“I originally had this elaborate proposal planned,” he continued, still holding my gaze like we were the only two people in the room. “Dinner at that rooftop place she loves, roses, the works. But standing there, watching her sing to cookies thatwere definitely going to poison us both, I realized I didn’t want to wait another second.”
The table had gone silent, hanging on every word.
“So, right there in the smoky kitchen, with cookies burning, I got down on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life creating beautiful disasters with me.”
Jesus.If I didn’t know better, I’d believe every word.
“And what did you say?” one of the influencers asked breathlessly.
“I said yes. Of course I’d marry him. Though I made him turn off the smoke alarm first. I have standards.”
The table erupted in laughter, but Mathew’s anger launched into a new stratosphere. Could everyone else see his neck going red?
Scarlett gave me anuh-ohlook.
“When’s the wedding?” Frank asked.
“We’re still deciding,” I said, grateful for safer ground. “We don’t want to overshadow Blake and Tessa’s big day.”
“You two are engaged too?” Carl turned to Blake with renewed interest.
“We are.” Tessa beamed.
“She’s planning the whole thing herself.” Blake’s chest practically puffed with pride. “Every detail.”
“Tessa Kincaid, as in the wedding planner?” Carl’s eyebrows shot up. “I’ve heard great things about you. I have a niece who just got engaged. It would mean a lot to me if you would consider talking with her.”
“Tessa has a three-year wait list right now,” Blake interjected proudly.
“But I’d be happy to at least take a look.” Tessa placed her hand on Blake’s. “No guarantees I can squeeze anything in, but I’d be happy to try.”
Look at our friends, winning everybody over.They were phenomenal, and they were taking the heat off our story.
And off Mathew’s growing anger …
Frank raised his glass. “Well then, to the happy couples!”
“To the happy couples!”
As everyone drank, I caught Axel’s eye and silently communicated to him,Holy shit, we might actually pull this off.
Don’t jinx it,his wink replied.
Mathew’s eyes glared at my engagement ring like it was an infectious disease and then locked eyes with me.
“I’m just curious,” Mathew started. To everyone else, his tone probably sounded curious, but I could hear the bite in it. “You two were rivals for years. Couldn’t be in the same room without arguing. What changed?”
The businessmen leaned forward, suddenly very interested. The influencers practically had their phones out. This was exactly the kind of drama that would make great content.
Shit.
“You’re right,” I said slowly, buying myself time. “We did argue constantly.” I glanced at Axel, who was watching me with those intense eyes. “But maybe … maybe I was picking fights for a reason I didn’t want to admit.”
“Such as?” an influencer pressed eagerly.
Axel leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. Either he didn’t sense Mathew’s hostility or he enjoyed it. “She liked getting me riled up. Liked seeing the effect she could have on me.”
“That’s not—” I started to protest, but he cut me off.
