Ryan’s hand was pulled out of mine as Jared lifted him up. “Sorry I was late, gorgeous,” he said, quickly kissing the top of my hair. “Let’s go.”
A huge sigh of relief poured out of me. I knew he’d make it, but that had been cutting it very close. As the second last family left the stage, the four of us took our position at the big X on the floor.
“Smile,” I said, giving Corbin’s hand a shake.
For a split second, I didn’t know if my feet would propel me down the runway. Then Jared’s fingers gripped mine. “My darling, shall we go for a walk?”
Slowly strolling down the catwalk to the music of the latest kid’s TV show, I was able to look around the room at the smiling faces. Perhaps it was a blessing that Jessie burnt out on high fashion, and switched to her family clothing line.
It was an instant hit. Simple, comfortable clothing with the clean lines and luxurious fabrics a billionaire would wear. But the price point wasn’t too outrageous for the average working family.
I’d been wearing the new line for the past year, and it was a huge hit at work. We couldn’t keep enough in stock.
With my promotion to manager, then regional manager, it had been easy to pitch Jessie’s new line to head office. The se
asonal trial had instantly turned into every store begging for more of her products.
As we reached the end of the runway, we paused for the rather quiet group of a dozen photographers. The lights and music volume were much more reasonable at this show, since there were small children present. It was also nice to see so many fellow moms already wearing Jessie’s incredibly durable clothing.
Jared squeezed my hand, and I looked up to stare into those sexy midnight eyes. He set Ryan down, guiding Corbin so that the two boys stood in front of us.
“Just a second, guys,” Jared said. “I need to re-create one of my favorite memories of all time.”
My heart fluttered as he bent me over his arm. People probably thought I was crazy as I tossed my imaginary bouquet overhead, then brought my fingers to the side of Jared’s rugged jaw.
His kiss was just as soft, just as seductive. But now the shimmering emotions surrounding us were so much deeper.
As the camera flashes went off around us, the entire room heard Corbin’s disgusted voice. “Mommy and Daddy, that’s gross!”
Even through our kiss, we laughed together as his hand slipped down my side and he set me back on my feet. “You’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Jared murmured into my ear. “I love you.”
“I love you,” I whispered, nuzzling his neck for just a second before taking Corbin’s hand again.
This time, as we left the stage, I was genuinely proud of my performance. From the absolutely delighted look on Jessie’s face, she was happy as well.
“Take the kids,” Jared said quickly. He grabbed his sister’s arm, marching her down the catwalk to take a bow.
I loved that he played the part of a billionaire for his little sister years ago. It was clear that Jared found modeling embarrassing and awkward, but he would go to any lengths to care for the women in his life. My tough guy was finally acknowledging his tender side, which brought a little more balance for both of us.
As Jessie and Jared returned to the wings for a big sloppy family hug, It felt like everything had come full circle. Our meeting had been accidental, but our love had been strong from the very start.
Jared’s eyes caught mine over Jessie’s head as he whispered, “Pizza tonight so we can all go to bed early.”
Nodding, I knew exactly what he meant, as his fingers curled around mine. The reenactment of our first kiss made his eyes blaze, and my desire spiked through the roof of the echoing warehouse.
It was clear that we’d be reenacting several more favorite memories all night long.
***