“Will you marry me?”
4
The lawyer was the first one to react, choking on air. His fit continued as a pair of brown eyes brewed into a darker shade as they trained on Emily.
Though her gaze didn’t waver, her heart shuddered. Nicolas’s aura was a no-bullshit kind and maybe because she hadn’t faltered, his head tilted ever so slightly.
After what felt like the longest moment, he tore his gaze away. “You didn’t close the door, John?”
He winced. “I was in a rush. I know you hate tardiness.”
Nicolas shook his head. “What is the meaning of this? Did you hear what she just said?”
John scurried over to her. “Miss, I would advise you to step ou—wait. Aren’t you Emily Pinault?”
She flushed, but nodded. “Yes. Yes, I am.”
The lawyer’s face grew a bit red. “Oh, wow. I mean…wow. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I never thought I’d see you in California. You haven’t put anything out in a while. Wait. Are you actually working on something? So the retirement rumors aren’t true, then? Or am I getting ahead of myself and you’re just here for pleasure?”
“John,” Nicolas interrupted with a deep voice. “Prior to your little chitchat, I had asked you what the meaning of this was. Are you two well acquainted?”
“Well, not necessarily, sir. This is Emily Pinault.”
“I know who she is.”
His eyes didn’t seem quite happy at the recognition.
Emily felt her expression faltering.
John grinned. “Of course, it'd be impossible not to with her being one of the best movie stars to walk the planet.”
“And why is the acclaimed ‘movie star’ suggesting that I take her hand in marriage?”
He was asking her, not John.
“Because I heard you’re in need of a wife.”
Nicolas’s eyes darkened. “Who sent you here?”
She held her hands up in mock surrender. “Whoa, slow down. I heard you say ityourself just now.”
“So you were eavesdropping.” His thumb ran against his bottom lip, his gaze assessing her. “I see old habits die hard.”
Heat crept into Emily’s cheeks. His eyes strayed on them for a split second.
She was embarrassed that he still remembered that. It was so long ago.
Then again, she did.
“No! I was—” Emily sighed. “Okay, maybe I was, but does that matter in the grand scheme of things?”
“Let me get this straight.” His posture straightened. “You eavesdropped and decided to propose? Is that what you’re trying to tell me right now?” His voice had the edge of a knife. “What do you think this is, some kind of auction? You throw in a bid and suddenly I’m yours?”
Would it be bad if I said ‘yes’?A snarky part of her thought.
Of course, it would be, Emily!The rational side informed.
“I’d suggest you get out of this room if you don’t want any problems between us, Miss Movie Star.”
