Kinda an Insomniac

RCDAW Day 7 - Happy New Year

****

Addison Sinclaire is a blonde, bubbly, energetic and outgoing woman that loves fashion and loves to have fun.

Thomas Hunt on the other hand, is a brooding, serious, lone wolf who would rather stand by himself while a party rages on.

So he asks himself, why did I come to her New Year’s Eve party?

She knows so many younger people in Hollywood who have no sense of decorum or respect for anything. Half of them do not even know how to dress themselves properly and the other half has no sense of etiquette whatsoever.

He had seen glimpses of Ryan, Holly, Matt and… her, but steered clear due to the past with Matt’s fiancé. His screenwriter had found him earlier in the night to warn him Stephanie was coming, and he still wanted nothing to do with the group. Especially with Natalia here. The past is in the past and currently his future is with her brother and Addison, dancing to some ridiculous new trend.

Landon flew out here just for Addison’s party which confirmed Thomas’ theory of why the young blonde was constantly on her phone as of late. He could hardly get her to focus the past week since they all left New York.

He snorts as Landon attempts to do the worm on Addison’s makeshift dance floor, taking a long sip from his scotch until his eyes find Natalia’s. She smiles brilliantly at him, beginning to make her way over to him.

“Quite the party.” She tries her hand at an American accent, rubbing her hand up his arm flirtatiously. “Come here often?”

At that, Thomas can’t hold in his amusement. He laughs loud enough to draw some attention from other partygoers.

“Thankfully, no.” He tugs her to a shadowed corner, pressing her back against the wall while he braces a hand by her head. “Although, if it meant seeing you, I may endure this torture more often.”

Her smile softens and she grabs his lapels, losing her forced American accent, “Well, perhaps you and I can make a habit of being one another’s dates to these sorts of things.”

Thomas takes a long draw from his glass of scotch and swallows. His eyes never leave hers as he presses his body into hers more.

“I would prefer that.” Slowly, his head lowers and they meet for a gentle, loving kiss.

In the moment, neither could think of anything else but each other. Their feelings have exploded this year. What started as a year of despair, quickly turned into a year of pure joy.

Love and contentment.

Not just in this moment, but with each other since they first met.

“It is almost midnight.” Her lips press against his jawline, the stubble tickling her gently as the taste of his scotch still dances on her tongue. “What is your resolution for the new year?”

He scoffs quietly. “I’m not ready for the new year.”

Confused, she pulls back and looks up at him, seeing his signature frown in place. “Don’t be silly. New year, new you.” She smiles, attempting to get a rise out of him.

His expression becomes completely genuine and open. Thomas’ free hand finds one of hers, holding it tightly as his eyes show utter vulnerability.

“I don’t want a new me, I want the same me and the same you.”

Understanding what he means, her smile turns reassuring and she squeezes his hand. “Thomas, that’s not what the saying means. I would never change you or I because I love you just the way you are. I love us.”

Suddenly, the entire crowd begins counting down from ten, but Thomas and Natalia focus only on one another. He releases her hand and cups her cheek softly, brushing his thumb across her cheekbone as his eyes search hers.

“3…2…1! Happy New Year!”

The crowd behind them roars with cheers of the new year. Glasses clink, couples kiss, and friends embrace.

Thomas and Natalia take advantage of the moment and meet in a passionate kiss. Holding each other close as the celebration rages around them. When they pull apart, he moves beside her and looks over the crowd, noticing a blonde woman and brunette man kissing in the middle of the room. He nudges Natalia, pointing them out and she nearly squeals.

“My plan worked!” She tugs on Thomas’ arm excitedly.

He simply chuckles and nods, “Indeed it did.”

Leaning down, he kisses her cheek affectionately, “Happy New Year, my love.”

The brunette on his arm smiles up at him, beaming. “Happy New Year.”

When I saw Stephanie's name pop up, I expected some jealous drama to happen.

🤣 I'm glad I was wrong 😂

Then Addison and Landon getting together.

And of course Thomas being his usual romantic self. Sigh. A perfect way to end our RCD week.

