Page 35 of Tempting Me (The Asher Family #3)

SHAY

“I’m so sorry, sir, The Marina is booked for that weekend.”

I smile, even though this stranger can’t see me through the phone.

Those are words I was scared I might not get to say again, but here I am, turning people away even during the winter months. Once The Marina took off, it blew us all away.

It helps that Luca got to work right away the moment he owned it, finishing the cabins and making sure we hosted event after event.

He had the idea to build an addition onto The Marina for bigger events, and from that, he added a special boardwalk to the water, which wasn’t far and it’s a dreamy intimate spot.

I wasn’t fully into the idea, because Lovers is a small town, and having an event space takes away from the lodge.

I wasn’t about to step on my best friend's toes like that. But as soon as I spoke with Grace, she assured me that it’ll all work out.

Smaller parties are hesitant to book with them because they are so big, so having another option in our town is brilliant.

Luca and his team had it finished before the first snowfall this year, and it’s been booked ever since.

“When is your next opening for the space?”

“Just after the first of the year.”

“I’ll take it. I’m trying to surprise my wife with a ten-year anniversary party with our closest friends and family.”

“Oh, Mr. Connelly, that sounds so sweet. I’ve got you down and I’ve got your email, so I’ll send you the details and payment links.”

“Great.”

“We’ll see you in a few months,” I tell him and hang up.

I immediately notice how quiet the place is. I pop out from my office and look into the dining area. There are only a few tables with guests right now, but we have a party booked for tonight, so I would imagine it will start to fill up soon.

I check my watch.

They should be here and setting up by now. Luca has been helping greet guests, so if I haven't seen him, I bet he’s down there.

I say hello to each table as I cross through the dining room to the stairs that lead down to the event room’s indoor entrance.

The lights are off when I reach it.

That’s odd.

Luca normally has everything prepared by now. I pull my phone from my back pocket to call him, push the doors open, and flick on the lights.

My phone drops the moment the room brightens, and I suck in a breath .

It’s gorgeous.

The entire space is decorated in light pink and light green. The tables are linked with cream linens and white lilies, already set with plates and utensils, ready for the night.

There is a balloon arch with a mirror in the back of the room, and the word congratulations over the top is the prettiest cursive I’ve ever seen.

I’m not sure what tonight’s event is, but it’s going to be amazing.

“Oh good, there you are,” Carl appears from behind me. He hands me a garment bag. “I have strict orders to tell you that you have fifteen minutes to put this dress on. The guests want you here tonight.”

“They want me here? At the event?”

He nods and then walks off.

“I don’t even remember what event it is,” I call out.

I try to recall what I saw in the books, but it just said “private event.”

Still, I am the main face of this place, and if they want me here, I’ll be here.

I head out the back door in the direction of my and Luca’s house. He moved in with me a couple of months ago, and any outsider might think we are moving too fast, but not me. For me, we need to pick up the pace. I already know I’m going to spend my life with him. I’m ready to hit that next step.

I quickly change then pull my hair into a quick high bun before touching up my mascara. When I’m done, I unzip the dress and gasp at the long white lace dress. The detail on the sleeves is breathtaking.

It’s absolutely stunning .

I run my hand over the fabric once more before slipping into it.

I feel beautiful, so I grab my phone to text Luca.

I snap a selfie and then type out for you to remove later before hitting send.

Then I head back to The Marina.

LUCA

I knew Shay would take longer than fifteen minutes, but just in case, everyone waited for her to leave The Marina before they piled in.

Carl, Matt, and Brian all worked swiftly to get food and drinks out for everyone, and it looks as though everyone is just as eager to get this night going as I am.

We have my family, her family, the Richfords, and all of our friends, plus a few locals here tonight. All the people I know for a fact Shay would want to share this moment with.

Is this a surprise? Yes and no.

Obviously, marrying Shay has been in my plans since the moment I knew I loved her. She knows it, I know, everyone in this town knows it.

But at this moment right here, my fingers are crossed that everything about it comes as a complete surprise to her.

Over the past six months, Shay and I have been nothing but honest and open with each other. Don’t get me wrong, it has its pros, but, man, does it make it hard to surprise her.

And I want this to be the best surprise of her life.

“Are you ready for this?” Leo steps up and claps a hand to my shoulder.

I nod. “Very. ”

“How many weddings do you think we can squeeze into next summer?” Hudson asks with a laugh.

I don’t know why his comment makes my palms sweat, but it does. I hadn’t really thought about a summer wedding. Is that what Shay wants? I was just thinking of something quick and simple. I don’t need the whole shebang. I just need her.

I blow out a breath.

Whatever she wants, I’ll make sure she gets it.

Linc walks up and fake punches Leo in the stomach. “Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Three Pointer.”

