Chapter 19

My steps faltered and my heart stopped as my eyes stayed glued to my phone screen. More specifically, the single message that had just appeared in my inbox, sitting unread as my mind began to jumble with nerves.

This was it.

Holding my breath, I tapped the screen and opened the e-mail.

Zoe Hamilton,

During our interview with you earlier this week, I was pleased to see that you were well prepared and enthusiastic about working for our journal. My team and I have reviewed the sample articles that you left, and I must say, for such a young mind, you do have a way of making history come alive. I especially enjoyed reading your take on life after war, the piece you centered on war veterans.

It is because of this, and more, that I am happy to extend an offer to work with us here at The Historical Press during your upcoming placement. We will also be considering you for a full-time position upon your graduation if the next few months run smoothly.

Please contact me with your decision as soon as possible so we can work out a few minor details. I can be reached by this e-mail address or by the phone number listed below during our regular work hours.

Sincerely,

Caroline Harley

Head Editor, The Historical Press

I skimmed over the e-mail once more, making sure that my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. As it slowly started to sink in that I'd landed the job, a smile bloomed on my face. Barely able to contain the thrill of excitement that spread through me, I took a screenshot of the e-mail and sent it out to Emily and Ryan.

Seeing the time at the top of my screen, I realized that, by reading my e-mail, I'd accidentally made myself late for my last class of the day. Pocketing my phone, I sped up my pace until the building I was heading towards come into view.

The classroom for my Social History course was small, as less than 50 people were registered for the class. I was very much aware that several of my classmate's eyes were veering away from the professor as I opened the door at the back of the class, slipping in five minutes late. Ducking my head, I avoided the amused look my professor was giving me as I quickly spotted a free seat near the back of the classroom. Walking down the row, I avoided the backpacks that had been carelessly left in the aisle, pulling out the empty chair before beginning to tune in to the lecture.

An hour later, I had three pages full of notes focusing on immigration into America in the early 19th century. Tuning out the professor for a moment, I uncapped a highlighter and went over the important dates that I figured I would have to memorize.

"Zoe Hamilton?"

Startled, my hand jolted across the page, causing a frown to develop on my features as I noticed the bright yellow line that trailed halfway across my page.

When I realized that I'd once again heard my name, my head popped up curiously, letting my gaze travel around the room before it landed on a woman standing by the door. She looked to be in her mid-30s, but I couldn't remember a time when I'd ever met her.

"Yes?" I spoke up hesitantly, suddenly conscious of my classmates looking back at me.

It was after I replied that I realized the reason she was there. More so, what she was holding in her hands. It was a beautiful bouquet comprised of red and pink roses, and the sight of it made my heart catch in my throat.

Standing up, I made my way to the front of the room, embarrassed as I felt everyone's attention on my back.

"These were left for you at the undergrad office," the woman stated, a sweet smile on her face. She passed the bouquet over to me, nodding to the card that was placed amongst the flowers. "Someone surely couldn't wait until tonight."

A flush spread across the apples of my cheeks as I took the flowers, nodding at the woman before returning to my seat. "Now, back to what I was saying," the professor started, scanning the room before her entertained eyes landed on me. I sent back a sheepish smile, sinking lower in my seat as my classmates turned their attention back to the front of the room.

I found it difficult to concentrate during the second half of the lecture, my mind still racing from receiving a bouquet during class. Yes, it was Valentine's Day, but I hadn't expected it. When there were only about five minutes left in the scheduled lecture, my professor turned her back to list the readings we were meant to study on the board. It seemed as though I was the only one not paying attention, my eyes flitting curiously to the card that sat, unread, on the bouquet I'd tucked beneath my seat.

Glancing back and forth, I realized no one was watching me as I hastily plucked the card from the bouquet, ducking lower in my seat as I read the handwritten note that rested inside.

Happy Valentines Day!

I could have waited until I saw you tonight to give these to you, but then I thought that you deserved to know you're loved every second of the day, even if you're not sitting right beside me. We haven't even known each other for six months yet, and we've been together for less than three, but you've somehow managed to become the person that I think about as soon as I wake up and the person I want to be next to as I fall asleep. You've invaded my heart, my mind, my body, and my soul.

I can't wait to have you all to myself for the whole weekend because I know, with you by my side, it's going to be amazing.

