He snuggles his face into the crook of my neck. "I love you, too, Parker."
Once we are able to move, we get cleaned up. I'm in the middle of buttoning up my shirt when Chance stops me by placing his hand over mine.
"Hey, I just realized that you didn't come," he says with a frown.
I steal a small kiss and shake my head. "This wasn't about me. This was for you," I murmur.
Chance's frown deepens. "This was for us," he clarifies.
"Don't worry about it right now, we have to get back to the party," I tell him.
He narrows his eyes and stares at me for a minute before he gives me a nod and finishes getting dressed. Once we're decent, we head back downstairs to the party. When we walk into the room, Charlie practically attacks us.
"Where the hell were you two?" she squawks.
"Uhh...why, what'd we miss?" I ask.
"Delilah went into labor! They just took her away in an ambulance!" she shrieks.
My mouth falls open in surprise. Well, shit, I wasn't expecting her to say that. Chance slips his arm around my waist and gives me a squeeze.
"Aw, another baby, how exciting," he muses.
Charlie's hands slam down on her hips and she narrows her eyes at us. "You two just had sex, didn't you?" she accuses, pointing her finger at each of us.
I feel the heat immediately rise up my face as I flounder for some words, any words.
"Why yes, yes we did. And it was fan-fucking-tastic," Chance answers, a devilish grin on his face.
Face, meet palm.
"Jesus Christ..." I breathe.
"Thank god! I was afraid you two were never going to get back together," Charlie smirks and punches me in the shoulder.
I give her a dirty look, which makes her laugh.
"Well, I think we're cutting this party short. I have to go meet my new nephew, Lucas!" Charlie squeals and clasps her hands together.
Chapter Seventeen
Chance
It's only been a few weeks since Charlie and Calvin's reception and I've pretty much spent them in Parker's bed. Well, when we're not working that is. The filming is almost complete. Then the movie will go into its editing phase. And we're already starting promotions for it. Tonight we're going on Jimmy Kimmel.
We are sitting in the dressing room waiting to be called to go on. I glance over at Parker who is fixing his hair in the mirror. We haven't really decided on what is going to be said about our relationship on the show. We need to be on the same page either way, though.
"You look great, stop messing with it," I say.
"This one piece is pissing me off," he grunts and tries to smooth down an errant piece of hair.
"It's fine."
He sighs and gives up. He plops down onto the couch next to me. I place my hand on his knee, palm up. Parker immediately laces his fingers in mine.
"What's the plan for tonight?" I ask, knowing that Parker knows exactly what I'm talking about.
Parker leans over and places a light kiss on my cheek. "I'm comfortable with whatever you decide."
I turn to look at him. I search his eyes. He looks completely at peace with his decision to leave it up to me. I nod. "Okay."
There is a knock on the door and a producer sticks her head in. "Two minutes," she tells us.
"Be right there," Parker says.
She nods and shuts the door. We stand and Parker pulls me into his arms. He kisses me tenderly on the lips.
"I love you," he whispers against my lips.
I smile. "I love you, too."
We make our way to the side of the stage just as Jimmy is introducing us. We walk out to a round of applause and screams from the audience. We shake Jimmy's hand and have a seat on the couch next to his desk. Parker is directly next to the desk and I'm next to Parker.
"It's so great to have you guys here, it's been a while," Jimmy says.
"It's been too long, Jimmy," Parker replies with his Hollywood smile.
"So, tell me about this movie that you guys are in, Burning Hearts," Jimmy says.
"Well, it's about a couple of FBI Agents who are chasing after a serial arsonist. This guy has lit infernos all over New York and has killed multiple people in the process. But no one can figure out who it is," I supply.
"But that's not the only story in this movie; there is also a love story. Am I right?" Jimmy asks.
"Ah, yes, the love story. Our characters are also gay, and even though they are not the greatest of friends at first, they somehow fall in love during all of the chaos," Parker says.
