Sin City Temptation (Kimani Hotties), page 18
Epilogue
One week later
Excitement flowed around the crowded room. Trinity and Maxwell waited for the PPO representative to officially announce the individuals who would play in its Main Event in November.
Suddenly, cheers and whistles came from every direction and Trinity’s hand flew to her chest. Her heart swelled with pride when Gunner was announced as having the highest chip count of the series. She couldn’t ever remember being so happy, especially since she knew how hard he’d worked for this goal.
“That son-of-gun did it again.” Maxwell applauded along with everyone else. “Not that I’m surprised. He has always excelled at everything, even back in college.” Maxwell shook his head and chuckled. “I remember that when we were pledging Omega Psi Phi fraternity, he was line leader and let me tell you, that brotha took his position very seriously.”
Trinity smiled, admiring the bond that Gunner and her brother shared. “I can imagine.” She glanced around and saw Gunner and several other men heading to the far side of the room.
“I wonder where he’s going.”
Maxwell followed her gaze. “The winners have to take care of paperwork before they leave.”
Trinity looked around the room, surprised to see so many people still there. It had been an interesting two months. She could honestly admit that this assignment had been like no other and she was happy that it was officially over. Since she had agreed to stay in Vegas to see where her and Gunner’s relationship went, Connie was more than happy with her new role as vice president of operations, overseeing Layton’s Executive Protection Agency in LA.
Trinity turned to Maxwell as a thought popped into her head. “Have you heard anything about Simon McCallum? Did he ever say why he targeted his fellow poker players?
“Supposedly his poker game has been suffering over the past few months. He’s also in financial trouble and needed some big wins during the PPO circuit, which didn’t happen for him. He thought that by eliminating his toughest opponents, he’d have a better shot at winning one of the nine seats at the final table.”
Trinity shook her head. “That’s a shame. I can’t believe he was desperate enough to do bodily harm to so many people.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Excuse me, everyone,” the announcer said over the loud speaker. “May I have your attention?” After a few minutes, a hush fell over the room where thousands of people waited to congratulate the winners and their loved ones.
“I can’t see. What’s happening?” Trinity asked Maxwell as she volleyed from one foot to the other, trying to see past those who were taller. Even in her four-inch heels she wasn’t tall enough.
“It looks like they’re waiting for someone to come onto the small platform, but...” Maxwell’s words died on his lips when Gunner’s voice came over the speakers.
“I’m sorry, everyone, for the intrusion.”
Trinity searched for a chair. Finding one, she pulled it next to Maxwell and used his shoulder to help her climb onto the seat.
“There are a few things I wanted to say,” Gunner started, “but first I’d like to congratulate the other eight finalists.”
Cheers went up around the room and it took a while to get everyone to settle down again.
“In addition to that, I have a few things I need to say to someone who is extremely important to me. Trinity Layton.” Gunner placed his hand above his eyes like a visor, to glance around the room until he spotted her. “Sweetheart, come up here. Max, help her get through.”
Oh, my goodness. Trinity looked wide-eyed at her brother from her spot on the chair.
“You heard the man. Let’s go,” Maxwell said, humor in his tone. He lent her his hand and helped her step down.
“Wh...what is he doing?”
“I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.” Maxwell used his wide shoulders to create a path for them.
Trinity straightened her gold halter top and patted her hair. She hated being the center of attention, yet everyone’s gazes bore into her.
A wave of nervousness swept through her when Gunner extended his hand and helped her onto the platform. “Hey, sweetie.” He held on to her hand and gave her a lingering kiss on the lips.
“What are you doing?” she said under her breath. He flashed that mischievous grin that she had grown to love.
“Ladies and gentleman, this gorgeous woman is the love of my life. Over the past couple of months we have been through plenty of sh—stuff.”
Laughter floated around the room and Trinity couldn’t take her gaze off the man who had stolen her heart. The man who saved her agency with his generosity. The man who had vowed to help her fulfill her dream of setting up a homeless shelter in LA and the man who made her forego her professional standards for a chance at love. She wasn’t much of a gambler, but this was one gamble she was glad she took.
Gunner turned to face her, love brimming in his eyes. “I meant what I said.” He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed the inside of her wrist, sparking goose bumps to crawl up her arm. “I will give up poker if it means not having you in my world.”
Trinity cupped her hand against his cheek, forgetting that hundreds of people were watching. “I will never, ever ask you to give up something you love.”
“Sweetheart, I love you. I can’t imagine living the rest of my life without you in it. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m hoping you can find it in your heart to put up with my unique line of work. I’m also hoping that you’ll be able to tolerate my overprotective nature.” A few chuckles came from the crowd.
Gunner released her hand and placed the microphone back into the mic stand, before pulling a small blue box from his pocket.
Trinity thought her heart would burst from the love she felt for him, especially when he dropped down on one knee. Tears streamed down her face as he opened the box and revealed a round platinum five-carat diamond. The exquisite ring had smaller diamonds around the large center diamond, as well as stones along each side.
“Trinity Marie Layton, will you marry me?”
“Yes! Yes, baby, I’ll marry you!”
He stood and slipped the diamond onto her ring finger, and then his arms went easily around her waist, careful of her bruised ribs. Gunner covered her mouth with his and Trinity felt as if she would melt within his embrace. His kiss was so sweet and tender, it was easy to block out everything and everybody, including the clapping and whistling coming from the large crowd.
Trinity had dreamed of how it would be when a man asked for her hand in marriage, but Gunner exceeded all of her expectations. She had no idea this type of happiness existed. All she knew was that she was going to spend the rest of her life making sure that this man knew how much she loved him.
Gunner reluctantly broke off the kiss and lifted his head, staring into her teary eyes. “I’m glad you said yes, because I’m going to need you to guard my body for the rest of our lives.”
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460378564
Sin City Temptation
Copyright © 2015 by Sharon Cooper
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Sharon C. Cooper, Sin City Temptation (Kimani Hotties)
