The Bachelor's Perfect Proposal (Bliss Series Book 2) by Michelle Jo Quinn Page A

clients.”
    “Conference call. Skype. FaceTime.” Something had to work. She had to agree.
    “And I have to go back to my apartment.”
    “I watered all your plants. Your orchid has three blooms.”
    Veronica leaned forward and planted a kiss on my lips. “Okay. Let’s leave today.”
    I chuckled. “We can’t today. You promised Sandrine you won’t miss tonight’s dinner since you didn’t make the last one.”
    “Right. I should tell Chase that I’m leaving again. She is not going to like me.”
    Threading my fingers through her hair, I brought her forehead closer to press on mine. “How can anyone not like you? You’re perfect in every way.
    “You’re just saying that because I’m naked on top of you.”
    “Yes, you are.” Inhaling deeply, I basked in the sweet aroma of her skin. “We have time before dinner.”

    * * *
    M anaging to arrive on time by the skin of our teeth, Veronica dashed up the steps of Jake and Sandrine’s Pacific Heights home, with me lagging behind.
    “Relax. They won’t start without us. And I’m not too keen on trying out anything Jake has prepared,” I told her as she waited for me by the door.
    “I don’t like being late. You know that.”
    A lock of rich brown hair sprang from her braid, which cascaded over her right shoulder. Her enticing, flawless, smooth-as-silk shoulder. I found myself leaning down and pressing my lips to it. “It was your fault, you know. If you hadn’t seduced me...”
    “It was so not my fault. And behave.” She playfully patted the side of my face before pressing the doorbell.
    My lips moved up to the crook of her neck. “Why should I?”
    Her breathing became irregular. “Sandrine said...they have other...guests,” Veronica said between pants.
    “It’s just Nati.”
    “Natalie’s in town?” She pulled away from me so quickly that I almost fell forward.
    “Yeah. And her boyfriend. What’s his name?”
    “Diego?”
    “That one. Have you met him before? Nice bloke. Friendly.”
    Veronica sucked in her bottom lip. Had I missed something? Perhaps Veronica was uncomfortable around Natalie, given my past with her. I was about to put her mind at ease on the matter when the door in front of us opened.

Le Temps du Perdu
    I nstead of being greeted by one of the people we expected, we faced Chase. This dinner would be more interesting than I’d originally thought. If Chase couldn’t stand me, she had stronger animosity toward Jake, and it bewildered me to see her in Jake’s home, standing in all her leathers, paired with her dark mood, with a goblet of red wine in her hand. At least, I hoped it was red wine and not blood.
    “Oh my goodness! Chase!” Veronica swung her arms around her friend, who grinned at her and sneered at me. “I didn’t know you’re going to be here.”
    Chase pulled Veronica in and I followed along. Chase handed the wine glass to Veronica, who accepted and sipped.
    “Natalie was in class this morning, and she told me about tonight. I haven’t seen you since you came back, because someone has been too selfish to share—” Chase flicked an unimpressed glance over her shoulder to me. “—so she asked Sandrine if I could come, and here I am.”
    Veronica leaned her head on her friend’s upper arm as she hugged her closer. “Aw, I missed you too. I had to get some rest after the trip. Sorry.”
    “Like you got any rest.” She sent me another seething look, to which I merrily replied with a smug look.
    “They’re here! Jacob!” I heard Sandrine from inside the kitchen. And I could smell something a bit off too. Jake’s cooking. He had been horrible cook in university, and judging by the smell coming from his kitchen, he hadn’t improved.
    Sandrine, wearing a blue dress, which cinched above her waist and showed off her round belly, darted toward Veronica and wrapped her in her arms before giving her cheeks kisses. It was clear I wasn’t the only who had missed her. Jake followed Sandrine.
    “My, my,