Sweet Temptation: A Trick-Or-Treat Collaboration

“All right then, since everything’s okay, can we talk about my husband being an absolute jerk?” Presley rambles, with annoyance. “So, to pay him back, I’ve been withholding the g

oods. I swear you can practically see his blue balls dripping with fear.”

Charlie bursts out laughing, slapping her knee. “I love how we can withdraw sex to prove a point. But when they do it, eh… I’ll just get some sleep.” She giggles.

“Speak for yourselves,” Emerson pipes up, pointing her finger. “I’m married to a soccer player. If anyone holds out, it’s him. No exhausting sex romps before a game. I’m like, dude, you play every weekend. So, I told him I’ll take matters into my own hands… like literally.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, quick to interject, “Most men don’t complain about that. In fact, they enjoy it.”

“You’re telling me… it somewhat backfired.”

The pilot warns us of our impending take-off, requesting we buckle up as we drink and eat cheese, laugh about our husbands while each one tells funny antics.

With most of the plane ride over, it’s exactly the girl time I needed.

Away from the pressure of this home life which has been royally bestowed upon me.

The launch party is being held at the Four Seasons Hotel in a busy part of the city.

When it comes to elegance and sophistication, the Four Seasons never disappoints. A place like this is right up my alley. I’ve missed the feeling of being the center of attention, yet when it comes to the paparazzi, I have enjoyed the fact that I’m unknown. To be able to walk into a hotel without a swarm of cameras in your face is refreshing.

The function room is filled with people in suits and cocktail dresses, a different crowd to what I’ve grown accustomed to. These aren’t actors or Hollywood big shots. No, I’m immersed in the corporate world—power and greed but on a different level.

Toward the large French doors, which open out onto the balcony, Noah is standing with Lex, Haden, and Emerson’s husband, Logan. Almost instantly, our eyes meet from across the room. Beneath my black satin dress, my heart beats fast, skipping delightfully as his gaze penetrates me.

When Noah looks at me, it’s as if every ounce of breath is taken from my lungs, floating into the air like midnight smoke. This is what falling in love feels like, a story I never want to end. For so long I’d longed for it, and now I can’t bear to lose him, lose this thing that makes me feel so complete.

He leans into Haden, whispering something, before Haden’s gaze shifts to mine with a welcoming smile.

Slowly, I make my way through the crowd, grabbing a wine from the waiter until I’m standing within a touch of him.

“You’re here,” he murmurs, reaching his hand out to touch mine.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” I respond, harmoniously. “Noah, I’m not here to fight again. I just want to be with you, please.”

The back of my hand meets his lips, and with the sheer graze of his mouth against my skin, I know there’s no turning back now.

This is meant to be, him and me, like this, in love.

It doesn’t take much to coerce me onto the dancefloor. My favorite Ed Sheeran song Thinking Out Loud is being played by the band. Noah can sense my love for this song, whisking me into his loving arms, holding me close as my hands wrap around his neck.

We are surrounded by other couples, Lex and Charlie to our right. She’s laughing, staring lovingly into Lex’s eyes as he appears to be telling her something. Even Logan and Emerson are dancing, the two of them happily smiling.

I’ve been to many functions with these couples, watching them. Plus, Morgan and Noah. They always seem to have the time of their lives. I’ve always felt left out, without a partner, consumed with jealousy as everyone carries on with their significant others, and America’s most beautiful actress happens to be the one who’s unlucky in love.

How the tables have turned.

The music picks up to a faster beat as the song changes to Lionel Ritchie. Noah’s eyes sparkle as he grabs my hand, a broad grin lighting up his entire face before he spins me around. Caught by surprise, I giggle as my hair bounces off my shoulders with each move and beat.

I can’t erase the smile planted on my face as we dance, cherishing his body against mine because everything about us is just perfect. The world could stop right now, and all I would care about is the person right in front of me.

Noah leans down, kissing my lips softly. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Now?” I look around the room, its rather full with the soon-to-be announcement. “But the presentation…”

“Fuck it! I’d rather be inside you.”

“Noah.” I beam with excitement, keeping my hands pressed against his chest. “Ten minutes, that’s all we need to wait.”