Page 396 of How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother
“Joni didn’t tell you?”
He shakes his head. “Nah, but I should have guessed.”
I rub my hand against my sternum, like I can somehow soothe the ache pulsing just behind my ribs. “I don’t even know what this is,” I say more to myself than Nate.
He chuckles, a wide smile stretching across his face. “That’s love, man.” He waves the keycard in front of the lock and pushes the door open. “Better buckle up,” he says as I push past him into the room. “Your heart’s in control now.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Audrey
I stand in thehotel bathroom and stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror.
Honestly, I think everyone on the planet could look amazing if they had this many people available to help them get ready every morning.
I have been plucked and polished and shined and glossed.
And I have never felt so beautiful.
Thatcouldhave something to do with the billion-dollar gown I’m wearing. It’s even prettier than I remember. And it’s the most feminine thing I’ve ever worn. The tiny flowers woven into the lace overlay are so delicate, I’m afraid to even touch them.
“How are the shoes?” Joni asks as she steps into the bathroom. “Are you dying? If you are, there are four other pairs you can try.”
“These are great. I feel pretty steady.” I don’t have a ton of experience walking in high heels, but these have a wider block heel and they aren’t too high. Plus, they have some sort of memory foam insole that makes them really comfortable—something I didn’t expect in a pair of heels.
“Perfect,” Joni says. “Flint should be here any minute.” She looks me up and down. “He’s going to pass out when he sees you, Audrey. Seriously. You’re stunning.”
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.
