Chapter 28

Pandemonium broke out all around Marabelle. The guys cheered, and Beau wrapped her in his arms for a huge bear hug. He quickly released her and gently shoved her toward Nick, weaving his way through the crowd.

Marabelle lurched forward and threw herself in his arms as he hugged her.

Home at last. This was where she belonged…in Nick’s arms.

Finally.

Nick squeezed her as if he couldn’t get enough, kissing her hair, cheek, nose until he landed on her mouth.

Everything fit perfectly.

He hoisted her up, and Marabelle wrapped her legs around his waist and looped her arms around his neck. The party raged on around them as guests took to the dance floor, but they were oblivious as they continued to embrace.

Marabelle finally leaned back. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. Can you ever forgive me?” she said, feasting her eyes on his gorgeous face.

Nick answered with another scorching kiss. “As long as you believe this is for real. We are not playing a game.”

Her insides went all squishy, but she nodded. She believed him with all her heart and felt the first flicker of hope in his arms. She really wanted him to hold her forever.

“Does this mean you still want me?” Doubt and hope laced her tone.

“Oh yeah,” he rumbled against her lips.

Her head began to swim, and it wasn’t from the wine. Maybe fairy tales did come true. “I think we’re good for each other. You take care of me, and I take care of you.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

A shiver prickled her spine, and she blurted, “Nick, I lov—”

“Excuse me,” Ginger sniped.

Hussy harlot! That woman had impeccable timing, interrupting the biggest declaration of Marabelle’s life. She wanted to slap her across her overly made-up smug face.

“Nick, the committee chairs would like a word with you. And may I remind you that I’m your date this evening.” Ginger blasted a look of pure evil at Marabelle.

Nick groaned, slowly releasing Marabelle until her feet touched the carpet. He gave Ginger only half his attention. “Yeah. Tell them I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Nick. Now.” Ginger yanked on his arm.

He squeezed Marabelle’s hand. “Hold that thought.” Marabelle knew he had obligations, but she refused to let go. He squeezed her hand again and winked. “I’ll be right back.”

Marabelle barely refrained from throwing herself at him. She wanted to stomp her feet and scream.

He’s mine!

She still had a lot of making up to do. Like telling Nick she loved him. Tears burned the backs of her eyes. Marabelle never wanted to watch Nick walk away with another woman again as long as she lived.

Especially Ginger!

They strolled away like a couple. A couple that belonged together. She stood there like a ninny, wondering what to do next, when she blurted, “Nick!”

He stopped and turned his head. She rushed forward, practically tackling another couple in her haste, and grabbed his arm. The look she shot Ginger dared her to say one word. Then Marabelle peered at Nick, knowing her face was flushed.

Nick said in a husky voice, “Tell me, Tinker Bell.”

“Pick me. Want me. Love me,” she pleaded, barely above a whisper.

“Forever,” he murmured. He swooped down for another bone-melting kiss. She swayed into him, holding on for dear life until he lifted his head.

“Give me fifteen minutes. Don’t go away.”

She watched him leave, unaware of her surroundings. She licked her tingling lips, tasting him there.

“You don’t know who you’re messing with,” Ginger said, yanking her back to reality. “This game has just begun.” Venom dripped from her voice. Marabelle thought about tripping Ginger as she slithered after Nick, but for the moment, she was too happy to cause a scene.

Fifteen minutes turned into thirty and then forty-five. Marabelle headed to the ladies’ lounge as the party continued in the ballroom. She couldn’t stand around any longer waiting for Nick. The longer she waited, the more time she had to think.

Not good thoughts.

The most pressing one being she just blew nine thousand dollars she didn’t have, and she had no idea how she was going to pay it back. She needed to find a job fast. And she needed to have her head examined…again.

And Nick. Had he meant what he’d said? He wanted her, forever? If yes, then where did that leave good old Ginger, the slutty, shitty tennis player?

Marabelle stared at the mirror in the ladies’ room, wincing at the look of horror on her face. She gave her head a vicious shake. Everything would work out. It had to.

She reapplied her lipstick and stepped out of the lounge, almost plowing someone over. “Excuse…oh.”

Ginger wore a snooty expression as Marabelle attempted to skirt around her, but Ginger seized her arm in a surprisingly strong grip, halting her.

“Not so fast. You and I need to come to a little understanding.”

“I don’t think so.” Marabelle tried wrenching her arm free.

