I thought it was his way of ensuring I didn’t feel embarrassed and stood up, like last time.
Gathering up the hem of my white dress, I wove through the crowd to where Asha was speaking to a journalist and camera operator.
The dress shimmered with each step I took, its pale, sparkly fabric catching the light and creating a soft, ethereal glow. My lightly tanned skin contrasted with the delicate material, enhancing its radiance, while loose beach waves cascaded around my shoulders.
Asha’s eyes locked onto mine, and she waved me over. I hurried my steps, careful not to trip in my heels, and pulled her into a hug before pressing a quick peck on her cheek.
We twisted back to the camera, and the blinding spotlight focused on us. Before I could speak, Asha jumped in and gave my waist a light squeeze. “I’ll leave you with Matilda. She’s far more interesting than Iam.”
My head snapped in her direction.Traitor.
She winked and blew me a kiss before sauntering off in a trail of midnight-black hair and luscious curves.
Standing in front of flashing cameras and pressing journalists would only heighten my nerves.
“Hi, Matilda. How are you enjoying your evening?” The journalist held the microphone towardme.
“It’s good, thank you.” I turned my head over my shoulder, gazing at the packed room. “Everyone looks amazing, and it’s so nice to be back together. The studio has been feeling quieter and quieter with every week that passes.”
She nodded. “I bet. How does it feel to make it to the final? If my memory serves me right, this is the furthest you’ve madeit.”
“It feels incredible,” I told her honestly, but didn’t disclose that it was because of my partner that I’d enjoyed it so much. “It’s been a tiring season but so worthit.”
“And what about your rather handsome partner, Luca? Where is he tonight?”
“Did I hear ‘handsome’?” A limp arm dropped onto my shoulder as Mark’s pungent aftershave wafted into my personal space. I grimaced, discomfort slithering across my skin.
Despite the fact it would make great television, I fought the urge to knee him in the balls.
“You think I’m handsome, don’t you, Matilda?” Ugh, why was he sogross?
“We were talking about Luca.” A sardonic smile twisted my lips, and Mark’s eyes narrowed. I shrugged my shoulders, hoping to escape from under his arm without causing too much of a scene.
The journalist’s eyes flickered over our shoulders.
“Only saying good stuff, I hope, Stevens.” My heart almost burst in my chest when I heard the familiar voice. “If you could remove your arm from my girl’s shoulder, I’d appreciateit.”
I whipped around, and butterflies erupted in my stomach, drowning out the hum of the room.
He lookedgorgeous.
This,I thought,is Luca the movie star.Jet-black tailored tuxedo, perfectly tousled hair, and deliberate five o’clock shadow. He carried himself with an undeniable air of confidence that radiated from every pore.
And then hesmiled. I was a goner.
It was his full, dimpled smile that he reserved for the rarest occasions, and it was just forme.
That was, until his eyes returned to the arm over my shoulder. His lips pressed into a thin line, and he wasted no time picking Mark’s arm off me and dropping it like a dead fish.
Mark’s jaw tightened, his gaze narrowing as he flicked it to the camera and back. Luca raised an eyebrow and pushed his way between us. “I can take over from here, buddy.”
“Luca,” I breathed as he pressed a soft kiss on my cheek. My heart hammered at the contact, and though I knew it was for the camera, my body couldn’t discern the difference.
“Where have you been, Luca?” the journalist asked, leaving Mark to skulk off to his producer friends.
“I had an audition for a movie.” His arm snaked around my waist, hand resting casually against my hip. My skin tingled underneath his warm fingertips.
Her eyes widened, surprise splashed across her features. Jack hadn’t told her, then. “And? How did itgo?”
