He looks at me with concern. “I thought the backrub relaxed you. Why didn’t you get to sleep until 2?”
“Because I was too conscience of you next to me.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.” Then he starts laughing. “Did I get you all worked up so you couldn’t sleep?”
I roll over, grab a pillow and hit him with it.
“So that’s how you want to handle this?” he asks. “Ok, you asked for it.” And before I know it a pillow bops me in the face.
That brings on a pillow fight. We are laughing like kids, pummeling each other with the pillows. All of a sudden, he wrestles the pillow away from me, throws it to the floor, grabs my wrists and shoves me back down on the bed with him on top of me. I stare into his eyes. My heart beats outrageously. I am shocked when the sheets don’t ignite on fire from the sparks we create. His control snaps and he’s devouring me. His lips possessing mine. I can feel his erection against my thigh. My wrists are freed as his hands sweep up my arms to rest on either side of my body. His thumbs stroke the outside of my breasts. I answer with the same sudden loss of control. My hands wrap around him down his back to his hips and butt and pull him closer.
Ryan gains control first and just puts his forehead against mine, trying to gain his regular breathing back. He groans as he pushes away and rolls over. “I hope you figure things out very soon, Olivia. I’m not sure how much longer I can hold out.”
“I’m sorry, Ryan. I…I don’t mean….”
He rolls back and silences me with a kiss. “Shh. I know. Don’t worry. Besides, we need to get ready to leave. Up and at ’em little gal.”
Holy cow. How can he recover so fast? I am all hot and bothered and breathing heavy.
“Little gal?” I question, laughing.
“I don’t know. Just popped into my head,” he shrugs.
As I take a shower, I think about Ryan. It seems like he is serious enough about me to respect my wishes to wait until I’m ready. I’m starting to believe that he does want to be with me. I don’t know why he wants to be with me, but I think I will enjoy it while it lasts. I’m humbled to have this famous person, someone who’s in demand with every director/producer in Hollywood, a person who everyone knows, who can have anyone he wanted, wants me.
We get ready. I pack and we’re out the door for the airport in about an hour and a half. Soon we are on our way to Los Angeles.
Chapter 9
The flight to Los Angeles is a highly annoying. The damn flight attendants constantly flirt with Ryan. They interrupt our conversation repeatedly. They want his autograph or a picture with him. They keep disturbing him to ask if he needs anything, rarely leaving him alone. If Ryan does want something, they rush to get it for him, almost fighting over who gets to take it to him. And they barely acknowledge me even though I’m right next to him. Ryan pretty much ignores them and complains about them, which makes me feel good.
Thank God I am with Ryan when we arrive to Los Angeles. I think I’d be lost wondering around the hallways if I was alone. We go to the parking garage, stow our luggage in Ryan’s car and drive to Ryan’s house in Malibu.
Wow! My mouth drops open as we pull into his driveway. It’s a beautiful, very modern house; the whole back side of the house faces the ocean. Ryan grabs our luggage and leads me inside. He leaves me in the kitchen while he takes the luggage to the bedrooms. When he comes back, he leads me on a tour of the house.
The kitchen has white cabinets, black countertops and gray accents. It’s gorgeous. It’s open to the living room. There are glass doors that completely open to the deck outside so one can sit inside or out and enjoy the ocean. To the left of the kitchen/living room is the master suite. Boy is it a master suite. It also has doors that open to the ocean view. The bathroom is huge with a monstrous shower. I got lost in the closet. Back out to the kitchen/living room, we go to the right side of the house which has a guest room and Ryan’s office.
Then Ryan leads me to the bottom level. There is family room, gym, theater, another bedroom, a couple more bathrooms and outside of this level is an infinity pool. Holy shit. I’m out of my league.
Having never been to Malibu or Los Angeles before, Ryan says he will shows me around a little bit. After I get settled in the guest bedroom and freshen up, Ryan drives us back into Los Angeles. He takes me shopping on Rodeo Drive. I am in heaven, and have loads of fun! But even though I’m having a blast, in the back of my mind I keep worrying about the awards show, especially now having seen just how extravagant the rich and famous live. I’m going to have to walk the red carpet with Ryan. Not to mention all the cameras taking my picture, eager to record any mistakes I make. When I voice my concerns yet again to him, he just keeps telling me not to worry, he will take care of me.
