I hear the crowd cheering. I’ve sat here daydreaming this whole time, I finally turn my attention back to Zack just in time to see him lighting his cigarette as he’s giving me his signature smirk, a smirk I know he only gives to me. I still blush, every single time. The dealer hands out the cards for the next round. It’s then that I’ve noticed Zack’s stack of poker chips have dwindled, significantly. Sure, I’ve seen him come in second and even third place, but I’ve never seen him this close to losing. With this being the final day of the tournament, I’m not sure how he’s able to remain so calm. This is the highest of the jackpots that’s been around during this whole tour.
I look around the whole table and see who’s winning. It’s the rookie poker player. Zack said he’s new to the tour and he’s cock sure. He’s only won a handful of times and it’s been on the smaller buy ins. Zack and I aren’t sure how he’s able to keep himself afloat with the way he plays, but somehow, he does.
I’m about to get up and start pacing the floors, when all of a sudden, he’s back in the lead. I’m on the edge of my seat, my fingers at the ready to start biting on my nails, when the final hand is dealt. This is the moment in his career if Zack wins, he settles into a semi-retirement with a win that will make record books. If he loses, well, I’ll be there to sooth him in any way possible. I’d hate for him to lose, but either way, I know he’s the still the winner.
Chapter 26
Zack
Fuck yes, I think in my head. I just saw the hand I was dealt, and this shit is in the bag, and with perfect timing. That box that is holding a ring, and it’s burning a damn hole in my pocket. I knew either way, win or lose I was going to ask Natalie to marry me today, but coming out on top, I’m gettin’ lucky, no matter what. I know without a doubt that Natalie wants this as much as I do. Her last name becoming mine, my ring on her finger, her ring on my finger. Fuck, I can’t wait.
As soon as we all show our cards, I see that I came out on top with a Royal fucking Flush. I jump out of my seat and head straight to Natalie. She’s up and out of her chair weaving in and out of the other patrons that were there to watch. Seeing her in an olive-green sundress, her hair in big soft curls, as it falls down around her shoulders and brushes the top of her breasts, god damn, I’m one lucky man. Her eyes are watering, and it gives me more determination to have her wrapped in my arms. We crash together when we finally meet, her arms around my neck, her favorite place to wrap them, and my hands are at the curve in her waist.
She looks up into my eyes, with her wearing what I’ve come to know are her favorite wedges. It helps our height difference, but only by a few inches. Fuck, I love the way she feels against me.
“You won, Zack. Oh, my fucking god, you won! I’m so proud of you,” she rushes out before her lips are on mine. I deepen the kiss with my tongue, wanting and needing more of her flavor.
“Fuck, Natalie. What you do to me,” I tell her as I go back for more. Holding her by the back of her head, my hands in her hair. When we break apart, I’m staring deep into her eyes and I know that this may be on national television, but I know I have to make her mine.
I drop to my knees, and look up at Natalie, fumbling to get the ring box out of my jeans pocket. Those tears that were wiped away while I kissed her, they’re back in her eyes and as much as I want to wipe them away for her, I know I have something more important to do. Right here in this moment.
“Natalie, Sunshine. Want you as my wife, want my last name to be yours, want our souls entwined together. I need you every day as much as I need air to breathe. Marry me, Sunshine. Be mine for all of eternity.” I state, not really asking as much as demanding it.
“Yes, yes, yes,” she screams out and she drops to her knees, her hands going up to my cheeks. She’s completely forgotten about the ring as her lips find mine and we kiss for what seems like forever.
When we break apart, I take her left ring finger in my hand and slowly slide on the one karat diamond engagement ring. It has baguettes tapered around the ring and is platinum in color. I’m just fucking thankful it slides on and isn’t too big or too small.