Chapter 23
twenty-three
. . .
Brandon
I straighten my tie one more time as I check my watch. Six o'clock exactly. The FlixPix premiere starts at seven, and with LA traffic, we need to leave in the next ten minutes if we want to make it on time.
Last night keeps replaying in my head like a movie.
The way Stella felt in my arms on this very couch, how she tasted when I kissed her, and the soft sounds she made when my hands found their way under her sweater.
If her phone hadn't gone off, who knows if we would have stopped.
I've already had to take care of myself twice today just thinking about it.
I knock on the door to my bedroom, where she's been getting ready. “Stella? We need to head out soon.”
“Almost ready!” she calls back. “Just need help with my zipper.”
I push open the door and immediately forget how to breathe.
Stella is standing in front of my full-length mirror, dressed in a black dress.
It's elegant and sophisticated, hitting just above her knee, with a neckline that shows just enough to be interesting without being obvious.
Her hair is swept up in a way that shows off her neck, and she's wearing heels that make her legs look endless.
Christ. When did this happen? When did looking at Stella stop being casual and start making my mouth go dry?
We've known each other for a few years now, but it's only been since she moved across the hall that we've gotten really close.
And I've managed to keep things perfectly platonic this whole time.
But standing here, watching her smooth down the fabric of that dress, all I can think about is not zipping her up and instead sliding that dress off of her.
“Wow,” I manage. “You look—”
“Too much?” She turns toward me, suddenly uncertain, and the movement makes the dress shift in ways that definitely don't help my current situation. “I know it's more formal than usual, but I wanted to look the part tonight. Make a good impression for both of us.”
This is ridiculous. A week ago, she was just Stella. Now I'm standing here trying not to imagine what she's wearing under that dress, and I feel like an absolute jackass for it.
“You look perfect,” I say, my voice rougher than it should be. “Absolutely stunning.”
I'm so fucked.
A flush creeps up her neck at the compliment, and I'm reminded of how she responded to my touch last night, how she arched into me when my hands—
“Zipper?” she says, turning around and pulling her hair to one side.
I step behind her, trying to ignore how the scent of her perfume makes me want to lean closer, to press my lips to the spot where her neck curves into her shoulder. My fingers find the zipper at the base of her spine, and as I slowly pull it up, my knuckles brush against her skin with each inch.
“There,” I say, stepping back before I do something stupid like kiss her neck. “Ready to go charm some industry executives?”
“Ready,” she says, grabbing her clutch. “I'm pretty sure I can get us time with Helene tonight, and I really think this could be your in with her F1 series. She's building her stunt team now, and your racing background would be perfect.”
The fact that she's thinking about my career, that she's using her industry connections to help me transition, makes a calm feeling spread through me. “Thank you. For bringing me tonight, for everything you're doing to help.”
“That's what friends do for each other,” she says, her eyes focused on everything around her but me.
Friends. The word hangs between us, loaded with implications we're both avoiding.
I clear my throat. “We should get your mother.”
We cross the hall to Stella's apartment, where Caroline is waiting in the living room, looking elegant in a navy dress and pearls. She lights up when she sees us together.
“You look beautiful, Caroline,” I say, offering her my arm.
“Thank you,” she beams. “Stella, you're so lucky to have found such a gentleman.”
As we head toward the elevator, Caroline glances back with a smile. “You two look perfect together.”
Taking the cue, I catch Stella's hand and pull her closer.
“What are you—”
I cut her off by cupping her face and pressing my lips to hers.
It's meant to be quick, just a little show for her mother's benefit, but the moment our lips touch, the memory of last night comes rushing back. She melts into me immediately, her hands fisting in my jacket, and I have to force myself to pull away before we get carried away again.
“In case I forget to say it later, I really appreciate everything you are doing for me tonight.” I give her one more quick kiss.
“For your mother,” I murmur against her lips, though we both know it felt like much more than that.
“Right,” she breathes, her cheeks flushed. “For Mama.”
But as we follow Caroline into the elevator, I catch Stella touching her lips like she's trying to hold on to the feeling, and I wonder if any of this is an act for her anymore.
We make it to the theater with fifteen minutes to spare, just as the red carpet starts humming with camera flashes and shouted questions. Stella hooks her arm through mine as we approach the check-in table, her heels clicking in time with my steps.
She leans in to whisper something about how everyone suddenly turns into a red-carpet critic the second there’s a velvet rope, and I bite back a laugh as we move through the line.
We say a quick hello to Sophia, Grant, Jess, and Lucas, introducing her mother to our friends before we enter the lobby space.
“There's Ava,” Stella says, nodding toward the actress. Ava's hair is swept up in a glittery clip, and she's modeling an elegant black gown. I know Stella has been working hard to recalibrate her career. “And that's Helena talking to the producer near the step-and-repeat.”
Helena Voss is younger than I expected, maybe late thirties, with short, dark hair and the no-nonsense vibe of someone who's allergic to incompetence. She's deep in conversation with a man in an expensive suit, gesturing animatedly about something.
“She grew up around Formula One,” Stella explains quietly as we walk. “Her father was a pit crew chief for McLaren back in the day. This new series is apparently her love letter to that world.”
We make our way through the reception area, and Stella expertly navigates all of us toward different groups, introducing her mother and me to people whose names I try to remember. Her hand finds mine naturally as we move through the crowd.
