Page 105 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
I grin at Ethan. “I’m going to announce my man to the world.”
We get to our feet. Ethan thanks Mom and Dad, telling them it was nice to meet them, then follows me to my room.
I pop open the door and Ethan takes a good look around. Normally, I’d be mortified at all the stuffed animals and mess of tech and gear, but I’m not. This guy makes me feel so comfortable and at ease.
I gesture to the set up. “This is where we’ll live stream.” I take his hands. “Are you sure you want to publicize our relationship to the world?”
He bends close, resting his lips on my cheek. “Only if it’s what you want.”
I smile, playing with his hair. “Well, I kind of want to keep you to myself, but my fans are dying to know if we’re together and I want to set the record straight before people start spreading rumors.”
He kisses me sweetly. “Sure, it’s fine with me. Ready when you are.”
I sit down and I try to pat my hair in place. After riding on Ethan’s motorcycle, it’s kind of useless. But I don’t care how I look. I have this amazing and awesome guy beside me, and that’s all I need.
“Hey, FireBirds! How’s your weekend going? Mine’s great. We have a very special guest today. Please give a warm welcome to my boyfriend, Ethan Palmer!”
He gives me a warm smile and I return it. Our hands are interlocked, and I’m so tempted to kiss him again. But we’ll have time for that later. Lots and lots of time. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be by my side forever. And from the intense and deep way he gazes into my eyes and sends me more smiles, I know he feels the same.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Katie
It’s finally time for our costume fittings. I’ve been waiting for this moment since I got the role of Belle. I mean, who doesn’t want to wear a gorgeous golden gown?
We’re all gathered in the costume room waiting to receive our costumes. My eyes slip to Eric, who stands a few feet away from me. His face lights up when he catches my eyes, a smile conquering his lips. He and I…we’ve been inseparable since our talk yesterday afternoon. I know, it’s only been a day, but it feels like a lifetime. In some ways, it feels like I’ve known Eric my whole life.
We haven’t hidden our relationship from anyone. We hold hands in the halls and our fingers were interlocked as we made our way to theater practice. The cast and crew noticed immediately, and they’re all happy for us.
The costume department brings out the costumes. They hand me my blue and white dress and I go to a private area to change. It looksperfect. Gosh, I can’t wait for opening night next weekend!
Then a girl from the costume department, Chloe, carries in the huge dress. My jaw hits the floor when I take it in. It has to be the most gorgeous golden gown I’ve ever seen in my life. The design is so detailed and intricate. It looks like a dress fit for royalty.
“This must have taken you days,” I say.
Chloe laughs. “Pretty much. I’ll help you put it on.”
My heart speeds up as the soft fabric touches my skin. I can’t believe this is happening. My dreams are actually coming true.
She zips it up and fixes the bottom. Then she smiles at me. “You look beautiful.”
I walk over to the full-length mirror, careful not to trip over the dress. Chloe rushes over and slides a loop over my wrist, which is attached to the dress. It lifts the dress a few inches off the ground so I could walk better. And dance. Can’t forget the dance.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I’m not wearing the wig, but I look…wow, I look like Belle.
My face flushes as I take myself in. Tears prick my eyes.
Chloe laughs softly. “I know.”
“The dress is gorgeous.” I wrap my arms around her. “You did an amazing job.”
“Thanks. You should probably go out on the stage and see if you can walk. We can still make adjustments. And maybe you should dance with Eric? Just to make sure everything’s okay.”
I nod and walk out of the dressing room, onto the stage.
A hush falls over everyone. They gawk at me like they’ve never seen something so lovely before.
My neck heats up, and then my gaze falls on Eric. He stares at me like…like I’m the most beautiful girl he’s ever laid eyes upon.