Hudson and I laugh when Leo shoves him back, his cheeks turning a slight pink.

We’ve been playing basketball at the local recreation center for boys’ night, and we all suck tremendously, except for Leo.

He called it a “gift” one day, and the boys won't let him live it down.

A grin takes over my lips as my friends start to give each other shit about last week's game.

As soon as Shay and I bought The Marina, my friendship with Leo resumed as if it never stopped. For a moment, I thought he’d hate the idea of me being with his sister, but I think he secretly likes knowing that we're officially going to be a family someday.

Someday soon if tonight goes as planned.

“She’s coming!” Grace says, speed walking through the room in my direction.

I don’t hesitate as I stride past her to the front door, a couple of hoots and hollers at my back as I leave.

Shay can’t come in yet. Not until I’ve walked her down to the beach and dropped to my knee.

I strut out the door in my suit and misstep when I see her walking toward me.

Everything about her shines under the moonlight.

It’s my favorite view of Shay. Here at The Marina at night.

Well, after the vision of her in bed, of course.

But this Shay, this is the Shay I fell in love with.

The one who makes my entire body light up when I see her.

The one who is carefree and happy. The one who picked me.

“Luca Asher, what are you doing out here in a suit?” she says in a sweet voice that makes my cock jump.

Maybe I should have done this at home, alone, where I could strip her bare after.

“My presence was requested tonight.”

“Mmm,” she hums and leans in to kiss me.

I slide a hand around her waist to pull her to me and prolong the touch of her lips to mine. When her hand moves to my hair and threads through the strands, I slip my tongue into her mouth.

She hums again, but this time I feel it touch every part of my body.

Yep. I should have done this at home.

I pull back and groan.

“More of that later, but first, come with me.”

Her eyes narrow with suspicion as she smirks.

“All right.”

I lace her hand with mine and lock her in at my side as we make our way to the beach.

It’s deserted, and there isn't a single thing out here that will hint at what I’m doing.

“Let’s go for a dip,” I say, remembering that moment over the summer when I knew I was completely gone for this woman.

“No way,” she says quickly. “It’s a little chilly out here and have you seen this dress?”

“Yes, baby, I have. Which is why I suggested getting you out of it.”

She leans in and kisses me.

“After this party we are oddly required to attend.”

“Deal.”

We both pause to look out over the water and admire the view. It’s peaceful here. The water being the only surrounding sound.

“I love this lake,” I say. “I fell in love with you just over there.” I point to where she rushed into the water that night.

“You’re so cheesy.” She leans her head on my shoulder. “And I love it.”

“And right there”—I twist to point at The Marina, the glow of the dining room we spent countless hours remodeling after dark shines back at us—"was where I knew that I’d met the woman of my dreams.”

Shay is looking up at me, her eyes are glistening as she bites her bottom lip.

“And right here, this is the spot where I ask you to be my wife.”

I slowly lower to one knee, and Shay gasps.

“Luca! Are you serious?”

I nod and smile.

“I’ve never been more serious. I love you with all my heart, Shay Parker, and I know I’m not perfect and I say cheesy lines and I can be a little dramatic at times, but I also know that I will spend every day I breathe making you feel loved, cherished, and valued while supporting every dream of yours for as long as you let me.

I get only one life, and I want it with you. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” she screams and leans quickly to kiss me, but I pull back just as fast.

“I forgot to pull out the ring,” I say and reach into my pocket. “I was so eager to ask you to be my wife, I spaced it.”

I pop the box open, revealing an oval solitaire diamond with a simple white gold band to Shay. Then I slip it onto her finger.

“Your wife,” she says, smiling at the ring and then at me. “I love the sound of that.”

She pulls me in for another kiss, reaching for my belt.

“Let’s swim now,” she says, her eyes dancing with suggestion.

I groan loudly and lean back.

“We can’t … yet.”

“Why not?”

I rub the back of my neck.

I really should have done this alone.

“We sort of have a party to attend.”

“I don’t even know whose party it is,” Shay says, now reaching for the bottom of her dress.

It pains me, but I place my hand on hers to stop her from undressing.

“It’s our party.”

“What?” She freezes.

“Come on.” I grab her hand and tug her back to the new building. “Everyone is waiting for the future Mr. and Mrs. Asher to join them. ”

She squeals and then takes off at a run, pulling me with her.

She bursts through the door and holds up her left hand. “Luca Asher is off the market!”

Then she leans into me, kissing me once more before our friends and family swarm us for hugs.

Our eyes lock over her mother’s shoulder, and the biggest smile touches her lips.

Then she mouths my office, five minutes.

I grin and nod, knowing it’ll be nearly impossible to sneak away right now.

But when it comes to Shay, whatever she wants, it’s hers.