A collective gasp rings through the tent, and her smirk broadens as she waves like a prom queen at everyone parting the way for her.
“Mr. Cardell,” she says, dipping into a curtsy.
I set my drink on a passing waiter’s tray and take her hand. “Can I have it back?”
Head tilting, her lashes flutter. “Have what back?”
I press my lips to her knuckles. “My heart. How dare you steal it.”
She folds into me, laughing wild and free, and I spin her onto the dance floor as the five-piece picks up a slow jazz tune.
Clasping her hand, I lead us into a waltz—the only dance I actually know.
“Dancing and a green dress… You trying to spoil me, Viscount?”
“Look around you, Ashlyn. Everyone’s watching you. You’re breathtaking.” I pause, the truth catching in my throat. “And if I were honest, I’d confess something.”
Her blue eyes narrow, studying me and waiting for the punchline.
I swallow. “I rigged the poker game. Because I couldn’t stand to be away from you for a single second.”
A flash of pink crosses her cheeks, and my pulse pounds harder. Was it a manipulation to tell her here? In the middle of the dance floor, in front of the city and her family and mine, when I’m about to propose to her with my grandmother’s huge diamond ring?
Yes.
“So…I think I have a choice here,” she says, gaze darting up, as if calculating my demise.
“What’s that?”
“I could either milk this confession foryearsto make you dowhatever I desire. Tolordover you with demands and requests. Fill you with guilt for our entire marriage.”
That’swhat I was afraid she’d do. I already had my counterargument locked and loaded—the baby card.
“Or?”
“Or…”
When she doesn’t answer, I dip her low, lips grazing hers. “Tell me now, you little hellkitten, or I swear to fuck, I’ll lock you in the pillory.”
“Well, now I kind of don’t want to finish my sentence.”
I pull her up, glancing around the room for any help. “Fine. No dick for a week.”
Her nails dig into my hand. “Okay, okay. I’ll tell you the truth.”
“I’m waiting.”
“I knew.”
I blink several times, clearing my blurry vision. “Youwhat?”
“I knew you cheated, but…” She presses her cheek against my chest. “But I wanted to be yours.”
Something about that little confession hits me with warmth. Instead of following the steps, I hold her. Rocking back and forth. The crowd clinks their glasses, and I lean down to kiss her. Deep and long, gripping her face and pulling her tight.
Before I even think twice, I’m on one knee, ring box open wide.
And Ashlyn’s acting as if she’s surprised.