"I hear there are some pretty steamy love scenes. How was it filming those?"
"It was pretty rough at first because we weren't all that comfortable with each other," Parker answers.
I clear my throat. "It was more like Parker wasn't all that comfortable with it."
Parker whips his head around and gapes at me. "Just throw me under the bus, why don't ya?"
We all chuckle.
"Now, you know I have to ask the burning question about the rumors that have been floating around since you guys first started shooting this movie. Are you two, in fact, in a romantic relationship off screen, too?"
Parker sits back and turns to me. He nods, giving me the go-ahead. I take a deep breath. It's now or never.
"Yes, Jimmy, we are," I answer.
The audience gasps and Jimmy looks rightfully shocked. I think a couple of women even yelled "No!"
"Really? How did it happen? I mean, you two only ever dated women that I know of. Guillermo, did you know this?" Jimmy says.
"No Jimmy, I did not," Guillermo replies.
"Long story short, it started after our first kiss and just grew from there. There was a lot of denial on my part, but there is no denying that I'm in love with Chance," Parker says, looking at me with a goofy grin on his face.
I smile back at him and reach over to take his hand. We lace our fingers together. Jimmy narrows his eyes at us.
"Are you sure that you're not just saying all of this to promote the movie?"
Parker and I laugh.
"No, we're seriously together and in love," I say. "All of the rumors are true."
Parker leans over and gives me a peck on the lips…on TV… in front of millions. Damn, that's hot.
"That's incredible," Jimmy smiles. "I'm really happy for you guys," he says before turning to the camera. "Coming soon to theaters, Burning Hearts, starring Parker Hamilton and Chance Steele. Don’t miss it!"
Parker
A weight - that I didn't even know I was carrying - lifted from my shoulders as soon as the truth was out. I feel lighter and happier than ever. We leave the show like giddy little kids hopped up on sugar. No more hiding, no more denying, no more faking.
We get back to my condo, planning to celebrate with a shit-ton of hot sex. I unlock the door and push it open; Chance is hugging me from behind as we walk in. We are immediately covered in rainbow-colored confetti and streamers. Standing in my foyer are Charlie, Delilah, Nick, and Calvin.
"Happy Coming Out to the World Day!" Charlie and Delilah exclaim and throw more confetti on us.
I blink in utter shock while Chance starts laughing. We are then enveloped in a huge group hug.
"We're so proud of you guys," Charlie says with a quivering chin and teary eyes.
Damn her! A rush of tears hit me and I can't stop them from streaming down my face. I wrap her up in a bear hug and tuck my face in her neck. What would I do without my friends? I would never survive without them. I pull back just enough to see her beautiful face.
"Thanks Char," I murmur as she wipes the tears from my face.
"Love you, butt munch," she teases.
"Love you, too, bitch."
She laughs and gives me a shove. I chuckle then go give Delilah, Nick, and Calvin a hug. We all hang out for a little while before they all leave. Chance and I snuggle on the couch, basking in our post coming out glory. I never expected that this is where my life would lead, but I'm glad it did. I coul
dn't have asked for a better group of friends. And I definitely couldn't have asked for a better lover and best friend. I am truly the luckiest man alive. I guess that's what happens when you choose to take a ‘chance’ and cross the line.
Epilogue
Six Months Later...
Parker
I make an aggravated noise and once again undo the knot of my tie. I just can't get it right tonight. It's probably because my hands are shaking like leaves. I'm so fucking nervous about what I have planned that I can barely function.
"Here, let me," Chance says, turning me away from the mirror to face him.
I sigh heavily and let Chance tie my tie. I study his face. God, he's so handsome. His dark hair has grown out a lot since we first met. He's been keeping it longer so that I can grab it during our hot sex sessions. He's also been keeping his face scruffy, which I really like. His dark eyes are focused on what he's doing and he's got his tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth as he concentrates. I can't help but smile at how cute he looks right now.
