“We’ll need to get moving soon, Emerson, if we’re to make it in time for your red-carpet allocation at The Yardley.”
“Just a sec,” Hayles cries out before jumping to her full height with a bright smile. “And we’re done, baby!”
She shakes her head as her eyes look me up and down. “Holy shit, I mean, you’re always beautiful, Em, but…justwow!”
Carter edges her out of the way, seizing me on either bicep with a giant grin. “You’ll break the internet looking like this, baby girl.” He reaches up to fix one of the soft curls framing my face, his eyes tracking the motion. “Let’s get moving before we lose any volume. Your hair can’t hold curls for shit.”
We’re chuckling as we file out of my room and into the living area as Ford, whose back is facing us, finishes up on a call. “Thanks for the update.”
As he turns around almost in slow motion, I tug a ruby red lip between my teeth, suddenly nervous for him to see me, but those nerves disintegrate the second our eyes meet.
I can feel Carter, Hayley, and Simone rushing around us as several other members of my team lean closer to touch up my hair, eyes, and lips, but my attention stays fixed solely on Ford.
His dark blue eyes deepen almost to black as he consumes me, sending butterflies swarming in the depths of my stomach. It’s not until he moves closer, extending his hand to me, that I notice the enormous bouquet of peonies in varying coral and burnt orange hues that he’s holding.
I raise a trembling finger to trace the outline of one bright bloom.
Saving me from a response that’s not coming, thanks to the emotion lodged in my windpipe, Hayley plucks the bouquet from Ford’s grasp. “I’ll get these in some water.”
She shoots me an understanding look before striding toward the kitchen to do as she said. The team surrounding me disperses until it’s just Ford and me in the center of my living area.
His expressive gaze holds mine with a potency I can feel down to my marrow, and when he speaks, his voice is husky.
“You’re like a living, breathing dream come to life, Tink.”
I can feel my cheeks flush even as my body stands a little taller under the worship in his eyes and the simple honesty of his words.
“Thank you.”
I sound almost shy, even to my own ears, as he steps forward and extends his arm with a chivalry that makes me smile.
“Your chariot awaits.”
CHAPTER 17
FORD
As someonewho’s never particularly enjoyed red carpet events, the ICON red carpet is the exception to the rule. And as my eyes rake over the exquisite curves of that exception as she poses over her shoulder to masses screaming her name, I’m once again in awe of the trajectory her life has taken.
Of the stratospheric rise of the career she’d only dreamed of once upon a time.
Emmy’s eyes catch and hold mine as Hayley rushes to fix her dress in preparation for another round of paparazzi shots. Not a word is spoken, but a million and one emotions are exchanged within that single look, and for the first time in a long time, I feel something suspiciously like hope rising within my chest.
I continue to watch stoic and silent on the sidelines, my attention split evenly between Emerson and the assembled crowd, searching out any looming threats until our group, comprising Emerson, her two assistants, her stylist, Zane, and myself, reaches the canopy that leads inside The Yardley.
“All clear within the building, Boss Man.”
Thom’s voice comes through the wire attached to my ear, and Zane and I exchange a nod before ushering everyone inside.
The foyer is bustling with A-list celebrities, many of whom swarm us when they catch sight of Emerson.
“Oh dear, you look simply phenomenal.”
“Is that aHermesyou’re wearing?—”
“You simplymustsit with us?—”
Emerson answers everyone patiently, a genuine-looking smile on her face that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
