Spotlight (44 page)

“You’re going to get my lipstick all over you,” she said as he reached for her.

“Don’t care,” Nate whispered a split second before his lips met Lily’s.

A few minutes later, they faced the vanity mirror side by side as Lily reapplied her lipstick and Nate wiped the remainder off his lips with a tissue.

“That was quite a greeting,” she said with a lazy smile.

He winked at her. “What can I say, love? You inspire me.”

Lily’s smile grew when she heard his term of endearment. “It’s been a long time since you’ve called me that.”

“I know,” he said with a serious tone. “But . . . I want that again. I want you back.”

Lily met his eyes in the mirror before wrapping her arms around his neck. “Good,” she whispered in his ear. “Because I want that, too.”

At her declaration, his arms wound around her waist, lifting, and spinning her in a small circle. “I’m so happy to hear you say that.”

She tightened her arms around his neck. “I was just waiting for you.”

He placed her back on the ground and sat on the edge of the king-size bed, pulling her between his knees. His hands remained on her hips, holding her steady as he looked up at her. “I truly do love you, you know.”

Lily placed her hands on his cheeks as tears filled her eyes. “I do. And I love you, too, Mr. Brennan.”

He grinned and stood, then pecked her lips one more time. “Good to know. Now will you do me the honor of joining me for a night out on the town?”

Lily laughed as she took his offered elbow.

Once they reached the venue, Lily and Nate focused solely on business. Their fingers remained entwined throughout the cab ride, and Nate even held her hand as they entered the building. But when they crossed the door, their minds were on the job before them.

“Daniel is scheduled to arrive and walk the carpet at 6:00 p.m.,” Nate said as they entered the press area. “I’m going to check in with him while you check in with the studio’s publicity team. Why don’t we meet in the lobby at five?”

Lily nodded and moved to kiss his cheek. “See you then.”

She spent the next hour or so memorizing where each media outlet was stationed while Nate finalized Daniel’s schedule. At five they were as prepared as they could be.

“Hey, beautiful,” Nate said when he reached Lily in the lobby. “Ready?”

Lily grinned. “As I’ll ever be!”

Lily noticed her heart speed as they stepped into the chaos. It wasn’t that she was nervous. She felt confident that she belonged here. Instead, she found the excitement of the crowd seeping into her own system. The adrenaline spike served its purpose, though. She’d have enough energy to last well beyond the event.

She waited with Nate near the drop-off area for limos at the opposite end of the red carpet. Fifteen minutes later, the security team let Nate know that Daniel’s limo was next in line. When Nate leaned over to whisper that information in Lily’s ears, she glanced behind her, letting a wide smile spread across her face. She knew a deafening roar would erupt as soon as Daniel’s name was announced.

Lily became Nate’s shadow as he moved to open the limo door. The crowd screamed as Daniel stepped out and shook Nate’s hand.

Few people except Lily noticed a certain actress in a steel gray, strapless, knee-length gown and matching platform pumps with red soles gracefully exit the limo. Lily gave her a subtle wave as she made her way into the theater through a side entrance.

After a quick word with Nate, Daniel kissed Lily’s cheek, causing her to blush.

“It’s good to see you smile,” he said close to her ear.

Lily simply shrugged and grinned. “Yeah, well, making up with your boyfriend will do that to a girl.”

Daniel chuckled. “Well, it’s about damn time.”

“I heard that,” Nate said, surprising them both.

Daniel rolled his eyes. “I meant for you to hear it. All right, time to get started.”

Nate and Lily didn’t even try to stop Daniel from crossing the street to the barricades.

Half an hour—and countless autographs and fan photos—later, Nate dragged an unwilling Daniel back to the press line.

It didn’t take long for him to fall into the rhythm of question and answer, nor did it take long for Lily to fall into the rhythm of taking notes about his interviews. Before she knew it, they’d reached the end of the red carpet. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Daniel give one last wave before walking into the theater.

Lily finally took a deep breath, feeling like she’d run a marathon.

Nate wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her toward him. “Thank you,” he said, kissing her temple.

Lily leaned into him, snaking her arm around his waist. “You’re more than welcome. Now let’s go watch this movie. I can’t wait to see it again!”

Nate couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

This time, watching a premiere with Nate proved to be a completely different experience. There still seemed to be a static charge between the two as soon as the lights lowered. He took her hand when they took their seats and accepted her embrace when she leaned toward him. They could have been any couple enjoying a movie, making Lily feel like things really were back to the way they should be.

As the lights came up, Lily sighed with contentment.

“That was just amazing the second time around,” Lily commented as they waited for the theater to clear. “Now I’m more than a little sad there won’t be any more Pierce movies. What a way to end the series!”

