My Saving Grace

Epilogue

Two Years Later

I slowly stirred awake, sighing contentedly at the feel of the solid, warm body lying next to me. I opened my eyes to find Chase propped on one elbow, his gaze sweeping over me. Blushing, I slid the blanket up to my chin, covering my very naked torso.

But to no avail, he pulled it back down, a sly grin on his face.

"Come on, princess, no need to hide from me. I've seen it all before. On multiple occasions, in fact."

"I'm aware of that," I stated plainly.

He chuckled, and I buried my face in his chest as his arm slid around me.

"Big day today," he remarked.

"Yup. I can't wait."

The Academy Awards was tonight, and this year, Chase had been nominated for "Best Actor." Even better, his film was also nominated for "Best Picture." So, the stakes were high, but like I'd told him multiple times, he'd always be a winner in my eyes, regardless of the outcome.

Last year, he'd been out of the country for the Oscars, so I'd had no reason to attend it either. Thus, to say I was excited for tonight was putting it lightly. Dating an actor definitely had its perks.

"As much as I'd love to stay here in bed and fuck your brains out, I have a photo shoot to be at in an hour," he said with a reluctant groan.

"And don't forget about your interview with TMZ afterwards."

He smiled, giving my nose a light tap.

"I won't."

"Good. I'll just chill here until my hair appointment."

"Perfect. And I promise, we'll have plenty of time later tonight for fucking."

I playfully smacked his chest, feeling my face turn beet red.

"Geez, is that all you ever think about?"

He smirked, untangling his limbs from mine.

"Maybe."

He sat up, throwing on a pair of boxers then his breath fanned my cheek as he leaned in to give me a brief kiss that still managed to steal my breath away.

"I'll see you in a few hours, okay?", he murmured.

I reached out to stroke his stubble-covered jaw.

"Okay. I love you, Chase."

"I love you too, Sophia."

I watched his retreating back as he headed into the bathroom then buried myself back under the covers.

Another hour of sleep wouldn't hurt.

On weekends, I pretty much lived at Chase's, and depending on his schedule, sometimes he'd stay overnight at my house during the week. He made me so happy, and I had yet to discover any flaws in his personality or character. He was so loving, attentive, and a great listener. And his generosity towards those less fortunate was extremely admirable.

Even to this day, I still couldn't believe he was mine.

We arrived outside the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles around 3 pm, my first time ever attending the Academy Awards. As much as possible, we tried to keep our relationship out of the spotlight, but on an occasion like tonight, with what felt like a million camera lights flashing as we made our way to the red carpet, I knew it was a battle we'd lose.

In my silver fitted floor length Valentino gown with a breathtakingly handsome Chase Lincoln by my side in his classic Armani black tux, we were a true sight to see for Hollywood.