Mieux Que Tout

17

17 | le code

Annie touched her neck. Her fingers gingerly smoothed the spot where Tom had left unhurried kisses. Her mouth curved into a small smile, her eyes focused on the outside scenery. She was sat comfortably in the front seat, feet tucked under her legs, but her was racing, her head pounding. Tom's right hand gripped her thigh, fingers tapping to the beat on the radio.   

He palmed the wheel, the car slowing as he pulled into the studio's entrance. Annie's eyes widened. 

"Shit," she mumbled, blinking rapidly. She uncrossed her legs and planted her feet firmly on the floor.

"Yeah shit," Tom repeated. "This is a mess." 

Annie huffed while reaching for her bag. She dug a hand inside, desperately searching for her sunglasses. Tom's grip tightened on her thigh. Heart pounding, she sat up, sunglasses planted on top of the bridge of her nose. She blinked. The outside world was tinted a rosy beige, the hues of the blue sky intensified. She looked at the crowd of waiting photographers. The bright flashes from their cameras intensified as Tom slowly backed the car into a parking spot. 

"How did they get inside?" Annie asked, voice small. 

"Someone must've tipped them off," he answered, his lips pressed together in a thin line. She paled. She looked down at Tom's hand and grabbed it with her own. Tom looked at her, eyebrows raised. He turned the engine off, keys jingling. 

"Are you alright?" He looked at her, studying her face. 

Annie nodded. "Just nervous." 

He raised his free hand and smoothed down his hair. "So am I." 

"Why?" 

He shrugged, a corner of his mouth lifting. "I've got a beautiful woman with me." He lightly squeezed her hand. Annie flushed a deep scarlet. 

"Says you," she murmured, fighting to hide her grin. 

Tom laughed as he untangled his fingers. "You calling me beautiful?" He drawled, waggling his eyebrows. 

Annie shrugged. "I suppose." 

He smiled, shaking his head as he opened the door. Sunlight streamed in along with a chorus of loud shouts. Annie chewed on her bottom lip, watching as Tom hopped out. The door shut behind him and he waved at the hoard of paparazzi. 

Annie bowed her head, her breathing shallow. They called out his name frantically. She was jittering. Tom turned away and stepped to her side of the car, opening the door. She looked up, eyes wide. He leant down. His eyes had lit up, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. 

"You ready?" 

She searched his eyes, heart racing in her chest. "I guess," she mumbled and grabbed hold of his extended hand. 

As Annie jumped out, furious clicks entailed. Instantly, she felt the sun warm her skin, but her shoulders tensed, gasping at the crowd of eager photographers. She blinked, as the flashes of white intensified. They yelled at her. Annie shuddered, her body relaxing slightly as Tom wrapped an arm around her. He pulled her closer, using his body to shield the camera lenses as they walked towards the entrance. 

"This is an absolute mess," she said, raising a hand to shield her face. She turned her body slightly and pressed her head into his chest. "Now I know why we get here so early every morning."

Tom chuckled. "You catch on quick, cat-eyes," and leant down, pressing his lips against the top of her head.