“Yeah. I thought so too.” I step into his space, sliding my hands over his chest, and crane my neck to look up into his face. “Then I decided that was pretty much the stupidest idea ever.”
“Oh, really?” He chuckles and the sound warms me down to my toes.
“Yes, really.” I stretch up and brush my lips against his, not caring about the zillion camera shutters clicking down all around us, barely hearing the collecting gasp from the crowd as they take in the sight of me kissing the man I love for all the world to see. “I love you, Wyatt. I’m not going to pretend I don’t just to sell movie tickets or promote my career. I’m not going to do that for anything in the world.”
He doesn’t say anything. He just presses a kiss to my forehead, then laces his hand with mine and squeezes tightly.
“Plus,” I tease softly. “You look super hot in that tux. I can’t promise I’ll be able to keep my hands off you all night…”
“Katharine.”
“What?” I say innocently.
“Behave.”
“If only I knew how…”
He shakes his head in amusement and starts walking. Hands clasped, we make our way to the towering theatre doors. There’s nothing forced about my smile anymore, as we pose for the press for picture after picture, pretending not to hear the questions they hurl at us.
What does this mean for the baby?
How long have you two been together?
With the man I love at my side, and the whole world finally aware of it, all is right in my universe.
Katharine Firestone and Wyatt Hastings are indisputably, undeniably, irrevocably together.
Nothing anyone says or does tonight can burst the happy glow shining inside me like a beacon, lighting me up from the inside out.
* * *
The night is aboutas perfect as I could’ve hoped for. The first ever full screening ofUnchartedis met with resounding applause. I sit wedged between Sloan and Wyatt, tears in my eyes as Violet and Beck’s story plays out on the screen before us. It’s an indescribable feeling, to be part of something so beautiful.
When the credits roll, I look at the man who owns my heart, filled with so much pride I want to burst.
“You created that,” I whisper, low enough that only he can hear. “You. Your characters. Your story. Your book.”
He glances at me. “And you brought it to life.”
A perfect balance.
“Don’t you think it’s time you gave up your secrets,Tywin?” My eyes are teasing, but I couldn’t be more serious. “Don’t you want the credit you’re owed? The recognition you deserve?”
“I don’t need the credit. I don’t need the recognition.” He leans over and kisses me. “I already have everything I’ve ever wanted.”
There are still several more movies to be screened, plus a slew of afterparties scheduled that will rage late into the night. I know I should put in an appearance, but after we make the rounds through the theatre and I’m introduced to what must be every living soul in the Screen Actors Guild, I’m starting to fade. Wyatt, ever perceptive, takes notice.
“You don’t have to stay. We can go any time you want.”
“No! No. I don’t want to drag you away.”
“I’m happy to leave with you, baby.” He shrugs. “This stuff… it’s all the same, after a while.”
“This is your movie, Wyatt Hastings,” I insist. “Enjoy your moment. Stay. I’ll have Masters take me home.”
His brows lift. “My home or your home?”
I go still, realizing my slip-up, and feel my cheeks get red. “Myhome. Obviously.”