Forever Box Set

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Forever Box Set Page 34

by Wendy Louise


  Grayson continues to sing and I start to sing along with him softly. I love this song. He notices me mouthing the words with him and he gives me a huge smile as he is about to head in to the chorus.

  Before he does, another voice echoes through the sound system.

  One that I recognise anywhere.

  One that causes my heart to double in rhythm as the hairs on my body stand to attention.

  I turn to the stairs at the end of the stage to see Ethan slowly climbing them, microphone in hand and singing the next line of the song, “…Will you marry me?”

  He looks breathtakingly beautiful; black jeans, white linen shirt and black jacket. His hair is in its trademark style and those dimples that I adore are on full display.

  His voice hits the high notes in the chorus perfectly. Who knew he had such an amazing range? Grayson continues to sing back-up for him, “Ooh whoa ooh oh….”

  The song is of course Marry me by Jason Derulo. It’s about a guy telling his girl that he wants to marry her one day, when he can afford to, but in the meantime, he vows to love her totally and completely. It’s a perfect song for us. Add to that the fact that it’s by Jason Derulo and I don’t think the boys could’ve chosen anything better.

  I continue to play my tambourine, totally swept away in the music and the vision of Ethan singing to me.

  He continues to walk towards me as he sings the chorus. When he reaches me he places a light chaste kiss on my cheek and gives me a huge white hibiscus, which I immediately place in my hair, behind my ear.

  He delights in that, smiling warmly at me.

  He takes my hand, so I continue to tap my tambourine against my hip in time with the strong drum beat.

  Every time Ethan sings “Will you marry me?” the crowd cheers and whistles. I look down to where Liv, Josh and Chelsea are standing and I see my parents standing with them. My free hand - which is still holding the tambourine - flies to my face in shock.

  What are they doing here?

  Tears prick my eyes as I look back to Ethan who is smiling at me. He obviously knew they were coming. I smile back as a stray tear creeps down my cheek, and stare straight in to his baby blues.

  He continues to sing, the words of the song asking - how many girls in the world can make him feel like this? I cock my head to the side and give him a wide eyed stare. He laughs and taps his finger to my nose, continuing with the lyrics and telling me that he doesn’t ever plan to find out. I smile and nod.

  When he comes to the part in the song where he has to sing that I’m the love of his life, I mouth the words back to him, and he bends to kiss my cheek again.

  Ethan launches back in to the chorus and sounds so incredible. I think I like this version more than the original.

  As the music builds to the bridge of the song, he comes to the line about getting down on bended knee, and he does just that. He drops before me in front of everyone, down on one knee and places the microphone down on the stage beside him. Grayson flawlessly continues the song, right where Ethan left off.

  In that moment, realisation of what is happening hits me.

  The crowd is screaming, and cheering, but my attention is one hundred per cent focused on the gorgeous man kneeling before me. I don’t want to miss any of this; I want to remember it forever.

  He looks up in to my eyes and for the first time ever he looks nervous. My beautiful, confident boy is nervous. He takes my hand and places a red origami heart in to my palm.

  “Open it,” he says.

  I let go of his hand and unfold the two halves of the heart. The most incredibly stunning diamond ring is nestled inside. It’s from Tiffany. I remember staring at it when Ethan and I were in there one day. I must have cooed over it so much that he remembered it. It’s a platinum, three diamond, emerald-cut ring, with the largest diamond nestled between two smaller ones. Although, small is not the word I would use for these diamonds. I hate to think how many carats it is, but it is simply divine.

  The inside of the heart simply says:

  Marry Me?

  …in his flawless handwriting.

  Tears spill on to my cheeks as I stare in to the eyes of the man I love.

  The man I want to spend eternity with.

  He stands to full height and takes the ring from my hand. Grayson and the band are still singing and playing behind us as we continue to live in our little bubble on stage.

