Samantha smiled as her searching gaze landed on the tall figure standing at the top of the staircase. He came.
It had been months since he had last emerged from his work long enough to remember that there were functions and events he was supposed to be attending. For far too long she had let him bury himself in his work instead of confronting the feelings they had slowly been discovering for each other. During that same time she remembered every soaring kiss and lingering embrace they had ever shared; every conversation, touch, and look. She loved that man, stubborn as he was, and she was going to tell him tonight.
Never before had she asked him to emerge from his work cocoon for an event, for her. Until tonight she had simply gone without him, giving inane excuses for those who asked after him. Despite his loathing for such formal affairs, a part of her was thrilled that he had come since she had been brave enough to ask. The popularity and attention he had attained after his last few product unveilings had left him pulling back out of the focal point even more than usual. Samantha hadn’t bothered to inform him that most of the women drooling his way everywhere he went were not only impressed by his success but floored by his charming smile and meticulously handsome looks. He looked as though he commanded the world.
As his piercing gaze swept the room she felt herself being pulled to him. Slightly nervous, she smoothed her deep purple figure-accentuating dress that she had carefully picked out for the night..
Step after step she drew closer, her happiness overflowing in overwhelming waves. With great amounts of will she schooled her giddy grin into a socially acceptable smile. Not once did her eyes leave his broad frame, not wanting to miss a second of him being here for her. Instead she soaked in his impressively powerful stance, letting the delicious shivers he provoked tingle up and down her spine.
She knew she wasn’t the only woman in the room to notice him and she didn’t care. No one moved aside for her as she made her way forward. As she walked unerringly in his direction she could see the heads that were turned, watching him. By the looks of it, there were several women there who recognized him, moving forward to greet the famous man.
A jaggedly raw pulse of pure energy streamed through Samantha as their eyes finally connected, his searching gaze settling firmly on her. He ignored the few people who had the gumption to halt his now-determined stride towards her. Samantha’s heart stuttered. His stoic features left her guessing as to whether he was irritated with her for asking him to come or if he was coming to kiss her senseless. In the back of her mind she knew that she wouldn’t have to wait too long to find out.
He stopped right in front of her, well inside her usual social bubble but not nearly close enough for her now, his hands rising to her arms. Samantha gave a small sigh at his touch, something she didn’t think she would ever get enough of.
In less than a startled heartbeat she was pulled softly into his solid build, her mouth captivated in his. She was swept up in a whirlwind of intense feeling; glorious seconds of unconcealed love swirled in and around the two of them as she melted against him and into his tender embrace.
As he gently broke their kiss and eased back to look directly into her soft hazel eyes he whispered for only her to hear, “Are you surprised to see me?”
“Yes. But I had hoped you would come.” She confessed. “I am more than happily surprised that you made it.”
He continued to hold her close, his warm hands sending more heated tingles down her back. “But you had doubt?” His perceptive question forestalled any potential hedging she could have offered. Instead she glanced down at his chest. How could she explain to him that she wasn’t doubting him but that she knew him well enough to simply not expect him to come and subject himself to so much unwanted attention. He didn’t wait for any verbal confirmation. Instead he pulled more fully away, grabbing her hand as a small attempt to lessen the blow of his sudden distance. The acute loss of his physical support would have left her staggering if not for the steady grip with which he held her hand. Her gasp echoed her surprise.
“Logan?” She stammered. She did not have a chance to say more as she watched him gracefully bend down and take a knee, solemnly looking up into her startled tears. So fully focused on the fact that he was down on one knee in front of everyone she almost missed the tiny round black box he had pulled out of his pocket. It was then she realized that he had planned to be on his knee. She smiled back a few happy tears.
“Samantha Alyssa Brooks, let me forever take away all your doubts and fears. I know you asked me here in fear of losing me to my work.” He paused, smiling sheepishly. “I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I am here because you asked me to be here. However, I came to let you know that I am willing to give up anything and everything to give you what you want. Let me prove myself worthy of your incredible love. All I ask is that you say yes. So here I kneel, praying and hoping as I ask; will you marry me?”
Samantha tugged on his hand, ineffectively trying to pull him up. “Are you serious?” She breathed.
He nodded, remaining on his knees. “Please say yes, love. Please let me be yours for eternity.”
“Yes!” She exclaimed, “Now get up here and kiss me.”
Exploding to his feet he wrapped her up in his arms, kissing her thoroughly. A thunder of applause and cheers surrounding them finally recalled them to where they were. Smiling, Logan slipped the sparkling diamond ring onto her finger.
