Playing at Forever - By Michelle Brewer Page 0,60

after careful consideration, as if it were the most important task of his day.

By the time she was all finished, Penny felt like a princess.

When Tommy came into the room, he let out a low whistle. “Wow.” She turned around to give him the full effect.

“What do you think?” She smiled hopefully as his eyes roamed over her.

“That is quite a dress.”

“Diego picked it out. He said the color would bring out your eyes.”

“My eyes?” Penny shrugged, laughing it off. “I thought it was supposed to make you look amazing.”

“Yes, but you are the focal point of the evening, so I suppose everything should cater to you Mr. Davis.” She looked him over, noticing that the top and bottom few buttons of his shirt weren’t yet buttoned. “Aren’t you ready yet?”

“Hey, I’m working on it.” She rolled her eyes. Like he had such a long process to go through. “The limo will be here soon.”

“Limo?”

“Of course. It’s a big night.” He ducked into the bathroom. “Just give me five minutes—I’ll go ahead and meet you downstairs, okay?”

Five minutes. She was so jealous she could hardly stand it.

“Alright, Miss Lang—are you ready for this?” He asked no more than ten minutes later.

“I think so—do I look ready?” She suddenly felt the need to check her appearance just once more, but she fought the urge.

“You look…” Tommy looked her over once more. “You look incredible.”

“Then I guess I’m ready.” Her smile was undeniable as they stepped outside. The photographers at the end of the driveway erupted the moment they came into view, cameras flashing as they climbed into the limo.

She couldn’t talk, her excitement too much. As soon as they pulled up to the theater, Penny gasped.

It was insane. Everywhere she looked, all she could see were people. They lined either side of the red carpet down the center aisle, curving down the sidewalk.

And the photographers…

She’d thought having to deal with the ones outside of Tommy’s house was bad—but this…this was more than she was prepared for.

The door opened and Tommy stepped out first, the crowd erupting into cheers. He held his hand out for Penny and as she made her exit, her head swam. “Breathe, Penny. Don’t forget to breathe.” He told her.

“I feel just like Cinderella,” she whispered, surprised that he was able to hear her when he responded.

“Well, you don’t look like Cinderella. That’s for sure.” He leaned in close, his mouth near her ear. “That dress is much too racy for a princess.” Penny blushed, ducking her head. “Come on, let’s take our walk in the limelight.”

It was more than she had ever dreamed of. Along the way, Tommy would stop to talk to reporters. Penny was surprised to discover that they wanted to hear from her as well. “Penny!” A young woman called while Tommy was busy talking with another network. She turned, unsure as to how she was supposed to respond as the woman waved her over.

“How does it feel, your first time on the red carpet?” Penny glanced around, famous faces all around her.

“Overwhelming!” She laughed, shaking her head. “Part of me can’t believe I’m here.”

“Well, you look absolutely stunning—especially with that date of yours.” Penny looked over her shoulder to find Tommy glancing her way—she smiled nervously. “You’ve been the talk of the town lately!”

“I don’t understand why!” Penny laughed again. “Really, there’s nothing special about me whatsoever.”

“Oh, I beg to differ,” Tommy suddenly appeared, wrapping his arm around her waist. “One of these days, this girl is going to wake up and realize just how amazing she is. Until then, I’m just going to keep on pushing my luck to its limit.” He touched his lips to the top of her head before ushering them inside.

“You’re such a good liar, Tommy, it almost worries me.”

“That’s why they call it acting.” She looked away, her chest suddenly stinging. If she would have continued looking his way, though, she would have seen the same pained look reflected in his eyes too.

She was killing him and she didn’t even know it. He watched her from across the room, as she laughed with some studio executive. Tommy knew what the guy was thinking. He watched his eyes roam over her body, sizing her up. Soon he would be offering her a part in some movie, and then he would try to invite her back to his hotel.

He almost felt bad for the poor guy.

But not quite—he was too busy pitying himself.

Because, as amazing as she looked, Tommy