I've had so much fun co-hosting this event with you @hopelessromantic1352 😘 Thanks for listening to all my panicking over having nothing done in time and all my sleepless nights 🤣 And look at that. I managed to find psych gifs for each post this week 😂😂😂

RCDAW Day 6 - Passion

****

As soon as the final bag was brought in from the car and the front door was shut, both Thomas and Natalia breathed out a sigh of relief. He quickly heads for the shower after a kiss for her. Deciding on a quiet night in, Natalia begins finding their favorite snacks for a relaxing evening between the two of them. First, she finds cookie dough in the refrigerator and quickly prepares the oven and lays the dough on a cookie sheet. Once she’s gotten a few different crackers and cheeses out, the oven timer goes off. She gathers oven mitts and slips them on before pulling the cookie sheet out of the scorching appliance.

Humming a Christmas song while she places the cookies on a cooking rack, she finishes her task and turns the lights down in the kitchen and living room before turning the Christmas lights on the tree. She looks at the clock on the microwave when she walks back into the kitchen and furrows her eyebrows. Thomas has been in the shower for over forty minutes. Quickly gathering the plate with cheese and crackers, she walks them and a plate of cookies into the living room. She sets them on the table before turning the tv on and then heading towards the stairs.

I'm sorry 🤣 I indulged my immature self with that gif for this.

But it's like I said earlier. I LOVE how our OC's can't resist Thomas when he dresses in a tux. It's a win/win for everyone 😏

RCDAW Day 4 - New York

****

“Thomas?” Natalia’s elegant voice breaks the working silence between them.

“Hmm?” He doesn’t look up, writing notes on a script and looking through a folder simultaneously.

Setting her favorite pen down, she turns her full attention towards him. “I’ve been thinking, I’d love to go do some… cheerful, Christmas activities before the holidays are over.”

“Mhmm.” His pen keeps moving quickly across the script.

“Perhaps we can watch some Christmas movies tonight?”

“Right.”

“Thomas!”

“What?” Dropping his pen in surprise, his eyes wide as he looks up to Natalia.

“You have not been listening to anything I’ve said.” She crosses her arms and frowns, slumping into her chair.

“I apologize, I’m distracted by this scene. Nothing about it makes sense and I need to finish it.” He starts to pick up his pen, but she stops him by grabbing his hand gently.

“I think we both need a break.” Waiting for him to nod, to make certain he’s listening, she squeezes his hand and smiles brightly. “Can we go ice skating?”

He scoffs and shakes his head, “It’s nearly 70 degrees, where are we going to find ice?” This time he picks his pen up and resumes his task.

Dejected, her shoulders slump and she gets up, walking out of his office and down the stairs. Once she gets to the island in his kitchen, she finds a seat on a barstool and begins searching for “Christmas activities in LA.” Christmas concerts and markets top the list but she cannot fathom the idea of not ice skating. It was always her and Landon’s tradition. While their parents were busy with meetings and dinners during the holidays, the two siblings always made time to go to Central Park and pick up skates. Being away from him, her mother and even her father made her homesick. She hadn’t planned on staying in San Francisco, let alone coming to Los Angeles and then feelings had to attach her here. She just had to fall in love with a man across the country from her family.

Sighing, she turns her phone off just as she hears footsteps coming down the stairs. Thomas finds her in the kitchen and clears his throat, placing his hands behind his back.

“Let’s fly to New York.”

She furrows her eyebrows in confusion and surprise. “Where is this coming from?”

He takes a step towards her, “I’m certain that being here with me during Christmas, working, is not how you envisioned our first Christmas together. And, I will admit, I have been thoroughly distracted. Let us visit your home so you can enjoy this Christmas with your family and I will still be with you.”

Her smile grows brighter and brighter, “What of your sister and brother-in-law?”

A simple shrug and a glance at his watch is his only answer. “I will call on my pilot. I’m certain we can be in New York by nightfall.”

THE NEXT MORNING

“So, Nat has told me all about Hollywood, anything you’d like to add, Thomas?” Landon is lacing up his ice skates, his chestnut hair blowing softly in the breeze of the winter day.

