Page 106 of Declan

“Good,” I smiled at him. “A bit lightheaded. But good.”

“That’s because you need to breathe,” he said, smirking.

He leaned in to kiss me.

Cameras rapidly clicked and people raised their voices over others to be heard. Even though I was nervous, Declan helped calm me down. His lips worked wonders.

He broke the kiss and looked to the side at the barrier holding back the paparazzi, reporters, and fans. Some of them were allowed on the red carpet if they had a special press badge, but most of them were behind the barrier.

Declan knew how to work a crowd. His cool expression and sex appeal even affected me. His green eyes flickered to me, and my breath hitched in my throat. I was such a nerd. A helpless, madly in love nerd.

At the designated spot, we stopped to pose for a picture. Declan kept his arm behind me, and I found comfort in his touch. Occasionally, he’d press his lips to my cheek and whisper something to me. Mostly funny things to make me smile. And each moment we had like that, the cameras flashed like crazy.

When he took a photo by himself, he seemed reluctant to let go of me. As if I gave him comfort, too.

Members of the production crew, journalists, the rest of the cast, PR people, and celebrities who’d been invited moved along the red carpet. It felt like I was in a dream.

“Over here, baby,” Declan said, grabbing my hand.

He went over to the fans at the barrier, and they all started jumping up and down and screaming as he approached. He signed autographs and took pictures with them. Some even askedmefor a picture, which was baffling.

After that, he moved on to the reporters. They asked him questions, and he answered in that charming way I loved.

“And what about you, Mr. Michaels?” the lady asked, holding out her recorder.

“Huh?”

Declan laughed and then covered it with a cough.

“How are you finding this whole experience?” she asked with a smile.

“Surreal,” I answered, leaning against Declan’s side.

“Is it true you plan to go into screenwriting?”

I side-eyed Declan, whose smile widened, before focusing back on her. “Uh, yes, ma’am. It’s been a dream of mine for a while.”

“Maybe one day we’ll attend your movie premiere,” the reporter stated.

Not knowing what to say, I smiled. When we walked back to the center of the carpet, I lightly nudged Declan.

He chuckled and slid an arm around my waist.

Gideon stood behind us. He kept his distance, but never took his eyes off us.

We were eventually ushered inside, and it was just as awesome as the outside. Fancy to the extreme with large chandeliers, a big staircase, and crystal glasses on platters. I guess if anyone wanted refreshments before the movie.

“Where’s the popcorn?” I asked.

“You’re adorable.” Declan’s smile seemed like it was a permanent fixture on his handsome face. He hadn’t stopped since we’d arrived. “Let’s go sit down.”

Since it was assigned seating, there wasn’t a problem finding a seat. Basically, a movie premiere was like going to the movies, just with a ton of luxury and press. As we entered the auditorium, my gaze bounced around the room and everyone in it.

I’d gone to the movies plenty of times to watch one of Declan’s films. I never thought I’d ever go to onewithhim.

“Hi!” Jennifer said as she approached with her fiancé Pete. Her red hair was pulled to the side and her crimson dress fit like a glove. She hugged Declan before sitting beside us. “Exciting, isn’t it?”

“Eh, another premiere that will show my naked ass,” Declan responded.