Chapter 10
(Lisa)
Two years after moving to New York, Lisa sat toiling over her computer, writing the first book of her second series for KR Publishing. Her fame had grown steadily from the first book of her first series as she had struggled and labored over every sentence and through every round of edits.
The intensity with which she wrote each book was the same. She was incapable of writing any other way.
The shower shut off in the bathroom and Kit walked out wearing only a towel around his waist. She turned to him, scanning his wet body openly and without an ounce of modesty.
He grinned and she walked to him, embracing him, letting her hands roam where they would. He chuckled and moaned as she grabbed a double handful of his ass.
“Feisty. I like it, Miss Andrews.” He leaned in and nibbled at her neck as he unbuttoned her shirt and exposed her shoulder, then her breast and finally dropping the shirt on the floor behind her.
“Nothing like an award or two to get my blood pumping hot. Is this what you’re wearing to the ceremony?” She hooked her thumbs into the top of his towel and pulled it off in one swift motion, laughing. She tossed it to the floor beside them and used her foot to push it out of the way.
“And I put such forethought into my wardrobe, now it’s simply ruined.” He swept her up into his arms and carried her to the bedroom, kissing her the whole way.
Giggling, she kicked her feet up and down as he neared the bed. “Okay, you can wear the towel!”
He tossed her onto the bed and pounced on top of her, pinning her in place. “Too late for that now.” He dipped his head to her breast.
Squealing with delight, she arched toward him, relishing his attentions. The clock on the far wall announced that it was half past six. The ceremony was at seven-thirty. Kit lifted his eyes to hers.
“Kit, we’re going to be late, if we don’t leave soon. We can pick this up as soon as we’re back, though.”
He shook his head. “Oh, we have time enough. Trust me.”
He lavished her with kisses to all her erogenous zones, kneaded, and caressed her until she forgot about the time and the ceremony. Afterward, basking in the afterglow, she smiled up at him and snuggled into his shoulder.
“I think I might just love you, Mr. Rydell.” She kissed his neck, flicking it with her tongue just for good measure.
He hugged her and held her tight. “If you maybe love me, then I guess we better get ready and head out to that ceremony before we really are late.”
She gasped and sat bolt upright. It was almost seven. They would never make it on time.
Lisa rushed to the bathroom in a panic and still feeling the effects of their lovemaking. It was like trying to walk on clouds.
Sweeping her hair back from her face with a couple of combs, she spritzed and scrunched her unruly curls into a semblance of manageability. Dabbing on very light makeup, she judged her appearance to be okay. Not stunning, but okay. It would have to do for the night. Her dress was an easy, slip-on with a single zipper up the side and her heels were low, smart for walking.
They hurried to the ceremony and rushed through the doors, presenting their invitations, giggling and out of breath. Taking their seats at the table in the center of the room, Lisa had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing aloud as all eyes turned to them.
“Here you are, still being the center of attention, Kit. Some things never change, do they?” She giggled and took a sip of her wine.
“Me? You’re going to be the center of attention tonight, sexy. You’ll be up there accepting the award, not me.” He reached under the table and goosed her knee, causing her to jump and laugh more.
The speaker got everyone’s attention and after a short thank-you speech, he backed up, cued a mild spotlight on Lisa and Kit’s table.
“And now, for the main attraction tonight, folks, Lisa Andrews and Kit Rydell. Kit, take it away, the floor is all yours.” The man bowed and backed out of the ring light.
Lisa looked at Kit. She whispered, “What are you up to now? What is this?”
Kit stood and waved to the gathering. “Thank you all for showing up early tonight and for keeping my little secret. I appreciate it.” Then he stage-whispered, “You can pick up your checks on your way out this evening.”
The crowd laughed and clapped. Heat crawled up Lisa’s neck and into her cheeks. She knew she was glowing red by that time.
Kit reached into his jacket and produced a small black box with a hinged lid. Lisa’s heart stopped beating for a few seconds as it dawned on her what Kit was about to do. For a moment, she forgot how to breathe. Her entire body locked up. Not from fright but from pure surprise and delight. She had wondered if it would ever come to this. She had hoped. And now her other dream had come true.
Kit stood in front of her, holding out the small box, a smile on his face and love in his eyes. He got down on one knee in front of her, placed his hand on her leg. “Lisa Andrews, I have something very important to ask you tonight and I want these people to witness it.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. She couldn’t speak. She nodded as response, her hand over her heart.
“Lisa Andrews, would you do me the greatest honor in the world and marry me?” He popped the lid back on the little box, revealing an elegant and large cluster diamond ring. The spotlight refracted into a thousand little colored prisms as it passed through the gemstones.
Words failed her as she looked from the ring to Kit and back again. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
From behind her, Toni’s voice came through. “And you can mark this on your calendars ladies and gentlemen, it’s the only time I’ve known Lisa to be struck speechless.” Toni leaned over Lisa’s shoulder, hugging her tight. “I believe this is the part where you say, I will.”
Laughing and crying simultaneously, Lisa nodded at Kit. She threw her arms around him. “Yes, I will!”
END