Chapter 68 #2
Our shared laughter is contagious, filling the room with joy. The photographer, still chuckling, suggests Knox join me, but neither of us can stop laughing long enough to pose.
“These pictures are perfect,” he grins, continuing to snap photos. We’re caught in a moment of shared hilarity, and I duck behind the oversized cover of Knox, giggling to myself.
The room is filled with laughter, and I can’t seem to stop. I circle back around, trying to suppress my giggles but failing miserably.
“Stop it, Knox! This is all your fault,” I accuse, pointing at him through my laughter.
“I’ll stop when you stop, baby doll! It’s not my fault this picture of me makes you nervous!”
“Nervous?” I laugh, throwing my head back. “I see this in Savannah every day, Carter,” I point to his picture, “It’s nothing special,” I tease. The camera continues to flash in front of us.
“Ouch! Well, then why are you laughing?” He asks, a broad smile on his face. “I have no idea!” I laugh even harder, setting off another round of laughter in the room. I bury my face in my hands, laughing uncontrollably.
I apologize once more to the photographer, who is thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. He shakes his head, laughing, “No, no, this is great! I’m getting fantastic shots of you two!”
Eventually, my laughter subsides, and I manage to pose for a proper smile. The photographer assures us he has everything he needs and gives us a thumbs up.
“I’m sorry about all the laughing. I was just nervous, I’ve never done anything like this before. I hope you got some good shots, even though I probably ruined most of them!” I giggle nervously.
“No, honestly, I got a lot of amazing shots of the two of you. You’re a very humble girl, it shows in the photos. Thank you for making this fun for me!” He takes my hand, kissing the back of it.
We’re then escorted into another room filled with people and tables, a brightly lit stage at the front. As we’re led to a table surrounded by actors and actresses, I’m star-struck by the number of famous faces.
We take our seats, and Knox scoots his chair close to mine, whispering, “You were so adorable in there, baby doll.”
I roll my eyes and smile at him, “I honestly don’t know what came over me, I couldn’t stop.”
“I tend to have that effect on people,” he winks, leaning back as the event begins.
The night is going well, the food is delicious, and the dessert—chocolate cake smothered in hot chocolate sauce—is divine.
“This cake is giving me a foodgasm,” I moan, rolling my eyes back in pleasure.
Someone clears their throat, and I see Knox smirking at me. He leans over, whispering seductively, “That’s not what your face looks like when you orgasm, baby doll,” sending a shiver down my spine.
I swat his arm, but he only pulls away slightly, the warmth of his skin radiating onto mine.
“Stop! Don’t say things like that in public, Knox,” I scold him, continuing to savor my dessert.
“Why, are you turned on?”
“Are you?” I challenge him. “Baby doll, I’ve been turned on since you walked out in that dress from your room earlier today. So yes, I am turned on, even more so right now,” he flirts. I need to get used to this side of him. My eyes widen as I chew on the cake in my mouth.
“I-I need to get used to this side of you. Honestly, I’m waiting for an insult and then a fight to erupt between us....” I blurt out. I’m not used to him flirting with me, it’s still strange.
I’ve been used to a different Knox, one I’ve avoided most of the time, and now a completely different person sits beside me.
The same person who took me out on a date last night. The same person who compliments me instead of insults me. The same one who I kiss every so often and I like it.
“I know, baby doll, look, I’m sorry if I’m coming on strong tonight... I just—you look amazing. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable around me, I’ll tone down the sexual stuff if you want?”
I laugh a little and look down at my plate, nodding as I consider his words.
The night carries on, and I lean back in my chair, feeling Knox’s arm on the back of it. His fingers brush against my bare skin every so often during the presentation of the awards.
“Finally, the one award that everyone here is waiting for tonight...
He is currently the quarterback for the Giants football team right here in New York, MVP this year leading his team to another Super Bowl win in Texas.
And he is adored worldwide by the female population for his talent, charm, and extremely good looks.
“Ladies and gentlemen, for the third year running, he’s been voted the sexiest man alive. People Magazine couldn’t be more thrilled to present this award to him. Please welcome the sexiest man alive, Knox Carter!”
The room erupts in applause, and people rise to their feet. I follow suit, placing my napkin on the table. As he stands, he leans in to kiss my cheek, causing a blush to spread across my face.
He strides towards the stage, shaking hands along the way. Once he reaches the podium, he accepts the award from the presenter with a charming kiss on her cheek. He then turns to the microphone to express his gratitude.
“Thank you, People Magazine, for agreeing with me that I am, indeed, the sexiest man alive. I’m kidding, of course, but I am truly flattered. I’d like to thank my parents for—”
His speech, which I know he’s improvising, elicits laughter from the crowd.
“I’d also like to thank my fans who have supported me throughout my career.
But most importantly, I’d like to thank Alex for being here tonight.
Without her, I’d be a stuttering mess up here.
So, thank you, everyone. Enjoy the rest of your evening! ”
He raises the award above his head, flashing his swoon-worthy smile, before exiting the stage for a photo op.
For the next fifteen minutes, he’s swarmed by adoring fans wanting to talk and take pictures with him. He seems completely in his element.
His agent, Ellie, sits next to me, keeping me company as I sit alone at our table. “Did you enjoy your evening?” she asks, settling into the seat Knox just vacated.
“Actually, I did! I was nervous at first, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I hope you had a good time too and weren’t working too hard.”
“That’s great to hear! Knox asked me to check on you throughout the night. And yes, the food was amazing!” She rolls her eyes in delight.
“Don’t even get me started on the food! It was delicious. And Knox is too protective for his own good. He and my brothers have always been like that.”
Ellie leans in closer, as if about to share a secret. “How did the date go? You should’ve seen him planning it. He was sweating bullets trying to make everything perfect!”
“Oh, I didn’t know you knew about it?”
“Don’t worry, my lips are sealed! I won’t tell a soul. And for the record, I like you better than Lauren. She was a real pain in my ass. But tell me, did he do well? He wouldn’t let me or Derek help him.”
Derek is his manager for sports-related matters, while Ellie handles his social and public affairs.
“He did really well, actually. Better than I expected. It’s strange to see this side of him.
I’m so used to the rude, mean, and insulting Knox.
But it was nice to see him put in such an effort.
It surprised me, but in a good way. I didn’t know he could be such a romantic.
I’m only seeing this side of him fourteen years later.
I never knew he liked me or saw me in that way.
It’s something I’ll have to get used to. ..”
“I’m glad you liked it. He put a lot of thought and effort into it.
He told me to keep any stories about you out of the tabloids and said he’d pay off the magazines to stop them from publishing anything.
So far, none have come up, so don’t worry.
He’s always been a softy when it comes to you.
He’s always spoken highly of you over the years—”
“Hey, you guys alright? I was thinking of heading back to my condo. You want to leave or stay awhile?” Knox interrupts our girl talk.
“I could head back. My feet are killing me!” I whine, rubbing the balls of my feet. He takes my hand and helps me to my feet, and I wince a little from the pain.
I thank Ellie and tell her how helpful she’s been over the past few days. We hug goodbye before stepping into the car we arrived in, leaving the middle row free. The driver keeps his eyes focused on the road as I slip off my shoes and wiggle my toes.
Knox leans over the middle seats and pulls down a divider between us and the driver. “I could use some privacy right now,” he informs me, looking out the window at the passing city lights.