Yours truly,

Ryan

Seeing the trail of hugs and kisses running after his name made my heart flip backwards within my chest and a smile grow. In that moment, the war that my mind and my heart had been having ceased, my heart claiming victory.

After just a few short months, I had fallen in love with him.

The sudden realization was frightening, nerve-wracking, and exhilarating all at once. My mind was a mix of emotions. Every little thing that Ryan had done for me over the time we'd known each other began to appear so much more significant than it had before. From the way he didn't judge me on my past to the way he spoke about our future. Piece by piece they all fit together, sending a rush of yearning and devotion through my blood.

No matter how unfamiliar the feeling was to me, now that I'd grasped onto it, I didn't ever want to let go.

I'd unknowingly made my way towards the end of a rigid cliff, ready to make a fateful leap into the abyss below. My feet were dangling over the edge, and the only thing that I could hope for was that Ryan would be at the bottom, ready to catch me.

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My voice was shy and timid as I found Emily in the living room later that afternoon. "Emily?"

I'd been shook from my thoughts back in class as the professor dismissed us, leaving us with readings and an assignment to be completed in time for the next lecture. Rummaging for a pen, I'd swiftly jotted down the notes on the board before following my fellow classmates out the door.

Walking into Abbie's daycare had been awkward, considering I had been holding a bouquet of flowers that seemed to have caught most people's attention. Maybe I had just been over-analyzing everything, but in my head, everyone who turned my way had a look of admiration on their face.

Abbie, of course, had been thrilled to see the flowers in my hands, saying that Ryan must have really loved me if he had sent them to my school. However, all her comment had done was add fuel to the fire that was consuming my soul.

Now, as I waited for Ryan to pick me up for the weekend, I stood nervously, waiting for Emily to acknowledge me. She twisted her head towards me, a curious expression on her face, while I figured out how to phrase the question hovering on the tip of my tongue. "Yeah?" she replied, encouraging me to continue.

"I was wondering," I trailed, my hands fidgeting, "How did, umm, when did you know you were in love with Dustin?"

I had ended up sputtering out the remainder of my question, but as Emily's eyebrows rose in surprise, a grin quickly following, I knew that she'd understood. "Why do you want to know?" she replied teasingly.

Shrugging, I attempted to play it cool; paying no mind to the heat I felt slowly spreading across my cheeks. "Oh, just wondering," I said, walking over to sit next to her on the couch.

"It wouldn't happen to be because you finally realized you're in love with Ryan, would it?" I stayed silent, my blush growing even more prominent, and her grin stretched wider. She shook her head. "Fine, you really want to know?" I nodded, biting my lip. I realized that, even though we had talked frequently before I moved here, her relationship with Dustin was rarely a topic we discussed.

"When I met him I wasn't ready for a relationship," she started. "We partnered up for a project at the end of my first year of college since neither of us really knew anybody in the class, but we ended up getting on well. Once exams started that term, the two of us met up constantly and studied together, even if it wasn't for the class that we shared. It was like we just clicked."

"He asked me out once exams were over, but I really wasn't sure about it because of how badly things had ended with the guy I'd been seeing before him. In the end, he'd done a lot to convince me to take a chance on him, and I did. That summer was one of the best I've ever had, and when we grew closer, the nights we spent together were amazing. When the next year of school rolled around, I thought we'd go our separate ways, you know, a summer romance that would eventually fizzle out when we couldn't be around each other every hour of the day."

The smile on my sister's face as she recounted the early days of her relationship managed to cause a drop of envy to flow in my veins. She was so happy. So in love.

"But it didn't," she continued. "One night, when he had his arms wrapped around me, I started to realize how everything had changed. I was happier than I had been in years, the guys that I'd see on campus no longer caught my eye, and the warmth that I felt, just lying there with him, was like nothing I'd ever felt before. So before I could process what I was saying, I blurted out that I loved him." She laughed, a look of pure affection gleaming in her eyes. "I remember being terrified as he moved away from me, thinking that he was going to want me to leave. He just looked at me for what felt like forever, and when I tried to leave in embarrassment, he just pulled me back in. A smile was on his face as he told me he loved me too, and I finally felt like I could breathe again."

