by Piper Snow
“That means yes!” The room erupted in more cheers and wolf whistles, and I tried not to look at them as my face warmed into a blush, knowing it would only encourage them more.
I closed the door to my dorm room and stretched out on the bed, resting my head on my arms as I stared up at the ceiling. I let my smile grow as I replayed Ella’s interview over and over again in my mind, too excited about seeing her again to care that the whole country now knew who I was.
The next morning, the end of my twenty-four hour shift came and I left the fire station, only to be greeted by a group of guys shoving cameras in my face, asking me questions about Ella while taking my picture.
I picked up my pace, weaving through them as I hurried back to my apartment. As soon as I made it through my front door, I took a deep breath, feeling completely overwhelmed and startled by it all.
I looked through the peephole of my door, and was relieved to see they hadn’t followed me into the building. But when I peered through the window down onto the street, I saw them standing around, just waiting for me to leave again.
The phone rang, pulling me away from the window just as one of them had spotted me and was about to hold his camera up.
“Yeah?” I said, distracted by the craziness I’d just been through.
“Dean, what’s going on?” It was my mom, and she sounded upset.
“Mom? What’s wrong?”
She proceeded to tell me that her phone had been ringing all morning with reporters asking questions about me and Ella. One guy even showed up at her building, asking her questions through the speaker when she refused to buzz him in.
“What’s going on, honey? Why are they asking all these questions about you and this girl?” she asked, concern in her voice.
“Mom, Ella is... Well, she’s kinda famous,” I said, wondering how to explain it to her. I’d told her I was taking a date to the ball, but I didn’t think it would lead to anything so I didn’t bother telling her that my date was a rockstar.
“Famous? Waddaya mean famous? Like a movie star?”
“Sort of. She’s a singer, Ma. She’s in a band.”
“Which band? She’s not one of those Spicy Girls, is she?”
“A Spice Girl?” I laughed, realizing she was much more behind in the times than I thought. “No, Ma. She’s a Wild Diamond.”
“A Wild what? Oh, honey, I don’t like the sound of that.”
“Ma, it’s okay. She’s a nice girl. Really nice. There’s nothing to worry about, she’s just famous, is all. People want to know about us now, about me. But you just ignore the reporters, okay? If they bother you again, just tell ‘em you’ll call the cops. Alright, Ma?”
“Alright, hun. Oh, I can’t believe you’re dating a celebrity! I gotta go call your grandmother, she’s gonna flip!”
“Okay, Ma. Bye.”
The second I hung up the phone, it was ringing again, and I sighed before picking it up.
“Hello?”
“Hi there, is that Dean? Dean Winter?”
“Yeah, who’s asking?”
“Dean! This is Brad McCoy from Entertainment Now. I’m wondering if you have a moment to answer a few questions for me about you and Ella White?”
“No, actually, I don’t. And how’d you get this number?”
“C’mon, Dean. It’s the story everyone is just dying to hear about! The whole country wants to know how a regular firefighter such as yourself landed a superstar like Ella.”
“I said no. I’m not interested in answering any of your questions.”
“We’ll pay you, you know?”
I hung up, my whole body tensed in frustration. I began to wonder if asking a rockstar to be my date was such a great idea after all. Even though I knew I was quickly falling for Ella, I wasn’t sure if I could handle living like this for the rest of my life.
Chapter Eight
ELLA
I stepped out of the elevator and walked towards Dean’s door, pulling my suitcase behind me. I’d originally planned on going home first to drop off my things and get changed, but I was so anxious to see him again that I got a taxi to his place straight from the airport. I fixed my hair before knocking on his door, butterflies dancing in my stomach as I waited.
The door swung open and there he was, standing there looking just as sexy as I’d remembered him. But my smile quickly faded when I saw the anger in his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as he stepped aside to let me in.
“Did you come here straight from the airport?” he asked, eyes on my suitcase. I could tell he was trying to change the subject, trying to hide something from me. I could feel it.
“Yes, sorry. I couldn’t wait to see you again. Is everything okay?”
He closed his front door and wrapped his arms around me, planting a kiss on me that was so full of urgency, as though he needed it to breathe. I pulled away, not liking that he was dodging my questions.
“Dean, I know something’s wrong, I can see it in your eyes. Tell me what’s going on.”
He sat down on the couch, rubbing his hands over his face. He looked exhausted.
“I’m okay. It’s just been a bit crazy around here, that’s all.”
“Crazy? What do you mean?”
“Well, the phone’s been ringing off the hook with reporters. I can’t even go outside without being surrounded. Even my Mom’s been getting hounded with questions about you and me.”
I sat next to him, placing a hand on his thigh. “Oh, babe, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. I didn’t know they were going to show that photo of us on the show, I swear. But I shouldn’t have told them your name. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright, Ella. It’s not your fault. I’m just not used to all this, that’s all.”
“I know. It’s okay. Jaz and Eli went through the same thing when they started dating, and so did Kelly and Drew. But the hype settled down after a few weeks, and now they couldn’t be happier. I know it’s a little crazy right now, but things will calm down and they’ll forget about us. Promise.”
He smiled then, and I was glad to have helped him feel better.