This evening, we eat at some classy little joint back in Malibu. We see a few other actors. This is so cool. Ryan knows two of them so he introduces me. They both say they will be at the show on Sunday. I’m so ruffled from meeting these actors and anxious about Sunday that I barely eat the nice meal Ryan ordered for me.
Ryan gives me a back rub in bed and promises to leave when he is done or if I happen to fall asleep on him – which I do. I wake up the next morning to an empty bed completely rested. I finally got a decent night’s sleep.
We decide to be lazy today. We hang out at Ryan’s house, play games and go swimming, just spend time together. I am visibly getting more tense as the day goes on. I try to hide it from Ryan as best I can. I don’t think I hide it well. I am going to be a nervous wreck tomorrow.
This evening, we go to a bar and meet up with a few of his co-stars from Surrender. They, of coarse, are in town for the show. Ryan’s good friend, Leslie Day, wasn’t able to come. He says I will just have to wait and meet her tomorrow. I am eager to meet Leslie, because in all our conversations about his coworkers and friends, he seems to value her opinion the most.
I have another restful, sleep-filled night. I feel much more confident, that I can conquer anything. I pray this feeling will stay with me the rest of the day.
We pack a bag and stay at a hotel close to the theatre where the show is being held. It is also where I have my spa appointment. My pampering appointment is for 11 am. I get a manicure and pedicure, am buffed and picked and massaged. It’s heaven. Then they start on my hair and make-up. I let them do whatever they want – mainly because Ryan told me to shut up, not argue and let the pros handle it before he left. When they are done, they turn me around to look in the mirror. Who is that beautiful woman in the mirror? I don’t even recognize myself. I’m gorgeous. Why can I not look like this all the time? Oh, yeah, ’cause it took hours to get this outcome.
I head back to our suite and make Ryan promise he will not look as I rush passed him. I don’t want Ryan to see me until I am completely put together.
I get dressed in a gorgeous but simple, black, floor length dress. It has a halter top to it and is backless and hugs my curves. I strap on black heels with sparkly gemstones on them. Ryan will have to hold onto me so I don’t trip. I am so nervous for Ryan to see me that my hands are clammy. I hope I meet his expectation. I try to take deep, steady breaths, but it is hopeless. Tonight is going to be a disaster. I think I might throw up. Thankfully, the knock on the door distracts me.
“Olivia? Are you ready?” Ryan calls through the door.
All right. This is it. Hope Ryan likes the result.
“Yes. Come in,” I answer nervously, my heart thumping against my ribs, anxious for his reaction. The door swings open slowly. Ryan walks in wearing a tux.
Wooh. Holy crap! He looks so hot. How can he look so good? I cannot say anything.
Apparently, he is speechless too, because he just stares at me for a few seconds. Finally, he finds his voice, but it’s low and thick with emotion.
“Olivia. Love. You take my breath away. You are lovely - beautiful. You’re stunning. No one will be looking at me tonight. Wow!”
I snort. “Yeah, right! Look at you! You look so hand
some.”
“Well then, I guess they’ll be looking at both of us. How did I get so lucky?” he asks.
“You’re lucky because you dialed up the miracle workers at the salon and had them do this to me.”
“I don’t think that’s it, because you’re always gorgeous, and tonight you’re exquisite. Oh, I have something for you.”
“What?” I hadn’t noticed that he is holding his left hand behind his back.
“Open, please.” He hands me a wide rectangular box. In it is the most beautiful diamond necklace I’ve ever seen. It’s very intricate and elegant.
“R…Ryan…,” I stutter.
“Don’t worry. I didn’t buy them. They are on loan for the night from Harry Winston. Everyone does it. You need bling on the red carpet. Here let me help you put it on.”
I lift my hair so he can clasp the necklace around my neck.
“This is called a wreath necklace and it has 122 round and marquise diamonds in it.”
