Chapter 27
Zach
“Put me down,” Paige hollers from the offices in the back of the foundation headquarters, laughter in her tone. “Put me down.”
I pass several committee members and each glance my way, more reproachful than the last. The men pretend disinterest in the fun times coming from the back and the women purse their wrinkled red-lipstick lips, ready to scold for whatever inappropriate thing is going on.
I’m used to those stares. The aged and wealthy like to act haughty and better than, despite some of the stories I’ve heard about them in their youth. In this case, I, too, am wary and eager to find out what all the laughter and noise means.
“Not unless you say I was right,” a smug male voice responds to Paige’s plea, and I pick up my pace.
There in the middle of the room is Tom—tall, blond, and with his hands all over Paige.
He has her tossed over his shoulder, twirling her around, one hand at her waist and the other resting comfortably on the back of her thigh.
They’re laughing and smiling, and I want to rip his arms from their sockets.
“I’m going to be sick.”
“Hey, man,” he says in greeting, totally missing my less than pleased glare. A few beats pass and then he stops circling and stumbles a step or two. I lunge toward the woman in his arms, prepared to catch her if he falls.
He doesn’t.
With his footing under him, he smiles, and I scowl. We’re only inches apart now and my hands are firmly planted around Paige’s waist, but he doesn’t let her go. He may have helped me out by keeping an eye out for Joel at her place but he’s getting too cozy with Paige for my liking.
She lifts her head at my touch, chocolate locks spilling around her. “Zach.” Her voice is breathy and light. “Tom, put me down.”
Her eyes flare with excitement at me, but it does nothing to ease the tightness in my chest or jaw. Tom relinquishes his hold and I scoop her into my arms for but a second before placing her feet on the ground. I don’t release my grasp.
“Hey, Zach.” The blond surfer dude, all laid-back and casual, runs a hand through his hair before extending it to me. “Good to see you. I’ve been Paige’s slave for the day.” His hip lightly bumps hers and she laughs, swaying into him.
“Hello.” My voice is tight, my tone more goodbye than greeting.
She crosses her arms and studies me while Tom, the smart guy he is, grabs his backpack from the table, slinging it over his shoulder.
“Okay, well, I’m gonna bounce.” He barely looks my way, halfway to the door. “Paige, I’m heading over to the lot to make sure the electrical is all set up. Call me if you need anything else.” He doesn’t wait for her response, slipping out the door.
“Bye. Thanks.” Her gaze flicks from the door to me and her expression tightens, crossing her arms over her chest. “That was rude.”
“Yes, it was.” I’m uncharacteristically sheepish.
“Why?” She winds her hair into a knot on the top of her head.
“I saw him…” I lace my fingers behind my neck and frown, grappling for the words to explain. “His hands on…” I pause, wading into uncharted territory.
“Tom is Pippa’s younger brother and a friend. A good friend, like a brother.”
“I overreacted and I’ll apologize the next time I see him.”
“Zach.” Her messy knot bobs back and forth as she shakes her head. “What are you doing here?”
Beautiful.
“I’m here to help.” Tomorrow is the big day and she has the entire committee here, all hands working. She didn’t ask for my help, but I’m here to offer my support.
“That’s sweet of you.” She grabs a clipboard with an endless list and her finger slides down the page.
With the lead-up to the gala, we haven’t had a lot of time alone. She falls into bed at night, exhausted, and in the morning she’s usually up with me, but dashes out to work.
I glance around the large conference room and the sounds of voices filter in, reminding me we’re not alone. I want her alone. “Do you have a few minutes to talk?”
She looks up from the clipboard, nibbling on her bottom lip, deep in thought. “Um, not really.” Her eyes slide down the long list of tasks and then back to me. “I could use the help.”
“It won’t take long.” I slip my hand into my pocket, feeling the cool metal against my fingers. “Let’s go out back.”
“Paige.” Nan strolls into the room, carrying a large roll of paper. “Where did you want the silent auction?”
I’m immediately forgotten, as she steps from me and helps my grandmother lay the long sheet of paper flat on the desk. It’s the floorplan of the parking lot, which within hours will be transformed into Nuit étoilée.
“Over here.” She points to one corner of the diagram. “Why?”
“That’s what I thought.” My grandmother wrinkles her brow. “It’s all right. That’s where they are setting up.”
My fingers play with the small item in my pocket and impatience blooms, sharp and coiling around my insides.
Much like I get in meetings when things aren’t going my way, I take the bull by the horns.
I had envisioned doing this alone, just the two of us, but I’m not waiting anymore.
The way things look right now, this day will get away from us and tomorrow will be a write-off with the gala. Now is the only time to do this.
“Marry me.” It isn’t a question and I now have their attention. I hold out the engagement ring and both women gasp.
“What?” Paige lets go of one end of the floorplan, sending the paper curling into a cylinder and rolling right off the table.
Nan clasps her hands together, beaming, and I take hold of Paige’s shaking hand, slowly slipping the ring onto her finger. She’s speechless, her deep-brown eyes questioning.
Technically, I should wait for her to say yes, but I’m used to getting what I want. And Paige just needs a little time to let it all sink in. She’ll come to the same conclusion I have. We belong together.
I’ve been thinking about proposing to her for days. No, more like weeks, and somewhere, somehow, our deal has become nonexistent. I still want my trust fund but what we have outshines our arrangement.
“Paige, everyone is here.” Morgan bursts into the quiet office. “Oh, sorry, did I interrupt something?”
“Darling.” Nan holds her hand out to my cousin, pulling her near and then she gasps, eyes now on the sparkling diamond on Paige’s ring finger.
Paige remains stunned and silent.
I had wanted just the two of us to share in this moment, but this feels right to have Nan and Morgan here. Paige needs to see I’m serious about spending the rest of my life with her and what better way to get that across than in front of those I love the dearest.
“Oh my God! Congratulations.” Morgan pulls Paige into a tight embrace.
Paige releases a nervous chuckle, but she’s nodding her head and water pools in her eyes. She gazes up at me, countless questions swimming in her features.