“Hey, I know something that might help you get used to all this,” I said, grinning at him.
“What?” he asked, suspiciously.
“Well, it’s Jaz’s birthday, and she’s having a party tonight at her loft. There’ll be heaps of celebs there. Besides, Jaz and Kelly have been dying to meet you. And I’m sure Eli and Drew could give you some tips on dating a Wild Diamond.” I winked at him, and he chuckled.
“Sure, what the hell.”
“Great! It’ll be good for you to see the positive side of all this. No paparazzi, no reporters, just good people, good food, and a good time.”
A few hours later, we walked into Jaz’s loft, music blaring as a crowd of people filled the floor. I spotted Jaz and Kelly in the kitchen with Eli and Drew, and made a B-line for them, squeezing Dean’s hand tight.
“Holy shit, this is crazy!” Dean said, leaning close so I could hear him over the noise. “I recognize almost everyone in this room!”
I giggled at his starstruck reaction as we entered the kitchen.
“Ella!” Jaz said as she hugged me.
“Happy Birthday, lovely!”
“Thank you! And this must be Dean!” she said, grinning from ear to ear as she took him in.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” Dean said as he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. “Happy Birthday!”
“Oh, thank you! We’ve all heard so much about you,” she winked, and I pretended I didn’t notice.
“This is Kelly, and next to her his her boyfriend Drew, and this guy here is Jaz’s boyfriend Eli.”
They all shook hands and did their best to make Dean feel at ease. I’d texted Jaz earlier to let her know that he’d been struggling with his newfound fame and asked if everyone could do their best to help him adjust to it all tonight.
An hour later, Dean was bonding wi
th Eli and Drew, discussing their favorite bands over cigars, when Jaz and Kelly pulled me aside.
“Ella! He’s a babe!” Jaz cooed as she eyed him from the other side of the room.
“Such a sweetie!” Kelly joined her, and I was so happy they liked him. “And he’s fitting in great with the guys. I can tell Drew likes him already.”
“Oh I’m so relieved he’s fitting in so well,” I sighed. “I like him so much. I’m terrified this is all going to be too much for him. I mean, how much hassling from the media can he handle until he decides it’s just not worth it?”
“Honey, it’s worth it,” Jaz said. “You’re worth it. And judging by the way he’s been undressing you with his eyes all night, I think he knows that.”
“Agreed!” Kelly laughed. “Besides, it’s hard for everyone at first. I hated the media for at least the first year and a half, but you start to figure out how to protect your privacy and you even start getting used to it.”
“Yeah,” Jaz said, nodding her head. “He just needs more time to get used to it. And if he really likes you, which he does, he’ll stick around.”
I sipped on my cocktail, watching Dean as he talked and laughed with Eli and Drew, looking like they were old friends. It felt so good to see him having such a fun time, and I started to believe that this really could work.
As though he could sense me looking at him, he turned his gaze towards me, our eyes locking from across the room. My heart skipped a beat as he winked at me and flashed a gorgeous smile, and I loved that out of all the women at the party – actresses, supermodels, pop stars – he was looking at me.
I suddenly had an overwhelming urge to kiss him, and without even thinking, I began zig zagging through the mess of people to get to him.
He met me halfway, the same eager look in his eyes that I was sure I had in mine, and we kissed as though we were the only ones in the room.
“I want you,” I said, looking deep into his eyes. “Now.”
Without saying a word, he grabbed my hand and began leading me towards the bathroom. Thankfully, everyone was having too much fun to notice us sneaking off together.
He pulled me into the bathroom and closed the door, locking it before pushing me against the vanity area of the sink and lifting me up to sit on it. He hitched my dress up and spread my legs wide, and I was thankful I’d decided to wear a dress instead of jeans.
Desire burned in his eyes as he yanked my panties down over my legs before sucking on his index and middle finger and stroking me with them, making me moan.
“Jeez, Ella. You’re already wet.” The desire in his eyes transformed into a full-blown heatwave as he pulled a condom out of his wallet and undid his belt.
I pulled my dress down to my waist to reveal my breasts and rested my palms on the marble bench, ready and aching for his cock.
Seconds later, his jeans were around his ankles, the condom was on, and the tip of his massive erection was rubbing up and down my clit, begging for entrance.
“Fuck me,” I demanded, and he let out a growl before sliding into me. The sheer size of him made me gasp loudly, and I was glad the music was loud enough to drown out my cries of pleasure.
I lifted my legs so that my heels were teetering on the edge of the bench, opening me up to him even more and allowing for even deeper penetration.
A long, low moan escaped my lips as he buried himself inside me again and again, the feeling of his hard cock grinding against my inner walls almost too much to bear. My hips began rocking against him naturally, and my head tipped back against the mirror as I let myself relax into the pleasure.
I wanted more, I wanted him harder and faster and deeper, so I pushed him back and jumped down to my feet. A confused look flashed across his face, making me smile evilly at him before I turned around and leaned over the bench, sticking my ass in the air.
“Oh god.” Desire oozed off of him, and I watched our reflection in the mirror as he entered me again.
“Harder.” I watched my breasts bounce as our bodies crashed together, the cold marble making my nipples even harder than they already were.
