Page 188 of Off Limits Mogul

Given the press presence tonight, it’s no surprise a well-established Beverly Hills jewelry designer wanted to steal a little bit of the limelight. From the stunning necklace to the wide bracelet at her wrist to the dazzling cocktail ring, and the spectacular earrings, Keira is dripping in diamonds. The security detailing isn’t optional.

As the car creeps closer to the red carpet, I pull out my phone and text Joey to tell her our limousine is the next in line. When the car comes to a stop, Officer Dalton, who was riding in another car we were tailing, opens Keira’s door. He extends a hand and helps her out. Officer Kaminski gets out next and I follow.

As I close the top button to my black suit jacket, I catch sight of Beckett and Arianne working the press line. Collin and Shane Dennison aren’t too far behind. As usual, Collin is calling too much attention to himself.

I shake my head.

To make a big splash, you need headliners. Within the next half hour, Building 22 will be bursting at the seams with Hollywood movers and shakers. The illustrious list also includes many of our close friends. Pride washes over me.

Then, I struggle for a second when my throat tightens as anunexpected wave of emotion threatens to overwhelm me. These events are a reminder of how far Beckett and I have come––from the lows of rehab to the pinnacle of success. Whenever we step out like this, the realization always hits me full force. Tonight, is no exception.

As I round the vehicle to meet Keira, I search the crowd. Glamour hangs around us like an overripe fruit. I spot Joey. I nod, answering her silent question. I know the drill.

My eyes lower to the beautiful woman standing next to me with a mixture of awe and excitement at the prospect of embarking on a new journey together. “Ready?”

“Ready. I think.”

“I’m right here. You lean on me if you need to.”

“Okay.” She offers a brilliant smile.

We take a step forward.

Earsplitting cheers break into the night.

A man waves at her. “Keira, we love you.”

A woman screams, jumping up and down. “Oh my God, it’s Keira Weatherly.”

“Keira! Keira! Keira!” A group of people chant their devotion.

Some hold signs with hearts and fan messages.

My girl waves and blows kisses.

A cacophony of sound swells from the crowd in response.

With one simple request, Flint changed Keira’s life.

A smile tugs at her lips when her gorgeous eyes connect with mine.

“I can’t believe this is all for me,” she says.

“Get used to it, dimples. It’s just the beginning.”

From the corner of my eye, something catches my attention. I shift my gaze away from Keira’s and catch Joey waving at us.

“Come on, we’re holding up the press line,” I say.

“Okay.”

Cranking up the charisma, I smile at the men and women who will become disciples in helping us spread the gospel about SCORE Yours. I wrap an arm around my girl’s slender waist and pull her into the throng of the media.

“Keira, over here.” We turn in the direction of a black woman.

Her fashionable bright blue suit, black strappy heels, slicked back straightened hair, bright red lips, and stylish black glasses that frame her dark brown eyes make her stand out.

“You left LA as an unknown artist and you return to the City of Angels like a reigning queen. How does it feel?”