by RC Boldt
Matty grins at me. “It’s only gonna get better from here, Sim.”
I’m still dazed, captive to the potent euphoric high from the experience. Even with the onslaught of emotions battering away at me, a part of me yearns to share it with Kane.
Both Matty and Karina have been unusually silent about everything Kane-related, which I’m grateful for. It’s also helped that my world has been ridiculously hectic. I’ve been doing nothing except the same routine every day for the past week: wake up, eat, work out, rehearse, sleep. Repeat.
Matty and I draw to a stop outside my dressing room. As soon as he lays his hand on the doorknob, I realize the excitement and euphoric high have dissipated to give way to a bone-deep exhaustion.
“Please don’t be mad, but you know you need this.”
Confused, I blink up at my best friend.
“Tie up loose ends or get closure, whatever you need to do. But I’m hoping it turns out better than that.” His words are puzzling, but before I can pepper him with questions, he opens the door. He shuffles me inside with so much haste, exhaustion prevents me from reacting quick enough when he abruptly shuts the door behind me.
The moment I see who’s waiting for me, every single molecule in my entire body stills, frozen in place at the sight of Kane. My heartbeat thunders in my chest, rivaling the crowd moments earlier while I was onstage. Hope wars with caution as I survey the man before me.
Wary eyes contrast with what resembles a hint of a hopeful smile tugging at the edges of his lips.
“Hey.”
My first instinct is to turn around and haul ass back through the door. Then I remind myself that running doesn’t solve anything. I need to stand up for myself. I refuse to let him waltz in here and trample over my heart again.
Straightening my shoulders, I ease a step back to lean against the door as casually as possible. Drinking in the sight of him, I’m desperate to memorize the differences from before.
His hair has a bit more length to it, and he’s not dressed as if he’s attending an NFL game. No jersey or T-shirt of a given player. Instead, he’s dressed similarly to when he worked for me; neat dark gray slacks and a black button-down shirt. Sleek black shoes.
“Fact or fiction.”
It takes me a moment to register his words. Stunned, I can only shake my head, trying to remain composed while my throat grows painfully tight and tears threaten my eyes.
“Don’t do this.” I can’t bear for him to play fucking games with me. I mean, seriously? This is the first time I’ve seen him in months, and he wants to play fact or fiction?
“Fact or fiction,” he repeats, eyes laser-focused on me.
This is when I explode, and my words pour out like an erupting volcano. “No. Just, no. I’m not playing games with you! You send me all those texts and tell me you miss me and that you’re playing for keeps, then ghost me for nearly a week, and that’s the first thing you say when you see me?!”
I shake my head and plod over to where my comfortable change of clothes sits, avoiding his gaze. He could’ve greeted me with a hug. A kiss. A God, I’ve missed you or even an I love you.
Anything but a damn game.
“I’m sorry. I was afraid I’d accidentally give somethin’ away in a text. I just…wanted it to be a surprise. Wanted to do this in person.” He addresses my back as I collapse in the plush chair. Unzipping my boots, I practically rip them off my feet.
His voice sounds like he’s moved closer when he speaks again, each syllable uttered with jarring clarity. “Fact or fiction: I’m in love with you.”
His words have my muscles turning to mush, and I grasp the armrests of the chair to steady myself. Still, I can’t bring myself to turn and face him. I take the coward’s way out because I’m so damn scared right now. Scared shitless of this just being a delusion of my own making. Which is why I say nothing. I remain in the chair, frozen in place, my heart thudding so rapidly it’s a wonder the entire stadium doesn’t hear it.
He speaks again, his voice turning a shade husky. “It’s fact. I love you, Simone King. So damn much.” A millisecond of a pause. “I know I fucked up. I choked the last time we were together. But I swear to you, I got my shit straightened out.”
I stare down at my lap, gaze unfocused, silent. I’m barely able to draw in a breath, let alone speak at this point, as my body is riddled with shock. Fear nabs me with its fierce talons, holding tight, making me question whether the words I longed to hear, words I hoped I’d witness falling from his lips, are real and not something my heart and mind have dreamed up.
Kane’s next words are hoarse with emotion, sounding as though he’s pulling them from deep within. “I won’t lie and say I’m not glad you got so good at goodbyes with the others. Because it led you to me. But I need to set you straight. You were never a poor man’s Lucia. Never. You have my whole heart. And if you let me, I’ll make it my mission to prove to you every day that I’m all yours.”
Footsteps sound quietly until I see his black shoes enter my line of sight, inches away from my feet.
“You can tell me to fuck off. That it’s too damn late. That those tasks were just for shits and giggles. I wouldn’t blame you.
“Between you and me, I’m glad Matthias sent that list. Because even if you don’t feel anythin’ for me anymore, those tasks helped me feel closer to you.”
When he drops to his haunches, I’m forced to meet blue eyes that have haunted my dreams for the past several months. “But I can’t lie and say I’m not hopin’ you’ll give me a chance.” He clears his throat. “And I didn’t wanna pour my heart out in a goddamn text or even over the phone.”
