Finding Kat (12 page)

“He said that she was your one. He smiled and laughed the whole time he was watching. He said he likes her and he wants you to bring her home to meet him.” I rolled my eyes. Of course he did.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I grumbled into my beer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy he was laughing and smiling but my Dad was more nosey than Chris was. If I took her to meet him, Dad would have me proposing by the end of the night. He was too romantic for his own good.

I managed to change the subject after that and we had a nice talk about neutral subjects. I loved Chris despite his meddling and hoped I could convince him and Dad to move to LA. They lived about four hours away in a smaller city and claim to hate LA. I tried to tell them to move to the suburbs if they want, I just want them to be closer. I knew Dad wouldn’t do it, he wouldn’t leave the house he and Mom bought together 30 years ago, but I had to try.

Kat and I spent the time before the big movie premier getting to know each other. We spent hours talking on the phone before bed and texted during the day. We were both pretty busy. Kat had a ton of interviews lined up to help promote the new movie. I was so proud of her and impressed by her star power, but I hated that we didn’t get to spend much time together. I wondered what would happen when we weren’t in the same town. Would we be able to stand up to the challenge of a World Tour? It would be a while before the next one, but it was something that we needed to keep in mind. She would be on location shooting movies pretty often as well. I hoped that I could handle knowing that she was off across the continent, or world doing sex scenes with some hotshot actor. I didn’t want to share her with another guy, even if it was all for a movie or for publicity.

She knows all about the paparazzi and rumors and I hoped that we could withstand the rumors that were going to be published about us. People love a good scandal, and they have a tendency to look for it everywhere. I’ve seen a lot of strong couples who loved each other, fall victim to the press and lost trust in each other. I didn’t have a lot of relationship experience, so I can’t guess but I hoped that we were building a mutual trust where we could always be honest, if there aren’t any secrets, there isn’t anything to fight over.

I loved sharing stories with Kat, and I loved all the stories she told about the secrets from behind the scenes of movies. I was really surprised to learn the names of actors that were known for being rude and demanding. A lot of those same actors were known for playing sweet nice characters. I always thought that people who made money because of fans should always go out of their way to be nice and approachable. Some of the nicest actors that she knew were best known for their ability to play villains. People would meet them expecting them to be mean and they were pleasantly surprised to discover that they were actually very nice people.

Kat and I did what all new couples do. We got acquainted with each other’s history and talked about our hopes and dreams for the future. Kat wanted to branch out from the type of roles she has always done. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with them, but she was somewhat embarrassed. I think she worried about being taken seriously as an actor. She was really hoping that she would get the role in Damaged. I knew having a role like that would really put her in the spotlight even more. I wasn’t sure if she was prepared to be the center of attention, but if anyone could handle it, Kat could.

I did some magazine and interviews in the days leading up to the premiere. I got asked about Kat and our relationship several times. They saw the Jimmy Fallon episode and read something into it. I wasn’t coy. I told them that Kat was a very special person, and that I was enjoying getting to know her. I made fun of myself a little and talked about my attempts to find out who she was. I knew that women were going to really enjoy reading about the rock star chasing after a woman. I could have kept it all private but my strategy with the media was to give them what they wanted, and then ask them not to cross a line to get more info. I understood that being in the spotlight meant that people would want to know about me and my relationships. I wanted my fans to know me, and didn’t mind sharing some details, but the important things I keep to myself. There’s no need to give details, but just talking openly about my life helped to keep them from chasing me around all the time. I wasn’t the type of guy to whine about the media and the paparazzi. I have a job because of my fans, and they like to read articles and see pictures. As long as they were safe, and didn’t endanger anyone trying to follow me around, or take things too far to get a story, I was fine with them.

The guys in the band were lucky they didn’t get as much of attention. They liked it that way. They were famous enough to be recognized, and get the perks without the pitfalls of being followed around, and having their privacy invaded.

The day of the premier rolled around and the guys spent the morning fucking with me about primping and taking forever to get ready. They loved that the media saw me as this sex symbol, they thought it was freaking hilarious. They messed with me about being a diva and having ridiculous demands. It wasn’t true but I let them have their fun. I’d get them back for all the shit they talked when they finally found girls willing to date them. It was going to happen eventually and I’d give them hell. I couldn’t fucking wait.

Chapter Five

KAT

The day of the premier dawned bright and sunny. I was awake with the sun chasing the darkness as it faded down the beach and brightened with the new day. I felt all glowy with excitement for my first date/public event with Cade. I couldn’t wait to see the look on everyone’s face, especially my mother.

I spent most of the morning relaxing at the spa. I had a massage, facial, body wrap, and of course a manicure and pedicure. My nails and toes were painted a soft ballerina pink.

My chauffeur for the day took me home just in time for the hair and make-up crew to arrive. I had been texting Cade all morning and he seemed just as excited as I did. He had been relaxing with his band. He might require less time to get ready but I spent half the day at the spa. I won.

I closed my eyes and basked in the awesomeness that is being pampered as soft jazz played in the background. My hair was trimmed, smoothed with some awesome smelling stuff, dried, curled and pinned in a simple do that allowed my hair to fall down my back with some sassy poofage in the front.

My makeup was done with perfection. Softly pink cheeks, dramatic eyes and shiny glossy lips. I smiled into my own blue eyes in the mirror and then hugged everyone who helped me get ready. I may have also posted a few pictures with them to my social media accounts.

I made my way to my vanity where my jewelry was waiting to be put on. Gorgeous chandelier earrings dripping with diamonds. They were the perfect size. Not too large or heavy but enough to make a statement. And a necklace that was a bundle of jewels that rested perfectly at my collarbone.

Cade texted me that he was on his way and I grinned in anticipation of seeing the look on his face when I came down the stairs.

My gown was the best part of the whole ensemble. A masterpiece of emerald green satin. Tucked in all the right places and flowing into a sleek trumpet style that hugged every curve of my body. The top was strapless with hints of cleavage. The back was the showstopper. It dipped down all the way to the small of my back and was daring and sexy. Exactly how I wanted Cade to see me.

Cade: I’m here.

Me: Come on in. Have a seat and I’ll be right down.

I sat on my bed as I put on my garter, and stockings wondering if Cade would like them. I wasn’t sure when I would be ready to take that step with him but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t imagine what it would all be like.

I put on my amazing heels with their red soles, and admired their sparkle as I turned my ankle from side to side.

I stepped into my gown and tucked everything into place. No need for any wardrobe malfunctions. I pulled the zipper enjoying the sound, and sensation of being cocooned in the smooth luxurious gown that felt amazingly light.

I took a minute to take a deep breath and really get into the moment. I wanted to do nothing but block out every worry, and simply enjoy being with a sexy man in a tuxedo who wanted me. I took one last look in the mirror, and smoothed my hands over the dress. I was officially ready. I hoped Cade was.

I made my way carefully and slowly down the stairs holding my skirt so I didn’t trip and tear it. I paused on the landing making sure everything was in place and heard a low whistle. I looked up a little surprised. I hadn’t expected him to be standing there. I looked into his eyes, and saw the dark appreciation there. As I made my way down the rest of the stairs, I allowed my eyes to wander over the perfection that was Cade Walker in a perfectly tailored suit. Tuxes were made for that man. His hair was messily tousled as if he had been running his hands through it, as was his habit.

I smiled when he held out his hand for me as I stepped down the last stair.

“You take my breath away Kat.” He said with reverence.

I grinned up into his face and winked.