I reach into my pocket to retrieve the velvet ring box, then pick up the truffles off the table. Hayley gasps when she sees the princess-cut diamond flanked by turquoise accents.
“Pick one.” I show her the ring and then the truffles.
“I only get one choice, huh? I should get both for enduring that torture.” I grin, but my stomach is a ball of nerves. “Only one.”
She taps her finger on her lip. “Hmmm, that’s a really tough choice.”
I move quickly, straddling her on the couch and holding both her hands easily in one of mine.
“Do you call that torture? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”
Hayley stares wide-eyed at my hand hovering near her ribs. She shakes her head. “No, you wouldn’t.”
“Oh yeah?” My fingers whisper over her ribs ever so gently. She screeches and bucks her hips trying with all her might to get me off her.
I stop, allowing her a few seconds reprieve. “Are you done calling my heartfelt and well-thought-over proposal torture, future Mrs. Tennick?”
Hayley gasps in air, her red face easing to a glowing pink. “I didn’t say yes.”
I look seriously at her now. “Say yes. Make my life.”
Hayley smiles, and it’s soft and shy. “Yes.”
My lips crash down on hers. The kiss isn’t soft or sweet—or even fucking graceful—but it’s all I can manage as pure unadulterated joy rips through me.
Hayley breaks the kiss. “Did you just propose to me during shark week?”
I feel my lip tug in an off-kilter smile. “In sickness and in health, right?”
She laughs, the sound sweet and happy and free. “I vote health.”
The Cocky Hero Club
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Acknowledgments
Every time I sit down to do the acknowledgments I get a little emotional at all the love a support I had during this journey. I hope I can convey my love and gratitude adequately because I truly love and appreciate you all.
Firstly, I would not be able to do this without the love and support of my better half, Brian. You keep things afloat when I’m crunching deadlines and you always know what to say to talk me down from my crazy. Thank you for the countless cups of tea (or wine) and for pushing me when I needed the push and nudging me to take a break when that was needed too. I love you beyond measure. “Push” by Sarah McLachlan is really the song that perfectly describes you!
To my girls: I love you both endlessly. Thank you for keeping me company in my writing cave and being my biggest cheerleaders. I love you to the moon and back.
To Carrie: This year has brought us closer than I ever could have imagined. I never laugh the way I laugh with you. Thank you for loving me without question. We’ve been through it all together. I love you!
Les: You are my rock and my biggest fan. I believe you are entirely responsible for fueling my imagination when we were kids. Now, many years later (I won’t say how many because we’ll just look old) you still inspire me.
Ant: what a year this has been and still you shine and still you hold everyone else up. Keep doing you.
Robyn, I said this last time but nothing has changed; I don’t think you fully appreciate just how profound your advice is, and how much your friendship and support means. You are amazing, my friend, and I appreciate you more than I show.
Owen, what a journey this book has been. I never really know how to express how grateful I am to you. Thank you for the countless hours you spent on this book. For years of brainstorming and putting up with me. LOL. I don’t think anyone loves this story as much as you do.
Krys and Ru: I look forward to our daily chats and giggles. Thank you for always cheering me on, for your fierce support of me in all things book related and so much more. Thank you for ALWAYS being in my corner without question. You mean the world to me. I can’t wait to meet you both in person one day!
To my alpha and beta readers: Dawn (Yours Truly Book Services), Elle, Krystal, Laura, Lindsay, Merci, Misty, Owen, Tiffany. This book is a million times better for your support and guidance. For pushing me to greater limits and giving me your honest feedback. I appreciate every second of your time. A special shout out goes out to Owen, Lindsay, Laura, and Krystal for brainstorming this one with me and putting up with my endless questions. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
To Sandra: I struck gold with you. You’re truly awesome. Edits are so much less daunting with you as my editor.
To the Rascals: I love our little group. You guys are fun and kind and give me a safe place in this crazy world. Thank you for always being awesome. Also, thanks for all the frog pics; despite loathing the little buggers, I smile so wide every time I see a frog post. ;-)
To my street team for pimping out my books and being as enthusiastic as I am. You guys are so freaking awesome! You work tirelessly to get my book in front of as many eyes as you can and do it all with love! I love you all endlessly. A special thank you to Elle and Laura for being our unofficial team leaders—there aren’t words to thank you for all you do for me.
To Elle for the countless stunning graphics. For showing your love for my words through your teasers. Thank you so much!
To my author friends and colleagues: your
