Page 78 of The Fake Script
Stifling her laughter, she takes a step back as everyone gathers around to see the CD.
As if on cue, the DJ cranks up the music again, and everyone grabs a piece of cake. It’s as delicious as it looks, quickly becoming the food highlight of the night.
Soon enough, a small dance floor naturally forms, and everyone steps in to showcase their best moves. Maxime clearly has the most extravagant ones and doesn’t mind working the crowd. Emma is jumping and dancing with Beth and Alice when “You” by Stardust Sensation starts playing. As the first notes hit, she freezes, then looks around until her eyes fall on me. A bright smile lights up her face, and I can only return it.
“That’snota coincidence,” she says, ambling toward me.
“Mmm. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, tapping my fingers.
With a laugh, she grabs my hand,and we start dancing—and singing. Just like we did in our hotel room in Porthaven.
“I wanted to invite the band for a private concert,” I say, making her twirl. “But they couldn’t make it on such short notice. They were already booked up.”
She rolls her eyes, slapping a hand on my torso. “Stop it.”
I laugh, but I’m dead serious. I totally asked them, and they sent the signed CD instead. I’m keeping that to myself, though. If everything goes my way, I’ll have plenty more birthday celebrations to plan for Emma, and I’m big on surprises.
Emma
It’s late. Everyone is gone by now, and I’m gathering the remaining KitKat bars into a bag.
“Of course you’d go for the KitKat first,” Auston teases, arching an eyebrow. “I love your sense of priorities.”
I wheel around, a smile tugging at my lips. “We have to make sure they’re safe and sound. I haven't tried them all yet.”
He laughs, his chest shaking. “Same. The food tonight was amazing. The caterers did a great job.”
“So did you.” I smile, wetting my lips. “You made all of this possible. Just for me. Honestly, ‘thank you’ doesn’t feel like enough.”
“It’s more than enough. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” His eyes stretch wide. “Oh, I haven’t given you your present yet.”
I take a step back. “What? Of course you did. The stationary set and the autographed CD! Oh, and by the way,” I add, a hand on my hip, “there’s no way all of that was under fifteen dollars. You broke your own rule.”
He places a hand on his heart. “I did no such thing. The CD was free. I just asked them, and they sent it over.”
I shake my head. “No way.”
“Yes way. You want to see the email I sent to their agent?”
“Auston.” I stare at him, trying to figure out if he’s joking, but his expression is serious. My shoulders fall, and I blow out a chuckle. “I guess I forgot who I was talking to.”
“Okay,” he says, reaching into his blazer pocket. “Now, for this one, I totally broke the rules. Happy birthday, Emma.”
I gasp as he places a small velvet box in my hands. It has a soft and luxurious feel, and I don’t know if I’m ready for what’s inside. Because I’m pretty sure fake boyfriends don’t buy their fake girlfriends expensive jewelry. At least, not when they’re truly in the fake zone. Swallowing hard, I open the box with a small pop, and all my breath drains from my lungs. It’s a white gold necklace with a book pendant on which a diamond heart is encrusted. “You shouldn’t have. It’s too much.”
“Not at all. It’s perfect. As soon as I saw it in the shop window, I knew it belonged around your neck.”
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.
“Here,” he says, gesturing for me to let him put it on me. I turn around, lifting my hair, and millions of tiny goosebumps sweep across my neck as he places the necklace around it.
Once the chain clasps, I turn back to face him, my fingers grazing the pendant. “I don’t know what to say. This, the party, all those things you said to me . . .”
He takes my hand and runs his fingers over my knuckles, sending shivers down my spine. “I meant every word. I’m so lucky to have you back in my life, Emma.” My pulse hammers as he draws me to his chest. “I never want to leave your side.”
His brown eyes darken as I caress his cheek with the back of my hand. “I don’t want you to leave.” Being here with him is like finally being back where I belong. After all these years, I broke free of thearmor that was weighing me down, preventing me from moving forward, and it’s so much better this way.
And just like something out of a movie, time seems to slow, the air around us snapping with tension. With one look, Auston sets fire to every inch of my skin, and I’m suddenly desperate for his touch. Finally, our mouths connect, his lips moving softly, savoring me. The musky scent of his cologne envelops my senses as I sink my hands into his hair to deepen the kiss. He hauls me into his arms, clearing the buffet table before sitting me down.