Page 22 of Cat's Outta the Bag

She then lays her head on my shoulder, and we relax quietly for the rest of the ride. I've learned that Alexis enjoys and often needs quiet time. And the more we do it together, the more I look forward to it too. There's something about being with someone you care about and just enjoying their company, no expectations or obligations, just being in their presence. It soothes the soul.

The red carpet is in full swing when we pull up to the venue. There are a few cars ahead of us, so we have time before entering the chaos.

"Ok, so I'm going to step out, then I'll help you out. We'll head down the carpet and get a few requests to stop, answer some questions, and pose for a few photos. Just remember you don't have to say anything if the question makes you uncomfortable. Mostly I think people will ask you about what you're wearing and what you do."

She looks out the windows, chewing her lip nervously. My chest grows tight at her expression. I touch her cheek gently, bringing her attention back.

"Just remember, I'll be with you the whole time, and if you want to keep moving, just let me know. Speaking of your dress, it was made by a friend of mine, Mei-Ling. She was an assistant costume director on a few of my movies, and some of her original pieces got used. Her tailoring is impeccable, so I commissioned a few suits and tuxes from her and then helped her start her brand when she was ready. She mostly does this on the side, but she wants to do it full-time, so tonight will be a good way to show off her pieces. She made this tux too."

Alexis nods, rubbing her hand along the skirt of her dress with appreciation. I know that she'll be telling every reporter who made this dress tonight that she never passes on an opportunity to help someone.

This feeling in my chest won’t go away. I know what it is, but I’m not sure I’m ready to give it a name. All I know is that Alexis has very quickly become the center of my world. And I never want to lose that.

We finally reach the spot where we get out, and I turn and give her a reassuring smile. "You are radiant tonight, and anyone who tries to make you feel small is only doing it because they're jealous. You ready?"

She gives me a shaky nod, and I let one of the event staff open the door. The sounds of red-carpet chaos flood the car, and she stiffens next to me. I step out, waving to the people screaming my name. Then I reach back and help her out.

If I thought the crowd was excited to see me, I was wrong. The second people realize who it is that I am helping out of the car, they go wild.

She turns to me wide-eyed, "Is it always like this for you?" I can't help but laugh; she doesn't realize that she's become a sensation over the last few weeks. "Sometimes, but tonight, babe? This is all for you." I tuck her hand into the crook of my elbow and begin our walk down the carpet.

At our first stop, a switch seems to flip, and Alexis morphs into a veteran of the carpet. We end up stopping often, posing together, or even sometimes just Alexis herself, showing off her dress. At every opportunity, she hypes Mei-Ling up, just like I knew she would. The best is when the questions get a little too invasive. Her token reply the whole time was, "That's between me and Jason, but thank you for your curiosity." She's so gracious that the reporters don't even realize they've been brushed off until we move on. Honestly, by the time we get to the doors, I'm decoration. I love it.

We’re taking our last photo before we head in. Alexis is looking at the camera, but I can’t keep my eyes off her. She’s the best thing to happen to me in a long time, and that pesky L-word keeps clamoring to get out. We aren’t there yet. Calm down. But boy, do I want to be.

We finally make it to our table, and my parents and sister immediately pounce. I cut my mom a look that says don’t overwhelm her. My mom just smiles back at me as if she has no idea what my expression means. Fuck me.

"Alexis! I am so glad you could make it tonight! I'm Martha, Jason's mother. This is Thomas, my husband, and Isla, my youngest." Alexis sticks out her hand to shake theirs and is immediately foiled when my mom pulls her in for a big hug. Like I said, my mom is very loving, if a little pushy.

"Hi, Mrs. Adams, Mr. Adams, Isla. It's so nice to meet you all." I have to laugh because Alexis is doing her best to get out of the stranglehold my mom has on her, but she won't let go. Finally, my mom pulls back, keeping her hands on Alexis' arms to take in her dress.

"Alexis dear, none of that Mrs. and Mr. crap. Tom and I don't stand on ceremony ever. And I have to tell you, honey, your dress is stunning. Who designed it?"

With the ice broken, we're able to give Mei-Ling another plug and settle at the table. Shortly after, the dinner service starts along with the presentations. The auction will be held at the end. This charity raises money a few times a year to help fund struggling pediatric cancer wards. It's always a huge celebrity event because you can never get enough good PR when helping fund kids' cancer treatment. Isla had childhood leukemia and is fine now, but my parents care deeply about helping other children survive and thrive after cancer. And as soon as I had enough money to donate to charities, I followed in their footsteps. Giving back is another thing we, as the Adamses just do.

I spend the whole dinner with at least one hand on Alexis at all times. She’s seated next to my sister, and they seem to get along. Once or twice, she’ll reach down and give my knee a squeeze. Everything about tonight just feels natural. Easy.

I can see my mom across the table watching us; she looks me directly in the eye at one point, then points to her ring finger. Marry her, she mouths. Trust me, I'm thinking about it. Luckily, Alexis is deep in conversation with Isla and doesn't notice this exchange. I know she's felt a lot of pressure since this all started, and I don't want her to think she's getting it from my family too.

Once dessert is served, tonight’s auctioneer gets up on stage to get the fun part rolling.

I lean over to Alexis, getting her full attention for the first time since we sat down. "If you see anything you're interested in bidding on, just let me know. There are usually a few things worth dropping some cash on."

She shakes her head, scrunching her nose. "Oh no, you don't. I know how much these seats cost. I'm not spending any more of your money tonight. I'm happy just to be here with you and your family."

I laugh, rolling my eyes. "Seriously, I have a good sum set aside for this event. If you don't pick something, I'll just have to bid on something random." She just rolls her eyes and turns back to my sister. If we weren't in public, I'd pull her into my lap and tickle her until she cries mercy. She's so ticklish she can barely last five seconds before giving in. It would be so easy.

The microphone crackles over the sound system, and the crowd quiets down. "Ladies, gentlemen, and honored guests. Thank you very much for attending the tenth annual Lee Church Foundation Auction. First, on the docket, tonight is everyone's favorite. We have five wonderful bachelors offering up a lunch date for the lucky highest bidder. Can I get all five men up on stage with me, please?"

“Fuck.” I turn to my mom, who looks like a cat in cream. She one-hundred percent remembered this was happening tonight and is enjoying my moment of tortured realization.

Alexis hears my curse and looks at me, confused.

I kiss her quick on the lips and smile apologetically. "I'm sorry, babe. I'll make it right, though." She still looks confused as I get up, re-button my tux, and head toward the stage with four other men.

How the hell did I also forget this?

Easy, my mind has been occupied by a certain hot doctor the past few weeks.

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