Page 64 of Friends with Benefits

A box appeared in his hand. I may have blacked out for a second, so I wasn’t sure where it came from. He let go of my hand to open it, revealing a beautiful halo-cut engagement ring.

“Holy shit,” I whispered, struck dumb. Those around me who were close enough to hear my surprised exclamation laughed.

He was shaking when he took my hand with his free one. Looking into my eyes, his bright with unshed emotion, he said, “Ember, will you marry me?”

I was crying. Dashing the tears away with my fingers, I tried to say yes, but the words wouldn’t come around the lump in my throat. My feet bounced because I couldn’t stay still, and I was trembling as much as, if not more than, Tripp. All I could do was nod.

The world erupted into cheers again, and Tripp surged to his feet to take me into his arms. Over the crowd, which now pressed in around us, I could hear Tillie and Molly screaming and cheering. I saw flashes of faces, Layla and Dash, Charlie and Liam. Tripp’s parents. Phones winked and flashed as people revolved around me.

Tripp set me down on my feet amongst the crowd, which was still in a crazy mass around us. “You aren’t saying that because I put you in a tough spot in front of everyone, are you?’

I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck. “That would have been bad if I said no. But for you, it’s yes. It’ll always be yes.”

“You promise?” he asked softly.

“You were the best risk I’ve ever taken. I promise.”