Page 132 of You Saw the Best In Me

Once I changed, we found the perfect spot, and Mav brought us a small picnic.

Of course, there’s tequila in the basket, too. The signs say no alcohol on the beach, but I sneak a drink or two while I lay out in the sun.

He’s gone above and beyond to surprise me, and I can’t stop smiling.

The sand is white, the waves are big, and the sky is clear without a cloud in the sky. It’s the perfect beach day.

We spend the afternoon in the ocean, playing like little kids.

Maverick pulls me close and kisses my nose.

“Best day ever?” he asks, and I nod.

“Perfection,” I smile.

Once the sun begins to set, Maverick has to bribe me to leave the beach, promising that he has more in store for us.

Our next stop is dinner on the boardwalk at a cute little shack, enjoying margaritas and cheeseburgers.

We dine overlooking the ocean, watching as the seagulls clean the scraps left by beachgoers, and the lifeguards clear down the umbrellas and chairs.

“Take a walk with me, pretty lady?” He asks, lacing his fingers through mine.

The boardwalk is lined with shops, food booths, and artists of all kinds.

I admire the twinkly lights on the pier railings while we walk, loving how they illuminate the boardwalk as the sun sets in the background.

“I booked us a suite at that hotel,” he says, pointing to the building behind us.

“A hotel? What is the occasion?”

I didn’t notice he stopped walking until he doesn’t answer my question.

I turn around, and he’s kneeling on one knee, holding a box.

“Oh my god!” I say, stunned.

“Karina Grace, you changed my life and made me a better man. You’re the light in my darkness, and every day I get to be with you is a dream. Will you marry me?” he asks, and I scream.

“Yes! Took you long enough,” I smile, and he places the ring on my finger.

He looks into my eyes, and the love radiating off us could start a fire. It’s as if we’re the only two people in the world right now.

“Kiss me,” I whisper, and he does.

In front of a crowd of people, he lifts me off the ground and kisses me with such passion I see why he booked a hotel.

“I love you, Karina,” he says, kissing me again.

Fuck.

I love this man more than I ever thought possible. Every wound I carried with me, he’s healed. Any doubts I had, he’s erased. I was destined to meet him, and the stars aligned so I’d fall in love with him.

Maverick Carter was made to be mine.

“You have no idea what I’m going to do to you tonight, kitten,” he whispers, and I bite my lip.

We need to get in that hotel room fast.