He bends and puts his daughter down, whispering in her ear. She nods quickly then turns to me. “I’m going to class now, but Daddy wants to talk to you some more. You’d better take Buddy.”
Kneeling, I pull her into a hug and take the puppy. “Thanks, sweetie.”
Remi looks at the dog and his lips press into a funny smile. “Do you think he’ll hang out with us if you put him down for a second?”
Blinking down to the little apricot face watching me, I nod, putting him at my feet. Sure enough. Buddy stands beside me looking up and down the hall. My eyes catch for a moment on the open mouths and wide eyes of Serena and her crew.
“Ruby, I wanted to say this in front of witnesses.”
Stepping forward, I speak low in his chest. “You can’t do this now. I’m not dressed for it.”
“I think you look amazing.” Placing his finger under my chin, he lifts my face to his. His eyes are like golden-hot caramel. “I’ve wanted to say this so many times… I love you, Ruby Banks.”
That does it. I’m crying.
“Remi…” My voice is a high whisper.
That gorgeous smile touches his lips. “I love how smart you are and how funny you are. I love the way the light shines off your hair and sparkles in your eyes when you laugh. I love the way you get on your knees, right at eye level with Lillie when she wants to tell you something. I love how you don’t back down when I say something you think is wrong… or when these bitches at school call you mean names…”
Serena makes a huffy “I never” noise, and I put my hand over my mouth to cover my laugh. A hot tear rolls down my cheek, and he looks at it with so much care, gently wiping it away with his thumb as he cups my face.
“You’re strong and fierce and loving.” He leans closer to whisper in my ear. “I especially love that sound you make when I kiss your pussy…”
“Remi!” I whisper, pushing his arm.
He only grins bigger, heat burning in his eyes. “I love that you’re passionate about art and music and your work. Your dad was wrong—you’re a strong woman. You’re amazing. You’re everything I want.”
With that he steps back and reaches into his jacket pocket. Then he carefully lowers onto one knee. “You can’t be Lillie’s nanny anymore, because I want you to be my wife. I want to marry you. Will you marry me, Ruby?”
Blinking hard, I see he’s holding the most beautiful blue-velvet sapphire ring up to me. It’s set in white gold with small pear-shaped diamonds on each side. My heart is in my throat, and I don’t know how I’m still standing on two feet. Or maybe I’m floating off the ground.
Taking the ring, I slide it on my finger as he slowly rises to standing. “Is that a yes?” He’s holding my hand. “I couldn’t ask your father, because he’s no longer with us. But I stopped by the church this morning and talked to your mom. She thinks it’s a good idea.”
My eyes go wide. “You talked to my mom?”
“It’s the traditional thing to do.” He does a shrug.
“And she thinks it’s a good idea?” Her speech about him not being one of us is in my head, not that it makes one bit of difference. I’m a total goner for this man.
“She says we’re a good match.”
“Oh, Remi.” I jump forward, putting my arm around his neck. “You want to make me yours?”
He laughs, lifting me off the ground, holding me under my butt as my legs wrap around his waist. “More than anything. Be my wife, Ruby. Be my lover for life. Help me take care of Lillie. I can’t stand another minute of my life without you in it.”
Hugging my arms around his neck, I study the gorgeous ring on my finger. “Yes… I will. Yes.” I’m hugging him so close. His warm lips press against my neck, rising higher to my chin, igniting my panties, and before I lose all ability to reason, I quickly add, “In a year.”
Remi draws back, frowning. “A year?”
His arms relax, and my feet slide to the floor as I try to explain. “We’ve only known each other a month, Remington. I can’t just marry you like that. We have to at least be engaged a little while to be sure.”
His brow lowers, and determination glows in his eyes. “I’m more sure of this than I’ve been of anything in a long, long time.” His words are heat and warmth, and lightning in my veins. “But if it makes you happy, we can be engaged for a little while.” His thumb is on my chin and his eyes focus hot on my lips. “As long as I get to kiss you.”
“Definitely.” Leaning forward, I peck his soft mouth. “Lots of kissing.”
He presses my back to the wall as he cups my face in his hands. “I intend to kiss you everywhere, any time I want.”
His mouth covers mine, moving my lips apart, and when our tongues meet, I ignite. My hands go around his neck, pulling him closer. His hands go to my waist, sliding beneath my crop top, over the bare skin of my back, pulling me even closer.
