A Wifey for the Bad Boy(96)

“Wow,” she heard Sean say in a low whisper. “So that was what was under the bathrobe?”

A smile played on her lips as her cheeks flushed a bright crimson.

“You look gorgeous,” he said in a low voice and she smiled again.

“Thanks,” she said. “You look…I don’t even know what to say. I’m not even sure I am fit to be standing next to you today.”

Sean got up and walked up to where she was before he slipped an arm around her waist making her gasp silently. He pulled her close and looked into her eyes.

“You are perfect.” He gently stroked the side of her face. “I would be honored to stand with you any day.”

“Honored? That’s a bit of a big word,” she said in a soft voice.

“Because you deserve it,” Sean said to her. “Now come on. I want to show you off.”

*****

Contrary to Kylie’s nature, she was quiet all the way to the hotel. Sean reached out and took her hand in his and she turned to look at him.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked.

“I don’t think you have enough pennies,” she said smiling.

“Alright,” he said in a soft voice. “I can write you a check.”

“It would have to be a pretty big check.”

“Well, did I mention that being awarded as the best practice in California comes with a big chunk of change?” he asked and she shook her head. “Well it does, so you know I can definitely give you a little something for your thoughts.”

Kylie smiled.

“Come on, let me know what’s bothering you,” he said.

“This,” she said in a tired whisper. “I have never been to any of these fancy things. My sisters, they are the big fancy ones and…” she looked at him and shrugged.

“The fancy ones and what?” he asked.

“I’m just not used to this life,” she said.

“Should I be sorry I asked you out?” he asked and she shook her head.

“Don’t be. This is your big night,” she said. He held the side of her face and for a second, she was scared of what was going to happen next. He was so close to her she thought he was going to lean in and kiss her.

“We’re here. Just smile and wave,” he whispered.

“Really? Like the penguins of Madagascar?” she asked and he nodded.

“Yeah, just like the penguins of Madagascar. If you want, we can bunk out and go watch the movie. I’d be watching it for the millionth time but it would be worth it.”

Kylie smiled and shook her head.

“This is your big night. And you told me before, it’s your first major award.” She began drawing small circles at the back of his hand. “Let’s sit in until they call your name and then we can do the movie.”

*****

Needless to say, Kylie had a better time at the ceremony than she expected. By the time they got back to her apartment, it was almost midnight.

“This was great,” she said in a soft voice as they stood outside her door.

“Yeah it was. We should do it again soon,” he said in a soft voice and she nodded.

“Yeah we should.” He was looking right into her brown eyes and he was slowly moving towards her.

“Rain check on that movie,” he whispered as he slipped an arm around her waist. He pulled her close to her and she tightened her grip around her clutch to keep it from dropping.

“That’s okay,” she whispered as he lowered his lips to kiss her softly. She closed her eyes as she felt his lips gently brushing against hers. She could feel her cheeks hot and flushed when she pulled away. When she opened her eyes, she was looking right into his piercing blue-green eyes and suddenly, panic set in. her gaze dropped and she pulled away from him making him slightly confused.

“What’s wrong?” he asked and she shook her head.

“This is…all this is wrong,” she said in a soft voice.

“What is?” he asked and she waved a hand between them.

“This. You and me,” she said. “There is absolutely no way it is going to work. Whatever this is…we are doomed to fail, Sean. I can just feel it.”

Sean looked into her eyes and held her chubby face in his hands.

“Whatever this is…I wouldn’t want anything less or more.” He gently stroked the side of her face and then her hair. “Do you know something, Kylie?” She shook her head as she felt her eyes welling up with tears.

“You know right now, at this moment, there is no other place I would rather be.” He gently slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “This is exactly where I want to be right now. Where I need to be.”

“But why me?” she shook her head again as a single tear rolled down her cheek. “I don’t understand.”