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Chapter one

She was at a party to celebrate the success of her latest film with its cast, crew and various colleagues and friends. She knew he would be late to the party because he'd had to attend a small awards ceremony before he came. She'd already finished her public interviews and had a few drinks when someone from her team told her he'd arrived outside. She excused herself from the conversation she'd been having and went to the door to welcome him. Then she thought to herself, he deserved more.

She'd done this film with her ex and the media had had a lot to say about it. Her relationship with her ex and its rather spectacular demise had played out in the public eye, unlike the relationship she was in now. She had kept this relationship out of the press quite deliberately, and he had been her partner in secrecy. He'd been so good through it all, even in the face of some rather nasty articles and speculation about their relationship and her relationship with her ex. Now that the film was done she was free to make it clear to the world that she loved him. That she was slightly tipsy gave her liquid courage. They'd been talking about this for a while, about being more open about their feelings in front of others, especially the media, and she figured now was as good a time as any.

Decision made, she approached him as he stood talking and heard some of the lovely things he was saying about the film. She loved how sincere he always was in his praise. She just loved him. With that thought in her mind, she wrapped her arms around him from behind and the joy on his face when he saw her made her light up with happiness as well.

He'd heard a commotion behind him while he was speaking to the media and known that someone famous was probably approaching. When he felt soft hands sneak around his waist, he was shocked and then elated to see her next to him, holding him. He almost couldn't believe it. He put an arm around her, expecting her to let go and face the media, but she kept looking at him with that joyous expression on her face. He praised her work in the film sincerely and she blushed and looked away before looking back at him and thanking him.

When she began stroking her hand down his chest he almost jumped out of his skin. She laughed up at him, eyes filled with joy and mischief, and he was afraid he'd kiss her right there in front everyone. She sparkled with light and life and happiness. He could smell the alcohol on her breath and while she generally held her drink very well, today she seemed to have lost all her inhibitions.

"Go on, I'll join you," he told her.

"Where?" she asked.

"Inside, I'll just finish this and come," he replied.

"Okay," she nodded blithely and leaned into him. He reacted on autopilot and leaned into her so she could kiss his cheek. As she walked away his body swayed towards her, seemingly in disagreement with his attempt to send her away. He empathized with it.

He wrapped up the interview, steering questions towards professional rather than personal matters. The media had already gotten more of a show than they'd anticipated so they didn't press him for more. He thanked them once they were done and walked into the restaurant looking for her. She was talking to the film's director and a couple of the assistant directors near the door. She spotted him the minute he walked in and waved him over with a big smile on her face. He walked to her and put his arm around her waist as he shook hands with the group.

They were debating the relative merits of Japanese versus French food. As he joined in, opposing her just to rile her up, he found himself marveling again and again at how free she was being with her displays of affection. Since he'd walked in, she'd been touching him in one way or another - kissing his cheek, holding his hand, tugging on his jacket, smoothing his lapels, fiddling with his watch, sipping from his drink, laying her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arm around his waist - and it was starting to turn him on. They were normally only like this in private. He'd struggled initially, but over the years he'd developed a good filter for his actions and words towards her in public. Today she was driving him crazy. More so because it was so unexpected.