Page 72 of Savage Temptation

Greyson turns to me. “And what were you doing throughout all of this?”

“I started working, and that kind of became my world. I’d always carried a torch for Atticus, but I didn’t see him as a realistic option.”

“Until?”

“He was celebrating his innovation, and I stole away to get a peek at the Playground. He kind of caught me red-handed, and things took off from there.”

I fail to mention losing my virginity to our drunken hookup, my subsequent stint in jail, and our friends with benefits arrangement. Gotta keep some stories for the kids.

“And what would you say to Atticus right now if he asked you to marry him?”

It takes a moment for his words to sink in.

I knew journalists could be slimeballs, but I had no idea Atticus would choose one so poorly.

“Excuse me?” I gasp angrily. “How dare you—”

Atticus slides to one knee and pulls out a small box from his pocket.

“Oh!” My hands fly to my mouth as I let out a happy squeal.

“Tessa Campbell, I’ve loved you from afar, and now that I have you near, I’m afraid I can’t let you go. Will you marry me?”

I hold out my hand as I choke out the word“Yes,”tears streaming down my face.

Doors burst open, and Ashley and Cindy rush into the room, Lance trailing them.

I look at them, slack-jawed. “Oh, my God—you were hiding! You knew about this?”

They pull me into a hug, giddy with excitement.

“We helped Atticus plan it!” Ashley enthuses.

Everything is working out so perfectly, I almost worry that I’m living in some kind of Playground script, like the Matrix. A year ago, I was miserable, wanting something that seemed so far out of reach, and now I have it all. Friends, a boyfriend, scratch that—fiancé, a thriving career, and a new outlook on life.

Cindy touches up my makeup, and for the next two hours, I’m tugged around for pictures.

So-many-pictures!

And at the end of the day, when the people have cleared, it’s Atticus who remains, holding me, loving me as only he can.

And I know I’m right where I belong.

EPILOGUE

ATTICUS

Years Later

The playground isabuzz with children today. And no, I’m not talking about the virtual reality platform.

“Watch me, Daddy!” Madeline screams from the top of the slide.

My eyes haven’t left her since we got here. Even with two bodyguards posted, I never lose sight of her.

She looks so much like Tessa that I worry I’m going to have to knock heads when she gets older, but for now, I enjoy her sweet, childlike charms.

“Can you hold Owen for a minute?” Tessa asks.