Exposed: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 5) (28 page)
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Authors: Violet Vaughn
“No, not the lying part. The trying to learn what he does part.” I think back to when Neal hung out at my house and cut silk while asking a million questions to understand how garment production happened. I wink at him. “It worked for me.”
After the non-cheating incident I decided to become friends with my new neighbor. I’m glad I did because Bianca and I click. She’s a homebody like me, and it’s so easy to knock on her door the nights Neal is working late and invite her over for a chick flick. I dragged her to girls’ night, too.
I leave Neal behind with his numbers and help her. One pillow and an hour later, Bianca should be fine to make the next one and I return home.
“Did you save the day?” Neal looks up from his computer as I plop down next to him with a whoosh.
“I did. But there isn’t much to save. Garrett’s crushing on her in a big way, and that girl can do no wrong in his eyes.”
Neal shuts his laptop with a click and sets it on the coffee table. “Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.”
I grin, thinking about the sexy silk boxers I made him. While Neal’s a briefs guy, he often wears boxers to sleep in. “That it is.” I cuddle against his chest and inhale the scent that tempts my desire.
“I have to work tomorrow night, but would you be interested in a lunchtime picnic? I know a great spot with incredible views.”
Worn cotton of an old tee is soft under my palm as I grip his arms and straddle his lap. “Hmmm, does it involve an uber-rich imported chocolate and some super-fancy cream hot drink?”
His hands reach for my hips. “That can be arranged. Any other requests?” He yanks me closer, and I gasp.
Threading my fingers through his hair, I rotate my hips a little. “Not that I can think of, but I’m a little distracted.”
Neal’s strong hands lift me up by my bottom as he stands, and I wrap my legs around him as he walks us to the bedroom. “Me too.”
***
Birds chirp as the steady clomp of our snowshoes leads us to Neal’s plot of land near Spruce Creek. It’s hard work with the amount of snow we’ve gotten, and I think both of us are happy to stop when we get to the opening at the end of the road.
I twirl slowly to take it all in. “It’s just as amazing as the last time.”
Neal starts walking again, and I watch him climb the small hill. He turns to me. “Get up here. I need your opinion.” He’s dropped the backpack and takes off his gloves to set them on top of it.
I hike up and stand next to him, thinking it’s the view he wants me to see. He asks, “Does this spot feel right to you?”
“Feel right? What do you mean?” My hands are sweating, and I place my mittens on top of his gloves.
“I mean, can you imagine your studio here?”
Oh, my. “My studio?”
“Yeah, I think we should build you a separate building so you can escape me.”
I turn to him and place a hand on a cheek that’s damp with perspiration. “I don’t ever want to escape you.”
Neal’s eyes crinkle as he smiles. “Never?”
I shake my head. “Never ever.”
He takes a deep breath and steps back. His hand reaches into an inside pocket, and he drops down to one knee. My pulse quickens because this looks an awful lot like a proposal.
His strong fingers reach out for my hand, and I give it to him. “Ruby Raines, will you marry me?”
A small gasp escapes my lips as tears form in my eyes and my other hand covers my mouth. I didn’t expect this, considering we’ve only been together for a couple months, but my hesitation seems foolish.
Before I can speak, Neal says, “Perhaps the ring will help?” His free hand opens to uncover a purple velvet box.
I chuckle and say, “Yes. I mean, yes, I’ll marry you.” I take the box and drop to my knees to kiss him. We fall into the snow as our tongues dance and our bodies try to make contact wherever they can.
When we break apart, Neal says, “Open the box. I think you’re going to like it.”
I sit up and brush snow off the velvet before revealing the ring. A square-cut magenta-colored ruby is surrounded by tiny diamonds in a filigree setting of gold. “Oh, my God.”
The metal is cool in my hand, and Neal takes the ring from me. “Let me.” He slips it on my trembling finger.
I turn my hand to let the sun reflect and make the stones sparkle. “It’s amazing.” Hot tears roll down my face as I look into blue eyes that match the sky.
Neal takes my face in his hands. “Just like you.” He kisses me again, and I believe him.
You can learn more about me at
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Other Books by Violet Vaughn
The Fire and Ice Series
Pulse
(2015)
Discover Violet’s paranormal romance serial,
Called by the Bear
.
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Violet Vaughn is a ski bum at heart. A former ski instructor, she still loves bumps, trees, and a good powder day. When she isn’t skiing or writing she runs through the woods with her three Portuguese Water Dogs, laughs with her family or reads. You can learn more about her at
www.violetvaughn.com
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