Here's an expanded version of
"The table is served, let's go before the food gets cold," Stuart announced with a grin, reaching for Katelyn's hand. He didn't want her sitting beside anyone else but him. Katelyn felt a rush of warmth at his touch, though her cheeks flushed with a mix of shyness and embarrassment. She tried to slip her hand out of his grip, but Stuart only tightened his hold, guiding her gently toward the dining room.
As they sat down, Stuart made sure Katelyn was at his right side, a subtle, possessive gesture that made her heart race. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, savoring the memory of her attempting to pull away earlier. She was such a blend of strength and softness—determined yet adorably flustered at times. Meanwhile, Katelyn, fully aware of his quiet glances, kept her gaze on her plate, trying to steady her nerves.
As dinner commenced, Vic took a moment to share his reason for gathering everyone. "So, I've been thinking about proposing to Maurice," he began, glancing around the table to gauge their reactions, "but I'm not sure about the best way to do it. Any suggestions?"
The group paused, thoughtful, before Carissa chimed in, flashing a grin. "Not a bad idea at all!" she said with a nod of approval.
Katelyn, ever the pragmatist, tilted her head thoughtfully. "If you're looking for something memorable but low-key, invite only a few close friends and some trusted media contacts. That way, you'll have enough coverage for people to talk about it, but it won't feel overwhelming since you're nervous. Believe me, Maurice would love it—and honestly, any girl would love a thoughtful surprise like that." She shrugged, glancing back at Vic, whose eyes had lit up at her words.
Stuart's gaze softened as he watched her, his mind drifting to what kind of proposal she might prefer. Is this her idea of a perfect proposal? he wondered
"Katelyn's right," Carissa agreed, finishing a bite of lime pie. "Unless you're secretly a showman, keep it elegant and sweet."
"The ladies have spoken," Charles added, touching his chest in mock seriousness. "Consider it an unanimous verdict."
"Why not use one of the halls on Harmony Island?" Andy suggested. The island was a shared property, a gift Stuart had received from his parents on his eighteenth birthday, which he chose to own jointly with his closest friends. It had become their special retreat over the years.
"That's a great idea," Stuart said, finally adding his support. He lifted a glass of red wine to his lips, sipping with a thoughtful expression. "The island's a private setting, and I'd be happy to help with anything you need."
"Count me in, too," Charles said, nodding at Victor and the ladies. "Veronica and I would be more than glad to lend a hand."
With everyone's input, the conversation flowed smoothly as they refined the details of Vic's upcoming proposal. Plans were soon sketched out, and laughter filled the room as the group bonded over shared excitement and playful banter. Before long, the evening wound down, and Katelyn and Carissa began preparing to leave.
As Katelyn walked toward her car, Stuart followed close behind, his presence unmistakable. "Leaving so soon?" he asked, a hint of disappointment lacing his voice.
She turned, smiling. "Yeah, it's getting late."
Inside the mansion, Carissa had lingered by the door, preparing to leave when Andy suddenly cleared his throat behind her. She stopped in her tracks, feeling a sudden rush of nervous energy, then turned to face him.
"Heading out already?" Andy asked, sauntering toward her with a wine glass in hand.
"Yeah, I'm calling it a night," she replied, meeting his gaze. But her eyes instinctively drifted down his chest. Andy's black Versace shirt, left slightly unbuttoned, showcased his broad chest dusted with soft, curly hair. He wore it with ease, paired with sleek black pants and polished brown shoes, a look that was both refined and effortlessly alluring. Carissa felt an odd pull to reach out and touch the curls on his chest, though she quickly suppressed the urge, forcing a polite smile to mask her unexpected reaction.
"Ms. Jones? You seem a little… distracted." Andy raised an eyebrow, pretending not to notice, though he was fully aware of the effect he was having on her. Carissa, realizing she'd been staring, felt her cheeks grow hot.
"Oh! sorry, just… a bit lost in thought. Could you repeat what you said?" She bit her lower lip in embarrassment, her heart racing. Andy's eyes darkened subtly, intrigued by the way she nervously toyed with her lip.
"Let me buy you a drink sometime," he suggested, his tone smooth. Carissa's lips curved into a smile, inwardly satisfied. Just what I expected, she thought, though she simply responded, "Sure, sounds fun."
Meanwhile, in the garage, Katelyn and Stuart shared a quiet chuckle as they talked by her car.
"I was thinking… maybe we could hang out sometime, just the two of us," Stuart said, his voice a gentle plea. His eyes, steady and sincere, met hers, causing her to flush a deep shade of pink. Her heart skipped as she felt his gaze on her skin, she looked down, her shyness returning. But Stuart lifted her chin, guiding her eyes back to his. They were a brilliant blue, twinkling with a warmth that made her feel both comforted and vulnerable.
"Please don't say no," he whispered, a soft smile on his face.
Katelyn felt a warmth spread through her chest, her nerves calming in the tenderness of the moment. She managed a shy nod, smiling back. Stuart's face lit up, and in a burst of joy, he pulled her into a hug, holding her close in an embrace that was both comforting and filled with a quiet passion.
"Ahem!" A voice interrupted, and they broke apart to see Carissa standing nearby, a knowing smile on her face. Katelyn pulled away, embarrassed, and gave Stuart a playful shove, a little flustered from the unexpected intimacy. Stuart laughed softly, unfazed, and winked at her before retreating back inside.
"I'm driving," Carissa announced, grinning as she reached for Katelyn's keys.
Katelyn rolled her eyes but handed them over "you're such a crazy bitch!" She said and chuckled
"I will take that as a compliment" Carissa replied reversing the car with a burst of laughter resounding in the car