Looking to Score(70)

“You done working?” Oakley asked. He’d popped his head in the doorway to my home office.

“Yes. I’m so hungry. I need carbs. And maybe a Diet Coke,” I pleaded, standing up. Oakley fully entered my office, and I was shocked to find that he was in a suit. “What are you wearing? Shit. Was there an event tonight I forgot?”

Oakley smiled. “Yep. I laid your dress out on your bed. Be ready in an hour?” I casually reached for my calendar, but he reached out to grab my wrist, stopping me. “No working. Go get dressed.”

I gave him a curious look before heading to my room. My apartment was in the heart of Dallas, about an hour’s drive from the practice stadium. Oakley owned a house nearby, but he basically lived with me. Slowly, he’d been taking over my closet space and bathroom countertops, but I didn’t mind. He was a busy man, playing for the Dallas Cowboys and making guest appearances around the world. I was greedy for whatever time I could get.

Three years. Three years of dating and navigating the crazy world of sports together. Three years of romance and humor. He was my boyfriend, but also my best friend. In addition to managing his career, we also built up Daisy’s Promise to be one of the largest anti-cyberbullying organizations in the world. Together, we’d brought down numerous videos and assisted victims across the globe.

The dress he picked was long, black, and elegant. It had a slit up the thigh and a heart-shaped neckline that graciously emphasized my curves. I put it on and did my makeup, lightly dusting eyeshadow and powder on before grabbing my clutch and meeting him in my living room.

“Fuck, Solver. You look incredible,” he grunted while holding his hand out to me.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I asked. He was always doing this. Surprising me with extravagant dates and taking me out. I loved how romantic he was.

“Nope. The car is waiting,” he replied with a smile before leading me out the door.

To my surprise, we took a limo to the Dallas Arboretum. Daisy’s Promise had funded a rose garden here a year ago, and we tried to visit whenever we could. “What are we doing here?” I asked. My intuition was screaming at me that this was big, and I had the urge to pat him down and see if he was packing a little black box. We’d talked about marriage, but every big date usually ended in orgasms and not a diamond ring—not that I was complaining.

It was funny how the first time I thought he was proposing, I was terrified. Now, every time I got an inkling that it was happening, it made me feel a lot of hope.

“I want to show you something,” he insisted.

The gardens were absolutely stunning. We strolled along the long, winding paths through trees lit up with twinkle lights that made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. Although the heels on my feet reminded me that I hated the stiletto death traps and wanted nothing more than to murder the inventor of them.

It wasn’t until we made it to the beautiful rose garden that my heart completely fell out of my ass. I mean, I wasn’t sure if that was actually possible, but that’s how it felt. “Amanda Matthews,” Oakley said. My strong man was shaking and looked like he was about to puke.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” he replied quickly.

“WAS THAT AMANDA? DID SHE SAY YES?” a voice asked.

I blinked. That sounded like… “Is my mother here?” I asked, looking around. Oakley quickly reached up and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.

“Be quiet, dear. You’ll ruin the surprise,” my father said in a whisper-shout. I chewed on the inside of my cheek to stop the bright smile from crossing my features. Tears filled my eyes.

Oakley let out a sigh and shook his head, his own grin breaking out. “Amanda Matthews,” he began again.

“Oh! Oh! It’s happening,” my mother squealed. I couldn’t see where she was hiding, but I had to guess she was somewhere behind a shrub.

“For fuck’s sake,” Oakley grumbled under his breath before raising his voice. “Come on out, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews. Mom, you too,” he shouted hopelessly before grabbing my hands. “They’re terrible at secrets,” he then whispered to me.

Movement to my left grabbed my attention, but my eyes locked on Oakley’s the moment he dropped to one knee. “Oh, Crosby. LOOK! It’s happening,” my mother yelled.

“Amanda Matthews,” Oakley began once again.

I shook my head. “Are you going to ask me to marry you, or what?” I teased.

“I had an entire speech planned,” he groaned.

“Well, get on with it then,” I joked back.

“I love you. I love you more than all the roses in all the world. I love your smile. Your confidence. Your grace. Your determination and grit. I love how you make me a better person. I love waking up with you by my side and falling asleep with you in my arms. I want to have a family with you—one day.”

“I can’t wait to be a grandma!” Mom whispered.

Oakley grinned. “I love you more than anything. I love every version of you. Every piece of your heart, mind, body, and soul.” I was a sobbing mess. Every word made my heart bloom. “Will you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife?” he asked, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a ring. I didn’t even look at the diamond. I reached for Oakley and yanked him up to a standing position so I could wrap him in a big hug.