“Everyone is pretending to be someone else. In films as well as in their own lives. It is rare to find someone who is genuine in the film industry.” Thomas simply shakes his head in disdain.

Landon laughs, “Sounds about like my occupation as well. All that matters is someone’s image.”

Natalia shakes her head with a smile, standing on her skates. “You both are so pessimistic.”

Standing to join her, Thomas takes her hand in his and presses a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Realistic, my dear.”

She rolls her eyes and quickly gets out onto the rink. Her director watches in awe as she skates so flawlessly and gracefully. The smile that lights her face up is not like any he’s seen before, her shoulder length brown hair bounces off her pink cheeks and Thomas’ eyes just follow every move she makes.

Landon notices and he smiles, clapping a hand on his (hopefully) future brother-in-law’s shoulder. “You should join her. This is her favorite Christmas activity.”

Clearing his throat and flushing slightly at being caught, he nods and goes to join Natalia.

The three skate for a couple hours, with breaks in between for hot cocoa. When they all sit on a bench to take their skates off, Natalia takes a sip of cocoa, getting chocolate on her lips. Thomas sees it and smirks. He grabs her chin gently and pulls her face towards him, kissing the cocoa off her lips.

As they pull apart, he smiles softly, “You had something on your lip.”

Natalia bites her bottom lip and looks down, her cheeks darkening under his gaze. Both break apart and finish taking their skates off, putting their shoes back on.

“So,” Landon clears his throat awkwardly, “Are any of your Hollywood friends coming for Christmas?”

“I haven’t invited anyone. Do you think mother would mind?” Natalia quickly picks her phone up, scrolling through her contacts.

“I doubt. Any buffer from father will be welcomed I’m sure.”

His sister’s phone rings on speakerphone until the bubbly voice owned by Addison rings across the air. “Nat! How’s New York?!”

“Hello, Addison, it’s great. That’s actually why I’m calling. How would you like to join us for Christmas? You told me that you didn’t have any plans this year.”

The blonde gasps and squeals so loudly the group around the phone winces, “Yes! Oh my gosh, yes! I’ll be on the first flight I can get!”

“Perfect. Send me your itinerary and we can arrange to pick you up. Talk soon.” Natalia hangs up and smiles deviously towards Thomas, winking subtly.

Looking at her confused, he is about to say something until Landon speaks up.

“Who is Addison? Besides an overjoyed individual.”

His sister scrolls through her photos and finds a picture of her with Addi, showing it to her brother. She notices the way his eyes widen slightly and a faint blush grows on his handsome cheeks.

“I see. I’ll be looking forward to meeting her.”

Natalia smirks at Thomas and nods. “I’m sure you will.”

It dawns on him. She’s attempting to set up her brother and the young fashionista.

What a little minx.

I don't know which I'm more excited for! More Thomas and Natalia or seeing Addison and Landon fall in love!

RCDAW Day 3 - Treat

The Christmas spirit is in full swing thanks to Natalia’s decorating. And Addison’s help. Both ladies started the morning off with coffee, peppermint mochas from Starbucks, and went into full elf mode the rest of the day.

Thankfully for them, Thomas was out for the day so they had his entire home all to themselves.

Both women sigh as they sink into his leather couch, admiring their work. Garland peppered with white lights wraps around the banister of the stairs. Two stockings are hung on his fireplace mantle and in the middle is a sign that reads “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” A few trinkets accent that sign as well as some fake snow. Mistletoe is hung over a few doorways.

Addi said, “the more chances you give Thomas to kiss you the more chances we have of him being in a good mood.”

Selfishly, Natalia wasn’t going to argue because she quite enjoys his kisses.

The house smells like Santa’s workshop and a bakery all in one. Cinnamon, peppermint, fresh-cut evergreen and even sugar cookies. However, the gingerbread cookies are beginning to give off an amazing aroma in the oven themselves.

“You know, I never realized how tiring it is to decorate.” The blonde leans her head on Nat’s shoulder, sighing dramatically.

Giggling quietly, Natalia nods in agreement. “I quite agree.”

