My CEO 38

38 I'm Getting Engaged (Winona)

At the club, the music is loud and the lights are dazzling. Phillip is beside me at the bar and I'm not even being biased when I say he looks the fittest man here.

His sculpted body is alive in clinging jeans and shirt. I've noticed most of the women and a few men give him the eye.

"You look stunning," he whispers in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine. "That black dress is smokin' hot on you."

For the first time ever, I'm ready to explore my deeper feelings with him. I want to be happy.

"Thank you," I reply, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks, I grab his hand and lead him across the dance floor to the table Lisa and Lance are at.

It's nice to have friends around, making the atmosphere less tense, and they are seeming friendlier than usual with each other tonight. I hope Lisa knows what she's doing and doesn't get hurt again or hurt anyone else. We've been through a lot together and made some bad choices.

I keep glancing at the entrance, waiting for Jayden and Ashlyn to arrive. When they finally do, I can't help but feel a pang of what used to be seeing them together. Jayden and I make eye contact first and he stares at Phillip and then back at me.

I see it. I see the jealousy still burning there he always showed when showed attention to other males. I feel it. But then he breaks eye contact with me, grabs Ashlyn's hand, and smiles at her. I breathe out in relief. He's made his choice Tonight really is about moving forward.

I smile at Ashlyn and she forces a smile. We make small talk, and surprisingly, the awkwardness begins to fade with Lance making dad jokes and Phillip recounting some funny stories.

Phillip goes to order a round of drinks, and soon we're all laughing together. It's probably the alcohol but it feels almost normal.

The music shifts to a lively dance beat, and Lisa pulls Lance to the dance floor. They look adorable together, Lance's hand resting on Lisa's lower back as they move to the rhythm.

I can't help but notice how Lance has a look of genuine affection with her tonight. I've never seen that from him before.

"Come on, you two!" Lisa calls out to Phillip and me. "Join us!"

hand, leading me onto the floor. The beat is infectious, and soon we're all moving in sync. I call and

first, but soon they're laughing and dancing along with the rest of us. The tension of the past weeks seems to melt away with each

you could dance like

about me," I reply, twirling away and striking a

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38m Getting Engaged

long while, I feel genuinely

into his arms, and we fall into a slower, more intimate dance even amongst the writhing crowd. His hands

building with each passing moment. The way he looks at me, with so much love and intensity,

new memories in this place where Jayden

are dancing closer than ever, their faces inches apart. I can see the sparks flying between them, and it's clear that something's happening there. Jayden and Ashlyn are swaying together and smiling. I'm happy for them. Happy for the amazing time they are about to

at sense of camaraderie and community that's been missing

laughs, "well, you're making

dramatically, and she squeals with delight. "Stop,

closer

my courage. It's time. I push Phillip away from me as

DJ puts a spotlight on us. My heart is racing, the anticipation almost unbearable. "Phillip," I begin, my voice trembling slightly as I look up at him, "will you make me the happiest woman in the world

eyes wide with surprise. God, maybe I should

in my chest. Just as I'm about to stand

emotion. "Yes, I'll marry

off my shoulders. We stand together. We lift our joined hands in the air and the music starts

move forward

love you, Winona," Phillip says softly. "I have since the day we

It feels almost weird saying it to him. But I'll get used to it "Let's

38 I'm Getting Engaged

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