Page 62 of Heart Set on You

He turns around, gesturing for me to come closer.

“Your dress arrived,” he says, nodding at a garment bag hanging from a rack in the corner of the room. A second bag is hung next to it, which I assume is his tux. My stomach twists in a knot. This is all too much. I feel like I must be dreaming. In less than 24 hours, we will walk the red carpet together. Our secret will no longer be just ours.

“Do I get a sneak peek?” he asks, sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling me between his spread legs by my hips.

“Absolutely not,” I say, ruffling my hands through his hair.

He sighs. “I’m so happy, babe. I can’t wait to show you off to the world. I’m so glad you said yes.”

Miles is ready. I’m a ball of nerves. But his faith in our relationship means everything to me.

* * *

“You look beautiful.”

Miles’ eyes tour my body, taking me in, from my sleek, straight hair to my Jimmy Choo heels. Tonight is the Artist Awards and Miles left me to get ready in the master bedroom with a full team of stylists while he got changed in one of the spare bedrooms.

“Is it okay?”

“It’s so much more than okay,” he says, taking my hand and twirling me in a circle. “I won’t be able to let you out of my sight.”

My breath hitches when I take Miles in. He looks incredible in his black tux and bowtie, his hair styled back, and his usual stubble trimmed close to his face. It should be a crime to look as good as he does. The man knows how to dress for any occasion.

“You look so handsome.” I stare at this gorgeous man who is all mine and can barely believe this is really my life. He looks like Hollywood royalty. Probably because he is. My fingers tremble a little straightening his bowtie.

“How are you feeling?” he asks, grasping my hands in his.

“I’m nervous. I can’t lie.”

“You’re going to be fine. I’ve got you. It’s you and me tonight. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“The car is here. We should get going.” He offers me his arm and we head out to the limo.

An hour later, the driver opens the door, and flashes of light go off all around us, cameras and iPhones held up high trying to capture a photo of us. A photo that will be in every tabloid across the country. My heart pounds in my chest. Fans and reporters scream all around us.

The crowds, mostly women and paparazzi, wave and shout Miles’ name, wanting a piece of America’s number one bachelor. I watch them push and shove one another to get a better shot. Miles handles it all effortlessly with his Hollywood smile and a wave to the crowd.

He doesn’t let go of my hand until he’s asked to take a few photos by himself. Once he’s finished, his hand laces through mine again. We continue down the red carpet, stopping for photos as we go. Miles is at ease, completely in his element.

A beautiful blonde in a strapless sequined dress pushes her way over to us, microphone in hand. She introduces herself then asks Miles the usual questions: who are you wearing? and what is it like to work with Violet Michelson? “One more question, Miles,” she asks. “Who is your date tonight?” He looks at me with a twinkle in his eye and pulls me into his side. “My girlfriend, Rylee. Doesn’t she look beautiful this evening?”

I feel like I’m blushing all over.

“Who are you wearing?” The pretty blonde leans the microphone towards me. Miles lightly squeezes my hip in a display of support while I silently thank the Lord that I actually remember the designer’s name.

“My dress is Valentino.”

“Stunning,” she says and then thanks us for our time.

We continue to make our way down the carpet. I watch Miles with pride as he shakes a few hands along the way. The bright lights and snaps of cameras follow him. How could they not? The man radiates charm like the sun.

“Miles Bennett, my man.” Zach Miller claps Miles’ shoulder then brings him in for a bro hug. I recognize Zach from his countless movies. He’s famous for his boyish looks and Australian accent. He’s ridiculously attractive – everything he seems on the big screen and then some. After greeting Miles, he shakes my hand and introduces himself. Like there’s any woman on the planet who doesn’t know exactly who this man is.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Pleasure is all mine,” he says with a cheeky grin. Miles laughs, removing my hand from Zach’s.

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