  “Ava, I love you. You’re my heart, you’re my life. I want to spend the rest of my days waking up to you. I want every memory I have to include you. I want to spoil and cherish you for the rest of our lives. I want to make sandcastles and sand angels, and re-live the best-first-date-ever over and over again with you. I’m in this for the long haul. I’m yours and I want you to always be mine. Please say yes. Ava Louise Lucas, will you marry me?”

  I can’t speak.

  I can’t breathe.

  I’m only capable of crying and nodding, so I do both.

  My voice breaks through eventually and a breathless “Yes,” passes my lips.

  Ethan cups my face with his hands and kisses me hard on the lips. He grabs the microphone from the floor and triumphantly yells, “She said YES!” to the crowd.

  A loud cheer erupts as he slips the ring on to my finger and picks me up, spinning me around and around on the stage. I’m vaguely aware that Grayson has just finished the song, and before I know it, he jumps from the piano and engulfs us in a big hug.

  “Congratulations Guys,” he says with that winning smile.

  Before I know it, we’re surrounded by Liv, Josh, Chelsea, and my parents. Liv and mum have tears running down their cheeks too.

  “We’re so happy for you kiddo,” Dad says. “He’s a great boy. Asked for my permission and all. I will be proud to call him my son-in-law.” I throw my arms around my dad’s neck and squeeze him tight.

  Ethan reclaims me after we’ve been passed around all our family and friends and turns me around so I’m face-to-face with Madeline. My skin prickles. I don’t want her to ruin this for me. She takes a deep breath and says, “Congratulations and welcome to the family,” with a smile. I almost faint on the spot.

  I’m sure that Ethan has put her up to this but either way it is a step forward for us and I’m glad for Ethan’s sake.

  “Thank you Madeline, I appreciate that.” I respond kindly.

  She smiles and places a light kiss on my cheek and then Ethan’s, before she turns to walk back in to the restaurant.

  Ethan looks so peaceful and so happy.

  He grabs my hand and we make our way down the side of the stage. He stops and pulls me close when we are out of view of everyone.

  “I love you Ava, you’ve made me the happiest fuckin’ man alive tonight.”

  I lean up for a kiss which he gladly gives me. “I love you too Ethan and I’m going to continue to love you for the rest of our lives.”

  He pulls me in for a deep kiss. We don’t come up for air for some time. When we both pull back breathless he gives me a panty-dropping smile.

  “You look breathtaking tonight; I can’t wait to get you alone.”

  Is it too early for us to leave now?

  “As much as I’d love that, I think we need to get back out there. I can’t believe my parents are here. You did that?” I ask.

  “I did.”

  “You sang Jason Derulo to me?”

  He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me close. “I did.”

  “You asked me to marry you?”

  “I did.”

  “You really want to marry me?”

  “I do.”

  “Well let’s get back out there and celebrate.”

  “Anything for you Mrs Drake.”

  “The future Mrs Drake.” I correct with a smile.

  I love the sound of that!

  He smiles, “I love you Ava, so fuckin much.”

  I laugh at his choice of words.

  Caressing his beautiful face I say, “I love you too Ethan Drak
e, unconditionally, forever.”

  He smiles with satisfaction, “Now all your forevers are mine.”

  (for now…)

  (Yes, you read that right!)

  The Hawaiian sun is warming my weary bones. After a huge night of celebrating my baby sister’s engagement, I majorly over slept. Too much partying, cocktails in particular, have left me exhausted and hung over. My leg dangles limply over the side of my lounge chair as I hide behind my Jackie-O sunglasses and my large white sunhat. It wouldn’t do for the paparazzi to get a shot of me today feeling the way I do.

  On the lounge chair to my left lies the woman of the hour.

  Ava is sleeping, looking her usual stunning self in a white bikini and dark sunglasses.

  My sister is classically beautiful, with flawless skin and long wavy hair. She fails to realise how stunning she is. Maybe now that she has one of the most gorgeous men in the world on her arm, she may realise just how amazing she is.