The sound of the front door opening and closing urges Natalia up, excited to see Thomas’ reaction to the decorations. She hurries around the couch, the sleeves of her sweater fall down below her wrists and rest in her palms. Addison gets up and rushes to her friend’s side, both women beaming as the director looks around his entryway. The glow of Christmas lights outside make its way through the large glass window next to the front door. Silent Night can be heard echoing through the Hollywood mansion. Every touch of holiday cheer is bright and festive, but Thomas’ scowl dampens the mood.

“I had the faintest idea of how far you two would go.” He hooks his coat on the rack and strides up the stairs, not looking back.

“Well… I guess I should go.” Addison begins to gather her things. “Sorry you’ve got to deal with that.”

Natalia’s shoulders rise in a half hearted shrug, “It’s alright. I should have expected this. It’s our first Christmas together and I know he does not indulge in childish things.”

The blonde begins to open the door, but pauses and turns around. “Nat, even if he doesn’t enjoy it, you do. That should matter to him more than anything.”

They hug and she departs, leaving an anxious Natalia chewing on her bottom lip and looking around. Since she was a child, Christmas was the most exciting time of year for her. The staff decorated the embassy, but when she was old enough, she would help them. It was the one time of year she felt like her family came together.

“Natalia.”

His deep voice wakes her from her memories and she turns around. He’s leaned against the wall near the stairs, a grey knit sweater replaced his blazer and jeans replaced his slacks. The scowl he wore earlier is gone, now replaced with a guilty frown.

“I apologize. This is as much your home as mine and you’ve brought a joy to it that I could never do on my own.” He pushes upright, looking away as his frown deepens. “You are more talented than any professional decorators I have hired previously.”

A gentle laugh escapes her, “That’s simply because it feels different when it’s done with love.”

Knowingly, his eyes meet her and he smiles softly at her. “Indeed.”

Not wanting to waste another breath, he moves to her and gathers her in his arms, pressing a deep kiss to her lips. His heated lips move across her jaw, behind her ear and settle on her neck. He nips and bites at the sensitive skin, urging moans and gasps from the woman in his arms.

“Oh, Thomas,” her hands wrinkle his sweater in a tight grip.

Suddenly, he pulls away, quirking an eyebrow as he takes a deep breath in. “What is that smell?”

“No!” Natalia runs into the kitchen and she jerks the door open, coughing as smoke pillows out. “It was supposed to be gingerbread cookies, now it’s just a pile of coal.”

Following slowly behind her, Thomas attempts to hide a smile and coughs to cover a laugh. “Is everything alright? I do hope my kitchen survived.”

Slamming the cookie sheet down onto the oven top, she huffs and turns towards him, pointing a finger in his chest. “Now is not the time for you to grow a sense of humor, Mr. Hunt.”

He barks out a laugh, not hiding his amusement anymore. “I apologize, but I do remember that appliance was quite expensive.”

Natalia stomps passed Thomas, headed straight for the stairs, “You are not helping right now.”

Glancing at the charred gingerbread men, he grimaces and begins to follow her path then pauses. Slowly, he turns back and begins scraping the black coal into the garbage before washing the cookie sheet of any evidence of burnt gingerbread. He sets the clean sheet on the counter and begins searching for the gourmet hot chocolate mix that was given to him. Once he’s finally nearly lost in his pantry, he finds it and makes his way back to the kitchen.

Natalia finished washing her face from the ash she swears was there and then heads downstairs. The scowl twisted on her lips disappears when she makes it to the kitchen and sees Thomas. His sleeves are rolled up and he’s pouring steaming milk into the cute, Christmas mugs she had bought for them. While he stirs the cocoa into the milk, he begins to quietly whistle along to Joy To The World.

As he starts to put the milk back in the refrigerator, he pauses when he turns and sees Natalia watching him. He straightens slightly, firming his lips into their normal hardened line and he clears his throat.

“I made you hot chocolate.” When he shuts the refrigerator door, he quirks an eyebrow at her knowing smile. “What?”

“You were whistling to the song.”

A bright red flush creeps up his cheeks and he looks to the ground while he unrolls his sleeves. “Yes, well…”

Her laugh makes him stop and his cheeks burn hotter.

