Page 62 of One Pucking Chance

I point a finger toward him. “Yeah, we’ll see. Mention a motorcycle again, and I might just lose it.”

“Fine. I have an idea for another role-play type of scene. It will be better than the scene not to be mentioned, too. You’ll find out tonight.”

“I can hardly wait.” I shake my head and stand from the bed.

“Am I sensing a little attitude?” He sits up and raises a brow.

I take his face between my hands. “Yes, because I now have to go shower again.”

“But it was worth it… yeah?”

“Yeah.” I kiss him. “It’s worth it.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-EIGHT

JADEN

Tonight is one of those milestones that makes me feel like Anna and I are a real couple. It sounds silly because, obviously, we are. But every day I wake up with her at my side, I still can’t believe it. It’s surreal. More than the attraction, fun dates, and intimate times—relationships are going through it all together. We’re celebrating an important day in her life together tonight, and I feel so privileged to do so.

We’ve become insanely close since her mother’s passing a few months ago. Late nights have been spent engrossed in deep conversations as we’ve shared and grown together. It’s crazy to think that after filming wrapped and we spent her last night together, she couldn’t commit to more and was so unsure. So much has changed.

Anna’s upbringing wasn’t easy, particularly her relationship with her parents. She’s had a lot to unpack over that situation, and I’ve been happy to be her sounding board. She’s made me address my abnormal relationship with my mother, too. It’s easier to pinpoint the problems with Anna’s parents because they have clear, diagnosable issues. I don’t know what’s wrong with my mother or our inability to connect to be honest. We’re simply not close. We love each other and want the best for one another, but we don’t have a tight bond. I feel like I’ve tried to get to know my mother over the years, and our relationship hasn’t improved. Honestly, I’ve accepted it. Maybe it will change. Perhaps it won’t. But I’m happy regardless. I have an amazing family and support system with the Crane organization. While my mother turned down an invitation to tonight’s festivities, all of my teammates and most of their parents accepted.

My relationship with Anna has further driven home my philosophy to love those who love me with an unmatched ferocity. And for everyone else—those who don’t want me in their lives, I wish them well, but I can’t allow them to make me feel less than because I have more than enough in this life.

The limo pulls up to the drop-off area at the end of the red carpet.

“You ready?” I ask Anna. She nods and gives me a reassuring smile. “You look incredible.”

“Thank you.” She leans in for a kiss. “So do you.”

I flick the lapels of my fancy tuxedo. “Yeah, I clean up pretty nice.” I slide my hand up the long slit in Anna’s tight black dress until I reach the clips of her garter belt.

“No.” She shakes her head with a chuckle. “Absolutely not.”

“What?” I feign innocence. “I just wanted to remind myself of their presence so I could imagine you wearing nothing but your undergarments.”

“You don’t have to imagine.” She squeezes my cheeks and plants a chaste kiss on my lips. “You got to see everything under this dress a couple of hours ago. I know your memory isn’t that bad.”

“I’m sorry. Can I help it that I find it really hard to keep my hands off you?” I curve my hand around her inner thigh.

She grabs my wrist and pulls it down. “That’s fine. I love your hands on me. Just keep it PG. There will be lots of cameras, and I don’t want an indecent photo taking away from the PR for the movie.”

I place a finger beneath her chin and tilt her head up. Her gaze meets mine. “I know, babe. I would never do anything to jeopardize your career. You know that. I am so proud of you. You look stunning. The movie is going to be incredible. Tonight is going to be fun. Enjoy it. I’m just grateful to be on your arm.” I kiss her softly, and she releases a sigh.

“Let’s do this,” she says.

The driver opens the door to the limo, and I step out onto the red carpet. I extend my hand to Anna and assist her out of the limo. She straightens her dress and fixes her hair.

“My lipstick is good?” she questions.

“Perfect. You are absolutely perfect.”

I take her hand, and we make our way onto the carpet. I’m instantaneously enveloped in a dazzling whirlwind of excitement. I love the movies, and to be here at a movie premiere with the love of my life feels incredibly surreal. Photographers stand in a line behind a velvet rope, calling Anna’s name. Flashes seem to come from every direction as cameras click. It all feels very glamorous, and I have to remind myself that we’re in Michigan.

Anna expressed concern about traveling back to LA for the premiere of her new movie. So I met with Penny, Iris, and Miranda to see if there was anything we could do. Penny and Iris are phenomenal event planners, and I quickly found out that Miranda can make anything happen because the three of them managed to get the premiere moved here. The cast of the movie enjoyed their time filming here and needed very little encouragement to return.

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