“It’s not funny, don’t be a dick!” I lift my chin and glare in his direction which only has his smile growing wider. I’m a hot mess. It’s not that I can’t handle it, it’s just that I’ve always been on the sidelines, not front and center. Not to mention as soon as the world knows, my mother will too. That thought alone is enough to have me breaking out in hives. I’m blindsiding her with this because I wussed out of having the conversation. I can already see the mushroom cloud forming in the distance when the news hits her. But it’s my decision, my life, and I had to give myself time to form my own opinion before she has any say with hers. Steadying my breaths, I force myself to chill, deciding my behavior is unwarranted. Somewhat calm, I straighten my shoulders and lift my eyes to his.
“There’s my Dame.” He grins. “I was wondering when you would show up.”
“Just nerves. I’ve never been around so many celebrities at once.”
“Just remember that some of them used to work at Burger King and you’ll be good.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Nope,” he says, popping the P. “I worked in a gay bar with Blake. He’ll be here. You’ll get to meet him.”
“Really?” I ask with a grin. “Always wanted to meet your other half.”
“Don’t count yourself lucky,” he retorts with a humorous warning.
But I do count myself lucky when I gaze on at my man who looks gorgeous in another fitted tux. The tie is silver tonight and makes his glittering eyes pop. I bite my lip imagining ripping it off him later. It’s then I see brief unease cross his features.
“You don’t look so at peace yourself.”
“That’s because I’m making a decision.”
“What kind of decision?” I ask as his depths roam molten over my dress and then flick back to mine.
Jesus, he’s perfect.
“Do you trust me?”
“I did a minute ago, but now that you asked, no. What are you up to, Hollywood?”
His mouth lifts. “God, I love your honesty.”
“I have plenty to go around.”
“I can’t wait to rid you of that dress,” he says, sliding his palm down over the silk covering my thigh.
“Stop stalling. What decision did you just make?” Fear creeps up as mischievous eyes dance around in his beautiful head. “Remember on our first date when you said you didn’t give a shit about other people’s perception?”
“Vaguely, you had your tongue in my mouth most of the night.”
“And you loved it,” he coos.
“Not the point, Walker. What’s going on?”
He gives me an indecipherable grin.
“Lucas,” I prod, hackles rising. “I’m nervous enough.” The limo comes to a stop, and I see the flash of the bulbs go off outside the idling car. I’m briefly distracted by them until warm hands cradle my face and I meet the eyes of a king. “I think now would be an appropriate time to tell you I’m in love with you.” He gently strokes my cheeks with his thumbs. “I love you, Dame.”
Between one breath and the next, the door opens, and Lucas emerges from the limo before I get a chance to respond. Shrieking ensues once he’s spotted and he turns back and offers me his hand. He must like what reaction he sees because his eyes sparkle down on me and it only takes a second to realize my smile is just as wide as his. And then we’re on the carpet posing as paparazzi calls out to Lucas asking who I am and screaming directions at us to shift position for better shots.
Heart thundering at his confession, I gaze at him, and he returns it with the same loving look. He loves me, and he’s given me this time to let it sink in all the while it’s being captured by hundreds of cameras. It still feels so intimate, like it’s only ours. He never lets go of my hand, smiling back at me through several shots. Though the lights are blinding, all I see is him. I want so much to reciprocate his words, but he knows and gives me a wink to show as much. I’m fully lit inside.
He’s in love with me. I have that, I have his love, and I never want to be without this feeling again. Somehow, I’m still existing in this daydream. In this place where I have this immaculate love that seemed to appear out of nowhere and now reigns permanently in my soul. He slides his thumb over my wrist to let me know it’s not a dream. It’s our reality, together. I barely have a minute to enjoy the peace it brings before I’m ushered inside.
The party itself is exactly what I expect. The ceiling consists of a gold and white silk tent, and drips with softly lit chandeliers. Lush tropical plants and solid white flower arrangements are placed strategically throughout the space to give it a more intimate vibe. There’s a well-lit dance floor on the far side of the room next to several open doors that lead out to small, half-moon shaped balconies. Waiters are bustling around wielding tray after tray of champagne to the scattered stars filling the room. But it’s one star in particular that commands my attention when he leans down to me with a heated whisper, “I can feel you surrounding me already. I want inside you so bad right now.” It’s all I can do to keep my mouth shut. “I’ll be right back.”
Alarmed, I turn to him. “Where are you going?” He doesn’t answer but keeps our hands clasped as we enter the party. Everywhere I look there’s a face I recognize, and I’m overwhelmed by the stimuli.
Champagne passing at every turn, suddenly I have one in hand, and I’m sipping it. Dizzy with the events of the last ten minutes, I follow Lucas blindly as he searches the room and comes to a sudden stop when he spots someone in the crowd. Defying gravity, I’m floating on air just before I crash down when his voice sounds beside me.