All Access (The Fangirl Series Book 1) (25 page)
Read All Access (The Fangirl Series Book 1) Online
Authors: Liberty Kontranowski
“Oh my God, Kallie, this is killing me,” he breathes. “Please,” he traces my lips with his finger, “please tell me it’s finally time.”
I answer him by stepping back and unbuttoning my shirt. I watch his chest rise and fall as he watches me undress. When I’m done, I take his right hand and wrap it around my waist. He pulls me in close and we kiss again, our breath barely stable enough to keep us upright.
After getting all his shirts off—and silently cursing his love of layering—I take his hands and pull him down onto the bed. He looks at me as he runs the backs of his fingers along my jaw. “You sure you’re ready? This is as big as it gets.”
With that statement, the intensity of the moment charges through the air. He’s right. This
is
as big as it gets. After this, the deal’s been sealed. An apartment can be sold. Earrings can be given back. Pictures can be taken down. But sharing one body . . . that’s something that can never be undone. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that this is right. Right here, right now, in a bed that is ours and an apartment that is, too, it’s right.
And that’s all I need to know.
Tears spring to my eyes and I do nothing to hide them. “I’ve never been more sure.”
He kisses my chest and neck, working his way up and down until he’s covered almost every inch. “You’re so perfect for me,” he says to himself as much as to me. Every single nerve ignites, even more than they already were. This is sweet, it’s hot, it’s everything I dreamed. And more.
As he works his way back up my neck, his kisses soften and he pushes himself up on his arms. “Kallie?” he whispers, dropping his forehead until it rests against mine.
“Yeah?”
“I’m gonna try to do everything I can to make you happy and I’m gonna try to be my best for you and treat you the way you deserve to be treated, but . . .”
I put my finger over his lips. I know what he’s saying. Or trying to say. Or even more accurately, being careful
not
to say.
I tilt his chin so that our eyes are back in line. He’s gorgeous. He’s peaceful. He’s absolutely perfect for me, too. With tears pooled in my eyes, I brush a bit of hair from his forehead, kiss him gently, and as I position myself underneath him, I look him in the eyes and say, “No regrets.”
Starring Roles
The cute little blonde reporter sits across from us, her legs crossed and her upper body leaning way too far forward. I want to tell her to sit up, but that would be rude.
“So, guys,” she bubbles, “you two are quite the hot little couple. Grammy dates. The Billboards. Niles showing up on the set of Kallie’s movie . . . which we all can’t wait to see, by the way.” She tilts her head and smiles. “You’ve even been spotted hanging out at a little park in New York City with Kallie’s girls.”
She looks at Niles, then back at me, then at Niles again. “Your fans can’t get enough of you two.” She shifts in her chair. “And I think they’re kind of wondering what might be next. Especially given Nash and Emily’s ‘leaked’ fairytale wedding that’s supposedly coming at the end of Kallie’s second book.” She sizes us both up, finally sits up straight and says, “Any
special plans
coming up for the two of you?” She winks.
I can’t look at Niles. If I do, I will totally lose it. Knowing him, he’s staring her dead in the eye, giving zero clues one way or the other.
Ever since our coupledom became legitimately “public,” I’ve been the representative of “us,” for better or for worse. Questions are always deferred to me, while Niles hangs back and lurks in the shadows he so loves. Nope, he won’t give her what she’s looking for. This question will definitely have to be mine.
I toss a fleeting glance at my inner right wrist, where something so little tells so much. If the reporter got a good look at it and did a little probing she’d quickly learn a thing or two.
Our entire story, really.
Because where I had once contemplated tattooing
Muse
(the name of one of the songs from Niles’s new album, inspired by guess who), I’d gotten something else tattooed instead.
NP ~ NR
.
To the naked eye, it signifies Nash Pringle and Niles Russell. The hero in my books and my hero in real life.
To us?
No Promises ~ No Regrets.
“You know, we’re just taking it day by day, Jodie Lynn,” I say, flashing her a smile. I reach my arm out and take Niles’s hand in mine, rubbing my thumb across the spot on his finger where a ring may or may not be someday.
“And today is a damn good day.”
THE END
About the Author
Liberty Kontranowski is a romantic women’s fiction author who adores all things lovey-dovey with a pinch (or more) of hubba-hubba. When she’s not at the keyboard, she’s taxiing around her three boys, knocking back craft beers with the hubs, blogging, fangirling, and dreaming up more fake people. She also spends an inordinate amount of time drinking coffee and dreaming of the day she can bid adieu to far-too-wintry Michigan and move to a place where she can write with her toes in the sand.
Acknowledgments
Who do you thank when you knock Item Numero Uno off your Bucket List mere days before your fortieth birthday?
Lots of people.
First, a huge thank you to all of the writers, lyricists, musicians, artists, entertainers, and otherwise creative people out there. Keep shining your light, each and every day. Don’t hold back. You bring such beauty into the lives of so many and we need you. Thanks for making it so easy for us to fangirl. And to the creative who inspired me to carry on . . . I thank you the most.
To my publisher, Samantha March. Thank you for your commitment and enthusiasm, your expertise and sharp eye, and, especially, for believing in me and this story. Your passion radiates and it’s been such a pleasure working with you. A million thank yous for making this dream come true.
To my bestie, Jodie Lynn Boduch. I would not be at this place if it weren’t for your steadfast friendship, tough love, mad beta skillz, and never-ending support. Fate brought us together and I’m so thankful we’ve figured out how to rock this long-distance friendship game.
To Matt and Sheri. You knew about this story idea before pretty much anyone else and you were crazy enough to egg me on. Now look. Thank you for seeing me all the way through to this big MoMent.
wink
To every single person who has supported me throughout this journey. Every message and comment of encouragement goes straight to my heart and fuels me. Thank you, thank you. To Laura Chapman for taking my vision and turning it into a real book cover. To Kim, Jill, Lauren, and the entire #amwriting tribe — you’re awesome and a continual source of inspiration. And speaking of inspiration, Theresa Weaver . . . girl, your bravery and beautiful soul know no bounds. You’re amazing.
To my Aunt Joy and all of the incredible Girl Bosses out there. You are the very definition of turning passion into purpose. You make me believe I can do it, too. What a gift you’re giving.
To my favorite angel up in heaven. My mother. My best friend, still and always. I miss seeing you every day, but you do an exceptional job letting me know you’re always here. I hope you know how much of your caring soul you left with me. I love and miss you. So very much.
To my husband, Jim, and our three amazing boys. Every single thing I do in this life, I do for you. You make me want to be my best and I am so fortunate that you’re part of my Happily Ever After. I love you with my entire heart.
To my new readers. What can I say? I love you already. Let the fangirl party begin!
And, finally, to all the dreamers out there. Whatever your goal, get after it. Life is fast and precious. Waste no time thinking. Just make it happen. As the plaque on my desk says,
“Life is a Story. Make Yours a Best Seller.”