Grabbing hold of his hand, I fold out of the car, my black clutch held tightly in my left hand.
We make it two steps onto the red carpet when we are faced with about twenty-five journalists trying to snap pictures and ask questions. I don’t know where to look, but then Cooper drags me next to him, wrapping his arm around my waist, his hand settling on the small of my back very close to my ass.
“Smile, babe,” he says, then leans down and kisses my nose, making me smile. I look up at him, drinking him in.
“Yeah, yeah,” I say, almost sarcastically.
There must be about five hundred pictures of us by the time we are almost inside.
“They always interview you before you go in. Nothing big. I usually just do it for the kids.” He has me confused.
“What kids?” I ask.
“The cancer center for children. Tonight is all about them. It’s an auction night/Christmas thing to get more exposure for them.”
I suck in a breath. Oh. My. God. I don’t have time to think more about it because a microphone is shoved into Cooper’s face.
“So, Cooper, are you excited about the way your team is playing so far this year?”
“Yeah, I think we got off to a rocky start. Or at least I did.” He laughs. “But now that everything has cleared itself up, I think the team is playing its best hockey yet.”
“Any plans for the holiday? I know you guys have four whole days off. You must be happy to spend time with the family.”
“Yes, actually we have lots to celebrate this year. I finally got her to say yes, so we also have a wedding to plan.”
OH MY GOD, HE DID NOT JUST DO THAT!
“You’re engaged? I’m very happy for you, Cooper. And you, future Mrs. Stone, you look amazing.” The reporter, who is about ninety years old, smiles at me.
“Thank you so very much. We are totally blessed to have found each other.” I don’t know what else to say, so I look down at my feet.
“Thanks, Eric. Happy Holidays.” Cooper smiles and pulls me away where we meet up with a couple of his teammates and wives/girlfriends.
After everyone has said hello to everyone, we make our way inside where it looks like a really white Christmas. White Christmas trees are lined up everywhere. The tables are all white with silver chairs and miniature Christmas trees in the center of the tables.
“It’s so beautiful,” I say while I reach out my left hand to grab a champagne glass that the waiters are passing out. I don’t even hear the gasp. All I hear is the shatter of glass from across the room.
I don’t have a chance to think twice about it because Teresa, one of the wives, sees my ring and shrieks. “Holy Lord, is this what I think it is?” She grabs my hand, and I have just enough time to hand the glass to Cooper before it falls on me.
I laugh at her. “Well, if what you think is that he asked me to marry him and I said yes, I’m thinking you are right.” I laugh out loud while taking a sip of my champagne.
At this time some other people have surrounded us, all giving us their congratulations. All very happy for us, all supportive of him. He might not be close to his family, but he’s got them.
We walk around the room, looking at all the auctions going on. The one with a ski cabin for five days catches my eye. It’s huge enough to fit about twenty people. The going price is fifteen thousand. Yup, too rich for my blood, as much as I would love to donate.
I’m shocked when I see Cooper writing down his bid of fifty thousand. “Are you insane? We could rent that for a lot less.”
“Yes, but it’s for a good cause. Plus, we could invite Meghan and Tom, so it’ll be great.” He shrugs.
“It’s fifty thousand dollars!” I whisper.
“Not sure you’re aware of this, but I can afford it.” He kisses my lips, taking the rest of the lip-gloss off them.
“I don’t even want to think about how much you’re worth. I’m going to the ladies’ room. And I say the ladies’ room because we are all dressed fancy.” I kiss him once more then walk away.
I’m washing my hands when the door opens, making me come face to face with Monica. She’s there in a white one-shoulder dress fitting her like a second skin. A silver belt makes her waist look even thinner than normally. Her hair is loose and full of curls.
“Oh, look what we have here,” she hisses. Fuck me, this shit is really going to happen.
I snap my lip-gloss back into my clutch and turn around. I’ve tried to be fucking nice and respectful to a certain extent. I’m fucking done.
“Monica, you are looking lovely tonight.”
“Oh, please save the saint act for when someone is close enough to hear. I know all about you.” She walks over to me. I shake my head, not sure what the fuck she is talking about. “You think you will actually keep his attention? I mean, come on, let’s be honest here. He can have anyone he wants. And he’s a beast in bed. I remember one time when we couldn’t even wait till we got inside. He had to have me in the car.”