Cameron pays the bill with several crisp hundred-dollar bills. "Ready to see where I live?"
"How do we get there?"
"Third floor connecting door." He stands and takes my hand, fingers interlacing with mine. "Very exclusive access."
The elevator ride feels charged, Cameron standing close enough that I can smell his intoxicating cologne.
"Very secret agent-ish," I say when he punches in a code.
"Only the best for my Cinderella."
The nickname sends heat spiraling through me.
He shows me the amenities floor quickly—children's playroom, library, fitness center. But I can feel his impatience, the barely leashed energy radiating from him.
Then he presses the giant gold "P" for penthouse.
Edison greets us with enthusiastic tail-wagging. Yet I sense even the dog senses the electricity crackling between us.
The apartment is breathtaking—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering city, everything pristine white and chrome.
"Champagne?" Cameron asks, motioning toward the white leather sofa.
I nod, settling into the buttery soft cushions. He pours Dom Pérignon like it's water, his movements fluid and confident.
"I missed you," he says simply, settling beside me. Close enough that his thigh brushes mine through my fancy silk dress.
"Twenty-seven days, Tara. It felt like years."
"I felt it too. The phone calls weren't enough."
"Nothing was enough."
Cameron's free hand traces along my bare shoulder, fingertips leaving fire in their wake.
"I couldn't concentrate on anything. Couldn't write. All I could think about was you in that storm, how you felt in my arms."
He sets down his champagne and pulls a small velvet box from his pocket.
My breath catches.
"I want you to be my wife, Tara."
The box opens to reveal a ring that steals what's left of my breath. A stunning solitaire that catches the city lights and throws rainbows across the white walls.
"Cameron," I whisper, unable to look away from the sparkling diamond. "I don't know what to say."
"Say yes." He slides the ring onto my finger with shaking hands. "Say you'll marry me."
The ring fits perfectly, heavy and warm against my skin.
"It's all happening so fast. School, work, this..." I gesture at the luxury surrounding us. "It's like being hit by a hurricane."
"All you have to do is agree to be my wife."
His voice carries an edge of vulnerability that breaks my heart. "Easy enough."
I study his face, seeing past the confident rockstar to the man underneath—the one who seems terrified I'll say no.
