When my orgasm comes, it’s long and drawn out, and I let out deep groans as Grace’s walls squeeze my cock, milking it of every drop of cum. I want to stay buried in her forever, but the angle is awkward, and I settle for having her in my arms.
“That was great,” she says.
I raise an eyebrow. “Great?”
She laughs. “OK. Wonderful, superb, the best …”
“That’s better.” I touch her cheek. “You’re officially my woman.”
She covers my hand with hers. “I like being your woman.”
I lean forward to capture her mouth in a kiss. I thank my lucky stars for the day I walked into Fire Station 255. I shudder inwardly as I think of how easy it would have been to miss crossing paths with Grace.
Chapter 24
Grace
“You look like a little kid being taken to a toy store,” Kyle laughingly says.
“That’s how I feel.”
It was Kyle’s idea to drive me down to the gallery to tour where my artwork will be displayed. I can’t sit still in the car, and I keep imagining my paintings hanging up for people to see and buy them. It’s exhilarating and frightening.
The only sad thing is that I can’t share the news with my mother. It’s been a week since we exchanged words, and though we’ve spoken once, the conversation was stilted and just a formality to check on each other. It saddens me that our relationship has deteriorated so rapidly.
Still, I’m not willing to do what she asks and end my relationship with Kyle. I’m not twelve years old, and even though I’m making a mistake, it’s my mistake, and I’m the one who’ll have to live with it. I expect support from my parents, not condemnation.
I understand where they’re coming from, having been in the same place myself. Looking back, I can’t believe the blanket judgment I had for everyone in the public eye. It was an unfair conclusion to reach that all celebrities are party animals, unfaithful, and irresponsible.
One good thing that has come out of this week is that the media attention in me has waned. They’ve moved on to other people and scandals, and I’m glad they have stopped camping outside Kyle’s gate. I’ve even managed to pop into my apartment to check on things.
It’s been the most amazing week getting to know Kyle with no interruptions apart from our work. We’ve been like a regular couple with him going off for final wardrobe fittings and pre-shoots, and I, of course, working on my painting.
“Hey before I forget, the award show is in a few days,” Kyle says. “I’d really love it if you came as my date. Everyone knows about us; there’s no harm, is there?”
I take a deep breath and give him a shaky smile. I’ve lived my life privately for years, and when asked to go out in public, I default to the Grace, who would do anything to keep herself from the public eye. “I don’t have a dress.” I can’t believe that’s the best excuse I could come up with. I sound like a child.
Kyle smiles indulgently. “I’m sure we can find a way around that.”
It dawns on me how unfair I would be if I refused. I can’t date Kyle and insist on privacy when he’s a movie star. It’s not only unfair; it’s naïve. I need to accept Kyle for who he is and support him in his work, just as he has been supporting me in mine.
I smile widely. “Okay, the answer’s yes.”
He wears a skeptical look. “That smile is as fake as they come, but I’ll take it.”
I let out a genuine laugh.
Kyle takes my hand and stares at me solemnly. “I’m very proud of you. I know how hard it is for you.” He turns my hand around and kisses it. “Thank you.”
I turn to mush. I’m too emotional to respond, but I don’t need to as the car slows down. I peer out and stare at the gallery. It’s huge. A lot bigger than I expected, and my heart pounds crazily in my chest. I suddenly feel like an imposter. Solo shows are for famous artists, not amateurs like me who have never even shown their art to more than five people. The car glides to a stop, and Ethan cuts off the engine. Terror grips my insides, and all I want is to turn back and go back home.
“Hey, you look as white as chalk,” Kyle says gently.
I stare at him. “I think this was a bad idea. I’m not ready for a solo show.”
“Imposter syndrome?” Kyle says softly. “I get it too sometimes, just before we start filming, and I have to remind myself that the casting director knew what he was doing when he gave me the role.”
Kyle is so cool and composed. It’s near impossible to think of him as insecure about his talent. Everyone knows how gifted he is.