Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
With our plans set, I go and grab a shower. Tonight, I'm going to wear something special, something to show Derrick how serious I am.
And after tonight, if things go the way I want them to, we'll be going home.
Hours later, I walk along the beach, and it's exactly 8:00 PM on the dot.
The sun is starting to set, and the temperature is dropping. I'm wearing a form-fitting black dress, rubbing my bare arms to stay warm. My heels keep getting caught in the sand, so I stop and slip them off, carrying them in one hand as I continue.
So much for dressing to impress. Oh well, I can be cold and sexy at the same time, if that’s what it takes.
Derrick is waiting for me in a circle of lit candles flickering in the wind, and he looks every bit the wealthy, powerful business tycoon. The fabric of his suit looks expensive, and his watch probably costs more than what my father—for all his modest wealth—makes in a year. His dark hair is styled to the side, and his deep brown, brooding eyes are watching me intently.
He comes forward as I get closer, and when I'm only a few feet away, he takes off his suit jacket and wraps it around my shoulders. I can't help the giggle that escapes.
"Thanks. Sorry, it's a little chilly and I didn’t think this outfit through.”
The corner of Derrick's mouth lifts, and his eyes fill with so much warmth and affection that my heart flutters in my chest. "You look beautiful."
"I wanted to look nice," I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Alina, you look good in sweatpants, jeans, and a T-shirt. Or nothing at all. You don't have to dress up for me. You're always beautiful, and I love you."
My heart stops, and my breath hitches. Did I hear him right? Did he just say he loved me?
"Derrick," I whisper. "I..."
He takes a step forward and places his index finger on my lips. "No, let me explain. It's been too long since I've seen you, and I can't wait anymore. No matter what, know that I love you, and I want you, and I'm done wasting time."
I'm surprised, a little confused, and so incredibly turned on. Derrick loves me.
"Derrick, you don't have to be so careful. You can say whatever you want, and I promise, I'll listen."
His mouth tilts up into a half-smile, and he nods, satisfied with my answer. "Let's sit."
He's spread out a blanket, and I settle on it, sitting cross-legged with Derrick at my side, looking out at the ocean.
"I'm ready," I say, smiling. "Whatever you need to say."
"Okay." He takes a deep breath. "My name is Derrick Anders. That part is true. But before I came here, I lived in the city. A penthouse suite in one of the most exclusive buildings in the city, overlooking Central Park."
"Oh," is all I can say.
"When I sold my app for such a ridiculous profit, I came to Cape May to retire early. I was hoping for a break away from the pressures of work. I opened Sage and Salt because I wanted something real, something that the community could love, but I never wanted to be the face of it. I wanted to be able to take a step back and see the difference I could make on a small scale. Then I met you and knew that you were my future. Fate led me to open Sage and Salt just so I could see you that day. Now, I want to cement things, Alina. No more secrets. No more what-ifs."
Slowly, he reaches into his pocket. My heart is ready to explode from my ribcage when he pulls out a small velvet box.
"I can't wait anymore, angel. It's been weeks. I love you, and I want the whole world to know it."
I'm shocked, but as he opens the box, the sound escaping me can only be described as a squeal. Inside, sparkling like a star in the candlelight, is a ring. A massive, beautiful ring with a diamond at the center, and a band studded with smaller stones.
"Derrick…"
"I've never felt this way, Alina., about anyone or anything. I don't care if we haven't known each other long. Nothing matters except you and me. Together."
I shake my head, a huge smile on my face. He's being so open and honest, and the tears are welling up in my eyes.
"I don't want to wait. Not another minute or another hour. Alina Brant, will you marry me?"
He holds the ring up, and my entire world spins.
"Yes!" I cry, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I love you, Derrick. So, so much. I don't care about the money or your past. It's just you and me. Nothing else matters."
He slips the ring on my finger and kisses me, and I feel like the luckiest woman in the whole world.