His voice descends in volume, becoming raspier, and his features take on a hint of worry. “Please don’t be mad at Matthias or David for helpin’ me.” A slightly derisive laugh falls from his lips. “It took a hell of a lot of convincin’, especially with your buddy.”
Voice husky and deep, Kane’s eyes are beseeching. “You’re my North Star, Simone King. Without you, everythin’s darker and harder to navigate. I’m lost without you.”
Throat so tight with warring emotions and thoughts—Can I really trust him? Will he just hurt me all over again? I’m so scared.—I’m rendered speechless. Our gazes hold, and a myriad of emotions crosses his face. Hopefulness. Anguish. Fear. Love. As the silence drags on, two more emotions bleed into his expression. Remorse. Pain.
The instant he admits defeat, his eyes lose their luster as though the life is snuffed right out of them. Those lips press thin as if he’s attempting to restrain his anguish.
He lowers his gaze and swallows audibly before giving a curt nod. “Knew I was takin’ a chance…” His words are spoken so softly I’m not entirely certain they’re meant for my ears.
Straightening slowly, in a way that makes it appear like he’s weary with resignation, he lets his arms hang heavy at his sides.
I’m still gripping the armrests of my chair when the words tumble past my lips. With every single whispered syllable, a portion of my heart is attached to it, dripping with tangible emotion.
“I can’t do that again. I won’t survive it.” His startled gaze cuts to me. “I love you, Kane.” My voice breaks, and it takes a monumental effort to speak past the tightness in my bone-dry throat as I rise from the chair. “I never stopped. But if you hurt me like that again…” Pain lances through my chest at the memory of how he let me walk out of his house.
Blue eyes clouded with emotion, he reaches for me, cradling my face in his palms. Those calluses are a welcome rasp against my skin. The pain seems to fade from his voice, the tension ebbing from his body with each word he speaks.
“Simone… I won’t ever do that again. I promise.” Pressing his lips to my forehead in a featherlight kiss, he speaks softly against my skin. “I love you with all that I am, Princess.” His voice is laden with both vulnerability and love. “And I’ll spend the rest of our lives proving it.”
43
Kane
THE FOLLOWING JANUARY
“Don’t be givin’ me those sexy eyes, Princess,” I murmur softly so no one will overhear. “You’ve got me thinkin’ ’bout how fast I can get you outta that dress.”
Camera flashes nearly blind me as I pose beside her on the red carpet, but the way she looks up at me, that light in her eyes, the way she smiles—the genuine, affectionate kind I’ve come to know well—makes it all worth it.
Simone’s been working her ass off to record her next album, and I know she’s exhausted, but she doesn’t let it show. Tonight’s a big night since it’s the Golden Globe Awards, and she’s been nominated for her role in The Last Love Letter.
Her smile widens, and she lets out a husky laugh. “I love you.”
“I love you more.” I press a light kiss to her lips, and the crowd awws and some cheers sound.
Later on, fresh-faced with one of my T-shirts draping her body, she curls up on my lap. We sit out on the secluded balcony of the hotel suite, enjoying the quiet night after all the excitement earlier. We’re both looking forward to our LA house being move-in ready soon, but this suite does the job for the time being.
I fly out tomorrow for a job, but luckily, it’s not one I expect will keep me away long. Which I’m grateful for, especially since Simone’s sticking to one place—around Atlanta—for the time being while she’s recording.
After all the inquiries I’d received from people wanting to hire me to assess their security teams—actors, musicians, politicians, you name it—I spoke with Fos about the possibility of doing this sort of contract work full-time, and he was all for it. He helped me with the process of creating my own company and getting everything in place. Even though this job requires travel, it also allows me the flexibility to see Simone more often.
“So…how about a fact or fiction headline?” I murmur softly.
Cuddled against me, she raises her head to peer up at me curiously.
Nervous anticipation floods me, but I push through it. “A headline said, ‘Simone King gets engaged on the night she receives her first Golden Globe Award.’”
Her brow creases, and she lets out a tiny laugh. “Fic…” She stops abruptly when I raise my hand, holding the ring pinched between my thumb and forefinger.
The pure shock on her face is priceless. Her eyes lock with mine, and a multitude of emotions flicker across her features.
“Wanna make it fact?” My breath holds as I wait for her to answer. And it hits me once again just how much this woman means to me. How damn much I love her.
When she appears at a loss for words, I rush on. “Look, I’m not gonna lie and say I won’t be disappointed if you turn me down, but I know if you do, it’s because you’re not ready yet. Hell, even if you’re never ready, I’ll still love you for the rest of my life.”
I raise my other hand to cradle her cheek. “You’re it for me. You’re the person who’s in my corner, just like I’m always in yours. You’re my other half. My North Star. And as long as I get to…” I trail off when she holds up a finger to stop me. Quickly dropping a kiss to my cheek, she slides from my lap without a word and disappears inside the hotel room.
Well, shit. That didn’t go well at all. I sit, stunned, but it only lasts a moment before Simone returns and slides back onto my lap, holding up her cell phone. I glance between her and the phone warily.
“I have something to show you.” Her eyes hold something akin to mischievousness.
