I’m doing this for them.

“Hey, are you okay?” Matt’s gentle voice interrupts my thoughts, and I blink them away, my heart still heavy in my chest as I find his hand resting against mine. I should feel something, anything at his touch, but I don’t.

“Uhh, yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. Just lost in thought.” I force a smile.

We make small talk until our food finally arrives and after that, I’m so busy stuffing my face with greasy goodness that I don’t have time to talk.

“Wow, I didn’t think you were really going to down that whole burger,” Matt’s eyebrows lift in surprise, as I stuff the last few French fries into my mouth.