Page 47 of Blazing Joysticks
Keir’s answering grin was brilliant. He scooped her up, spinning her around as she laughed in delight. When he set her down, he kept his arms around her waist, his expression softening.
“I want you to feel at home here,” he said. “You can redecorate however you like. I don’t care about the decor, as long as you’re here with me.”
Cat’s heart swelled. She’d never imagined finding someone who understood her so completely, who accepted and cherished every part of her. “Even if I want to put up anime posters?” she teased.
Keir chuckled. “Even then. Though, maybe we can keep those in your office?”
“Deal,” Cat agreed, sealing it with a kiss.
The next morning, Cat’s phone buzzed with a text from Laura.
“Girls’ day out! Amelia and I are kidnapping you for some spa time. No arguments!”
Cat grinned, showing the message to Keir. “Looks like I’m being summoned. Ever since Amelia and Laura met when I was at the clinic they became the best of friends. Now they’re taking me on a spa day.”
Keir laughed. “Far be it from me to stand in the way of sister bonding. Go, enjoy yourself. I’ve got some work to catch up on anyway.”
A few hours later, Cat found herself ensconced in luxury at a high-end spa, being pampered within an inch of her life. As she lounged in a fluffy robe, sipping champagne between treatments, she marveled at how quickly Laura and Amelia had become like sisters to her.
“So,” Amelia drawled, a mischievous glint in her eye. “How are things with my dear brother? Still disgustingly in love?”
Cat felt her cheeks heat. “He asked me to move in. Officially.”
Laura squealed, clapping her hands. “That’s fantastic! Oh, we have to celebrate. Dinner tonight?”
Cat shook her head. “Rain check? Keir’s taking me out to Manhatta. Some sort of surprise.”
Amelia and Laura exchanged a loaded glance that Cat couldn’t quite decipher. Before she could question it, a spa attendant whisked her away for her next treatment.
By the time Cat returned to the penthouse to get ready, she felt like a new woman. Relaxed, pampered, and excited for her evening with Keir. She slipped into a slinky emerald dress that hugged her curves, pairing it with strappy heels and subtle jewelry. Her curls fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and she kept her makeup natural, knowing Keir preferred her that way.
When she emerged from the bedroom, Keir’s reaction made all the effort worthwhile. His eyes widened, raking over her with unconcealed appreciation.
“My god,” he breathed. “You are a vision, love.”
Cat did a little twirl, enjoying the way his gaze followed her movement. “You clean up pretty nice yourself, handsome.”
And he did. The tailored black suit accentuated his broad shoulders and trim waist, and the emerald tie that matched her dress made his eyes pop. Cat’s breath caught as she realized how perfectly in sync they were, even in this.
The ride to Manhatta passed in a blur of heated glances and gentle touches. When they arrived, Cat gasped at the breathtaking view of the city spread out before them. The entire restaurant had been cleared out, a single table set for two by the window.
“Keir,” she whispered, awed. “This is incredible.”
He smiled, leading her to the table. “Only the best for you, love.”
As they dined on exquisite food and sipped fine wine, Cat found herself lost in conversation with Keir. They rehashed the events of the launch, laughing over some of the more ridiculous moments and marveling at how well the Phoenix Protocol had performed.
“I still can’t quite believe it,” Cat admitted, shaking her head. “We actually did it. We took down Obsidian Tech.”
Keir reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “We did. You did. I’ve never been prouder or more in awe of anyone in my life, Cat.”
The intensity in his gaze made her breath catch. “Keir...”
He stood suddenly, pulling her to her feet. Cat’s brow furrowed in confusion as he led her to the window, the lights of the city twinkling below them.
“Catrina Reeves,” Keir began, his voice low and fervent. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were special. You’ve challenged me, inspired me, and shown me a depth of love I never thought possible.”
Cat’s eyes widened as Keir sank to one knee, producing a small velvet box from his pocket. Her heart thundered in her chest as he opened it, revealing a stunning emerald and diamond ring.