Page 91 of How to Kiss a Movie Star
Joni had Flint’s tuxedo taken to her room so he could get ready there. She claimed it was “easier,” but I think she just wants us to have some ridiculous big reveal in which he sees my red-carpet look for the first time.
For all her no-nonsense displays, Joni is clearly a romantic at heart.
Not that I’m not excited about seeing Flint in a tuxedo. I totally am. But after Iseehim, we’re going to the premiere, and I’m pretty sure that’s going to be just like the airport. Except worse because I’m wearing heels and a dress.
Joni keeps assuring me everyone will be corralled safely behind a barricade that will keep them from getting too close. There will be cameras, people, and lots of noise, but it will all feel very civilized.
Sure.Civilized.
“You okay?” Joni asks. “You look a little green.”
I force a deep breath. “I’m okay. Maybe I just need some air?”
“Totally. Balcony? Let’s get you to the balcony.”
She hovers behind me as I cross through the bedroom and into the living room, then make my way to the balcony. Fortunately, she doesn’t follow me outside.
Iamokay; I just need a minute to breathe. To process the fact that four hours ago, I told a man, whom millions of women love and lust after, that I want him to be exclusive withme.
Me.
It feels impossible. Ridiculous. Utterly unlike me.
And yet, when I’m with Flint, when his arms are around me, nothing feelsmore right.
I know how much he wants a normal relationship. And he deserves it. He deserves to be with someone capable of loving him despite the craziness of his life.
I press a hand to my stomach. I have no idea what this is going to look like. I just know I want to try.
Behind me, the balcony door opens, and I slowly turn.
Flint is standing in front of the door, his hands pushed into the pockets of his tuxedo.
Oh. Oh my.
I don’t have adequate words to describe how good he looks. I have a sudden urge to take his picture and preserve it for scientific purposes—a representation of the perfect male species. For generations to come, researchers can look back and know that this—this man—is as good as it gets.
“Audrey, if you keep looking at me like that, we aren’t going to make it out of the hotel room,” Flint says through a chuckle. He walks slowly toward me.
I smile. “I could say the same thing to you.”
He slips a hand around my waist, pressing it to the small of my back and tugging me against him. “I have never seen a woman so beautiful,” he says, his tone low. He leans down like he’s going to kiss me but freezes when Joni yells from inside the hotel room.
“No! No kissing. Her makeup is perfect, and you can’t ruin it.”
Flint grins. “The price to pay for red carpet perfection.” He presses his lips to my forehead instead, giving me a lingering kiss that almost feels as intimate as a regular kiss. “I’ll be right beside you the whole time,” he says. “I promise. Just don’t let go of my hand.”
Flint stays true to his word. The only time he lets go of me is when the photographers need him to pose on the red carpet by himself or with his fellow cast members.
Just as frequently, they take pictures of the two of us together. It isn’t all that different from walking through the airport, except this time, people know my name.
Audrey, look this way.
Audrey, who are you wearing?
Audrey, can we see the back of your gown?
I have never been so overwhelmed. The main reason I’m making it is because Flint is my north star, taking every opportunity to look into my eyes and make sure I’m okay. But there’s something else motivating me forward, too. And that’spride.
