The VIP Room(164)

The sounds of the room rush around me. It's awfully loud in here, and everyone who looks at me does it like I'm an exhibit at the zoo. They're thinking the same thing Fiona was. What the hell is he doing with her?

I won't let her get to me. I can play my part. I'm not a perfect ten by any means, but I'm cute enough. With the hair, the makeup, the cocktail dress, the four inch heels--I look damn good. It would be impossible to be as beautiful as Blake is, but I'm no slouch.

Besides, Blake isn't that superficial. He likes my personality. My sense of humor. My intellect.

A wave of dizziness hits me. I'm justifying my fake relationship. Blake likes me enough to continue this ruse with me, but he doesn't love me or my sense of humor or my intellect.

I look for him in that corner, but it's empty. Blake and Meryl are nowhere to be found. I wander around the party like I have a direction. Oh, a quiet balcony. That's much better than any other alternative.

There's someone in my way. Declan, the first guy I met here. He waves.

"Hey, Kat. Blake is about to give his speech."

"I'm just going to get some air," I say.

He pats my shoulder. "Nonsense." He leans in close and whispers. "I have it on good authority that he mentions you in it."

There's this twinkle in his eye, like he knows more than he's letting on. Okay, fine. I'm the ingénue. I'll play along.

I follow him into the main room. Oh, a server passing around a tray of champagne. Yes, please. The drink gets better with every glass. Really, it tastes like money.

Declan pats me on the back. He nods to a small stage. Blake is standing there. He's holding up his own glass of champagne like he's about to give a toast.

I must have missed something in the bathroom.

He scans the crowd, his eyes resting on me. He smiles, a big smile, but I can't tell if it's real or pretend.

"I know we're all very excited about the new Photos feature, but before I praise the dev team--you're all great, but this is a party." Blake holds up his glass. "Let's talk about something interesting, huh?"

There's laughter, some genuine, some sucking up to the boss. Everyone with a glass toasts. Well, when in Rome. I polish off my glass in one very long sip.

Blake does the same. Not like him. The real him anyway. He wipes a few drops from his face. If I didn't know better, I'd swear that he's nervous. But that could be an act, too.

He makes eye contact with me. Something passes between us--something real--but I can't place it. The flutter in me goes into full effect. Concentration, gone. I'll miss it.

"There's something I want to capture forever." He steps off the stage. "Something even better than Sterling Tech."

The crowd parts until it's a straight shot between Blake and me. Good thing his mic is cordless, because I can't move a muscle. He walks to me slowly. Someone takes his champagne glass out of his hand.

The expression in his eyes is pure love. He's a damn good actor.

He takes my hand and strokes my fingers. "Kat, I love you more than I've ever loved anyone."

Flutters, oh they're everywhere. My stupid body still hasn't gotten the message that this is all a lie. I nod like I know what's going on. His touch is so light on my hand. It's comforting even if it's bullshit.

"You make the happiest man alive." He drops to one knee.

Holy crap.

Blake pulls a ring box out of his pocket. "Will you marry me?"

He pulls it open, revealing an enormous diamond. It's a solitaire on a platinum band. Four carats, five maybe. Sleek, like everything else he owns.

The room goes quiet. Every ounce of attention is on us. I catch glances from his mother. Her mouth is hanging open, but there's no mistaking the joy on her face.

There's no mistaking my options.

I go for a big smile. I throw my hands over my mouth like I can't believe my luck. "Of course."

His eyes stay glued to mine. He slides the engagement ring over my finger and rises to his feet.

Blake leans into a kiss. Our lips meet and fireworks explode inside my body. Fake, fake, fake. All of this is fake! Everything except the ring.

Lights go off around us. Cameras and camera phones. Everyone wants to talk to us. Everyone has questions.

I'm engaged to Blake Sterling.

This is either the best decision I've ever made or the biggest mistake of my life.





About Crystal Kaswell





Continued in Episode Two



Crystal Kaswell writes scorching hot new adult romances with flawed characters. She loves police procedurals, tea, and The Hunger Games series. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband.



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