Page 86 of A Little Bit Extra

“Very much.” I smile and walk toward him. “Let’s go, we’re going to be late.” I drag out the word ‘late’ to tease him, and he rolls his eyes.

“Annie is going to give you more shit than I will, so prepare for that. She’s all PR lady now that she’s interning for that firm, and it thrilled them to get a pass for tonight’s event.” Emmett fills me in as we walk to the car.

Annie moved out here two falls ago to start at UCLA and she’s since gotten an internship at a PR agency. So, when I was asked who represents me, I naturally chose my sister, even though she didn't hold a formal position at that time. Annie has been great at helping me keep my social media in check and has helped with brand opportunities. I don’t think she needs to stay in college, but she wants the degree and experience, which I understand.

Mom has been out to visit twice, and she’s coming tonight, so it’ll be a fun family reunion after the movie.

Our limo arrives at The Regency Theater. Outside my door, there is a long red carpet, flanked by photographers capturing every moment.

I'd like to pretend that I'm comfortable with the constant spotlight, but truthfully, it still unnerves me. I have come a long way since two years ago. The number of people around me now, since I started dating someone as famous as Emmett, is unlike anything I've experienced before. We have actively avoided events like tonight for this reason, and Emmett has always expressed his dislike for them.

With a single squeeze, Emmett lets go of my hand. He steps out and walks around to open my door. He opens the door and extends his hand. “Ready, Cass?” He smiles.

I return the smile and place my hand in his. “Ready.”

A chorus of shouts bombard us, each person trying to catch our gaze when we step out of the car. We walk down the red carpet and the sound of clicking heels and murmurs of excitement fill the air. To make it to my seat without any mishaps, I have to concentrate on smiling and taking measured steps, being cautious not to trip over my high heels or the flowing fabric of my dress.

We approach the door to the theater. Emmett abruptly stops walking and pulls on my hand, urging me to pause.

When I turn around, I am taken aback to see Emmett not only stopped on the red carpet but down on one knee, a crowd of onlookers gasping in anticipation.

“Cassie.” He gives me a huge grin.

I shake my head, a small chuckle escapes my lips as I return the smile. What is this man doing? I cannot believe, wait yes I can, I can believe that he would want to do this in front of so many people. He’s loved that our relationship has been public and takes all opportunities to let everyone know how much he loves me after being forced to hide it for two short months.

“From the moment I saw you, I knew you were meant to be mine. It’s not every day I meet someone who’s as sassy as you are.” We both laugh. “I didn’t expect to meet my best friend and partner that night in the diner. Without being drug out of my room, I would never have predicted how much you were going to rock my world. Every time I saw you, I had to resist the pull between us. That was until you started looking at me. Touching me. Giving me more opportunities to be near you. We once acted in a scene together, and even though it was practice, I knew at that moment that I fell in love with you. You’re it for me, Cass. It’s you and me. So, would you do me the honor of being my wife and marrying me?”

As payback for doing this in front of one hundred cameras, I give him a minute to sweat. I can see the panic setting in as he glances nervously at the ring and back to me. He tilts his head, and that’s when I know it’s been long enough. I give him the answer he wants.

“Yes.” I nod, and in an instant, Emmett is on his feet, his lips pressing against mine, leaving me breathless.

Screaming and cheering fills the air around us. Once I finally break away from Emmett, I notice our friends and family waving and clapping. Everyone is here. Further down the red carpet, Lucy, Tyler, Lane, Max, Marcy, Carla, and Annie are all beaming with excitement and waving. Our parents are also here, both of us having done some work to repair the relationships and boundaries. We still have room to grow, but at least everyone is supportive of our endeavors.

“You just had to do this in public, hm?” I whisper in Emmett’s ear.

“I did. Tonight’s important. It’s the first time our movie is being shown to the world, and I wanted everyone to know that you’re going to be mine for forever. Our movie is only the beginning of our story. We still have a long way to go until it ends.” Emmett leans closer to me, and I eagerly meet him halfway, our lips pressing together.

Just as I predicted, the movie was wonderful. I didn’t know how I would feel watching myself on a big screen. I’ve waited to watch anything from this movie because I wanted to see it for the first time with Emmett.

From start to finish, the movie revolves around my perspective and my relentless pursuit of living a life of stardom on the big screen.

When I look at Emmett, I can't help but notice his piercing gaze, never wavering from my own. I then notice his lips subtly moving, silently reciting the words that effortlessly shattered my defenses and led me to willingly embrace the idea of loving him.

“It was always going to be this way. You and me, you know? I always knew it’d be the two of us in the end.”

---