“Nick is leaving with me tonight. And we both know how the evening will end.” Her voice oozed with innuendo. “When I’m done with him, he won’t have any desire to be anywhere else.” She smirked like a woman very confident of her sexual allure. “So, out of the goodness of my heart, I’m offering you a way to save face.”

Marabelle yanked, freeing her arm. “This I’ve got to hear,” she sneered.

“It’s simple. You go to the committee and tell them you can’t afford ten thousand dollars, which I know for a fact you can’t, and Nick and the Bermuda trip will go to me…the next-highest bidder.”

She jerked back. “Why should I? How do you know I can’t afford ten thousand?”

Ginger gave a humorless laugh. “Who do you think got you fired from your job?”

Stunned, Marabelle blinked. “What?”

“You’re such a dumb-ass. I’m the one who set up the interview in Birmingham, thinking you’d have sense enough to take the job. I had no idea you’re too stupid to seize a golden opportunity.”

“Are you freakin’ kidding me? Because I didn’t take the job, you had me fired?” Hysteria filled Marabelle’s voice as she clenched her fists.

“No, you simpleton.” Ginger flashed a look of contempt. “I had you fired so you would take the job. Why you didn’t is beyond me. I tried to help you.”

Marabelle could not see past her blinding rage and Ginger’s arrogant expression. “I am going to kick your bony ass!” Marabelle pushed hard until Ginger hit the wall behind her, next to the ladies’ lounge door.

Ginger screamed, “You’re crazy!”

“And don’t you forget it!”

“Marabelle! Stop!” Before she could take a swing, she found her feet in the air and Nick’s arm around her like a steel band. Marabelle struggled against him, trying to break loose. Ginger froze with her back against the wall, her eyes wide with fright. “Stop, honey. Calm down,” Nick said gently.

Ginger took advantage of the moment. “She attacked me! You were a witness. I’m going to press charges.”

“I’m not the only witness,” Nick said in his scary-calm voice as he held Marabelle close to his chest.

Ginger’s gaze darted beyond Nick and landed on Beau and Carol Evans, standing a few feet away. Beau shook his head in disgust, and Carol looked as if she’d witnessed Ginger in an illegal-drug bust.

Ginger gulped hard, then started backpedaling. “I don’t know what you think you heard, but I’m an innocent victim. I was minding my own business when this…this…stupid bitch attacked me!” She pointed a shaky finger at Marabelle.

“Ginger, enough. One more word out of you, and I’ll kick your ass myself,” Nick snarled. Anger vibrated off his body and rattled Marabelle as he still held her close. “You sabotaged Marabelle’s job and her reputation. That alone is unforgivable. But if I ever hear you slander or smear my future wife’s name again, if you so much as whisper her name, you will have to answer to me. And I can promise, you will not like the consequences.” Nick leveled his deadly gaze at Ginger.

Ginger’s face drained of all its color. “Nicky, it’s not what you thi—”

“Well! I’ve certainly heard enough. Ms. Jones, my husband, the attorney, will be calling you in the morning.” Carol then spoke directly to Marabelle. “Ms. Fairchild, I am sorry to hear about your job. I will personally speak to the school on your behalf. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to find my husband.” Carol scurried away from the scene of the crime.

Beau appeared at Ginger’s side. “Coach, I’ll take her home,” he offered, not looking real happy.

“Hey.” Nick stopped Beau with a hand on his arm. “Thanks…for everything.”

Beau fist-bumped him with a big grin. “She’s worth it.”

Nick grinned back. “I know.”

Marabelle stood dumbfounded after Nick released her, watching Beau escort a belligerent Ginger out. What the heck just happened?

Suddenly, Nick had her up against the wall, caging her in with both arms on either side of her head. “Now, where were we? I think you had something to tell me.”

Marabelle blinked and gazed up into the face she knew she would love for the rest of her life. “Did you just call me your future wife?”

“I did indeed. What do you say?” Hope, a smidge of uncertainty, and a whole heap of love passed across his features.

“What I should’ve said a long time ago. I love you, Nick. I want to be with you forever.”

His lips hovered over hers. “I love you, Tinker Bell.” He kissed her swiftly at first, then lingeringly. “Now, will you marry me for real?” he said against her mouth.

She plastered herself to him, too distracted by his smell and his touch to think. “For real.”

Nick chuckled. “Is that a yes?”

Marabelle leaned back and beamed. “Yep, I love you, and I’ll marry you!”