Surviving (Surrender 2)

We talk for a few more minutes until the band starts playing. My dad ushers my mom to the dance floor. Declan links our fingers, and we follow them.

“Were you surprised?” he asks quietly as he holds me close.

“Did you know about this?”

“I got a call a few hours ago. Finn wanted me to know because he knew your reaction would be emotional.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me! Yeah, you could say I was surprised. I probably look like a wreck.”

“You still look beautiful to me. I have another surprise too.”

“I’m not sure I can take anymore tonight. My heartbeat just returned to normal.”

“Well, this is good. I talked to Finn about the wedding, and he said yes. He’s going to be a Groomsman. I also talked to all the guys in my band and your brother so I’m all set.”

“You’re amazing. I love you Declan.”

“You too.”

We dance for two more songs before joining our friends. I tell my mom and the girls about the final wedding party and our conversation turns to wedding planning. I asked all my girlfriends last week. When Harper and Kendall are here for the video shoot, we are taking one afternoon to shop for dresses.

I finally get a chance to dance with Finn towards the end of the night. I hug him close and tell him how happy I am he is here.

“Baby Girl, I miss you too. But I’m glad I made the decision to stay in Paris. I’m really enjoying the job.”

“I know Finn, but when are you coming home?”

“Don’t know yet, but I’ll have an answer for you when I’m here in November. Now tell me about what’s going on with you.”

I fill him in on everything from school to the video shoot next week. He laughs when I explain the dance lessons I’ve been taking with the choreographer. Luckily, Declan thinks I’m taking regular classes, so he hasn’t honed in yet that these are special.

“I’d love to see his face when he figures out the new model is his fiancée. It’ll be priceless.”

“Yeah, I hope so. I was blindsided by Mike and Charlie, but I’m excited about it.”

The song ends, and he leads me back to the table where Declan is waiting. We all gather our things and go out to the hotel bar. Suddenly, the gala doesn’t seem that different than last year. Even though we added a whole new crew, the guys are around the bar watching football, and the girls have migrated to a table with our Cosmos.

Declan announces it’s time to go up to our room after my third drink. I say goodnight to everyone and make plans for breakfast tomorrow morning. On the way to the way to the elevator, I stumble twice which causes Declan to pick me up and carry me to our room. I want to argue, but it feels good to be in his arms.

“Sparkle, do you remember our night together last year at this same gala?”

“Um hmm, how could I forget?”

“Since I saw you tonight, all I could think of is reenacting that night. This time though, it’ll be my dick inside of you instead of my tongue.”

My body shutters at his words and I squeeze him closer. “I can’t wait.”

“God I hope there aren’t people staying in the rooms near ours.” He kisses me deep until we hear the ding of the elevator.

While I hold great memories from last year, Declan makes this year one-hundred percent better.

Chapter 24

Video Shoot

Declan

It’s only the first day, and I’m already sick of this bullshit. Raven’s late and I have to review my scenes with the model–whom I have not met yet–in less than an hour. Mike promised me enough rehearsal time. He confirmed that they decided against Raine and that Raven approved of the new girl. I’m not sure if she is, in fact, a lesbian as Raven requested, but it doesn’t matter to me. I looked over the notes, and all I have to do is hold her close, all the intimate scenes are in ‘fade to black’ mode.