Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
I’m sweating and the room feels so hot. The ring is absolutely stunning. The Asscher cut center diamond has to be over four carats. And it’s surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds.
“I promised we’d do the work together. If you don’t think we’re ready, don’t hesitate to tell me no. I’ll wait.
“But if you feel like you can trust me to always show up and be the man you need, I’d love for you to be my wife. It’s always been you, Zah. Wanting to be a better man for you has made me the man I am today.
“I love you more than anything. Can you see yourself with me? Will you marry me, baby?” he says while holding my face between his palms as he’s still on one knee.
“Yes, a million times yes. I love you too.”
Our family cheers and claps behind us. I think I’m still in shock as he slides the ring on my finger. He tugs me up from my seat and pulls me to him for a searing kiss as he holds me tight.
“It’s me and you, Zah. Nothing can take me away from you. I’m going to be here until the very end,” he says into my ear.
“I’m holding you to that, Coswell.”
“Please do, baby,” he croons.
“Hey, guys. The chat is asking to see the ring,” Erica says, reminding us we’re still on air.
Oh my God, he just proposed to me live on the air. I shake my head. We’re going to have to talk about what I meant about us not sharing too much of our personal relationship.
Right now, I’m too happy to care. I love this man and we’re getting married. My little crush turned into the love of my life.
Who would have thought?
Gilbert
“That motherfucker.” I seethe as I swipe my arm across the desk and knock everything to the floor.
My chest is heaving as I stand glaring at the laptop, now lying on its side across the room. I can’t believe he proposed to her live on that piece-of-shit podcast. Even worse is how fast she said yes.
Was having a house built for her all I needed to do? I would have built her two. None of that matters now.
Everything is fucked. I had to drop my uncle and kill that old bag grandmother of mine, but not before I tortured her into signing everything over to me. The problem is, all the family assets were frozen the day after I buried the old bag.
I don’t currently have the resources to find out why or how. I’m not supposed to have access to any of it yet, so I can’t walk into the bank of the business and start asking questions until the documents I forced my grandmother to sign are filed.
“Everything is turning to shit,” I roar.
I begin to pace as I try to figure my shit out. Not only do I need cash flow, but I also want to finish what I started. Coswell needs to pay.
I took Hamilton off the board too soon. He would have been helpful at the moment. Instead, I’m on this island hiding out with no answers.
I used the last of my money to bolt here. Other than the information I can get from the internet, I don’t even know what’s going on back home.
However, this—this bullshit Coswell has pulled, it’s a sign I need to head back and handle some shit.
I get an idea and jump into action. Pulling my phone, I dial the one person who can help. I knew keeping her in my pocket would pay off someday.
“Hello, Gilbert. It’s been a while. How are you?”
“Hey, Robin. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I’m hoping you’re not too busy.
“I’m on my way back to Arizona, but I need a favor. It’s only a temporary ask. I have some big things in the works and can repay you after I arrive to see you.”
“Oh, you’re coming to see me? What do you need?”
I grin. That was too easy. I wonder what else I can get her to do.
CHAPTER 41
Looking Out
Bentley
A buzzing sound drags me from my sleep. Annoyed, I inhale a sharp breath and swipe at my face as if to knock the sleep away. As I begin to wake, I groan.
My phone is ringing, and I know it’s not late enough for me to want to take a call. Aaron turns at my side and snuggles deeper into me. The last thing I remember is tucking him into me to get some more rest when Zah left this morning for a spa appointment.
It’s my first day of truly not having anything to do with football, my team, or my career. No workouts, no meetings, no press, not a single endorsement or fundraiser. I’m officially in the offseason and I planned to sleep in until afternoon.