Simone turns the phone, showing me a list of tracks, and I realize these are from what she’s been recording in the studio. She’s been working her ass off trying to finish this album.
I reckon she wants me to hear some of her songs. This is awkward as hell, but maybe this is her telling me no and quickly changing the subject.
Then her perfectly manicured fingernail taps on one song in particular. Bonus Track: Marry Me.
Our eyes lock, and I know mine are questioning and so damn hopeful.
“I wrote this especially for you.” Her eyes crinkle at the edges, bright with love. “You just beat me to it.”
She hits Play, sets the phone on the armrest, and a moment later, we’re surrounded by her beautiful voice.
I never knew a love like this
Would be possible for someone like me
My heart just dove right in
It took the lead
And now here we are
I know in my soul our love is real
So I need to know just how you feel
I’ll wear your ring
We’ll grow old and gray together
Through whatever life may bring
You’re my North Star
Your love guides me, near or far
I wanna be yours till the end of time
Look in my eyes and love is all you’ll see
Please, baby, marry me
Her lyrics bring a relieved smile to my face. And when I slide the ring on her finger, Simone wraps her arms around my neck and whispers the best words I’ve heard all night.
“Fact: Simone King is engaged to Kane Windham and can’t wait to marry him.”
Rolling Stone Magazine
A YEAR AND A HALF LATER
An Intimate Interview with Pop Princess, Simone King
By Judah Lowery
I’m seated at a table for two with Simone King, and I’m surprised first by her appearance. She’s dressed in a casual, ankle-length strapless sundress, wearing only the barest hint of makeup. Her skin is sun-kissed—not the fake tan from a bottle or spray or even a bed. But that’s not what’s most striking of all.
It’s the version of the multiplatinum singer and songwriter who sits across from me. This Simone King radiates such contentment that it permeates the air around us. There’s also an openness about her that contrasts to how private and closed off she has previously been.
We order [she requests the salad with mixed greens and grilled chicken breast] and make small talk about the area (I was given strict instructions to refrain from mentioning the beach town location for privacy concerns) before diving into the interview. I first ask her how married life is treating her, and she beams like only a woman in love can.
Simone King: It’s wonderful. (If I didn’t know better, I’d say she actually blushes.) It’s everything I ever dreamed of. Different from any other relationship I’ve had in the best way possible. Kane is…just utterly incredible.
If her smile were to get any brighter, it’d be in direct competition with the sun.
JL: Do you mind if I ask what makes him different from the others?
Simone King: Everything. But…I’m different too. I had to learn to stop expecting greatness from people who were only willing to offer mediocrity. And when it’s a relationship, that’s even more detrimental to hearts involved.
JL: I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we thoroughly enjoy how open you are with your relationship and especially the humor interspersed with the affection in your social media posts.
Simone King: We both endured some difficult relationships in the past, and I feel like we’ve grown together, healed together, and our personalities have flourished, as corny as that may sound.
JL: Not at all. I honestly feel like we were able to watch the transformation as your relationship progressed. To prepare for this interview, I went back and looked through your Instagram, and the shift is definitely present. And I mean that in the best way possible. You both exude a realness, and in the midst of so many others who might not understand what a healthy relationship entails, that’s both inspiring and educating.
Simone King: Oh, thank you. That’s such an incredible compliment.
JL: I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the hilarious posts and how you two troll each other on Instagram.
Simone King: (She laughs.) Oh, boy.
JL: It seemed to start when you made your second appearance at the Golden Globes—this time, as a married woman—and Kane shared
a photo someone snapped of you two posing on the red carpet. He’s smiling down at you, and you’re doing the same but seem to be looking past him.
Simone King: (She tosses her head back on a hearty laugh.) Ah, yes.
JL: Kane captioned it with, “My face says I love the hell out of my wife. My wife’s face says the Hemsworth brothers are in the vicinity.” And do you recall how you responded?
Simone King: (She grins.) I said it was actually because I was thinking about the enormous chocolate fountain they said was inside.
JL: But the engagement post from the previous year takes the cake. It received countless likes and comments, not to mention the number of reposts.
* * *
The caption to her Instagram post was:
He decided to put a ring on it…after I won a Golden Globe. @kanewindhamsecurity Guess you really want VIP passes to my next movie premiere. Well played.
Kane responded with: “It was either that or try to find work on the set. This was the easier route.”
* * *
JL: Is it safe to say there’s a lot of fun in your relationship?
Simone King: Without a doubt. And it’s something that was severely lacking in my life as far as romantic relationships went.
JL: Speaking of you and Kane, would you be willing to play a game? A few rapid-fire questions about you two?
Simone King: Sure!
JL: Your favorite physical feature about Kane?
Simone King: His smile.
JL: What’s your secret hobby?
Simone King: Collecting old books.
JL: What’s the sexiest thing your husband does that’s not actually sexual in nature?
Simone King: When he puts his hand at the base of my spine when we walk somewhere—like in or out the door. There’s just something so protective and manly about it.
JL: Favorite thing to do with Kane when you’re alone.