"But that's what love is. It's terrifying and it's breathtaking. It's like sinking into a giant wave of emotions, and when everything falls into place and the water settles, your vision is clear and you can breathe easy again."

Every word she spoke seemed to strengthen the feeling inside my chest. I was in love with Ryan. I knew it, I just wasn't sure if I would actually be able to tell him.

"Aren't I supposed to be the one giving you love advice?" I joked.

"But I'm not the one who needs it," she replied slyly. I was left with no time to reply as the doorbell went and a smirk settled onto her lips. "Now go," she nodded towards the door. "Go and live your fairytale."

I quickly got up, a thank-you slipping through my lips as I made my way towards the front door, only to be greeted by a small stuffed bear. The bear itself was grey and fluffy, but in its hands was a star that read 'congratulations'.

"Umm, hey?" I offered in confusion, looking up to meet the eyes of my boyfriend, who was still holding the bear out towards me.

His lips turned up into a smile. "Hey."

I raised an eyebrow, nodding down at the stuffed animal. "Is that for me?"

His smile grew and he stepped inside, letting the door close behind him as his arms slowly wound around my waist. "I would've got you flowers to celebrate, but I kind of already sent you some today," he said, pulling me impossibly close. "Congratulations on getting your placement."

A grin grew on my face to mirror Ryan's. "Thank you," I said softly, "And thank you for the flowers too. They were gorgeous."

"Gorgeous flowers for my gorgeous girl," he said, his voice just above a whisper as he leaned closer, his lips slanting over mine. My heart sped up and my arms wove their way up his chest to rest atop his shoulders.

The moment was interrupted, however, when Abbie rounded the corner, a hopeful expression on her face. "Momma," she said. Ryan and I pulled apart at the sound of her voice, and my face flushed due to the fact that my three-year-old daughter had caught me making out with my boyfriend.

"Yes sweetie?" I asked, clearing my throat as I laid my head against Ryan's shoulder.

"Are you leaving now?"

I nodded, pulling away from Ryan completely to crouch in front of her. "In a few minutes we are," I replied with a smile.

Her tiny arms reached out and I pulled her closer into a tight hug. "I'll miss you," she mumbled into my shoulder.

"I'll miss you too." My heart squeezed as I realized that, for the first time since she'd been born, I would be away from her for an entire weekend. "But you'll have a fun weekend with Emily, and Dean will be over soon to take care of you tonight."

Mentioning Dean's name quickly put a grin on her face. Ever since Christmas, every time that the two of them would see each other, they'd spend hours playing around. She looked up to him.

"And until he gets here," I started, turning around to take the bear from Ryan's hands, "I think this little guy will keep you company."

Squeezing the stuffed animal tightly to her chest, her grin widened and her eyes flickered happily between Ryan and I. "Thank you."

Ryan chuckled behind me. "Not a problem," he mused, not at all upset that I'd given his gift to her, "But your mom and I better get going. We don't want to be late."

Picking up the duffel bag I'd thrown together when I'd got home, Ryan quickly took it off my hands, his lips quirking upwards as he went to wait in the car. After a final round of goodbyes, I grabbed my purse and headed out the door.

Tonight I was taking a giant leap in our relationship. Whether I was ready for it or not, I didn't know, but buckling myself into Ryan's passenger seat, I knew that with him by my side, I'd be able to face even the toughest of challenges.

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My eyes were closed as Ryan's stylist put the finishing touches on my makeup for the night. My fingers felt like they were tearing away at the fabric of the chair as I tried my hardest to stay still and ignore the pit of ever-growing nerves that had sprung to life inside me.

Upon arrival at Ryan's house, it had taken him only seconds to introduce me to Yvette, as I'd entered the living room to see her sifting through a rack of clothing and countless boxes of accessories. She'd led me upstairs shortly after, and for the past hour and a half I'd been stuck in one spot, letting her work her magic.

"There," Yvette said after what felt like forever, pulling back to examine her work, "Take a look."

Opening my eyes, a handheld mirror was immediately thrust towards me, allowing me to examine her handiwork. My hair had been tamed of frizz and was now curled, the strands falling softly past my shoulders. As far as makeup goes, she'd been so precise that, if you weren't looking closely enough, you'd barely be able to tell that I was wearing any. There was now a subtle glow to my cheeks and a glimmer to my eyes that made me look refreshed. Her final touch had been a nude lipstick, blending it together with a coral lip-gloss to make my lips the most beautiful shade of pink.

