Miles sighs a resigned breath. “Yeah. It’s fine. It doesn’t matter how many times you do it… Sometimes, the glamour and attention feels intrusive.” He turns to face me, his eyes catching mine. “But at least this time, I’ve got someone to show off.”
My stomach flutters. The fact that I’m someone anybody wants to show off is special. I’ve never been that girl, despite my past relationships. I’ve been hidden away, outcast from family events to the point where I was completely ignored at a wedding my boyfriend at the time invited me to.
I’ve never let it get to me, though. I’ve used it to grow and motivate myself to be a confident woman who is proud of who I am. To be proud of my loud, obnoxious personality. To be proud of my body and all of my curves.
And today, I get to reap the rewards.
Today, I get to walk hand in hand with Vancouver’s Chosen One.
“Come on,” I say, squeezing Miles’ hand tight. “Let’s do this.”
Miles presses a kiss to my lips and when a man outside the vehicle pulls the door open, Miles slides out and guides me up with him. The bright sky makes me squint, and it takes a second for my eyes to adjust.
Clicks and flashes meet my gaze when I look up. I run a hand down my dress to make damn sure it’s not tucked in between my ass cheeks. What a debut on this world that would be.
I loop my arm through Miles’, and he looks down at me with a bright teethy smile. He feels warm and soft by my side. Like a giant cuddly bear, I snuggle in closer, holding his thick arm with both hands.
We move towards the large entrance doors of the function centre where security is standing, guarding the entrance. There’s a cool, crisp breeze floating around the air, and the buzz of excitement surrounding us is intoxicating.
The function centre is an old sandstone building on the outskirts of Vancouver. Normally the bright green lawn and perfectly hedged shrubs has children running and playing in front of the grand structure, but as I walk arm in arm with Miles up the red carpet, all I can see is a line of paparazzi roped off from us, forced to keep their distance as they snap a gazillion photos, one after the other. Blinding flash after blinding flash.
“Mr. Johnson! Mr. Johnson!”
“Miles Johnson! A moment please?”
“Miles! Sir! Miles!”
A group of short guys, each with a headset and notepad, are running along the sectioned off area, waving their arms above their heads. With a swift movement, Miles’ slides my arm from his, and grabs my hand instead.
He’s squeezing hard, like he’s expecting something bad to happen and he needs to protect me.
My body gives a nervous shiver that rolls down my spine. My heart begins racing and I can’t help but think that I’d be the worst hockey player. My nerves are shooting through my body, making me twitch and jerk with every new noise or flash I see. The rumbling in my stomach rolls over, reigniting the sick feeling I’ve been fighting off all day.
Oh God, don’t throw up now! Not here, Ellie!
Another round of loud shouts directed at us make me cower into Miles. My belly stings with a painful lurch, forcing me to gulp down hard. Miles is standing tall and strong. He’s focused, unfazed by the carnival scenes around us.
“Miles Johnson! Are you moving to New York? A nod or shake of the head will do fine, Mr Johnson…”
“New York? Over the Vikings?”
“Miles! Can we get a moment of your time?”
Sweat beads every inch of my skin, and the only thing making me feel calmer is the giant statue that is gripping my hand with an increasing amount of pressure. I look up to Miles, and without looking at me, he smiles and winks.
My heart pounds inside my chest. I know I loved this man already… But watching him so calm and composed has made me fall even deeper in love with him.
How could I not?
The way he’s holding me, it’s like I’m the last petal on the final flower of the season. It’s his duty to protect me. He’s shielding me. Guarding me. And finally, when we reach the four steps leading to the doors, he turns to face me.
Miles stands in front of me, and the cameras flash wildly in his face. We’re standing on the top step, like we’re on display for the world to see.
Bright lights flicker and move to the music bouncing around the red carpet. I look up into Miles’ eyes and he smiles softly, just like he always did when he looks at me. Without a word, he leans down and applies the deepest, most loving kiss I’ve ever received.
The cameras go wild. Clicks and shutters closing, all vying to get the best image of Miles Johnson and his girl.
He can’t leave. Not now. I’m in too deep. We’re in too deep.