Stacking the Deck (A Betting on Romance Novel Book 2)(109)

“I haven’t even started,” he assured her. Then he bowed forward, cool water splashing her lightly as he tipped an imaginary top-hat. “So, will you join me?”

Liz felt her knees go weak as awareness heated her cheeks. “You saw number ten.”

His smile dazzled. “Sorry to take them out of order. We’ll get to the others later. For now... get in here.” He reached for her again, and she shook her head, her better sense trying to deny what her body and soul had already accepted. “I’m fully dressed!” she protested even as her feet kicked off her shoes of their own accord. And then she was stepping into the cold spray, his warm hand pulling her forward.

She yelped as water sluiced down her back and over her hair. But when she glanced up again, it wasn’t the water that stopped the breath in her lungs. It was the look in Carter’s eyes.

“You came,” he said.

“Did I have a choice?”

“Yes.” He smiled and cupped her face in his hands. His thumb brushed her cheek. “I love you. So much,” he whispered—only for her this time—then his lips dipped to hers.

Her mouth curved under his, and despite the cool water soaking her to the skin, heat swirled through her. “I love you, too. But I th—”

“Good,” he said, cutting her off with a kiss. “That’s all that matters.” And then he knelt before her, the water making his hair darken, his skin glisten, and her world tilt as the unreality of it all hit her in full force. Devilish green eyes found hers, and her heart stuttered even as his hands cupped and warmed hers.

“Elizabeth Anne Beacon,” he asked softly, “would you do me the honor... of becoming my wife?” And then he arched one of those damned eyebrows and she was a goner.

Liz swayed. No longer certain whether it was the water from the fountain, the brilliant spring sunshine or tears of joy blurring her vision, she nodded and gave the only answer she could. “Yes!”

She laughed as a cheer rose from the crowd. Then Carter swung her into his arms and kissed her soundly as the band resumed their triumphant theme song.

Water streamed from both of them, as they stepped from the fountain, but she couldn’t care less. He loved her! She kissed him again, then pulled back, brow lightly furrowed. “Um, haven’t you forgotten something?”

“Forgotten something?”

“Don’t I get an engagement ring?”

“Ah, you want a ring, do you?” His lips brushed her ear. “It’s in my pocket.”

Liz blushed, thinking of the swim trunks plastered to his lean hips. “You don’t have any pockets.”

One green eye winked wickedly as Carter slid her down his body.

She stood unsteadily.

He laughed then, a robust sound, and stooped to retrieve his dress pants. “Crossing off numbers one through nine will be more fun than I thought.”

Liz caught her lip between her teeth as he slid the ring on her finger. Small, twinkling diamonds flanked a clear, lavender amethyst.

“It made me think of you in your purple dress. I know it’s not a huge rock, but I’m hoping to finally buy out my uncle, and—”

“It’s perfect,” she interrupted with feeling. “You’re perfect.”

“Far from it, but I’m glad you think so.”

“Perfect for me, then,” she corrected. “I’m glad you’re taking this step. I know you’ll do great.”

His grin tilted. “Not without a little help. But, maybe a certain business analyst would be interested in helping me get started?”

Liz grinned. “I know she’s thinking of making some career changes, but I’ll talk to her. I hear she has a soft spot for sexy college drop-outs with potential. I’m sure you two can work something out.”

“Potential, eh?”

“Loads of it,” she grinned again, her knees growing weak under his hot, knowing gaze.

“Are you two going to canoodle all day? You’ll miss your flight!”

Liz blanched as Aunt Claire’s words broke into her thoughts. Her flight! Oh my God! She’d forgotten all about it!

Carter turned to Liz. “Going somewhere?”

“Okay, here’s the thing,” she hedged, palms beginning to sweat. “I was going to New York. To see Niagara Falls actually, but that was before—”

“Okay, Carter, your bag is in the taxi with Liz’s, your dry clothes are on the seat, and I’ll take your suit to the cleaners tomorrow. Anything else before you leave?” Jim jiggled the baby in her carrier and looked at them expectantly.

“Before you leave?” Liz asked in confusion.

“I’m coming with you,” Carter replied as he grasped her elbow and propelled her toward the taxi. “And we’d better hurry or we’ll miss our flight.”

“Our flight?”

Carter turned and winked at the ladies standing by the taxi. He opened the door for Liz. “You didn’t think I’d let you cross off number five on your own, did you?”

But she stopped, dripping, hands on hips, and contemplated the innocent expressions of four elderly ladies standing by the taxi. God love them.

She stepped forward and kissed each woman soundly on the cheek. “You are so getting the kitschiest souvenirs I can find,” she warned them. Then she laughed, slid into the taxi and yanked Carter firmly behind her.