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I FELT A PRESENCE BEHIND me but didn’t turn. Instead I waited until I felt warm breath against the back of my neck, followed by the press of soft lips and a hand on my waist.
“Congratulations, my love,” came the rough whisper of the man I loved with all my heart.
I turned and offered him a smile and a proper kiss. “Thank you. I can’t believe this is really happening.
Tom’s smile widened. “It really is. And you deserve this. You’ve worked really hard, and I’m proud of you.”
I glowed under his praise. I had worked hard over the last few months, growing my business, improving my technique, expanding my networking. And now it was paying off with my first ever gallery showing. And if tonight was anything to go by, there would be a lot more showings in the future. Half the photos in the show had already sold, and there was still an hour to go.
Granted, I had Kate and Adam to thank for some of it. Their support had gotten me a lot of interest a lot faster than I might have had otherwise, but the hard work was all mine, and I was proud of it.
Even better, Tom and I were going strong. Once I’d got over myself and my little age prejudice, I was able to enjoy our relationship for what it was. To get to know him and who he really was. Every day he showed me what an amazing person he was and how much he loved me.
The only dark cloud on the horizon was that the lease on my beloved Notting Hill apartment was up, and the owner wouldn’t renew it. He’d decided to sell it to his niece. He wouldn’t even consider an offer from me. And so far, despite Tom’s help, I’d been unable to find anything I liked half as much.
I shook off those maudlin thoughts. I was enjoying this night and my success. Worry was not on the program.
As the show wound down, and the gallery began to empty, I breathed a contented, if exhausted, sigh. The night had gone perfectly. The gallery owner had gushed over me until it was downright embarrassing. He was already talking a second showing in a few months. And, most astonishingly, every photo had sold.
“Let’s take a walk along the Thames before we head home,” Tom suggested as he helped me into my coat. I was tired but buzzed from the evening, so I nodded in agreement.
We strolled slowly along Southbank, enjoying the mild chill of the fall evening. Tom’s arm around me was warm and strong, and I reveled in the feel him. I’d never been so happy in all my life.
We stopped for a moment near the railing overlooking the river. A boat slipped by, bright lights shining on dark water.
“Deb, I have a little something for you.”
I smiled. “You do?” How sweet.
He handed me a flat, square box, like the kind a gift card comes in. I opened it, and nestled against black velvet was a silver key. I frowned. “What’s this?”
“The key to my place.”
“But I already have a key to your place.” He’d given it to me three months ago. He had one for mine, too.
“But this is a permanent one.”
“Sorry, I don’t... Are you asking me to move in with you?”
“More than that.”
He dropped to one knee and pulled out a different box. A robin’s egg blue box. My eyes widened. Was he?
“Deb, will you marry me?”
Holy crap, he was! I opened my mouth, and nothing but a squeak came out, so I nodded vigorously.
Tom grinned as he stood up and slipped the ring on my finger. It sparkled beneath the street lamp.
“Yes,” I finally managed. “Oh, definitely yes.” I guessed I’d finally learned to get over being stupid.
His lips descended on mine, and a thousand stars danced inside my head.
The End
Did you enjoy Kiss Me, Stupid? Then check out the rest of the series, starting with The Art of Kissing Frogs, book one in the hilarious romantic comedy series, Notting Hill Diaries, available now on Amazon.