I will not look likethat. I can promise you. I will look like Chandler Bing every time he tries to pose for a picture next to his smoking hot fiancée.
I’m panicking.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch someone waving at me dramatically. My gaze snaps over Carter’s shoulder, locking on Penny, who is walking toward that carpet hand in hand with Declan.
She waves with her whole arm above her head, flashing a big smile my way. I watch her stroll right onto that carpet behind her boyfriend with absolutely no hesitation.
Carter follows my stare. Penny doesn’t look comfortable either; she leans into Declan’s side and smiles that gorgeoussmile of hers, but I can tell she’s not completely at ease in front of those lenses. It’s in her posture.
“She hates this shit,” Carter murmurs, confirming my thoughts.
Declan smiles with a lazy ease, one hand on her lower back, the other in his pocket. They stand there for a total of ten seconds before they’re sauntering off through the doors, anddefinitelystraight toward the bar.
Carter glances back at me. “Did that look so scary?”
I swallow. “Yes.”
“Come on,” he says gently, reaching for my hand. “We’ll face our fears together.”
Yeah, like that face has ever feared a camera or public opinion.
He guides me to the red carpet, and before we even step into the frame, the cameras are firing off picture after picture. I blink, a bit blinded, but Carter’s hand slides to my back and pulls me to his side with a touch of support. I shift awkwardly on my feet, but force the tiniest and most pitiful smile ever.
“Relax,” Carter mutters into my hair. “You’re the most beautiful woman here.”
Well, damn. That compliment knocks the wind right out of me.
I suck in a breath as his fingers slide against my waist. I glance up at him. He’s remarkably comfortable in front of cameras. He’s got that air about him. That easy swagger. Big, bright smile, ridiculously twinkly eyes, oozing pure confidence.
In his mind, this is a walk in the park.
His thumb brushes my waist, so I turn back to the cameras. I lean into him a bit more, sliding my hand to his back, and try my hardest to smile like I’m supposed to be here. Like I’m here with myactualboyfriend. Like posing for pictures with afamous hockey player is something that I’m completely and totally used to doing.
Then, it’s done. That quickly.
Carter offers a parting wave to the cameras and threads his fingers through mine, leading me off the small carpet and into the gala.
“Was that so bad?” he asks as we enter the ballroom, giving my fingers a squeeze.
My heart is still racing, so yes. “I thoroughly hated it.”
He breathes a laugh. “Let’s get you a glass of red then, Red.”
The second we reach the bar, Penny rushes over and wraps her arms around me. She has a Long Island in her hand, which is already half drunk. Her long, blonde hair falls in perfect, big waves in front of her chest.
“I don’t know why they make us take pictures at these things,” she says, shaking her head. “Nobody wants to see us. We’re just arm candy that makes them look better.”
She nods toward Carter, who seems pleased at being called ‘eye candy.’
“We don’t want to do it alone. That’s why.”
She narrows her eyes at him. “Then we should be paid a portion of your salary for our services.”
I huff a laugh. I guess I technicallyambeing paid to be here.
“Nice to see you too, Sweets.” He smirks, giving her shoulder a squeeze before heading for the bar to get our drinks.
Those dark blue eyes are on me instantly. “These things are the worst. I’m not exaggerating. They are terrible. If you value your time and your sanity, stick by me. Formysanity, stick by me.”