He grabbed hold of my left thigh, lifting it up so that my knee was resting on the bench, and I screamed in delight when he thrusted into me.
“Yes! Yes!” I called as he slammed me against the the bench, his eyes locked onto us in the mirror. He cupped my breasts in his hands, pinching my nipples lightly as he slid in and out of me.
Leaning my hands against the sink, I pushed my pussy over his cock again and again, fucking him so hard it hurt a little, but I couldn’t stop. I was getting so close, I could feel it. I was about to explode.
My entire body flushed with heat as the first hint of orgasm ignited between my thighs, and I felt it swell until it was so close I could almost taste it.
My breath caught in my chest as a huge wave of euphoria broke over the top of me, sending ripples of bliss running through my veins. My body trembled against his as I cried out in ecstasy, and I felt as though every cell in my body was on fire.
It wasn’t long before he was losing control too, and he squeezed my breasts as he came inside me, slamming into me until he was empty.
He had just pulled out of me when there was a knock at the door.
“Be right out,” he said as he threw his shirt on and handed me my panties, his eyes sparkling as he smiled at me.
We walked out of the bathroom just in time, Eli calling for everyone’s attention so he could make a speech.
“Thanks so much to all of you for coming tonight, to help us celebrate the birthday of the most beautiful woman in the world,” he began.
Dean snorted quietly as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled my back against his hard chest, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered: “Not true. I’ve got the most beautiful woman in the world right here.”
I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across my face, and I turned my head around to kiss him before focusing my attention back on Eli.
“When I first met Jaz,” he paused, smiling evilly at her. “I was a complete asshole.” The crowd laughed. “No, it’s true! I called her a one hit wonder and very rudely snubbed her. And it took me two whole years to work up the courage to apologize. But, I finally did. And she very graciously accepted my apology, and even agreed to go out to dinner with me. That was over a year ago now,” he turned to Jaz then, talking directly to her. “And you’ve made me the happiest man in the world every day since.”
Gasps filled the air as Eli bent down on one knee, pulling a little red box from his pocket. Jaz’s hands flew up to cover her mouth as she stood there, staring down at him in shock.
“Jasmine Malone, I love you so much. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. Will you marry me?”
For the first time in my life, I saw Jaz choke up, tears welling in her eyes as she nodded. “Hell yes!”
Eli slid the ring onto her finger, it was so big I could see it sparkling from the other side of the room. He jumped to his feet and wrapped her in his arms while everyone cheered and clapped.
Tears of joy fell onto my cheeks as I watched them, so happy to see one of my best friends so ecstatic.
Once the party had begun to wind down and we were about to leave, I finally made it through the dwindling crowd to give Jaz a hug. “Congratulations, beautiful!”
“Thank you,” she said, wiping a tear from under her eye. “I can’t believe it!”
“Congratulations, man,” Dean said to Eli as he shook his hand.
“Thanks, Dean. Great to meet you.”
“Yes, Dean,” added Jaz. “We hope to see a lot more of you in the future.” She winked as we walked out the door.
He put his arm around me while we waited for the elevator, holding me close.
“So, what did you think?” I asked as we stepped inside and pressed the button for the ground floor.
“That was the best party I’ve ever been to,” he said, smiling. “Everyone was so nice. After a while
I forgot they were famous. Drew and Eli are cool guys. They even asked me to go paint balling with them next month.”
“That’s great!” I smiled, hugging him. “I’m so happy you had fun.”
“I did. Thanks for inviting me.” He leaned down and kissed me, and I could feel him smiling against my lips.
“Stay with me tonight,” I said just as the elevator doors opened.
“Of course, baby,” he said as we walked out onto the street, his arm around my waist. “I’m not letting go of you tonight.”
Chapter Nine
DEAN
I woke up with her in my arms and a smile on my face. I loved waking up next to her, her sweet scent filling the air, her soft skin smooth under my fingertips, the slow rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. She was a work of art.
I remembered the first moment I saw Ella in person. The way she looked in her black ball gown as she walked elegantly up the steps towards the entrance of the ball. The electric shocks that zapped through me when she looked up and saw me standing there. Is it possible that I knew then and there that she was the one for me?
It would explain why I danced with her without a second thought. Dancing is something I hold dear to my heart, so I’d decided a long time ago I’d only ever share it with people who are just as dear to my heart. But when she asked me to dance, it just felt right. It felt like it was the most natural thing in the world to hold her close and sway with her to the music.
I wondered if it was possible to be falling so hard and so fast for a woman I’d only met a week ago. But then I remembered when Stan first saw Lucy; he came into the station the day he met her and told me he’d just met the woman he was going to marry. A few months later, they were engaged. The moment he saw her, he just knew. They were so in love.
But being so in love meant losing Stan was the hardest thing in the world for Lucy. Seeing her fall to the floor in tears when I gave her the devastating news that day would forever be burned in my memory as the worst moment of my life. I remember watching as she fell apart, her entire life unravelling in the few seconds it took for me to say the words, “I’m so sorry, Lucy.” That was all I’d needed to say. She knew the moment she saw me, standing at her door in the rain, my eyes red from crying.
