“I guess I don’t even know what kind of event this is tonight,” he said as the car started moving.
“It’s an award ceremony.” She smiled at him. “I’m up for best new artist.”
“You are?” He felt guilty that he hadn’t asked before. “Wow, I should’ve known.”
She chuckled. “I’m glad you didn’t. I feel less nervous because of the lack of pressure.” She took several deep breaths.
“Okay, then I’ll just pretend this is a standard date.” He smiled as he picked up her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Are these real?” He frowned at the chain of diamonds.
“They’re on loan,” she said with a chuckle. “Don’t worry, they go back to the jeweler’s tomorrow morning.”
“Great.” He swallowed and tried to imagine how much the jewelry she was currently wearing was worth.
“I’d warn you about this,” she said as the limo slowed down, “but there really isn’t anything I could tell you that would prepare you for what’s about to happen.” She smiled. “Just smile and nod. By the way…” Her eyes ran up and down him. “You look damn sexy in a tux.”
He hadn’t expected the onslaught of flashes the moment he helped Bella out of the limo. Nor had he expected questions to be shouted at them as they called their names over and over again.
He did what she’d suggested as Bella hung on his arm while they followed the carpet towards the front doors of the theater. She stopped a few times and took questions from some of the media. He was even asked a few questions and responded with short answers.
“You did well,” she said when they stepped inside.
“Is it always like that?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder as the door closed.
She chuckled and held onto him even more. “Sometimes it’s worse. We rushed through there pretty quickly.”
“Sorry.” He realized he’d been leading her across the space quickly.
“No, it was perfect.” She smiled. “I didn’t want to answer too many questions.”
Her smile fell away as she glanced over his shoulder. He felt her tense and instantly shifted around to see what had caused her eyes to go dark.
He’d seen the man on the interview he’d given before Bella’s and knew Michael Himes instantly as he walked across the room towards him. Stepping in front of Bella, he stopped the man from approaching her.
“I’m sorry,” he said easily, “Bella doesn’t wish to speak to you.”
The man’s eyes ran up and down him like he was nothing more than an annoyance.
“She’ll make time for me if she knows what’s good for her career,” the man said, trying to shove past him.
Calvin held firm. Even though the man had more bulk than he did, Calvin bet he had more muscle.
“That’s fine, I’m sure there are some police around here.” He looked around. “To see to hauling you in for breaking the restraining order she has out against you.” He leaned closer to the man and lowered his tone. “Not to mention all the reporters out there that would love to hear how you just threatened her career while they snapped pictures of you being hauled away in handcuffs.”
“No one would dare.” The man’s chest puffed out. “I’m a legend in this town.”
Calvin chuckled. “Call yourself whatever you want. Bella wants nothing to do with you. Ever again. If you keep insisting, you’ll have to go through me first.” He took Bella’s hand in his and walked with her down the hallway.
“That was… amazing,” she said as they entered the main theater. She tugged him to a stop then wrapped her arms around him and leaned up to kiss him. “Thank you.”
He relaxed a little as his hands moved to her hips. He’d wanted to say more to the man, to do more, but he’d heard a few camera shutters around them and knew that if he crossed the line, he’d be the one being hauled away.
“By tomorrow, that will be all over the news,” she said, taking his hand and making their way towards their seats.
“I couldn’t let him get close to you. The man’s an ass,” he said under his breath.
“Tell me about it.” She chuckled as they were shown their seats.
“What happens now?” he asked after sitting down. The seats around them were still empty but the room was filling up quickly.
“Now, we sit back and enjoy the show.” She shrugged as she straightened her dress.
“When will you know if you won?” he asked, glancing around and spotting some of his favorite artists. He’d never been one to get weird when seeing or meeting famous people. After all, the resort had its fair share of them coming in as guests.
“When they get to the best new artist part. If they call my name.” She smiled. She leaned closer to him and whispered. “Which I’m seriously hoping they will.”
“Who are you up against?”
She handed him a program and pointed to the short list. He whistled lightly. “Heavy hitters.” He glanced at her sideways. “You have this in the bag.”
She chuckled. “I’d be happy to win, but I’m just honored to be nominated.”
He laughed. “Isn’t that what you told the press?” She nudged his shoulder playfully. “Do you have your acceptance speech?”
She nodded and pulled out a small card from her purse.
“Can I see…” He reached for it, but she yanked it away and stuffed it back in her purse.
“No.” She shook her head. “It’s bad luck.”
He chuckled and took her hand in his. “For good luck.” Then he raised her fingers to his lips.
Just then, a photographer stopped in front of them and snapped the picture. “Wonderful shot.” The woman smiled down at them. “Want me to send you this?” she asked Bella.
Bella chuckled and nodded. “That would be great.” Bella gave her the contact information for her agent.
“Smart,” he said when they were alone again.
“Hm?”
“Not giving out your personal information.”
“Never.” She frowned slightly. “I learned that lesson. “Maggie has agreed to vet all future contacts I have.”
“Good.” He nodded.
“It’s what I pay her for.” She smiled. Just then, the seats next to theirs were filled and their chance to have a private conversation was taken away from them as the rows started to fill more quickly.
When the lights dimmed, Calvin sat back and enjoyed the show.
The closer they got to her category, the more nervous he could tell she was feeling. She reached over and took his hand and, when her name was finally called, along with the rest in her category, she squeezed his hand as the camera focused on her face.
He was there to hold her hand when someone else’s name was called. Leaning closer to her, he whispered he was sorry she didn’t win.
She smiled over at him and nodded. “I was prepared for it.” She sighed.
He could tell she was sad, but then he leaned over and kissed her, and he felt her melt next to him.
“When can we leave?” he asked.
She chuckled. “During the next break.”