Page 93 of How to Kiss a Movie Star
“Everything,” he says simply. He finally lets me go, and I look up to find his gaze fixed on my face. He smiles. “I don’t want to freak you out, Audrey. But I like the man I am more when you’re beside me. You make me better.”
I push up on my toes and kiss him one more time. Because what else could I possibly do? Tonight, for the first time, I’m finally willing to admit that maybe Icanhandle this kind of life.
It’s still so new, but as I press my palms against Flint’s chest and feel the pounding of his heart, it suddenly feels magically, blissfully possible that this man will be the rest of my life.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Audrey
Thepartyisimpressive.Unlike any party I’ve ever attended before.
Claire said there would be food, but the spread, which covers two enormous tables lining the far wall, is more elaborate than anything I’ve ever seen before. There is also an endless supply of champagne, which I would usually ignore without a second thought. But tonight, we’re celebrating.
Flint grabs a couple of glasses from a passing tray and hands me one. “ToTurning Tides,”I say, holding my glass.
Flint grins, then leans forward and presses a quick kiss to my lips. “You can toast the movie if you want. But I’m toasting us.”
After we eat and drink and eat some more, Flint catches me yawning. All the champagne is making me sleepy.
Flint squeezes my fingers. “What do you say we find Mark Sheridan, impress him with my startling charm and your giant biology brain, then call it a night?”
I smile. “That is the sexiest thing you’ve ever said.”
I won’t take full credit if Flint ends up getting the lead in Mark’s next movie. But I’m just saying, Iownthe conversation about the environmental impacts of offshore drilling. If the goal was to impress him, mission freaking accomplished. Flint keeps looking at me, his smile wide, squeezing my hand whenever I answer another one of Mark’s questions.
It’s not like I thought Hollywood wasonlyabout beautiful people talking about inconsequential things. But…okay, maybe thatiswhat I thought. But after talking to Lea earlier today about consulting on her script, and after talking to Mark, it’s nice to recognize there’s more to it than that.
Even though our plan was to cut out early, the four of us, me, Flint, Mark, and his wife, Deidra, end up talking for hours before I finally have to excuse myself to find a bathroom.
“Hey, take Joni with you,” Flint says, motioning to where Joni and Nate are sitting just behind us. “I don’t want you going anywhere by yourself.”
“It’s just the bathroom,” I say, charmed by his concern, but entirely positive I will be just fine. I press a quick kiss to his lips. “And we’re at a private party. I’ll be fine.”
He nods, but I don’t miss the concern flitting across his expression. “Okay. Just be quick.”
I nod and head down the hall, a tiny bit tipsy but still steady on my feet. Honestly, I maybe should have grabbed Joni, because I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to manage my dress on my own, but I’m buzzing on intelligent conversation and champagne, so I’m just going to run with it. It’s been an amazing night! Anything is possible!
I push through a door and freeze. I thought this was the bathroom, but I’m actually on some sort of outdoor rooftop terrace.So…I’m possibly tipsier than I thought.
I stand at the door and consider my options. The terrace is pretty, full of oversized planter boxes that are lush with vegetation. It isn’t going to help with the needing-to-pee situation, but the night air feels cool against my flushed skin, and the plants are so pretty.
Betula pendula,I think, running my fingers over the shimmering leaves of a silver birch tree. That one has always been one of my favorites.
I step past the tree and grip the banister at the edge of the terrace, looking out at the glittering skyline. It isn’t anything like the views in North Carolina, but there’s still something magical about all the glittering lights.
“Needed a break?” a rough voice says from behind me.
I spin around and come face to face with an older, balding man wearing a smarmy expression. He’s holding a camera in his thicky, meaty hands.
I close my eyes and swear under my breath.
What was I thinking coming out here like this?
“The life of a celebrity can feel pretty intense for someone like you. Someone who isn’t a celebrity.” He takes a step closer. “How are you feeling, Audrey?”
I take a step backward, my heart pounding in my chest, but there’s nowhere for me to go. The banister is directly behind me. I grip it with both hands and force words to come out of my throat. “I’d rather not talk to anyone right now,” I say.
The man licks his lips. “I watched you in the airport yesterday. Scared out of your wits, weren’t you?” He tsks. “Better toughen up, sweetheart. This life isn’t meant for everyone.”
