Page 147 of Catch Me
Andreas surprises me by pulling me into his body with one arm.
“Babe,” I laugh. “You’re going to get my makeup on your tux.” I pull my face away from his body so that my makeup doesn’t smear on the dark purple coat of his tailored tuxedo.
“Don’t think I don’t know you’re hiding something from me,” he says in my ear. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy with promotions and work that I haven’t given you the time you deserve.”
“Andreas—”
“Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together,” he finishes before pressing a kiss to my temple.
He steps back and holds out his arm for me. “Our car is waiting for us.”
I blink a couple of times, before curling my arm around his, leaning into his strength.
A sigh passes my lips, and I try to let go of the anxiousness rummaging its way throughout my body. During the hour-long ride to the theater for the premiere I force myself to only think about Andreas.
Tonight is only about him and the work he’s put in.
I make small talk throughout the ride and ask Andreas about what he’s heard from critics and reviewers. He’s excited to divulge the positive feedback he’s gotten.
“It’s probably too early to even bring this up, but I’ve heard the words Academy Award tossed around more times than I can count.”
“I knew it,” I gush, relieved to be able to at least emotionally support him. “I didn’t want to say it because Lillian told me it’s bad luck to talk Academies and whatnot even before a movie premieres, but I’ve been thinking it all along.
“Your performance inLate Nightswas phenomenal, baby. And after tonight everyone is going to know it.”
He leans over and kisses my lips.
“You’re going to stain your lips.” I laugh and pull away from him before wiping his lips. Thankfully, my lipstick is smudge proof, but I wipe his mouth anyway.
The cheers start the moment our limo turns onto the same street as the theater. Fans are gathered on either side, cheering and clapping, holding signs and waiting to catch a glimpse of the stars of tonight’s film.
I take Andreas’ hand. “Are you sure you want me to walk the red carpet with you?”
He pauses, his face suddenly filling with concern. “Are you not feeling well?”
“I am. I just wondered if you wanted to do this on your own. It’s not like anyone has come to see me or anything. I can go in the back entrance.”
I’d been completely ready to take the secret entrance into the theater at the premiere. The last thing I wanted, honestly, was to be in the spotlight in any way. But when Andreas asked me, he’d looked so damn excited.
“I want you on my arm,”he’d told me with a look in his eyes that was full of love and adoration.
I couldn’t say no to that request.
“Youbelongwith me,” he implores, and then squeezes my hand. “But if this crowd or attention makes you too uneasy, just say the word and I’ll have Richard take you to the back. Hell, I’ll go through the back with you.”
Laughing, I cup his face. “You’re literally contractually obligated to walk this red carpet,” I remind him.
“They can sue me if they want.”
“Babe, that would end your career. Especially since it’s over nothing important.”
“Youare important. You have to know you’re my priority.”
My heart squeezes. How could this man be any more perfect?
“I love you for that, but no.” I shake my head. “I will not be the reason you break your contract, get sued by the studio, and lose your career. You’re walking that red carpet.”
“With you by my side?”