"Why are you so nervous? It's not like you've never been to a premiere of one of your movies before," Chance says.
"I know, I just...I guess I'm just afraid of what people are going to think with the sex scenes and stuff," I lie.
"Pfft, ain't no thang. Who gives a shit what anyone thinks?" he replies.
I smirk. "Yeah, you're right."
His brown eyes lift to meet mine. "There, perfecto!" He smooths down my tie before leaning in and stealing a kiss.
"Thanks, babe."
He sends me a wink before going to finish getting ready himself. While he goes to the bathroom, I go into my closet and grab the little square box that I've been hiding in the pocket of one of my suit jackets. I slip it into the inside pocket of my tux jacket and make my way out of the bedroom.
Chance officially moved in with me shortly after we finished filming. He kept his home on the West Coast, saying that it can be our vacation home, but he has moved all of his clothes and other essentials into my condo. It hasn't been perfect; we've had our share of fights, mostly over stupid things that every couple fights about, but we're in this for the long haul. We want to spend the rest of our lives together.
Once we're ready, we climb into the limo that is going to take us to the premiere. This is it, the time has finally come. The limo rolls to a stop in front of the theater. A red carpet is rolled out and there are reporters and cameras everywhere. There are other celebrities making their way up the red carpet. There are fans screaming. Here we go. An usher opens the limo door and Chance steps out while the music starts playing. I sneak out the other side of the limo and head to my destination. I'll see Chance in a few minutes.
Chance
Music starts playing as soon as I step out of the limo. I turn to look at Parker but he's gone. What the fuck? I recognize the song just as Bruno Mars appears in front of me with a microphone and starts singing his Marry You song. My heart leaps up into my throat. Is this what I think it is?
Bruno grabs my arm and starts to lead me down the red carpet. Suddenly, everyone jumps into position and starts dancing to the music. Holy shit! I'm being flash mobbed by celebrities and reporters! I laugh and shake my head. I can't believe Parker did this! The dancing celebrities - everyone from Channing Tatum to Meryl Streep - part to let me walk through the middle of them. Bruno continues to lead me through the crowd. Another group of dancers begin and I realize that it's the other cast and crew from the movie. I can't stop the tears that well up in my eyes. This is incredible.
They part, too, and Bruno and I continue walking. I'm stunned when Charlie, Delilah, Nick, Calvin, and Grams are the next people I see. I slap a hand over my mouth as my emotions threaten to overwhelm me. They are all smiling, singing, and dancing like a doo-wop group. Bruno then goes to stand in front of them as the song comes to an end. As the music fades out, they part to reveal Parker. That bastard is smiling from ear to ear. No one has ever done anything so extravagant for me, I am completely speechless. He walks forward until he's about a foot away from me. He drops down to one knee. The tears start rolling down my face and I don't even bother wiping them away.
"Hey, baby, I think I wanna marry you," Parker smiles brightly. "I love you, Chance. Please do me the honor of being my husband." He opens the ring box that he's holding, showing me a beautiful diamond encrusted platinum band.
I nod furiously and think I choke out a "Yes." Parker's smile widens, if that's even possible. He quickly shoots to his feet, takes the band, and slips it on my finger before pulling me in for a crushing hug. I pull back only enough to grab his face and kiss him stupid.
Once we part and I look around, I find everyone involved standing around us smiling, crying, clapping, and whistling. And I also realize that the whole thing has been playing live on TV. Unbelievable. I turn back to Parker.
"I can't believe you did this," I say.
"I had to make sure that there was no way you could say no." He snickers.
I bark out a laugh and pull him in for another kiss. "I can't wait to marry you," I tell him when we part.
He smiles. "I can't wait to marry you either."
"I love you."
"I love you, too, Hamaroo!"
The End
About the Authors
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Andria is currently working on her new series named Renegade. She already has the first two out! Also, don’t forget to check out her already successful series, The Beck Brothers.
Crossing The Line (A Taboo Love series Book 3) Page 17