Page 112 of Pursuing Desire

I look down at the map and begin to follow the dots leading to the spot. It’s not a huge park, so it doesn’t take long to get to the sandbox. Sticking out of the sandbox is a shovel. I glance down at my heels and red sequined evening gown and groan out loud.

I bend down and pick up the shovel. Luckily, I only have to scoop out a small amount of sand before seeing the shiny red box and satiny white bow. There’s a white tag that says Open Me.

I loosen the ribbon and slide off the top of the box. Nestled inside is a matching necklace and bracelet set. I pick them up gingerly, and my insides melt into a puddle at my feet. It’s the glass sea turtle pendant necklace and matching bracelet from the vendor in Destin.

“Oh, Dax,” I breathe out.

The sweet man remembered how much I loved the set. He must’ve found the vendor and gotten it for me.

The app buzzes again.

You’re almost to location 2! In order to complete this task, you will follow the GPS. P.S. No digging is required.

I follow the GPS as it takes me to the fountain. Even though it looks like I’m at the spot, I don’t see any additional clues on what I’m supposed to do. I look around the fountain’s base at the ground but nothing. When I straighten, I happen to notice something sparkling in the water. Luckily, I’m wearing a sleeveless gown. I bend over and reach in. My fingers grasp the object, and I pull it out.

It’s a silver tin, and it’s shut tight. I fight to loosen the edges, and finally, it pops open. Inside is a key and a note. “You already have a key to my heart. Now, here’s one for my condo.”

The jerk is going to make my mascara run if he keeps this up.

You’re almost at the final location! You’ll know what to do to complete the task. No additional clues will be given.

I look up to find Dax watching me from the gazebo. He’s dressed in a stylish and perfectly fitted tuxedo and looking devilishly handsome. I have no idea how he snuck in, because he wasn’t there seconds ago. His lips curl up in the charming half smile that I love and adore.

My heart is beating way faster than it should be as I make my way to him. This sweet man is more than I can handle.

“I thought we were supposed to go to dinner,” I tell him jokingly, trying to cover my sudden nervousness.

When he gets down on one knee, I just about die right there.

“Jess, I have one final gift for you, and I hope you’ll say yes.”

Thank goodness for waterproof mascara. I feel my heart squeezing so tight I’m afraid it might burst.

“Yes! Of course, I’ll say yes.”

He cocks his head to the side. “But you don’t know the question yet.”

I put my hands on my hips. “Well, what are you waiting for? Ask your question,” I tell him teasingly.

He opens the small box and reveals another key. He looks up at me with innocently hopeful eyes. “Will you drive Scarlet and let me finally finish up the terms of the bet?”

I feel my eyes go wide. “That’s it? That’s what you wanted to ask me?”

My voice notches up an octave on the question. Not that I expected a proposal, but . . . well, hell yes, after a freaking scavenger hunt and a man dressed in a tuxedo down on one knee, I kinda expected a proposal.

He stands up, a confused look on his face. “Well, yeah, of course. What else did you think?”

“What did I think? With you down on one knee? That’s low, Dax.”

He snaps his fingers and rolls his eyes. “Oh, damn. I forgot about this.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring, his eyes crinkled up with silent laughter.

“Well, now the answer is no.” I glare at him.

He chuckles, grabs me around the waist, and puts his lips on mine. When he deepens the kiss, I sway into him. He strokes my tongue with his in that slow, lazy way that drives me crazy. Every time he kisses me, it feels like the first time. Even after a year, the spark has never dimmed. The fire has never waned.

When he pulls back, I see the message in his eyes, and I know it’s reflecting the message in mine. I love him, and he loves me.

“Does that mean you’ll agree to move in with me?”