Fidelity (Infidelity #5)(103)

“Yes, now don’t disturb me. I need to show you that I can cook them without burning them.”

“That’s not fair. You distracted me.”

The devilish grin I loved sparked to life as he connected the dots of the spatula in his hand and me by his side. Before I could squeal and run away—I blame the lack of traction on the socks—the spatula came down with an audible swat to my behind.

“Oh, Mr. Demetri, now I plan on distracting you.”

His blue eyes went to my long hair as he gently tucked a stray strand behind my ear and pushed the length over my shoulder. His touch lingered as I tilted my head, giving him full access to the exposed skin. His voice rumbled, becoming thick. “You seem to be missing a strap.”

I shrugged, the thunder of his voice rolling to my core. “You said to wear what you had out. You didn’t have a bra out. I always obey your commands, Mr. Demetri.”

He dropped the spatula to the counter and cupped my behind, pulling me close. “I didn’t have panties laid out either.” His fingers splayed as a brow rose. “Fuck. No panty lines?”

Slowly, I shook my head as I lowered my eyes.

Leaping out of his grasp, I grabbed the spatula and flipped the sandwich, just as the butter turned to the perfect toasted brown. “I saved it!”

“Oh, no. This is my meal. Give me that spatula.”

My eyes widened. “Why?”

“Because distracting me is a punishable offense.”

I handed it back with another kiss. “Guilty as charged. What’s come over you?”

“I was thinking a nice quiet night at home sounded good.”

I couldn’t agree more. I opened the cupboard and reached for the plates. “We’re missing the California wine.”

Nox bent down and kissed my stomach. “No wine—California or French—for a while.”

“The doctor said a glass now and then is fine.”

“My rules overrule the doctor.”

I shook my head as he took the plates from my hands and carried them to the table. I filled two glasses with ice water. “Yum, grilled cheese and water.”

“Oh, I have salads in the refrigerator. Can you grab them?” he asked.

I opened the door and on the top shelf were two bowls filled with greenery and carrots. Nothing else registered, because all I noticed was the blue velvet box atop of one of the salads. “Nox?”

“Can you carry them to the table?”

With trembling hands, I did as he said, setting down the one with the box at my place.

“Open it,” he said.

I could barely grip the soft exterior as I lifted and pried back the lid. The hinges moved, revealing the satin slot where a ring would be. “What?”

I turned as he fell to one knee with a diamond ring in his hand.

“Oh, Nox.” Tears filled my eyes.

“I’ve thought of thousands of ways to make this moment special. I imagined the Eiffel Tower bright with lights. I thought of whisking you off to Del Mar. I even had a plan with a sunset and the balcony of the presidential suite. I considered a Broadway show and a carriage ride in Central Park.

“And then I realized that the setting wasn’t what mattered. The only thing that mattered was you and I and your answer.”

I couldn’t form words as he went on.

“I remembered a night, the first night I brought you here. I remembered the promise of frozen meatballs and the presence of burnt sandwiches. I recalled your gorgeous eyes…” He reached up and wiped a tear from my cheek. “…the ones that are now clear, even with tears. I remember the way they clouded as you opened up to me, telling me about your family. And I remembered wanting to take those clouds away forever.

“Oh, Nox…” He touched my lips.

“Charli, you are my forever. You’ve brought love back into my life. Not just between us, but with our baby and even our parents. In the short time we’ve been together, you’ve given me back a reason to live, to wake, and to move.” He leaned forward and kissed my stomach again. “Together we’ve created a new family.”

Navy swirled in his light-blue orbs as he looked up. “I’m not the most romantic person. Truthfully, I’d be better at this if you were the one on your knees.”

I giggled.

“The most important thing is for you to know that whether we’re in an exclusive resort eating caviar or at home with cheese sandwiches, I’m so fucking in love that I can’t stand another day without your saying you’ll marry me, that you’ll agree to let me be your forever.”

I pried my gaze from his eyes, from his protruding brow and chiseled jaw. I looked at the ring he held between his finger and thumb. The band was platinum, dusted in small diamonds like my necklace. There was one center stone. It was round and sparkled, standing high on prongs.

It was simple and elegant.

It was classy and understated.

It was perfect.

“Yes.” It was the only word I could say as my soul flooded with emotion and I sunk to my knees before him.

He cupped my cheeks as his warm, possessive lips met mine. And then with our faces close, he said, “I asked your mom.”

“You did?”

“I did.” He slid the ring over my finger. “I know it’s old-fashioned. I drove to Rye this morning and asked for her daughter’s hand.” He shrugged. “She said yes. I’m glad you did too.”