WALK ME DOWN THE AISLE

* Chapter Sixteen *

In those stolen moments, it felt like he genuinely cared for me, snuggling me in his embrace and showering me with tender kisses. Yet, I knew to myself it was all but a charade, a carefully constructed illusion we both played along with. Despite his renowned status, he didn't know who I was or what lay beneath the surface of my freelance singing career.

Perhaps he was just infatuated with my singing voice, enamored by the sound that poured forth from my soul. But did he truly love me, the woman behind the melodies and the unrequited heart that beat for him?
If only he could see beyond the facade, beyond the artist he thought he knew, and truly love me for who I was. If only his love could penetrate the depths of my being, providing the comfort and reassurance my frantic heart yearned for. Then, maybe, I wouldn't be consumed by this seemingly unending madness that grips me now.

"I appreciate you coming here, Danni," Scott said calmly, pleased that I had decided to come when he texted me one day to meet up with him in our secret dwelling.

I couldn't help but laugh, trying to dispel the awkwardness that had settled over us. "You're the only one who knows that I tend to stroll at this time of night, even if it means running from the police," I admitted, attempting to lighten the mood.

Scott chuckled in response. "I highly doubt the police would chase after you," he comforted.

"Yeah, just as much as you wouldn't want to do it yourself, right?" I retorted sarcastically looking at his rather green-colored eyes—eyes that I had always adored. Scott then spoke up and apologized. "I want to apologize for what happened last time. I never intended to hurt you or give you a false impression."

I nodded, composing myself as I prepared to share something important with him. However, as I struggled to find the right words, everything became disheveled, and the situation only grew more complicated.

"I've known your acting career for quite some time, Scott. Even before we crossed paths at Don and Vanessa's wedding. Vanessa knows my strong infatuation for you, but she let me get on after my intentions just to be near you. And I apologize for that," I confessed timidly, still averting my gaze.

"Why are you apologizing? I'm glad that you know me as 'Reeves' rather than 'Clinton.' surname. And there are only a few people who genuinely want to be friends with me without any ulterior motives. Danni, I respect you telling me this. I truly am grateful," Scott responded, a smile forming on his lips. "So, are we okay now?" I inquired, filled with inquisitiveness.

"We're not just okay; we're great. So, what comes next after this?" Scott suddenly expressed, extending his hand toward me. "I'm not even sure. I thought that since my affection for you has nowhere else to go, maybe we could just settle at this point?" I confided, starting to have doubts already.

"Why? Aren't we fine as we are?" Scott asked, a look of genuine concern on his face. "Of course," I retorted, considering his request. "But I have to prioritize my other commitments before getting involved with you and dealing with the attention that comes with your popularity. There are a lot of paparazzi here in California, and I'd rather not be constantly hounded by them."

Scott nodded, seeming to be understanding of my anxieties about the media attention. "Well, if I let them invade our privacy, we won't be able to enjoy our time together in this place, Danni." I couldn't help but giggle, with a note of worry in my voice. "You are just saying that to make me fall for you even more?"

He leaned in closer, kissing my forehead affectionately. "No, it's true. What we have is special, and it's worth protecting." As we shared this intimate moment in the quiet and peaceful evening, I realized that teasing him about my growing feelings for him didn't bother me anymore. We both laughed as we joked about the idea that my affection for him was merely based on idolization rather than genuine love.

We understood each other's pasts too well: he knew about my recent breakup, and I knew about the person he loved leaving him. Perhaps we were both being tormented seeking comfort in each other's company.

But to my surprise, he locked eyes with me and suddenly planted a kiss on my lips.
"What was that all about? Why did you kiss me?" I asked, my voice filled with astonishment. His response caught me off guard as he spoke, his gaze unwavering. "Danni, I think it's time for the both of us to let go of the past and maybe make an effort to fall for each other. Being with you satisfies me, and I can see that you feel the same way. Maybe it's not just because I'm well-known."

I thought about his words, still struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events. "No, my feelings for you aren't solely based on your celebrity status. Yes, I did have a crush on you as a public figure, but getting to know you behind the scenes made me fall even more deeply in love with you," I reasoned, my mind still reeling.

Somehow Scott's revelation took me by surprise. "I think I love you too, Danni," he confessed.

My eyebrows furrowed, unable to fully accept his choice of words. "You think?"
Instantly, Scott corrected himself with the utmost certainty. "No, I love you, Danni."

After that, a rush of emotions flooded over me, causing my heart to race. "I think I love you more, Scott," I admitted chuckling, the words escaping my lips even though we had never actually discussed or planned for this moment.