Page 105 of Declan

Chapter 25

Kyler

“I’m gonna puke,” I said as we sat in the limo. “What if I trip in front of everyone?”

Declan smiled and grabbed my hand. “Baby, take a breath. You’ll do great.”

“Easy for you to say,” I said with a groan, staring into his vibrant green eyes. “You look fucking amazing. I look like I just crawled out of the sewer and put on a suit. A poser to the extreme.”

We were on our way to the world premiere ofLove and Coffee Beans. Not only was it my first red-carpet event, but it was also the first official appearance of me as Declan’s boyfriend. The pressure was high to make a good impression. Tripping in front of the top names in the entertainment industry wouldnotbe good. Puking would be even worse.

“I’m doomed.”

“Look at me, Freckles.” Declan caressed my cheek and held my gaze. “Everyone’s going to love you. You’re my arm candy for the night.”

“Your arm candy? I think I’m more like an arm doughnut.”

“Well, youarecream filled,” he retorted before kissing my neck.

Despite being nervous as hell, I grinned and swatted at him. “Stop, you’ll wrinkle my suit.”

“Doughnuts don’t have wrinkles?” He scooted closer to me in the seat.

“No. They don’t. You’re an asshole.” I swallowed the tightness in my throat. Declan was too damn sexy to be real. He wore a black on black suit that accentuated every muscle. He looked just as mouthwateringinclothes as he looked out of them. “Are you sure I look okay, though?”

His hair and makeup team had transformed me. Not quite turned a frog into a prince. But maybe a farm boy into a nobleman. I just hoped the limo didn’t turn into a damn pumpkin when the spell broke at midnight.

“It’ll be a great opportunity for you to network, too,” Declan said, linking his fingers with mine again.

“No.” I shook my head. “Tonight is about you. I’m not gonna ride your coattails and hit up your contacts. That’s trashy. Plus, I have an agent now, so I’m working my way up.”

I’d gotten the email about a week before and had screamed so loud that Brysen had run into my room, naked and dripping wet because he’d jumped out of the shower in a panic, convinced that I was being murdered. The agency had requested the full manuscript forArrows in a Grecian Skyand then had agreed to sign me.

Slowly but surely, my dreams were coming true. And I didn’t have to use Declan’s name to achieve them.

“I’m damn proud of you,” Declan said. “I don’t care what you say, you’re breathtaking tonight.”

My face heated and I averted my gaze to the window. Which was a mistake because we’d arrived at the venue. People wereeverywhere, all dressed in fancy dresses and suits. Our car was in a line with several others and inching forward as we awaited our turn to get out.

“Baby?”

I focused on Declan, who was cringing.

“You’re sorta squeezing my hand.”

“Oh!” I let go of him. “Sorry.”

“I didn’t say to let go,” he said, taking hold of my hand again. “When we get out of the limo, people will be snapping pics and shouting questions at us. Just smile. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll guide you along.”

The limo stopped and someone came to open our door. Declan slid out of the car, smoothing a hand down the front of his suit before reaching into the car for me. I slid my hand into his and got out of the car.

“Declan! Over here!”

“Kyler, can I get a photo?”

Cameras flashed. People shouted. Just like Declan had said. We moved down the red carpet at a leisurely pace.

“Okay, we’re going to stop ahead and pose for a photo,” Declan whispered in my ear, resting his hand at my lower back. “How you holding up?”