Page 178 of The Silver Fox Brother

I make polite conversation, exchange business cards, and smile at the right moments. But I feel disconnected. Like I'm going through the motions. I excuse myself after twenty minutes and head toward the bar.

That's when I see him; Rowan.

He's standing near the windows, talking to someone I don't recognize. He's wearing a tuxedo, looking polished and put together.

My stomach twists.

He sees me at the same moment I see him. Our eyes meet across the room. He says something to the person he's talking to and starts walking toward me. I turn and head in the opposite direction, but he's faster.

"Winter."

I stop and face him. "What are you doing here?"

"Sterling Commercial is one of the sponsors and a huge donor to the foundation," Rowan says.

"I thought maybe you'd be attending. I know you work with Mrs. Patterson."

Of course. The foundation probably works with his company.

This isn't planned. It's just bad luck.

"I can't do this right now," I say, starting to walk away.

Rowan follows.

"Please. Just give me five minutes."

"No."

"Winter, I know you're angry. You can see I've been making all these efforts. I wouldn't do it if I didn't love you with all my heart."

I stop and turn to face him.

"Rowan. Stop. This is ridiculous. You need to stop."

"I can't stop. Not when I know we belong together."

People are starting to notice. I can feel eyes on us.

"Rowan, please—"

He drops to one knee as my breath catches.

No.

He pulls a ring box from his jacket pocket and opens it. The entire room goes silent. The orchestra stops playing. Conversations halt mid-sentence. Everyone is staring.

"Winter," Rowan says, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

"You're the best thing in my life, and you were right in front of me all along. I'm sorry I took you for granted. I'm a fool. I've been doing all I can possibly do to make this up to you. I love you with all my heart. Please, I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Just please say you'll marry me. Please marry me."

I stand frozen. Cameras flash. I see phones out, people recording.

This isn't real. This can't be happening.

"Get up," I say quietly.

Rowan doesn't move.