“So I take it we can expect a positive review from FilmInsanity.com?” Nate asked in a serious—and slightly sarcastic—tone.

Lily burst into laughter before hitting Nate on the shoulder. “You already know that I think Daniel is a tremendously talented actor. But his performance in this one was . . . incredible.”

“Well, let’s go celebrate my client’s accomplishment . . . and party at the studio’s expense!”

Lily smiled as Nate led her toward the exit. “We do have quite a bit to be happy about.”

By the time Nate and Lily arrived, the after-party was in full swing. The champagne flowed into vintage saucers while a jazz group played on the stage, recreating the feel of a 1920s speakeasy. It was lush, lavish, and over-the-top. Lily couldn’t imagine a more appropriate theme for a night out in New York City.

They each took a glass of champagne from one of the waiters as Daniel motioned for them to join him.

“Daniel, the movie is simply . . . wonderful,” Lily said as she sat beside him. “Congratulations!”

It surprised Lily to see his cheeks warm with a slight blush. “Thank you, Lily. That means a lot to me.”

She smiled. “Well, get used to it, because I think you’re going to get tons of praise for this one.”

“To Daniel,” Nate said, raising his glass. “Thank you for making my job so much easier!”

Daniel laughed, causing the corners of his eyes to crinkle in amusement. “Glad I could help.” He and Lily raised their own glasses, and the three toasted to the success of the movie.

The rest of the night proved to be a mix of business and pleasure. Nate and Lily both took opportunities to work the crowd, taking time to speak to important industry executives. Lily came away with several story ideas, and Nate made sure to spread the word about his young client’s film.

All in all, the evening was a raging success.

At one point, Lily excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. As she powdered her nose and reapplied her lipstick in the sitting area, she heard the heavy wooden door open. She grinned when she saw who entered the room.

“Nate said I might find you in here,” Sam stated. “We haven’t had a chance to catch up, and I wanted to say hello.”

Lily stood and gave her friend a hesitant hug. “I wasn’t sure you’d want to talk to me.”

She sighed as both women sat on the extravagant chaise. “Of course I want to talk to you, Lily. We’re still friends! I don’t blame you for what happened any more than Daniel does.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Daniel and I both know that paparazzi shots are
always
a possibility. Maybe we should have been more careful.”

Lily shook her head. “The two of you shouldn’t have to live with that fear hanging over your heads.”

The actress’ elegant shoulders shrugged in reluctant acceptance. “All we can do is keep things to ourselves as much as possible. We can’t control everything—as much as Daniel would like to think he can.” She regarded Lily carefully. “To be honest, I’ve been much more worried about you and Nate.”

The corners of Lily’s mouth lifted. “Nate and I are . . . much better. We’re officially back together.”

“Really? That’s fantastic news! No wonder you look so happy.”

“I am, actually. Really happy.”

“Aww . . . young love. How sweet!” she said as she wrapped a slender arm around Lily’s shoulders. “Come tell me that again after years of him snoring, leaving clothes everywhere, and hogging the remote.”

Her knowing glance caused Lily to let out a terribly unladylike guffaw.

“You know what? I can’t wait!”

“Spoken like a woman truly in love. Come on. Let’s go dazzle our men.”

It didn’t take long for Lily to spot Nate. It was the wee, small hours of the morning, and the crowd had thinned significantly. His gaze found hers as soon as she entered the room.

The way he crossed the ballroom reminded Lily of the last after-party they attended. But his touch was gentle when he finally reached her.

“Dance with me,” he requested softly as his right hand caressed her cheek.

Lily smirked. “They’re not playing a tango.”

Nate chuckled, placing his forehead against hers. “Doesn’t matter. It’s just an excuse to hold you in my arms.”

“Well, when you put it like that . . . lead the way.”

Nate guided her to the dance floor while the band started to play Edith Piaf’s
La Vie en Rose
. Lily sighed, laying her cheek on Nate’s broad chest. His arms wrapped around her, holding her to him. His hands ran soothingly up and down her back as they swayed to the seductive song.

“If this is life through rose-colored glasses, then I don’t ever want to take them off,” Lily whispered.

Nate pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I promise to do my best to always make your life a little rosier.”

Lily grinned. “That might just be the sweetest thing anyone has said to me.”

“Well, I’m not going to let anything come between us again.”

“I like the sound of that.”

By the time Nate and Lily returned to their hotel, neither one of them wanted the night to end. Lily tried to think of excuses to make the evening last a little longer as they walked hand in hand to her room. When they reached her door, she said what was on her mind.

“Stay.”

Her request was quiet but full of emotion.

“Are you sure?” His tone was hesitant, but his actions were not as he backed her against the door.

Lily slid her palms up his chest. “Absolutely certain. It’s been too long since I’ve woken up next to you.”