"So, what do you think?"

Placing the mirror down on her makeshift makeup counter, I smiled. "I love it," I said, "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet." She shook her head, walking away for a minute before returning with a gorgeous gown in her hands. "You still have one more thing to do before you're ready."

I'd been hesitant when Ryan had first informed me that he would take care of my dress for the night. It appeared that I really didn't have anything to worry about. Biting my lip, I took the baby pink dress into my hands before being ushered into the bathroom. After mistakenly slipping a foot into an armhole, I managed to figure out how the dress was supposed to fit. Holding the front up against my chest, I walked out of the bathroom to see Yvette waiting for me patiently.

"Can you zip me up?" I asked, turning my back towards her.

Without a reply, she pulled the zipper slowly up my back, making sure not to catch my skin before smoothing out the fabric. "There, now you're done."

Sending her a gracious smile, I ran my hands down the sides, shifting my gaze to the closest mirror, and what I saw was enough to make my breath catch in the back of my throat. The long pink gown had a high neckline, the fabric resting tightly against my skin until it synched at my waist. From there the fabric flowed out freely, most of it disappearing just below my knees, however, a few layers continued to fall until they grazed the ground. One shoulder had a small strap holding it up while the other had a sleeve that draped down to cover the length of my arm.

"Now did I do a good job, or what?"

Laughing at Yvette's confident smile, I nodded in agreement. "You really did," I said.

She grinned excitedly. "Now let's go see what your boyfriend thinks, shall we?"

Heading downstairs, I spotted Ryan before he saw me. He was facing the opposite direction, fiddling with his suit jacket when I called out, "Has anyone ever told you that you look incredibly handsome in a suit?"

His head turned towards me, his eyes widening a fraction as they trailed down my body, admiring Yvette's handiwork. "Zoe," he breathed out huskily. Stepping towards me, he drew me closer, his hands resting just above my waist, his gaze piercing right through me. "You look..."

"Amazing," Yvette offered, cutting into our conversation. It had slipped my mind that she was still here, and when both our gazes snapped towards her, we saw her grinning in awe from where she stood at the bottom of the staircase.

Ryan rolled his eyes. "I wasn't going to say that," he said, causing me to raise an eyebrow teasingly. Realizing his mistake, he backtracked. "Not that you don't look amazing," he said in a rush, his hand leaving my waist as he reached into his pocket, "But I was going to say that there seems to be something missing." Staring at him in confusion, it all clicked together when, out from his pocket came a golden chain with a small pink heart hanging from it. He grinned as my eyes widened. "You didn't think flowers were all you were getting today, did you?"

I stood there frozen, not moving and not saying a word. He'd uttered me speechless as my mind subconsciously tried to count how many jewels were embedded in the pendant. As Ryan's hands reached across my shoulders, clasping the necklace in place at the back of my neck, a shiver shot down my spine in reaction to the cold metal.

When he pulled back, admiring his gift that now hung from my neck, I was snapped out of my shocked state. Picking up the small heart, I smiled softly. "You really need to stop buying me jewelry," I said jokingly.

His lips quirked upwards and he nodded his head, prompting me to follow him into the living room. Bending behind the couch, he pulled out a rectangular black box, handing it over to me. "I promise you that there's no jewelry in there," he teased, urging me silently to open it.

Lifting the lid, I gasped. Inside sat an absolutely gorgeous pair of heels. They were gold with specks of pink surrounding the peep toe, and they looked to be exactly my size.

"How did you know what size I am?" I asked, taking the shoes out of the box before stepping into them.

He shrugged. "I asked Emily."

My chest warmed at the thought of him going through the trouble of asking my sister for help just to get me a gift. "You know," I said, my voice just above a whisper, "I would say thank you, but I don't think that's enough."

My gaze trained on his, I was able to see the happiness gleaming in his eyes. "Well, I suppose a kiss will have to do."

Having slipped on the heels, our mouths were almost level, separated by a hair-width of space. Without any hesitation, I leaned in, planting my lips on top of his softly, quickly letting him take control of the kiss, his hand maneuvering beneath my hair to cup the back of my neck.