  Her breathing is deep and even and a small smile plays on her lips. Her left hand is entwined with Ethan’s right. He lays on her other side, also sleeping. Her new bling is sparkling brightly in the sunshine. They both look peaceful and happy.

  I’m so incredibly happy for them. They belong together. Anyone in their presence can see clearly how much they love one another. Love like that doesn’t come along often so you have to grab it and hold on when it does.

  My current relationship has pretty much run its course. Ryan and I have been together for a while but we’ve reached a stalemate. He is sweet and kind to me, but the sparks have gone. He’s so focused on his career that I’m not sure that I fit in with his grand plan.

  I don’t hold any ill-will toward him for that. I’m ambitious too. It’s just that love has always been important to me and when I love someone they always come first.

  Ryan puts his career first, and me second.

  A lot of women would be fine with that, just to have the opportunity to be with him. He is ruggedly handsome, highly successful and wealthy. All those qualities are highly sought after in Hollywood. If I wasn’t looking for the one, then I would happily continue this with him.

  But the truth is, I’m getting to that stage where I’m sick of dating, and I just want to find that someone special. Just like my baby sister has.

  I sip on the straw of my diet coke and scan the pool area.

  A familiar pair of eyes is locked on to mine. We both have sunglasses on but I can still feel the glare of those deep green eyes piercing me. He saunters towards my lounge chair dressed in lime green board shorts, his chiselled stomach on display, and his smooth olive skin shining in the sun. Dark tattoos stretch across his chest and ribs, making him look impossibly hot. His dark brown hair is cut short on the sides and left longer on top, sitting spiked atop his head. He has light stubble across his strong jaw, but not enough to obscure the dimple that sits on his left cheek.

  Yes, Grayson Adams is one hot male specimen.

  Always has been.

  I’ve been attracted to Grayson since Ethan first introduced me to him after we went out for drinks following one of the first table-reads we did for the movie. I hoped he would ask me out, but it never happened. I guess he’s only interested in being friends. Ryan ended up beating him to it anyway, so that kind of put a stop to any hope of anything happening with us.

  I rake my top teeth over my bottom lip, trying to calm my breathing and slow my heart beat. I don’t want him to know how he affects me.

  Grayson reaches the end of my lounge chair and gestures to the open one beside me. “Can I join you Liv?” he asks. I love the way he calls me Liv, I love the way it sounds coming out of his mouth.

  “Sure,” I nod casually.

  He spreads his towel out on the chair and sits back, stretching his lean body out. He bends his arms up and places his hands under his head, showcasing his strong arms and the hard slabs of muscle on his chest. “Feeling okay?”

  I shake my head. “Not really. A bit hung over, too many cocktails.”

  “Me too,” he laughs. “It was a great night though wasn’t it.” He nods towards Ava and Ethan, “They look wiped.”

  I smile and nod in agreement. “Who knew getting engaged was so exhausting.”

  He cocks his head to the side and I can see his eyes roving over my bikini clad body behind his Ray Ban aviators.

  I smile. “You right there Grayson?” I’m well aware of how good I look in the pale blue bikini I have on. It’s my favourite.

  “Uh huh,” he replies with a cheeky smile. “I’m just admiring the view.”

  He’s so cocky!

  Despite the electric attraction that I feel when I’m near him, I always thought that he wanted to leave our relationship at the friendship level. Well, that is except for one night when I went to a bar with Ethan and Ava to watch Grayson play and we had a few too many drinks. We sat and talked for ages before we caught a cab back to my place. We shared a pretty passionate kiss in our drunken state and I thought he may have been interested that night but after he dropped me home, that was it. Although I was with Ryan so maybe he was honouring their acquaintance.

  Talk about mixed signals.

  “So you and Ryan looked intense last night,” he says casually.

  “Yeah, things have headed south very quickly there. He’s more interested in his career than me, and I’m not in the mood to play second best.” I respond with attitude.