“Thomas, it is alright to allow yourself to relax and enjoy Christmas. You do not have to be so uptight all the time, especially not around me. I’m no one. I don’t matter and I will never tell anyone about your soft side.” Her accented voice softens as she reaches him and takes his larger hands in her own smaller ones. “I love you.”

Pressing a kiss to his tender lips eases the tension in his shoulders, but when they pull apart, he frowns.

“I love you as well, but you are not a ‘no one’, especially not to me.” Thomas steps away and gathers both the mugs, handing one to her and keeping the other for himself. “If you were a no one, I would not have nearly gotten lost in my own pantry to make you a treat.”

Natalia’s small hands wrap around her red mug that reads “merry and bright”, while Thomas holds his white mug that reads “this is my Christmas movie watching mug”. He takes a careful sip and proceeds to nod after tasting the delectable cocoa.

“Addison has good taste. I suppose she has learned something from me over the years.”

He smiles when she giggles and leads him to the couch. Thomas sits, facing the Christmas tree and pulls Natalia against his side. She tucks her legs up under herself and rests her head on his chest while his arm wraps around her shoulders. The burnt smell of gingerbread has been replaced with the smell of hot chocolate and the woman beside him. Her sigh and his smile creates the perfect atmosphere of love and the real meaning of Christmas.

I love how Thomas just can't resist enjoying whatever Natalia does, no matter how foolish he thinks it is. Nothing better than seeing him soften.

RCDAW Day 2 - Wonder

****

Black asphalt winds through the snow laden forest. Big flakes fall and the windshield wipers race to clear their accumulation. Although winter rages outside, inside the sedan the heat blows and the seats warm their passengers. Soon, the forest melts away to reveal the body of water with a beautiful resort stretching alongside it.

The fluffy, white flakes blanket the ground overlooking Lake Tahoe. While the lake itself doesn’t freeze, the world around it is blanketed in a frozen, white wonderland. The sprawling Edgewood Tahoe Resort stands impressively along the shore of the lake and its beauty is accentuated by the nature around it.

When Thomas puts the car in park under the cover at the entrance, he sighs loudly, a frown forming on his lips. “It’s so white.”

Natalia’s eyebrows furrow together in confusion and she looks up from her purse. “It’s snow, Thomas.”

“I live in Hollywood. I don’t know what weather is, let alone snow.”

She rolls her eyes, “Don’t be dramatic. Most everyone has seen snow at least once.”

“Just because I’ve seen it, doesn’t mean I enjoy it.”

His quiet grumbling isn’t missed by her and she turns a glare towards him. “If you did not wish to come, then you could have just said so.”

Without another word, she exits his sleek Mercedes-Benz and slams the door, causing Thomas to curse under his breath at the blatant disregard of the care of his vehicle. He watches as she marches straight into the hotel and checks them in, leaving him to deal with the valet and the bags.

AN HOUR LATER

“What do you mean you’re going out?” Thomas is standing in front of the door to their suite with his arms crossed, staring down at the woman who causes many emotions to roll through him.

Annoyance being the top one currently.

“I have rented some skis and I am going out.” Natalia looks away from him and tries to reach around him to the doorknob, but he blocks her.

“I was under the impression that this trip was a romantic getaway before the holidays. Typically, romantic getaways include activities with both the man and the woman.” His eyes soften and he begins to reach out for her hands.

But before he can get close, she jerks away from him. “Yes, well, I’m sure you’ve had plenty of past experience.”

Surprised, Thomas stiffens, which allows her to sneak by him and out the door.

“What on earth?”

LATER

By the time she returns from her ski tour, he has come up with an elaborate plan to show her he really does care for her. Loves her. So when she walks back into their suite, he is in front of their mirror, adjusting his tie.

When Natalia closes the door behind her, he turns around, donning a jet black suit and crisp white shirt. Stunned into silence, she just stands near the threshold, staring at Thomas.

“Do you see something you like or are you still angry with me?” He gives her an unsure smile, uncharacteristically insecure in front of her.

