Page 1 of After the Red Carpet
PROLOGUE
May 21
Entertainment News Report
The last day of the Cannes Film Festival proved to be the stuff of legend. We all thought the big story would be the highly anticipated screening of Jean Mercier’s latest film,Celebration, which featured Albie Hughes’s final performance, but in fact, it was Finn Forrester who stole the show. Captivating the world and igniting a feeding frenzy among the press and onlookers, the Hollywood star got down on bended knee in the center of the famed red carpet and proposed to writer Gabriella Sinclair, known for her provocative philosophical musings on sexual politics. The huge rock he slid onto her finger was almost as blinding as the incredible firestorm of camera flashes his proposal generated, the likes of which we’ve never before seen. When Finn picked up his bride-to-be, spun her around, and kissed her passionately, it was clear she had said yes. Rumor has it that Sinclair is a longtime friend of Mercier, and the pair reportedly met on the location shoot for the film.
While Forrester’s many fans took to social media to share a collective sigh, bemoaning the fact that thebeloved leading man is officially off the market, many others gushed at the iconic fairy-tale moment. Costars were quick to add their congratulations. Willow Barnes retweeted a photo of the pair kissing on the red carpet with the caption “Aww . . . I always said you two made the cutest couple ever,” followed by a string of heart emojis. Charlotte Reed commented, “Feeling warm and fuzzy. Couldn’t be happier for you both,” and Michael Hennesey wrote, “Way to go, guys! Let’s meet for a drink in LA.” When Mercier was asked if the proposal seen around the world was a publicity stunt, the tempestuous director laughed and said, “I’m not that clever. I’m thrilled for my friends, who are very much in love. I wish them a lifetime of happiness.” The reporter then asked if Mercier was worried the engagement would steal the spotlight away from his film, to which he replied, “You’re talking about it, so no.” Forrester and Sinclair made a quick exit after the film screening, avoiding detection. One thing is for sure: the world will be watching, waiting to see how this real-life fairy tale unfolds after the red carpet.
Ella woke up, her naked body cradled in Finn’s strong embrace. She noticed the sun peering through the hotel window shades, wondered what time it was, and lightly touched his hand.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” he said, squeezing her.
“Good morning, my love,” she replied, turning to face him.
He gently ran his finger from her brow to her cheekbone. “God, it feels so good to wake up with you.”
“I was afraid to fall asleep, afraid that I’d wake up and discover it was all a dream.”
He rested his hand on her cheek and kissed her forehead. “Me too. But it’s real, baby. We’re finally back together, the way we’re meant to be.”
She started to smile, but it morphed into a yawn.
Finn laughed and said, “I guess I should have let you get more sleep last night. I just couldn’t get enough of you.”
“Yes, you had quite the voracious appetite. Seems you really missed sex.”
“I missed sex withyou. The truth is, I missed everything with you, Ella.”
“Me too. Besides, I wouldn’t trade a night of making love with you over and over again for anything,” she said.
“Hold that thought, because I’m not done with you yet,” he replied, skimming her hand and slipping out of bed. “I’m going to brush my teeth, and then I’ll be back to ravage you again.”
“You really are the sexiest man I’ve ever seen,” she remarked, staring at his sculpted, naked body. “I missed watching you walk away almost as much as I missed watching you walk toward me.”
“Don’t you move.”
A few minutes later, Finn emerged with minty-fresh breath. Ella hopped out of bed and said, “My turn.”
He grazed her arm as she passed. “There’s an extra toothbrush on the counter.”
When Ella returned, Finn was standing outside the bathroom waiting for her. She smiled coyly, and he took her hand and pulled her to him. He swept her long curls back and started kissing her ear, working his way to her neck and then her mouth. He turned her around, wrapped one arm around her, and traced the curves of her body with his other hand. When he touched between her legs, she writhed and moaned with delight. “That’s it, baby,” he whispered, nibbling on her earlobe. She leaned forward, resting her hands on a chair, and softly commanded, “Take me.”