"You guys do know that the premiere starts in just over an hour, right?" Yvette said from somewhere behind us, snapping the two of us back into reality.

"Yeah," Ryan breathed out as he pulled himself away from me, an airy undertone to his voice, "We should get going."

I smiled, nodding towards the front entryway. "Lead the way."

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It turned out that Ryan hadn't gone completely overboard, having rented a sleek black car instead of a stretch limo for the night, which I was grateful for. I figured that I'd already be looked at strangely tonight, suddenly appearing as the girlfriend of the star of the film, and I didn't want to draw any more unnecessary attention to myself.

The premiere was about 40 minutes away from Ryan's house, and while I'd done a decent job keeping calm for the majority of the ride, as we got closer and closer, I could feel my nerves threatening to take over. My hands began to fidget and my leg started to shake underneath my dress.

None of this went unnoticed by Ryan, his hand sliding in to grasp my own while he cast a curious look my way. "Are you okay?"

His voice was soft and caring, causing me to release a breath that I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "Yeah," I said slowly. Glancing towards the tinted windows, I was able to see that we were approaching the event, suddenly puling up behind a line of cars that looked similar to our own. "I'm just a little nervous I guess."

Ryan leaned closer, his lips brushing against my temple. It caused a rush of warmth to run down my spine, and sinking into the feeling, I felt like I could conquer the world.

"I'll be right next to you the entire time," he promised, "You're going to be fine."

Despite my apprehension, his soothing words were enough to lift my lips into a smile.

I'd zoned out and the world outside the backseat of the car ceased to exist for a few moments. Ryan and I were the only two that mattered. I was brought out of the clouds however, when the car made one final stop.

"Ready?" Ryan asked, encouragement radiating off of him.

Nodding, I was saved from replying as someone opened the door and signaled for the two of us to step out onto the carpet. Not many people could see us yet, but the sounds of screaming fans and flashing cameras were loud enough to evade my senses.

Ryan stepped out first, causing an influx of noise as reporters and fans screamed his name. He paid no attention to them, turning back towards the car to offer me a hand. Gripping his palm tightly, I slid out of the car, biting my lip before a smile overtook my features.

This was insane.

The sun was slipping down over the horizon, but as the sky turned dark, the red carpet was bright as could be. Lights illuminated the pathway from every which way as we made our way onto the carpet, joining numerous celebrities and guests that had helped to make this movie. A voice sounded over multiple speakers to announce Ryan's arrival, and suddenly, all cameras turned towards us.

The flashes blinded me while my eyes tried to adjust. There were so many cameras and whichever way I looked, one of them would catch my gaze. Leaning closer to Ryan, I laughed, "This is crazy."

He turned to me, his eyes gleaming. He was in his element right now; the wide smile on his face proof that while he enjoyed living a relatively private life, events like these had managed to capture a special place in his heart. "You get used to it," he replied happily, squeezing my hip to pull me closer to him.

Our exchange didn't go unnoticed by the paparazzi, many of them calling out to us from behind microphones or video cameras. An organizer that Ryan seemed to know led us towards the section where other celebrities were currently getting interviewed.

"They'll ask you a few questions each, so just be patient with them," he reminded Ryan, who simply nodded, familiar with what was to come. An encouraging smile was sent my way before the man disappeared to help out elsewhere.

I stayed supportive by his side as the first few reporters stayed focus on Ryan, ignoring my presence while they tried to delve deeper beneath the skin of the actor who played the lead. He answered each question with confidence, speaking nothing but praise when asked about the film, Knights of Fury, or his co-stars.

Once the fifth interview had begun I was expecting to be left out once again, but when the woman had gotten a few replies out of Ryan, her gaze shifted towards me.

"And who's your date tonight Ryan?" she asked.

Ryan's smile widened as he chuckled at the question, tugging me closer to his side as he replied, "This is my girlfriend Zoe."

I smiled politely at the reporter, but was caught off guard when her next question was directed towards me. "Well, you're certainly a lucky girl Zoe," she commented. "Ryan here plays a rather dashing knight in this film, but how do you feel knowing that you're the one girl he plays a knight in shining armour for in real life?"

Quickly racking my brain for a reply, I decided to just be honest. "I don't see him as a knight in shining armour," I shook my head, causing the reporters facial features to crinkle with confusion. "I never saw myself as someone in need of saving, but while he may not be a knight, he definitely swooped into my life to make everyday a fairytale. He's more of a prince that makes an average girl like me feel as though she's worthy of the world."