“Thank you Ryan. It’s beautiful.”
I gave him a kiss that is more serious than I intend. My heart hammers in my chest like a jack hammer. All I want at this moment is him, nothing else. Screw the show and after parties. Just him, and preferably him in bed.
“Ok. We’d better go,” he says reluctantly, taking my hand to pull me out of the door.
I laugh nervously. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m ready. Bring it on.”
A limo is waiting to take us to the theater. On the ride there, I keep fidgeting. Finally, Ryan grabs my hands, laughs and tells me everything will be fine. As we pull up to the theatre, I can see a huge statue outside the theatre. Oh, God! This is it. Everyone will be looking at me. Now I am definitely going to throw up.
The limo door opens. All around us are celebrities that I admire, not to mention all the cameras and questions and people shouting names. We get out and are bombarded by cameras. There are tons of fans behind barricades that go crazy when they see Ryan. I’m dumbfounded as I stared out into the crowd. Some of the girls are actually crying. What’s up with that? Ryan tugs my hand, bringing me back to face the theatre. I paste a smile on my face – even though I’m terrified – and hope my smile looks genuine.
Ryan is asked time and again to pose for photos, sometimes with me, other times by himself. Ryan holds my hand or puts his arm around and whispers ‘You’re doing great. Just keep smiling’.
It feels like everyone’s looking at me. Of course, they probably are. Wondering what’s so special about me that Ryan Paxton is with me. Then comes the questions about who I am, if we are serious. “This is my Olivia” he answers. The ‘my’ doesn’t go unnoticed by the reporters. But any other questions are diverted to other subjects or ignored.
At last, we get past the red carpet to the stairway that leads to the theatre entrance. The inside of the theatre is gorgeous. It is huge and has so many balconies. The place is beautiful all decked out for the awards.
Finally, it’s time for the show to start. We are ushered to our seats, which are with the rest of the crew from Surrender. The movie and cast are up for a lot of awards. Everyone sits close together so the camera can capture them all going up on stage if they win. I finally get introduced to Leslie Day, but we don’t have time to talk.
Finally, the show starts. Other members of the cast or the movie itself wins most of the early awards that they are nominated for. Ryan is thrilled for his co-stars. I can’t help but be excited with him.
About a third of the way through, Ryan gets to present an award. I am left to sit by myself for a while. A fill-in comes to sit in Ryan’s seat so when the camera pans around the theatre, it looks completely full. A couple of Ryan’s co-stars are nice enough to talk to me. When it’s Ryan’s turn to present, the crowd goes crazy. He has a hard time calming them down enough so he can talk. Finally, it is quiet enough for him to be heard. He has a couple of good jokes that get laughs. Then he announces the winner. About five minutes later, Ryan comes back to his seat and puts his arm around me, giving me a kiss on my cheek.
At last it’s time for the big awards. Leslie wins best actress. She hugs everyone, including me before floating to the stage. She glows as she accepts the award and gives her many thanks.
Next is best actor. Ryan is nominated for this, along with four other equally talented actors. He has my hand gripped tight and is shaking his leg waiting for the winner to be announced. He’s nervous! This blows me away. I haven’t seen Ryan nervous. He has always been so confident around me. I place my free hand on top of ours and give him a reassuring smile.
“And the award goes to . . . Ryan Paxton for Surrender.”
The theatre goes wild. He won! I scream. The whole row jumps up. Ryan gives me a great big hug, kisses me long and hard then shakes a few hands and gives a few hugs as he walks up to the stage to accept his award. He can’t stop smiling. I also can’t stop grinning. I’m so proud of him. I can’t take my eyes off him as he walks up to the stage.
