Free A Friendly Engagement by Christine Warner Page B

future.”
    “Then I swept her off her feet—”
    “With the most romantic and heart-stopping kiss ever,” Devi finished, giving him a wink and flashing her ring again to the oohs of the crowd around them.
    Devi’s skin glowed as she continued to weave the tale of their romance. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she really was the happiest girl in the room because she’d become engaged. Hell, he almost believed they’d actually become engaged, for all the normal reasons.
    She linked her arm through his and laughed. “There were so many times we thought everyone knew.”
    “Over the years we’ve all wondered a few times, but figured if you were an item you’d come out with it when you were ready. And from the size of that ring, you’re ready,” Bev said.
    “We wanted to be sure before we said anything,” Devi indulged the group.
    Finally, she sighed, caught his gaze, and winked. “Omar really shook my boots when he asked me to marry him—”
    “More like I begged you.” Omar chuckled as he played along. He could get used to being so relaxed with his staff. And nobody stared at him yet like he’d grown horns, so that had to be a good sign they accepted his humor. “Believe me, I had to work to convince her.”
    “Oh, I doubt that.” Nancy’s smile hadn’t budged since their announcement.
    “What really convinced me was when he took me in his arms. On a public sidewalk, no less.” She lowered her voice, and the crowd around them leaned in. “It was almost like we were the only two people in the world. I’d never believed in that sappy saying about weak knees, but I’m a believer now. Wrapped in his arms, I felt like we were the only two people on the planet. I couldn’t do anything but say yes.”
    “Oh! How romantic,” Nancy gushed. She clasped her hands to her chest and swayed back and forth. Her penetrating gaze rested on Omar and she gave him the biggest smile.
    Women were funny creatures. Nancy had always been a hardcore romantic. She devoured books covered with men’s bare chests as if they were cookies and she didn’t have to worry about her waistline—which she didn’t. But he’d never guessed he’d be the target of her admiration.
    “I love that story. Nancy is right. So romantic. Congratulations again, you two. You’ve always had the perfect working relationship. It seems only natural that it would spill over into your private life, too.” Bev’s red face clashed with her hair as she glanced at Omar.
    He’d never heard her utter more than a handful of words at a time. At least in his presence. Today she’d opened up. He liked getting to know his staff, and letting them know him.
    “Could it be that Bev has a romantic bone in her body after all?” Nancy teased.
    Several others nearby nodded in agreement and threw in their own congratulatory remarks.
    “So, when’s the big day?” Vanessa asked.
    “We haven’t gotten that far yet.” Devi pulled Omar closer until they were butted up side to side. “When we have a date, we’ll let you know.”
    A ripple of heat shot through him, and the awareness only intensified when Devi ran her hand up and down his sleeve. She gazed up at him with her blue-gray eyes, and he lost brain function. How come he’d never noticed that tiny mole at the edge of her bottom lip? Or how her nose crinkled ever so slightly when she smiled?
    The moment she moved away to grab a bottle of sparkling cider he missed her warmth.
    “Nancy, would you like another cup?” Devi opened the cider and topped off Nancy’s glass when the older woman nodded.
    Leave it to Devi to remember that Nancy didn’t drink alcohol. Not since her husband regained his sobriety more than a decade ago.
    “Thank you. And congrats again, but I think it’s time I indulged in a few of those chocolate-covered strawberries.” Nancy strolled off toward the snack table and a couple others followed suit, leaving him and Devi alone.
    “I got those for you, O. You better