There was awe in the reporter's eyes when I finished speaking. Turning to Ryan to make sure I hadn't said the wrong thing, I was greeted with a kiss to my cheek that warmed the skin where his lips touched.

"I'll let you two get on with your night," the reporter said, wishing us well before her attention shifted to another actor.

Shaking my head, I said, "Well that was unexpected."

It was then that I also realized that we'd reached the end of the red carpet. Prior to heading inside, the two of us posed for a final few photographs, smiling at the cameras. Ryan guided me towards the edge of the carpet so that he was able to sign autographs for a few lucky fans before the security intervened.

The noise from the streets died down when the door of the building closed behind us. "And yet, you gave a perfect answer," Ryan replied happily, referencing my earlier comment.

His hand squeezed mine affectionately. "Really?" I asked, worried that the reporter or other people wouldn't see it that way.

He nodded quickly, shaking away my doubt. "Absolutely."

Feeling relatively good after my first red carpet experience, I acknowledged the bubble of excitement that was growing in anticipation to seeing Ryan on the big screen. He'd be amazing, there was no doubt, but I couldn't wait to see the movie.

Although a number of people were hovering in the lobby of the building, Ryan wrapped his arm around my shoulder, guiding us towards the screening room. Guests and celebrities filled the room as well, and it seemed like a lot of people, not just me, were antsy to see the movie.

When we found two free seats near the center of the theatre, a man, who I quickly recognized as the director of the movie, from when Ryan had pointed him out to me, came over to grab Ryan. Apparently the stars of the movie had to introduce the film before it would play, and with not much time before the showing started, he was rounding up the main cast to the front of the room.

"I'll be right up there," he promised, nodding to where a microphone stand was being set up beneath the viewing screen, "Don't worry."

I nodded, telling myself that I'd be fine on my own for a few minutes. With one last fleeting smile, he was off. I watched him go, leaving me alone as the seats surrounding ours started to fill up with people I didn't recognize. Whether they were guests, other celebrities, or supporting actors, a majority of them sent me strange looks, whispering to their friends words that I couldn't quite pick up on.

I knew I was out of my element, but that didn't give them any reason to ridicule me underneath their breaths.

Ducking my head, I closed my eyes. Slowing my breaths, I replayed any encouraging words Ryan had told me so far tonight, and soon enough, I felt my spirits lifting back up.

The room suddenly erupted in applause and my eyes popped open in bewilderment. Most of the lights in the room had dimmed; the only ones still shining fully were the ones at the front of the room. Ryan stood alongside his fellow cast members while the director and writer of the film gave a short speech. They were passionate and excited, hyping up the film to the audience.

By the time the room went black and Ryan returned to his seat beside me, my expectations for the film were high.

And all those expectations were met.

Knights of Fury followed the life of a young knight, played by Ryan, and his three friends as they embarked on a quest to save his childhood friend, a woman named Rosalina, who was also Ryan's love interest in the movie. She'd been kidnapped while working alongside the princess of the city, and while not many people saw her as a significant loss, the tribe that had kidnapped her knew the truth. It was she, not the crown princess, who was next in line for the throne, and the evidence had been covered up since Rosalina's birth. Ryan's character fought long and hard to save his friend while trying to prove to the citizens what had been kept from them.

It was an adventure, it was a romance, and it was a journey.

When the end credits began to roll, many guests rose to their feet with applause, including me as I looked to Ryan in amazement. He stood proudly; clapping along with me while the director took to the front of the room once more, thanking everyone who'd played a part in the creation of the movie.

"You never explained the movie like that," I said jokingly as we walked out of the theatre hand in hand.

"I didn't want to spoil it for you," he replied cheekily, confusing me when he began pulling me in the opposite direction that the crowd was moving.

"Where are we going?"

"The driver is picking us up at the back of the building so we can head straight to the airport without any delays."

"But my bag is..."

"It's fine," he said reassuringly, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Yvette took care of everything once we left and she texted me during the movie telling me that it was all good to go."

Having no reason not to trust him, I nodded, my mind reeling back to the movie I'd just seen. "You were amazing in the movie by the way," I said, a cheeky smile growing on my face as I remembered the scenes where his armour had been shed, "And your costumes weren't too bad either."

