Page 164 of The Elusive Billionaire

“What did you do?” I whisper.

“I improvised.” He winks. Greyson Reyes freaking winks. “Moose told me they go missing every year, so Clover and Madi helped me source one just for you. I would have done it myself, but it turns out I’m not that crafty.” He holds up his forearm, where a small half-inch burn sits. “Turns out hot glue guns are fucking hot.”

Tears blur my vision as he spins a crown made of light pink silk roses, adorned with sprigs of violet and sage. But it’s the wire spires that appear to float around it with tiny glowing fireflies dangling from the ends that makes my nose tingle.

“I couldn’t find a way to make the bugs glow forever.” He lifts it and places it on top of my head. I know people are cheering, but I can’t hear anything but my pulse beating in my ears. Then he leans in, presses a kiss to my cheek, and whispers, “Since they only glow for thirty days, I bought a lifetime supply.”

Before I can respond to that, he kisses my lips. “Showtime, Monroe. It’s time to win your heart.” He points to my crown. “How’s that for wooing you, huh?”

He jumps off the edge of the stage and takes his position in the front line. With his family and friends surrounding him, he rips his shirt over his head and twirls it around in the air.

Dear God, he’s all in.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

GREYSON

I’m feelingten feet tall when I jump off that stage. I knew I could woo her.

Line dancing? Not so sure.

“What exactly is your game plan here?” Braxton asks after I toss my shirt on stage.

“Full and complete humiliation. If I can’t win by following the moves, I’m hoping to make them feel bad enough for me that they vote for me anyway.”

“You’ll get an A for effort.” Sage hoots louder than Pops on my other side.

“Exactly.”

“You’ve got this, Greyson.”

Peering to my left, I grin at Madi and Clover, who are climbing the stage stairs while giving me two thumbs up.

Fuck yes, I’ve got this.

“How many times did you watch those videos last night?” Braxton raises his voice as the music starts.

Too many. That’s how many. I may have also incorporated some old-school male stripper moves too.

Please God, do not let me pull my groin.

The music picks up, and I step forward, out of the line, giving myself plenty of room.

And so I don’t unintentionally hurt anyone.

Being crowned most eligible bachelor meant I got to choose the music. Clover was all too happy to suggest “Country Girl” by Luke Bryan. My only hope is to shake my ass every time he sings about it.

“Go, Grey, go.” It sounds like Elle, and I laugh as I begin to move.

I’m much better at this than I thought I’d be. All that practice last night must have finally paid off. Either that, or it’s the swig of moonshine Roman gave me a half hour ago.

Jumping to the left, I stumble when I realize everyone else is facing away from me.

Okay, so perhaps not as good as I thought.

The song blares all around me until it’s vibrating through me. I become one with this damn song, and I pull out a move that hopefully won’t scar any small children. Thrusting my hips forward, I grind against air, and the catcalls begin.

That must be a good sign.