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“I’m sorry, Ian. I should have told you a long time ago. I didn’t because I thought—I don’t know—I was scared.”
“I know. I get that. I always knew you were holding back—”
She snorted. “You’ve had my number, right from the start.”
“I understand you, Stace, that’s all. And because I do, I knew certain things would be bigger issues than others, like the whole ‘I love you’ thing. I thought I could afford to be patient. What I don’t understand…what I didn’t see coming…was you walking away.” His fingers tightened the tiniest degree on her shoulders, and the small gesture
gave her a world of insight into the depth of his frustration.
“I was afraid you’d change your mind,” she confessed. “When you asked me to move in, I thought you were keeping your options open. I mean, marriage is a big step…a big public commitment. A divorce takes time. But living together?” She shrugged. “It’s not so hard to just pack your stuff and leave if things don’t work out. Not that I blame you,” she quickly added when he would have interrupted. “The show took off practically overnight, and suddenly, I realized it was only a matter of time before bits and pieces about my past came to light. Little details like me working at Deuces. These were my choices, and I always considered them part of what made me…well…me—uninhibited, a little bit wild, and shocking. But I saw how my past had the potential to embarrass or alienate people I cared about, like you, and your family.”
“I love you, Stacy. I love that you’re uninhibited, and, yeah, a little bit wild. As for shocking, well,” he shrugged, “I think you know by now I’m kind of hard to shock. Same goes for my family.”
Her heart soared at his words, but she shook her head. Get all the fear out. Drain it like venom. “Your parents didn’t sign up for notoriety. How are they going to feel when someone posts a video of me stripping on YouTube, and some tabloid reporter shoves a recorder in their faces and asks them if I pole dance at the family barbecues?”
“Honey, if you want to pole dance at the next barbecue, my parents will install a pole. And, as much as I hate to say it”—he grimaced—“my mom would probably be the first in line for a lesson. She keeps talking about what a great workout it’s supposed to be. Obviously, I can’t be there for that, or I’ll have to tear my eyes out, but—”
She thwacked the solid wall of muscle he called a chest. “Ian, I’m not joking.”
“Neither am I. Look, they know. They know how we met, where you’re from, how you got your start. Everything. They also know I love you, and you love me. That’s really all they care about.”
“I hope you’re right because they’re probably stuck with me.”
The hand at her back stilled again. “You figure?”
Now her heartbeat kicked up a notch. “If you still want to try…if you’ll still have me…I’d love to move in with you.”
He frowned and shook his head. Her heart did a belly flop straight into her stomach. “I’m sorry, but after everything we’ve been through, the move-in offer is no longer on the table.”
Tears threatened again, but she blinked them back. Okay, understandable. You’ll just have to change his mind. She firmed her chin. “I’m ready for the next step. How can I prove it to you?”
He gave her a funny look and then cocked an eyebrow. “You really think you’re ready for the next step?”
“Yes. Absolutely,” she replied without hesitation. “Bring it on.”
“Okay, then.” He drew away from her and eased off the bed until he knelt beside it, facing her. “Remember, you asked for this.”
“Ian, what are you…” Her words died away when he pulled a small square box out of his pocket and held it out to her.
“Stacy Roberts, former Two Trout troublemaker, ex-stripper, and the woman I love, will you marry me?” He opened the box to reveal a gorgeous, radiant blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
The gasp escaped before she could help herself.
He shrugged, but the quirk of his lips told her he appreciated rendering her speechless. “I wanted something as unique as the woman who’ll wear it. The color reminded me of your eyes.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful. And I’m waiting for an answer,” he prompted.
She shifted her attention to him and watched the slow, sexy grin she’d been dreaming of for six lonely weeks spread over his face. “This is the next step?”
“Yep.”
“You’re sure?”
His unwavering gaze locked on hers, making her head spin a little. “I am dead positive.”
“Then, my answer is yes.”