  “Well that’s his loss,” Grayson says with a smile. He mutters something under his breath that sounds like “….and my gain,” but I can’t be sure.

  My heart speeds up at the thought of that.

  He stands over me and extends his hand. “Come for a swim with me?”

  I eye him through my glasses, trying to decide what angle he is playing at. I’m not in the mood for a fling, and I fear that my heart wouldn’t survive it if he was just looking for a one-nighter with me. I like him too much and this break up with Ryan is still too raw.

  I throw caution to the wind and stop overthinking things. I stand and take his hand, tossing my sunglasses and hat on to my chair. Clasping my hand tightly he leads me to the stairs in to the pool. Electricity is pulsing up and down my arm setting all my senses on high alert. Grayson releases my hand and dives under the water, swimming away from me.

  I take my time lowering myself in to the cool water. It always takes me a while to acclimatise. Before I know it, Grayson grabs me around the waist from behind and tosses me beneath the surface of the water. I squeal as I drop down before I pop back through the surface, spluttering, and narrowing my eyes at him.

  “It’s on now Grayson,” I say moving towards him and splashing his face as I go.

  He cocks his head to the side giving me a panty-dropping smile. “Really Liv?”

  He crooks his finger to gesture me towards him. He looks seductive and gorgeous with water running down his chest.

  “Bring it on,” he says playfully, “bring it on Liv!”

  “Don’t underestimate me Grayson; if I want something, I get it.”

  He chuckles, “I don’t doubt that for a moment.”

  He moves through the water and ducks down when he reaches me so we are face to face. “Tell me what you want Liv.” His voice is low and smooth, and oozes sensuality.

  I swallow roughly before I can respond. I’m trying to hold my resolve but really, he is too hot for his own good. “That’s for me to know and you to find out Grayson.”

  He smiles, showcasing that dimple and wraps a hand around my waist, pulling me tightly against him. I gasp at his sudden movement and I place my hands on his firm biceps to stop from falling over.

  “Oh, I’ll find out Liv, and when I do, you won’t be able to stop me from fulfilling your every whim.”

  “Is that a promise?” I ask flirtatiously, batting my eye lashes at him.

  “Abso-fucking-lutely,” he responds with a laugh.

  He releases me and swims towards the pool bar, leaving me in the middle
of the pool a hot melted mess. Not even the cold water can cool my heated skin or slow my speeding heart.

  Wow, Grayson sure knows how to flirt. I wonder what else he can do!

  To my wonderful husband who once again allowed me to tap away with this one. Thanks for letting me have the time to do this and for your unwavering support. Love you lots. X

  To my two beautiful children who put up with Mummy typing on her lap top when I probably should have been helping them with homework or making dinner. Thanks for letting me get this one out. Love you both bunches. X

  To my sister Joanne, who was the first person I trusted this baby with. Thanks for reading it and for your feedback and encouragement. I couldn’t have done it without you. X

  To my writing buddy and dear friend – Jes Logan. I am so pleased to have you on this journey with me. Thanks for your enthusiasm and your support throughout the process, I couldn’t have done it without you. It is so nice to be able to share the ride and I can’t wait for the world to experience your beautiful books. X

  To Kirsty who constantly makes me laugh, and has been so encouraging throughout this writing journey I have embarked on. Thanks for the laughs and the support. X

  To Sonia, who is convinced that I have a best seller on my hands every time I give her one of my books to read. Your enthusiasm means the world. X

  To my parents, and parents-in-law – thanks for not freaking out when you read my first book. Your support means a lot. X

  To my cousin-in-law, Trent, who was the first male to finish Side by Side. I was so impressed that you got through it all. It meant a lot and deserves acknowledgement. Thanks. X

  To all my friends and family who were the first ones to download Side by Side and support me. I can’t thank you all enough. X

  To Emily from EM Tippetts Book designs who once again brought my characters to life with her wonderful cover work and marketing materials. Thank you so much. X

 

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