He brushed his lips across her knuckles and preceded her out the door. Standing for a moment, as cameras created a strobe-light effect in the interior of the car, he turned and offered her a hand.

She stared at it. Could she just sit back and ignore his hand? She wouldn’t have to go in front of everyone and make herself available to their ridicule. The butterflies in her stomach threatened to make an escape attempt as she continued to stare at his hand.

Chase leaned in the door. His smile was the one she’d grown to love, the one meant only for her. “Come on, Natalie. What’s the worst that could happen?”

She could probably name a hundred things that could happen, each one worse than the next. The one that came to mind was stepping on her hem with her pointed shoes and falling while tearing off the dress. Not only would she be facedown on the red carpet, but also only in her underwear. The heat rose to her face as she met his eyes. “I could trip?”

He clasped both of her hands and tugged gently. “If you fall, I promise to catch you.”

She allowed him to help her to her feet outside of the limo. She tried her hardest to ignore the flashing and focused on his smiling face. He was worth it. She tamped down the butterflies as he wrapped one of her hands in the crook of his elbow and gently led her away from the safety of the limo.

The red carpet loomed before her. It glowed bright from the many lights. Colorful gowns swished and dark suits blended to create a beautiful picture. Crowds of people milled along the outskirts and pressed in on the flimsy barriers holding them back. The color left Natalie’s face as they passed people she’d only seen on a movie screen. Her fingers clenched into Chase’s flesh. What was she doing here?

“Smile, Natalie.” His warm breath tickled her ear. “Relax, it’s going to be all right.”

She forced a smile as they passed a crowd of people chanting the actors’ names as they passed. Chase stopped and signed a couple of autographs before moving to the line for reporters.

His hand covered hers on his sleeve, and she looked up. “It will be over soon.”

She tried to smile at him, but a fake grin was frozen on her face as the butterflies threatened to burst through her stomach like a scene from a horror movie. His smile softened, and his hand brushed a stray hair from her cheek. His touch energized her. The look in his eyes brought the butterflies under control.

She relaxed her sore cheeks. His hand still over hers, he led her forward again. She barely noticed when Chase nodded at a man who Natalie could only assume was one of the handlers she’d been told about. The one who would rescue her from the reporters and take her to her seat.

When the man returned the nod and turned away, Natalie’s butterflies revolted again. She tried to get Chase’s attention, but he was pulling her forward to the microphones and cameras. Her instinct to grind her heels was overridden by the paralyzing fear that coursed through her. Besides, if she tried to run, she probably would end up in her underwear as part of the carpet.

She could see Chase’s mouth move as he talked to the reporter, but the warning bells ringing in her head blocked out his voice. He’d said she could go with the handlers. He’d said she didn’t have to talk to the reporters. He’d said a lot of things. Did his promises mean nothing to him?

Her heart ached as he looked down at her expectantly. What did he really expect from her? She’d never desired this kind of attention. She wanted to be with Chase. He made her feel things she’d never felt before, but this mass panic in her body was not one of the things she loved.

A flicker of concern went through his eyes, and he turned and told the reporter who designed her dress and mentioned Charity. An eternity went by as she stared helplessly at the red light on the camera. Chase gently tugged her arm to lead her to another line.

She knew the pictures tomorrow would show her with a panicked look on her face. Chase would be humiliated. She already was humiliated. Why had she agreed to this? This wasn’t her. If he really wanted her for who she was, couldn’t he see that?

Instead of getting in the line for the next reporter, Chase led her to a relatively quiet area out of the spotlight. Her shoes sparkled in the lights. Something she didn’t think she’d ever be able to do.

He blocked out the red carpet with his broad shoulders and drew her into his arms. The fuzzy, warm feelings of love chased the specters of fear back into their corner. She leaned into him, drawing from his strength.

Why couldn’t it just be the two of them? Why did the whole country have to be involved in their love affair? He pushed her back slightly. He wanted her to look up, but she was afraid. She couldn’t keep up this act. She wasn’t built for this kind of situation. She had no delusions of what she looked like. She was ordinary, which was fine for everyday life, but someone like Chase needed one of those women, the ones who were extraordinary.

“Natalie?”

