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I sit next to her and notice the heat in her eyes. I rest my hand on her thigh under the table and grin.
She clears her throat as she glances around the room. “It looks magical in here.” She’s right it does, but it didn’t appear that way to me until she entered. “Do you have your acceptance speech ready?”
I nod, patting my jacket pocket. “Yes, all ready.”
She’s fidgety next to me. Her legs bounce and she’s playing with her fingers. Something is bothering her and if I had to guess it’s the idea of being in the same room as me and Pulse.
It may be making her nervous, but it’s pissing me off.
The thought that he thinks he’s going to take January away from me is infuriating, but now after everything that’s happened, it’s not happening. I refuse to let her go—professionally and personally.
She’s mine.
I sure as hell won’t share her with Pulse—on any level.
As the evening goes on she relaxes a bit. She’s chatting with others around the table as we enjoy a festive meal of ham, roasted potatoes, and green beans.
After dinner is cleaned up, they announce the award will be presented in about an hour.
I lean against January, squeezing her thigh. “Dance with me.” I don’t ask her, I’m demanding it of her. As if I could ever demand anything of her.
Her eyes sparkle as she nods. “I’d love to.”
I escort her onto the dance floor, filled with couples dancing close. Her arms rest on my shoulders as mine slide down her back. I stop myself just before I reach her ass, trying my best to keep this looking somewhat professional.
We move slowly to the music as our eyes stay locked. Her body pressed against mine feels like a missing puzzle piece I didn’t realize I’d lost. The silk of her dress beneath my fingers, her intoxicating scent, and her softening eyes are just solidifying what I already know.
I love this woman.
It’s not a question.
Not anymore.
I’ve fallen in love with January Frost, and it’s time I told her.
It no longer matters to me if I win tonight because I already have.
“After the ceremony, we need to talk.”
Her eyes slightly widen but when she notices my happiness, I feel her relax in my arms.
She nods, saying, “Yes, we do need to talk.”
We don’t say anything else. We hold each other closer as we move slowly across the dance floor.
I’ve fought for everything I have and I will fight for January. She’s not leaving me. Once I tell her I love her, it will change everything.
“Everyone, please take your seats.”
We reluctantly let go of each other and sit back down.
She rests her hand on mine and smiles. “Are you ready?”
“I was born ready.”
She laughs and the sound vibrates through me. Being the one to evoke joy from her causes my heart to race.
This girl has no idea what she’s done to me.
Not yet, anyway.
As the lesser awards are given out, I glance around the room. A room filled with like-minded people who are all trying to be on top of the gaming industry. When my campaign launches in March, it’s going to blow everyone’s mind and I’ll exceed the popularity and wealth I’ve already achieved.
“Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for. It’s time to announce Game Developer of The Year.”
I adjust myself and January reaches under the table, resting her hand on my thigh. My eyes slide to her, and her entire face lights up.
“Don’t be nervous, you’ve got this.”
I rest my hand on top of hers and grin. “I sure do.” And I’m not talking about the award.
“The nominees are Nicholas Luge from Brighting Gaming Company. Garrett Pulse from Pulse Gaming. And finally, Conner Goodman from Maxam Gaming.”
January’s fingers dig into my thigh and I chuckle at her excitement as they open the envelope.
“Nicholas Luge from Brighting Gaming Company.”
January squeals with excitement as my name is called. It just makes this moment even better. I squeeze her hand as I glance at her. Unable to control myself, I press a soft kiss to her cheek before standing.
The cheering is loud as I make my way to the stage, but the pounding of my heart is even louder. I just kissed January Frost in front of everyone. It’s exciting, empowering, and thrilling. I want to grab the microphone and declare my love, but the simple kiss may have just been enough.
“Thank you,” I say, smiling as I wait for the clapping to stop. My eyes search the crowd and when they find January, I keep them locked on her. “I had a speech all prepared, but I’m just going to say what it is I’m feeling.” I clear my throat, resting my hands on the podium. “I’m honored to be your choice. There are hundreds of incredibly talented men and women I’ve been up against and yet you saw something more in me. Things don’t always play out how you expect. It’s shocking and confusing. The doubts you feel make you wonder if what you’re doing is right. You fight within yourself to make sense of it all but in the end, standing here before you proves it’s always worth the risk. I’d like to thank the woman who is my right hand, hell, my left hand too, January Frost.” I nod to her. “I appreciate everything she’s done for me. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here right now. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It means everything to me.”