The surprise in her eyes is accompanied by rosy cheeks still cold from the winter outside. He can’t help but drag his eyes over her bundled form. The way her red cheeks brighten her face and her eyes still twinkling as she gazes upon him makes his heart swell in a way he would never tire of.

Seeing him obviously trying to apologize for earlier makes her more guilty for the way she left. The way she had treated him when they arrived at the resort and the way she threw his past in his face. It was all so childish. So, while she was headed back to the resort, she had practiced the speech she was going to give over and over and over again. Now, seeing him like this, it made her forget everything but the man in front of her.

“I’m so sorry.” Slowly, she begins walking towards him, not making eye contact. “I acted immature. I suppose I just expected you to be enthusiastic about everything and I forgot that you… well, you’re you.”

“I’m—” Thomas frowns fiercely when he’s cut off, but concedes nonetheless.

“I don’t mean that in a bad way.” She reaches him and takes his hands in hers, relishing the warmth. “I have come to love everything about you. Which includes the moments you are completely insufferable.”

The softness in his face quickly hardness at the insult, but the kiss she presses to his lips relaxes him. His arms wrap around her, deepening the kiss, inhaling her heavenly scent and as they break apart, he runs a finger down her chilled cheek, sighing as his frown melts away.

“I understand that I can oftentimes be… difficult, but nevertheless, you have imprinted yourself into my life. Quite often, I wonder how on earth I became so lucky to earn your love. I am someone who does not allow others in easily, someone who keeps to myself, and someone who does not allow silly, cliche notions to overtake my ideas. But with you,” he pauses, cupping her cheek adoringly as he gazes into her eyes, “I wonder how you made me fall so quickly and effortlessly. I have never loved anyone or anything as much as I love you.”

No more words are said. The night is filled with tangled sheets and limbs before room service and more intimate dessert later. Neither could explain the connection they have besides pure love that came fast and strong.

And nothing could ever make them wonder what it would be like to be apart when together everything is perfectly imperfect.

I love how quickly it went from Natalia being completely frustrated with Thomas to realizing how in love they must be for her to put up with his *cough* ways

RCDAW Day 1 - Distraction

“Your lips look cold, want me to warm them up for you?” Natalia grins at Thomas, running one elegant finger down his arm.

Although his tuxedo separates his skin from her touch, it still sends a shiver down his spine. His dark eyes settle on her lips before he frowns, straightening his bow tie.

“Do not distract me.”

“I understand.” She hides her smile behind her hand as she applies some peach colored lipstick in front of his bathroom mirror. “I’ll meet you down in the limo.”

He grunts a reply, not missing the way she doesn’t give him a second glance. He also doesn’t miss the way her hips are swaying effortlessly in her skin tight gown. The shimmering gold material highlights the curve of her hips and the low cowl back exposes all the soft skin his fingers trail down quite often. The skin his lips touch when nothing is between the two of them.

His fingers begin twitching at his side after she disappears from view. All that’s left is the sound of her heels clicking down the stairs and finally out the front door. A familiar ache begins to form in his gut. Want. Need.

She drives him to absolute distraction.

A vibration from the inside of his blazer pulls him out of his daze. He pulls out his phone to see a photo of Natalia staring back at him. She’s in the limo, and the photo is positioned just right to show off her chest and her face. The front of her dress droops slightly in the front, the sliver of her cleavage showing makes him swallow hard and he quickly pockets his phone.

Not checking his appearance again, he shuts the light off in his bathroom and heads downstairs. When he joins his date in the back of the limo, his eyes immediately go wide the way her legs are crossed. The slit of her dress is hiked up to her hip. Feigning in innocence, she runs a hand up her leg, smiling coyly at him. The movement makes his skin feel red hot. His Adam’s apple bobs and he glances towards the driver before clearing his throat.

“Please raise the privacy barrier.” The voice that comes out doesn’t sound like his own. It’s deepened, dripping with lust. When he looks back to Natalia, she can see the hooded desire in his eyes. “Now, what is your game, Miss York?”

She bats her eyelashes at him, grinning. “I do not know what you mean, Mr. Hunt.”