Unable to resist his soft, deep voice, she shifted her gaze up.

“I have to do the interviews. I want you to stay with me. Do you want to stay with me, or do you want to go to your chair?”

She nibbled on her lip. Was this a test? Would she fail if she went to her chair? Would he be disappointed if she went to her seat? Could she stand to go back to the cameras?

“This is a part of who I am.” Chase’s eyes were intense as they gazed down into hers. “It’s not going to go away. I don’t want to do it alone. I want to share this with you. I want to share all of me with you.”

She drew in a deep breath. “I want to be with you, Chase. I just…” She dropped her gaze back to the floor.

He lifted her chin with a finger and dropped a brief kiss against her lips. “Then share this with me, Natalie. Come and be a part of it. Don’t hide in the corner. Trust me. I won’t let you down. I promise.”

Her eyes glittered with unshed tears. No one had ever loved her like Chase did. She wasn’t willing to let that go without giving it a chance. She forced herself to nod. Her reward was a glowing smile from Chase.

His lips brushed over hers. His gaze traced her lips, checking to see if he’d smudged her makeup before he led her back to the line. She’d finally realized what the worst thing that could happen was.

She could lose Chase.


Chase felt like it was the first time he’d taken the stage. His heart hammered in his chest. Adrenaline rushed through his veins. Natalie stood stiffly beside him, but the look of panic was gone.

He’d seen it in her eyes, known she was weighing her options. Knew he was pushing her, but if he didn’t now, what would happen when he was on set and someone showed her a picture of him with his costar? He didn’t want to go to his movies and the award shows alone. He wanted to experience it with Natalie.

He automatically answered the reporter’s questions, gave his dazzling smile and continued on, all the time aware of his little accountant at his side. Her smile wasn’t quite as bad as it had been, but it was definitely forced.

Maybe if he’d reminded her of how much he loved her. Maybe if he’d told her that whatever happened he’d still love her. Maybe if he’d told her how beautiful she was. Maybe she would have relaxed enough.

This was something she could get used to. When they got home tonight, they could share some ice cream and watch the award show and laugh at how nervous she’d been over nothing.

“And what about you, Natalie? How are you enjoying the evening?” The woman reporter put the microphone close to Natalie’s lips.

Chase held his breath and squeezed her hand with his. It was like he was the one on the spot, not her.

“It’s all very lovely.” Natalie’s voice was slightly higher pitched than normal, but at least she’d managed to talk. Her cheeks had a slight flush to them. Chase smiled down at her as she answered the “who are you wearing” question.

Her hand released a little from gouging into his arm, and he led her to the next interview. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “That was great, love.”

She flushed, but didn’t look up at him as they confronted the next reporter.

“And now I’m here with Chase Booker and his girlfriend, Natalie Collins,” Rick Jones said to the camera. He turned and stuck out his microphone. “Chase, your movie Night Blooming has been nominated for seven awards. How do you feel about your chances tonight?”

“I think all the nominees are wonderful across the board. We’re up against some tight competition. It should be an interesting night.” Chase kept Natalie tight against him.

Rick asked Natalie who she was wearing, and Chase watched Natalie relax slightly and answer. As she spoke, he couldn’t help but realize how lucky he was to find her.

He led her away, noticing how her body shook next to his. He’d pushed her enough for the evening. The interviews were over for now. They stopped for a picture before heading into the theater.

The usher escorted them to their seats. Chase took Natalie’s hand in his and brought it to his lips.

“You did wonderfully, Natalie.”

She blushed softly and smiled. “It wasn’t as awful as I thought it would be.”

“No falling or puking. I think that’s a pass.”

Her gaze roamed the crowd. Her expressions captivated him as she recognized actors she’d seen in movies or TV. Chase had already med most of them, either through his parents or during his own career.

“Chase,” Robert said as he and Alexis sat beside them. “Natalie, you look stunning tonight.” Alexis had chosen a daring gown. Obviously she was aiming for a best-dressed nod. Even worst dressed would help get her the attention she craved.

“Good evening, Chase.” Alexis pouted her full lips his way. “I’m so glad you decided not to bring me. Robert is such a fine escort.” She ran her hand over Robert’s arm.