A wicked grin spread across his face at the tail end of my sentence, his arm wrapping tightly around my waist. "Is the image of me dressed up as a knight slipping its way into your fantasies Zoe?" he asked. My cheeks burned at his teasing. Laughing, his hand reached up to move a few stray hairs back into place behind my ear. "You're adorable."

"You're not too bad yourself," I said, mustering up the courage to speak over my embarrassment.

His facial expression changed suddenly, a look of uncertainty taking over his wide smile. "You weren't angry, you know, when you saw me kissing another girl?" he asked, his voice carrying an air of uncertainty.

"I mean, it's not like you were actually doing it in front of me. You filmed it months before you even knew me," I replied with a shrug. "Why? Did you want me to be?"

He shook his head fiercely. "No, it's just..."

"It's your job," I cut him off. Weaving my fingers through his, I offered him an encouraging smile. "I get it. Sometimes you need to do things that you wouldn't normally do to make a great film. Whether it's creating a believable romance with a co-star or something dangerous for an intense scene, either way I'll support you because, in the long run, I know you love what you do." And I love you, I added silently.

Any worry present on his face quickly faded at my reassurance. His mouth opened to reply, only to close when his phone beeped, alerting him of a new message. Without even checking it, he pulled me out the back door of the building. "Come on," he said, leading me towards the same car that we'd taken on our way here.

Once we'd left the craziness of the premiere behind, the ride to the airport was smooth. I spent the majority of the ride with my head resting on Ryan's shoulder, exhaustion slowly taking over.

When I could see airplanes taking off in the distance through the window, I realized that we weren't on the usual route to the airport entrance. "Where are we going?" I asked, looking around to try and figure out where we were.

"The airport," Ryan said mischievously.

I raised my eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

He nodded, not saying another word as the car continued to drive through the streets that surrounded the airport. Finally, the driver pulled off on a side road, stopping at a security gate before slowly driving through when the officer gave the all clear.

Curiosity was swirling in my head as the car rolled to a stop, but when I realized that we were pulling up on the airplane platform, I sat became still.

"Told you we were heading to the airport," Ryan laughed, pulling my hand as the driver opened the door to the backseats, letting to onto the runway.

"How is this even possible?" I asked in astonishment, my eyes wide as they stared at the giant airplane next to us.

"There are a few perks to being a celebrity," Ryan replied, a smirk on his face, "Especially when the head of security here has a daughter that's a huge fan."

Shaking my head in amazement, I watched as Ryan rounded the back of the car, pulling both mine and his bags from the trunk, as well as an extra bag that he handed off to me. "Yvette packed some things in there from her collection of clothes. You can change out of your dress once we get settled on the plane."

I smiled, following Ryan when an airport worker guided us onto the plane, showing us to our relatively private first class seats. Once our bags were settled into the overhead compartments, I headed to the bathroom, needed to change out of my outfit into something more comfortable. Slipping off my heels and my dress, I tossed them carefully into the bottom of the bag before folding the dress up and placing it on top. Yvette had packed me a pair of black yoga pants with a design down the leg, as well as a loose white t-shirt and a bright pink zip-up hoodie that I threw on.

Returning to my seat, I saw that Ryan had also changed, now decked out in a pair of black sweat pants, a long sleeve t-shirt and a beanie.

"Hey," Ryan said, noticing me approaching. He stood up from the aisle seat, taking the bag form my hands to store it up above with our other luggage. Nodding down towards the pair of seats, he said, "I saved you the window seat."

"Thanks," I smiled. Crouching to make sure I didn't hit my head on the compartments above, I found myself getting comfortable in my seat, Ryan's arm winding around my shoulder once he sat down beside me.

I'd had an amazing night tonight, and although I knew things would start to change now that people knew I was dating Ryan Adams, I was optimistic that the two of us would be able to make it through.

As the plane made its accent into the sky, I let myself relax into Ryan arms, and soon enough, I found my eyes closing on their own accord as I drifted to sleep.

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All anchors are now down for the storm to come... and that's all I have to say for this chapter!

Also, I recently posted the beginning of my new short story on my profile, Staying Afloat, and I would love it if you all would head over and check it out!