He growls deeply, leaning towards her, running a slow hand up her thigh. As his fingertips reach underneath her gown she gasps, eyes wide when they look towards him. Inch by inch they creep closer and closer to her underwear, to her desire.

Then he stops.

“I believe you do, but because tonight is important for a friend, I will refrain myself from giving in to you.”

The car lurches to a stop and bright lights begin to flash outside. The dark tinted windows can’t hide the brightness of the paparazzi.

Smirking at his date, he exits the limo and buttons his jacket before extending his hand. It’s as if the media were waiting for Thomas and Natalia. As soon as she is standing next to the director, flashes go off like fireworks. Questions start firing left and right with no break. Smiling politely as she takes Thomas’ arm, they begin to walk towards the looming building that will be holding the official release of Robert Downey Jr.’s most recent film.

AFTER THE FILM

“Hunt! Great to see you as always. I’m actually surprised you graced us with your presence.” Robert flashes his signature grin, shaking Thomas’ hand eagerly.

“Perhaps I came just to make certain you have not lost your touch, old friend.” His hand rests on Natalia’s back as he motions to her, “This is Natalia York. She is an author and is starring in my most recent work.”

“Ah, the Brit who has somehow captured Thomas. I never thought I’d see the day, but I must say, color me impressed.” He shakes her hand, “If I had known you were so lovely I would’ve visited.”

Thomas rolls his eyes, “I am surprised you didn’t break my door down. If you’ll excuse me for a moment.”

Her gaze follows him until Robert places an arm around her shoulders and begins walking the opposite of Thomas. “Now, I have to ask. What’s it like being an ambassador’s daughter?”

Caught off guard, she laughs and looks over to him. “Really? After getting under Thomas’ skin, that's all you want to know?”

He looks away, pushes his glasses up and then stops abruptly. When he looks back at Natalia, he smirks. “Ok, here’s what I really, really, really want to know.”

A pause looms between the two. Just as she raises an eyebrow and begins to ask again, he puts both hands on her shoulders.

“Do you think we could convince Thomas to direct a movie with you and I as co-stars, yes or no?”

Biting her lip to hold back a smile, she nods. “Oh, I think I’m pretty good at convincing him.”

He nods and squeezes her shoulders, smiling. “Perfect. I’ll have my agent call your agent. I hate to cut this short, but the misses is waiting for me and I hate getting in trouble. It’s been a pleasure.”

He doesn’t wait for a response, hurrying off towards the waiting line of limos, signing autographs and taking pictures along the way. Sighing quietly and smiling uncontrollably, Natalia slowly starts in the direction Thomas was last seen.

She had made a full loop around the crowd at least four times, but still couldn’t find him. The paparazzi began to disperse, most of the people left behind were the cleanup crew and a few scattered film students lurking around for a moment in the spotlight.

A honk from a horn directs her attention towards the line of limos. Just a few remain, but the one at the end of the red carpet holds something of much interest.

Thomas is leaned against the car, arms crossed and a smug smirk across his face. His legs are crossed before he pushes himself off the vehicle and opens the door. Noting the invitation, Natalia slowly struts towards him, a seductive smile growing on her lips. When she reaches him, he helps her in the limo, following her quickly. Once the door is shut and the privacy barrier is up, his hands are all over her. Trailing over the exposed skin teasingly. He traces the outline of the cowl back, lightly touching his fingertip to her warm skin. His other hand slowly moves up her leg, all the way up the slit, much like before they arrived at the theater.

Only this time he stops much earlier and stares her down with a look of victory in his eyes. Her skin is flushed, her breathing heavy and her eyes are half lidded. A lustful gasp escapes her when he takes his hands away and straightens his tux.

“That is repayment for the way you have treated me tonight.” Pressing a finger to her lips before she can argue, he speaks again and smiles lovingly at her. “When we arrive at home, I would thoroughly enjoy seeing that dress on the floor.”

🥵 oof. Why do I wish I could be in the limo with that man 🤣 All the teasing these two do to the other is just *chef's kiss*

I LOVED Thomas getting her back at the end. 🤭

Then again, is it really torture when he plans on continuing what they started?