Once again, he must wait for the applause to die down before he can speak. He tries starting a couple times, but has to stop because of the applause and whistles. “Thank you. Wow. This is great! I can’t believe it. Thank you. This is a dream come true. First I want to thank God, because without Him, I wouldn’t be here. Um, gosh it’s really hard to think when you’re up here,” he laughed. “Guess I should have written some stuff down. I want to thank Artie for directing a great film. Thanks to Leslie, Charlotte, Bryan, Juan and Michael and the rest of the crew. I couldn’t have picked a better group of genuinely great people to work with. And I can’t wait to get started on the sequel. I need to thank my mom and dad and my brothers for always supporting me and making sure my head never gets too big. And last but definitely not least,” he says, looking directly at me, “thank you to my Olivia for making my life complete. Thanks.” He waves and walks off stage.
Applause erupts again, but I barely notice. I sit astonished in my seat. I’m awed by his thanks. I haven’t done anything, didn’t even know him when he was making this film. I’ve made his life complete. Wow, am I in serious trouble. I am more in love with him than ever. And I’m not going to be able to hide it from him after this. Truthfully, I’m not sure I want to hide it from him anymore. I think I am ready to tell him or maybe at least show him.
There is a break for commercials. Ryan comes back to his seat during that time. Surrender is nominated for best film. He takes my hand as he sits and kisses it.
“Congratulations!” I say, leaning into him. “That was considerate of you to thank me, but I didn’t even know you then,” I say.
“I know you now,” he answers and before I can say anything else we are interrupted by others offering their congratulations, too.
The presenters for best film come out and announce the nominees. Of course, Surrender wins best film. Once again, Ryan pulls me up, hugs and kisses me before going on stage with everyone else.
Since that is the last award, the show is over. A few minutes later, Ryan comes back to our seats. He leads me to where he has been requested to do a few post-show interviews. We stand around and talk to some of the other actors. Some come over, introduce themselves and congratulate Ryan on winning. I’m thrilled to talk to the actors; I completely forget to be nervous and shy. Ryan has his arm wrapped around me. I glance at him and find him watching me, smiling. I give him a quick kiss.
“You’re having a good time, then?” he asks.
“I’m having a great time. I was worried for nothing. These are great people. Thank you for making me come with you.”
“I am so pleased that you are here with me,” he says as he moves his hand to my lower back to lead me. “Come on. We’ve got some partying to do now.”
“Yes, let’s go celebrate!” I say.
The after-party is back at our hotel – which is why Ryan booked a suite there. The whole cast from Surrender is there, along with some of the other celebs I’ve met earlier and a bunch of other people. Ryan a
nd I grab some Cristal and mingle. Ryan holds my hand or wraps his arm around me the whole time.
Leslie Day comes over to me while Ryan is talking with others. She puts her arm through mine and gestures towards the bar. I nod, let Ryan know I am going with her, even though he scowls when I tell him, and we start walking in that direction.
“Olivia, I’m going to be completely honest with you and tell you that I was very leery of you when Ryan came back from Las Vegas talking non-stop about this girl he met out there. I was afraid he’d gotten caught up in the admiration of a fan. More than ever after hearing about how you two met. And that can be very dangerous for Ryan. But the more Ryan tells me about you and now that I have met you and I see you two together, I understand that isn’t the case. I’m very happy that Ryan met you and has you in his life. He is probably happier now than I’ve ever seen him.”
I’m touched that she feels comfortable enough to tell me her thoughts. Or maybe she’s just had enough to drink. I’m giddy that she thinks Ryan is so happy with me.
“Really?! Well, I’m the lucky one,” I answer. “Ryan is the most decent, wonderful man I’ve ever met.” We both look over at him. He is watching us and gives us a nod and a wink.
“I think you’re both lucky,” she replies. “Now, I want to get to know you better. Let’s have a shot or two to loosen up.”
I laugh. “Sure, why not. I’m game.”
After a couple shots, I’m feeling really good and relaxed. We talk about everything. One would have thought we had known each other for years they way we were talking. We are discussing the Surrender sequel in London when Ryan finds us again. He comes up behind me, slips his arms around me and nuzzles my ear, making me purr.
“Ryan, I really like your Olivia,” Leslie announces.
I grin at her.
“I do, too. But you’ve monopolized my girl long enough, Leslie. Now it’s my turn to kidnap her.”
“But we we’re just getting to really know each other,” Leslie objects, pretending to pout.
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