“Stella, darling!” Ava approaches us with a warm smile. “You look absolutely stunning. And Brandon, how lovely to see you again.”
“Thank you, Ava. You look incredible yourself,” Stella says, her voice shifting into that client-facing tone she uses so easily—warm, confident, just this side of admiring. “You remember my mother, Caroline Rhodes.”
“Of course! Mrs. Rhodes, what a pleasure to see you again,” Ava says, extending her hand graciously.
“Such a pleasure to see you again,” Caroline says. “You look stunning this evening.”
“You're very kind,” Ava replies, then turns her attention back to us. “And how are you two lovebirds doing? Still in that adorable honeymoon phase, I see.”
Stella's hand grips my bicep as she leans in closer, and her other hand intertwines with mine like it's the most natural thing in the world. “We're wonderful, thank you.”
“Brandon, remind me what you do again?” Ava asks. “I remember Stella mentioning you work in the industry.”
“I'm a stuntman,” I say.
Her eyebrows lift with genuine interest. “How exciting. Actual fire and flips or more of the precision driving and fight choreography side?”
“A little of everything,” I say with a small laugh. “Lately, it's more wire work and fight scenes, but I've taken a flaming tackle or two.”
Stella cuts in, her hand squeezing mine as she speaks. “He's being modest. He's currently working on this incredible action film, doing some really complex stunt sequences. But he's also looking to transition into coordination work. That's actually part of why we're here tonight.”
I appreciate how she acknowledges my current work while positioning the transition as a strategic choice rather than a necessity. She makes it sound like I'm expanding my skill set rather than being forced to change direction because of physical limitations.
“Well, it's not hard to see why Stella's so proud of you,” Ava says with a knowing smile. “You two have that lovely glow that new couples get when they're completely smitten with each other.”
Caroline practically radiates approval beside us. “They really do, don't they? I keep telling them how perfect they are together.”
Ava's gaze flicks between us, taking in how Stella leans into me slightly, how my thumb traces across her knuckles without conscious thought. “Young love is such a beautiful thing. You can practically feel the chemistry between you two.”
I see Stella's cheeks redden, but then notice her catch sight of someone across the room. “Ava, I want you to meet someone. Do you see that man by the bar in the red tie? That's Alex Chen. He's a creative executive at Wonderland Studios.”
“Television?” Ava's nose wrinkles slightly.
“Comedy primarily, but he's working on some limited series and prestige projects. I think it would be good for you to meet him.”
“Stella, dear, I'm a film actress. I don't really do television. This was a onetime thing. A favor, really, for Helena.”
“I know,” Stella says patiently, “but we're going to diversify your portfolio a bit. Trust me.”
I watch as Stella expertly guides Ava toward Alex before making introductions with the kind of strategic thinking that reminds me why she's so good at her job. She's always three steps ahead, seeing opportunities that other people miss.
The lights flash, indicating it's time to take our seats. Stella reappears at my side, and Caroline joins us as we find our row.
“How did it go with Alex?” I ask as we find our seats.
“Good, I think. They're going to have coffee next week.” She settles into her seat, automatically handing me her purse to hold while she adjusts her dress.
“Oh, and I managed to get you a chance to say hi to Helena as soon as the show is over, but it will only be a three-minute window. Stay close and follow my lead.”
“You're amazing,” I tell her, and I mean it.
The lights dim, and we settle in just as the opening scene begins to roll.
Ava's cameo comes about halfway through—just two lines and a loaded glance—but she nails it.
And Helena? I didn't expect her direction to be this sharp.
Every beat feels deliberate, like she's got something to prove and the talent to back it up.
As the credits roll and people begin filing out, Stella turns to her mother. “Mama, we're going to say a quick hello to someone for Brandon's work. We'll meet you by the exit in just a few minutes.” Caroline nods approvingly, clearly pleased to see Stella supporting my career.
Stella grabs my hand and navigates us through the crowd toward Helena, who's surrounded by producers and network executives.
“Helena,” Stella says warmly as we approach, “congratulations. The premiere episode was incredible—sharp, compelling, and that final scene? I actually gasped.”
Helena's expression softens just slightly. “Appreciate that. We've pushed hard to get the tone just right.”
“You nailed it,” Stella says sincerely. Then, without missing a beat, she shifts gears. “I also wanted to introduce you to Brandon Grimaldi. He's one of the most talented stunt performers working right now, and with his racing background, I thought he might be a great resource for your F1 project.”
Helena turns toward me and offers a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you.”
“You, too,” I reply. “I really enjoyed the show. Congratulations.”
Her gaze is direct, with all her focus on me. “How long have you been in the business?”
“I've been doing stunt work for about fourteen years. I've worked on three racing films and understand both the practical and safety elements involved in automotive sequences.”
“Interesting,” she says, giving me a quick once-over like she's already plugging me into a shot list in her mind. “Stella, maybe you can set something up?”
“Of course,” Stella says, already slipping into follow-up mode.
And just like that, Helena's pulled away by a swarm of producers. Stella looks over at me with that signature I-know-what-I'm-doing smile—and yeah, she absolutely does.
“That was perfect,” she whispers as we move through the crowd toward the exit to find her mother.
But all I can think about is how perfect it feels to have her by my side.