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He went to the door and called for two makeup artists. They went to work; we were ready a few minutes later. Looking at ourselves in the mirror, we looked not just royal but like a couple made for each other.
He gave me his hand, “Shall we?”
My hand in his was my answer. We left the room and went behind the curtains. I adjusted my state of mind. I was no model. Walking down the runway with Karl, in front of a sea of people.Unnerving.The curtains parted and Karl took the lead. Hand in hand, we walked on the runway.
It was surreal. When we appeared, the guests rose to their feet and gave thunderous applause. Karl gave me a faint nod. Under the light, we walked confidently with regal poses. We moved in sync as if we shared one mind. At the end of the runway, we turned and walked back to the curtains. We stopped; the guests grew hushed, obviously waiting for something. Karl smiled and put his arms on my waist. I held my breath.
“May I?”
I put my gloved hand on his chest, indicating my consent. He leaned in and we kissed. It was light and chaste but still electrifying. The lights from the cameras overwhelmed us. We retreated behind the curtains.
“Mission accomplished,” I declared. It felt great being able to do this with Karl—a memory unique to both of us.
“After this, I want to take you somewhere special. More memories are to be made tonight.” His lips brushed my cheeks, and there was a mischievous look in his eyes. “Give me a moment. I need to meet with the guests after this.”
“Go, I’ll be waiting for you.” He left through a side door.
Unknowingly, I had a smile on my lips. It shocked me how happy I felt around him. It came easily.
Heading back to the dressing room, the designers helped me out of the dress and carefully put it back. I wore my own dress, then waited for Karl. He came back a while later. Helping him out of the suit, he put on his previous one.
“Things are dying down. We can leave now.” He held my hand and led me through another exit out of the building. We walked some distance away. Most of the photographers at the entrance were focused on the leaving guests. We reached his car. He helped me in and took his seat. The car purred to life, and he drove us through the illuminated streets of New York.
He was concentrating on the road, so I turned to watch him drive. He noticed this and asked, “What?”
“I like to see you focused. You’re handsome when you are,” I said, placing my hand on his thigh. I felt his muscles tense. Winking, he pulled my hand to his lips. I enjoyed the touch of them on my skin.
The car reached a quiet street that led to a beach resort. I was anticipating a surprise. When we reached the beach, he came to help me out. I took in the view. It was dark, but I could hear the sound of the waves. The air was cool against my face. Ahead was a resort decorated with lights–usually it was filled at this time. He must have booked it exclusively for us. Karl took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.
“Follow me.”
I trusted him. He led me to the building. The staff met us at the entrance and led us to a balcony overlooking the ocean. Much work had gone into decorating the place. There were glowing lights on the water and more scattered along the sand, creating a picturesque scene. He sat on the sofa and in front of him was a table adorned with seafood and exotic fruit. Karl took his seat and beckoned me to join him.
I took off the jacket, giving it to him. I removed my heels and sat close to him, placing my feet on the couch. He wrapped his arm around me, nuzzling my neck.
“This is a nice surprise.” It wasn’t the surprise I expected, but I would enjoy this time with him.
He brought a slice of a fruit to my lips; I took one half while he took the other. We ate our pieces before bringing our lips together. We kissed, he licked my lips and bit lightly on the lower one. My toes curled at the way his arm held me. He gripped my ass. We broke apart. My face was flushed, and I was breathing hard.
His finger traced the outline of my lip as he spoke. “I have tried to avoid you, and I’m tired of it. I now know what my feelings for you are. I would be a fool to deny it, Marie. Each day, I feel like I’m living for you. My life is more exciting when I’m around you. I often do things without thinking it through. No woman has such control over me, but you.”
I was enraptured, hanging onto his every word. I could hear my heart beating hard and fast.
“You are in my every waking thought, plaguing my nights and daytime actions. I don’t want to play games; I can’t hide the way I feel about you anymore. I’m in love with you, Marie. You don’t have to say anything back. I just want to ask you officially, would you be mine.”
I didn’t have to think too hard about it. I’d been waiting a long time to hear him say that.Karl, I think I love you too.I couldn’t say that just yet.Was it right to say I love you this early in our relationship?I wondered. I bathed in the endearing look in his eyes. The longer I took, the more his face fell. The hope in his eyes dimmed.
“Karl, I want to be your girlfriend, but your…I don’t know what to call her. Your ex or the mother of your son. I feel like I’m an afterthought in your life.”
The tender atmosphere suddenly shattered. I suddenly felt the chill in the air. I thought he’d rise and leave, but he sighed, closing his eyes.You’ve spoiled a good thing, Marie. Not again,I cried internally.
Chapter 20
KARL
Iguessitwastime to tell the truth to Marie. She deserved it if she was going to be with me. I smiled to ease the worry creeping into her eyes. Rising from the seat, I stood close to the balcony railing. Breathing in deeply, I spoke. “Laura is my ex, and she is not the mother of my child. She’s a liar and a manipulator. I almost fell for the lie when she came to me, claiming to be his mom.”
Marie walked up beside me, staying close, due to the night chill. She was studying my face with a blank expression. “I love my son, Jason, and it has been one of my greatest regrets not to give him a mom. It must sound absurd to you, but when I was younger, I was a playboy. You might think I still am.”
