I playfully slap his arm. “Never in a million years.”
Lucas laughs. “You’re such a spoilsport. I have the most beautiful woman in the world in my bed and I can’t take advantage of her.”
Laying my palms on his pecs, I push him onto his back and hover above him. “You can take advantage of me as much as you like.”
He curves his arm around my waist and flips me onto my back. I squeal with laughter. His gaze drops to my lips. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
The next two days were a busy hive of activity. Thankfully, the move out of my apartment was drama-free. Darren had donewhat I’d asked and left, taking all his crap with him. I decided all I wanted was my personal items. Darren has tainted everything else, and so I donated the rest to goodwill.
After Lucas’ declaration of love on the red carpet at the award ceremony, my mother has called multiple times with offers of work. Celebrities are wanting me to plan events, organize their houses, attend their parties. When the media portrayed me as a cheater, they’d turned their backs on me. Now my love story has captured everyone’s hearts, and I’m receiving more invitations than ever before. To my mother’s disappointment, I turned them all down.
I’ve shut the door on that time of my life, and I’m stepping into a future I’m thrilled about. I’m living with a man I love and who loves me. I’m happy with where my career is at. I have family and friends. That’s all I need.
There is nothing more that the media can do to bring me down. No one can hurt me now. I won’t let them.
Chapter Twenty-Two
PENNY
Over a breakfast of pancakes, strawberries, and coffee, Lucas is reading something on his phone, his brow creasing.
“Is everything alright?” I ask.
His head snaps up to look my way. “Sorry, what?”
“You’re frowning at your phone. Is something wrong? You look a little distracted.”
He sets the phone on the table and picks up a fork. “Sorry. Just last-minute adjustments Antonne is insisting I make to the exhibition tonight.”
“What kind of adjustments?”
Taking a bite of the pancakes and then a sip of coffee, he says, “Just a couple of photos he wants me to add. I’m not sure if it’s the right thing to do.”
“Go with your gut. You’ll know if it’s right or not.”
He stabs at the pancakes. “I’ve never done this before. What if I bomb?”
“I’ve seen your photographs. Amazing doesn’t come close to describing them. People are going to love them.”
He smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes. He must really be worried. “Thanks. Although, I’m not sure many people want to come see the photographs of a fashion model photographer. They’ll probably think the room will be filled with beautiful women wearing Alessi gowns. I want people to see it’s not an Alessi Fashion photoshoot.”
“Your photos tell a story. You’ve captured the heart and soul of your subjects. I have no doubt they’ll see that.”
“I hope so.”
I reach across the table and place my hand over his. “I know so,” I say enthusiastically to try and get him out of his melancholy mood. I know firsthand what it’s like to present your work for others to criticize. It can be paralyzing.
Rising from the chair, he collects his plate and coffee mug and stacks them in the dishwasher. He walks to me and kisses me on the forehead. “Are you coming tonight?”
What a strange question. Why would he ask that? We’ve been talking about it for days.
I stand, wrap my arms around his neck, and kiss his lips. “Of course I am. I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll meet you there. I have to drop off sample invitations to Tao for her baby shower on my way. It’s the only time she has available.”
“It’s okay if you’re busy and can’t make it.”
Is he so nervous about the exhibit he doesn’t want me there?
“I’ll be there,” I assure him.
