He kisses my neck again. It’s divine, but we have to leave now or we’ll never get out of this room and will miss the entire evening. I break free from his grip.
“Come on, we have to leave, love,” I say.
I grab my clutch and look for the matching shoes.
“Is that the first time you’ve called me love?” Andreas chuckles. He sounds so damn adorable.
I flash him a big smile and look at him lovingly.
Chapter 19
Andreas
I don’t know what I would have done with myself in any other scenario tonight. She’s careful and somewhat awkward in the high heels on the stairs. I need to make sure she doesn’t fall tonight and doesn’t reinjure that shoulder, or anything else. I take her hand and guide her outside where Nathan and Eric are waiting for us by the car. Their eyes light up when they see us coming out together. I realize they’ve also been carrying some of my tension and are relieved that Nora and I have found our way back to each other. Either that, or they’re just glad to finally be rid of my foul mood—that’s also a possibility.
Nora throws her arms around Eric and gives him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Even though I trust those two one hundred percent and should be happy they get along so well, they’d better let go of each other soon. Nathan also gets a kiss on the cheek.
“Good to see you again, Nora,” Eric says, “I’m glad Andreas has come to his senses.”
He grins and winks at her. Eric is genuinely happy for us, but I know now that behind that cheerfulness lies a deep personal sorrow. I feel for my best friend.
“Thank you, Eric, for everything,” Nora says emotionally.
“Let’s get going before we’re really late,” I say before those two can start hugging again.
Nathan takes the wheel, Eric sits beside him, and Nora and I slide into the backseat. She immediately rests her head on my shoulder and laces her fingers through mine. I place my hand on her thigh. Through the high slit in her dress, my fingers slip against bare skin. Her eyes flicker up to mine.
“Not now, Andreas!” she whispers sternly.
She’s probably right, but resisting her is difficult if not impossible. Once we’re together, it feels like a waste not to touch her. She’s merciless, taking my hand and firmly keeping it in place.
* * *
The event is taking place in the grand hall of the Kursaal in Ostend. Everyone who’s anyone in Flanders is invited—the business world, film industry, and countless members of the media. A ticket for the dinner is absurdly expensive, but the proceeds go entirely to a good cause in Max’s name. I’m glad to have Nora by my side because the loss of Max is still fresh. This could be a tough night.
“Are you ready? The red carpet is going to be overwhelming, I’m afraid.” I’m probably projecting some of my own feelings onto her.
“Just stay with me, and I’ll be fine.” She laughs a little nervously and squeezes my hand.
I have no doubts she’ll shine tonight, and I have something special planned for her. I squeeze her hand gently. When we arrive, Nathan parks near the entrance just before the red carpet. We step out, along with Eric, and are immediately blinded by a sea of flashing cameras. The press devours it. A few weeks ago, they hardly knew Max even existed, let alone anything about his death. Today, they want to know everything—and they’ll get it. Nora as a free bonus. I don’t know how this has become such a massive event, but Levi’s endless enthusiasm and our massive network made sure of it.
I hold Nora tightly around the waist as we push through the throng of reporters screaming for attention. Halfway down the red carpet, I stop. I feel Nora tremble beneath my hands. I meet her eyes, turning her toward me. A smile blooms on her face as I press my lips to hers, feeling her relax in my arms. This is my answer to the media: Nora belongs to me. I’m beyond happy to have her by my side.
Inside, I lead Nora straight to our table at the front of the hall.
“Andreas!” she exclaims when she sees our table and the people sitting there. Anna, Melvin, Dennis, Levi, Eric, Elena, and Ella are joining us at the table tonight. “How did you manage that?” she asks, amazed.
“I didn’t have to convince anyone,” I say with a shrug.
The next moment, she’s throwing herself into their arms, hugging and kissing them. I follow, shaking hands, thanking them for coming. Dennis gives me a cool glare. He still needs convincing, and I don’t blame him for that.
“How did you know I’d come?” Nora asks Anna.
“I didn’t, but I was here just in case,” she replies. “I really couldn’t influence your decision, but I’m glad you came, Nora.”
She hugs Nora tightly, then turns to me. Her brow furrows, and she glares with narrowed eyes. “And you, Andreas…” She pauses, as if weighing her next words. “You better start using your head from now on!” A stern finger points at me.
I wouldn’t want to cross a pregnant woman. I offer her a charming smile and assure her I’ll take good care of Nora.
