The CEO's Unexpected Proposal
Author
Karen Rose Smith
Reads
19.3K
Chapters
15
After losing his wife in a tragic accident, successful businessman Dawson Barrett was determined to help his son, Luke, who was dealing with his pain by acting out at school and at home. Luckily, the devoted dad knew just who to call. As talented as she was beautiful, music therapist Mikala Conti could work miracles. To her, the real miracle was that Dawson — the boy who'd once stirred her teenage heart, then vanished — was back in town. Still, Mikala wasn't sure Dawson was ready to move on. And she certainly didn't believe that one reckless moment of passion could change their lives forever. But it might just be the way to heal three troubled souls searching for a second chance at a forever family.
Prologue
JulyFifteenth Year High School Reunion
Her heart racing, Mikala Conti watched as Dawson Barrett crossed the cafeteria floor and extended his hand.
“Would you like to dance?”
She hadn’t seen him for fifteen years. The blue-and-yellow streamers decorating the ceiling and the spinning silver mirror ball faded away as she remembered catching glimpses of him in this cafeteria so many years ago. Memories sifted around her, like the reflective silver light. One stood out—prom night—and the way Dawson had rescued her from a terrible situation.
“It’s been a long time,” she said, shaking off the flash from the past as she took his hand and rose to her feet.
He guided her a short distance away to a free spot on the tiled floor and took her into his arms.
Mikala felt breathless—sort of light-headed—and she knew she had to get a grip. She wasn’t like this. She was never giddy or impulsive or even daring. But as Dawson’s hand skimmed across her back under her long, wavy black hair, as it came to rest on the silky fabric of her sedate yet dressy black dress, she couldn’t seem to control any of her body’s reactions.
He seemed to enjoy the moment, too. When she gazed up into his eyes she remembered the boy he’d been and realized what an absolutely sexy man he’d become. They danced together as if they had done it more than once before. His green eyes didn’t reflect all the years between then and now. They reflected a bond they’d once had.
But then he said—
“I didn’t come tonight just for old times’ sake. I needed to talk to you. I know you’re a music therapist. My son needs your help. Will you consider taking him on as a patient?”
Remembering again the night of her prom, Mikala knew she’d do anything she could to help Dawson.
For old times’ sake.
