Page 79 of Last First Date

“It’s a rush, though, isn’t it?” she asked as she sipped her drink.

“What is?”

“All the flashing lights and people telling you how good you look. Why did you leave modeling?”

I looked at her, letting a half-smile form on my face. “The flashbulbs and flattery weren’t my cup of tea after ten years of doing it. And more than anything, I wanted more. My grandfather was pressuring me to get started at the company. I wanted to be more than a pretty face.”

She studied me intently. “That’s a long time to be doing what I just did for a couple of hours.”

“The fame is alluring but it’s exhausting. It wasn’t fun anymore. I got tired of constantly having to be camera-ready.”

She nodded, her eyes filling with understanding. “Do you ever miss it?”

“Sometimes,” I admitted with a shrug. “Mainly the travel. I got to see some pretty incredible places. But overall? No, not really.”

She picked at the food on her plate before looking up at me again. “You really took care of me today,” she said softly. “Thank you.”

It was a simple sentence, but it warmed my heart more than any compliment or flattery ever could. “Anytime, Waverly,” I replied earnestly.

She smiled at me, then turned her head to watch the ongoing party. We sat and watched while I thought about what it would be like to have her at my side all the time and not just as my assistant.

33

WAVERLY

The night had been a whirlwind of success, laughter, and flashing cameras. A sense of accomplishment surged through me.

“I’m going to use the bathroom,” I said to Knox, who had been at my side all night. I felt his protectiveness. It was nice to know I had him to guide me through this crazy world.

While I was in the bathroom, Laura and one of the other models came in.

“Waverly! We’re about to move on to an afterparty. You have to come.”

“An after party?” I asked hesitantly. I had heard all about the afterparties the rich and famous attended. It was the kind of thing cell phones weren’t allowed at because everyone got to cut loose without worry of being embarrassed by revealing pictures.

“Let me see if Knox wants to go,” I said.

“Even if he doesn’t, you have to come,” Laura said. “It’ll be our last time to party together before you go back to Utah.”

She was right. When was the next time I was ever going to be in New York and have the opportunity to party with models and celebrities? It was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.

I moved through the crowd and found Knox talking with a couple of the models. The green-eyed monster reared its ugly head. He wasn’t mine, but he was mine as far as any of them knew. I approached them and was pleased when Knox saw me and smiled. Something made me see this situation as a role reversal. This was his world, but I was the one with the invitation to an afterparty. I couldn’t help but feel a subtle power in being the one to invite him.

“Hey, Knox,” I said, slipping my arm through his. “There’s an afterparty some of the models are throwing. Would you like to come with me? You’ll be my plus-one.”

He looked at me, and a flash of something I couldn’t explain crossed his face. “Sure, why not?”

I realized I probably could have worded it a little differently. I didn’t need to emasculate him.

The afterparty was being held at one of the models’ penthouses. The penthouse itself was a lavish spectacle, brimming with expensive art, imported furniture, and booze. The backdrop was a panoramic view of New York City. The party was underway when we arrived, and the room was filled with people I had only ever seen on television or online. They were sipping fancy cocktails and drinking champagne from crystal glasses, and the pulsating beat of music reverberated across the room.

I held on to Knox’s arm and tried not to look too starstruck as we moved through the crowd, making small talk with some of the people I recognized. Knox seemed more relaxed than I had ever seen him before, his smile easy as he laughed at something one of the models said.

At the office party, people had still held on to a semblance of professionalism. But here, it was a more relaxed vibe. The thumping music and low lighting created an ambiance of celebration. I felt a buzz of excitement, and the eyes of other attendees kept turning our way. I wasn’t sure if it was me or Knox they were looking at.

People approached me several times to introduce themselves. It was almost like Knox was an afterthought. In a world where Knox was used to being in control, I relished the opportunity to be the one leading. It was a different kind of power, and I couldn’t deny the thrill. He was my boss and I had to fetch his coffee and whatever else he needed, but in this environment, I was equal to him.

As we settled into the party, a sea of faces surrounded us. The models who had invited us greeted us warmly, introducing us to their friends. I noticed Knox’s mood had taken a downward turn. He seemed moody, distant, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was on his mind.