Dressed in his tuxedo, Declan took Zoe’s breath away. He was sexier than ever and the urge to kiss him almost undid her. She had to be careful with her makeup.

“You look so beautiful. I’m honored to walk beside you tonight.”

He gave her a box before they left. She looked to him before opening the red velvet jewelry case. Inside she found a glittering diamond necklace and matching earrings.

“Let me,” he said huskily as her hands shook. She held up her hair as he fastened the necklace around her neck. Then she put in the earrings. He stood her in front of the mirror. “Now you look spectacular.”

“Declan, these must have cost you a fortune.”

“I wanted you to have them. To remember your first premiere. If I have my way, it won’t be your last.”

His smile and look of love was too much. She turned to kiss him, her makeup the last thing on her mind. She didn’t care what she looked like. The night was already perfect.

They kissed for a few moments before a discrete cough announced they weren’t alone. Maria stood with her hand on Dominic’s shoulder.

“Whoa Zoe, you look like an actress.”

“Your brother is right, you’re stunning. The two of you together will be the most gorgeous couple of the night.”

“Thank you both,” Zoe said. “Maria, I told Dominic to behave. It will be a late night.”

“We’ll take him over to our place tonight. Save us staying up late waiting for you two.”

Zoe blushed at the look in Maria’s eyes. She was obviously giving them space but didn’t want Dominic to guess why.

“Yeah. You two will be all kissy kissy when you get back. I don’t want to see that.”

Everyone laughed at his comments but the electricity between her and Declan seemed to intensify.

“Come on gorgeous or we’ll be late.”

The limo had already arrived. Zoe took the wrap Clara has insisted on buying to go with the dress and walked out the door. She had a feeling it would be the best night of her life so far.

* * *

Declan hoped Zoe would enjoy herself. She looked amazing but he caught the nervousness in her eyes. He held onto her hand hoping to reassure her everything would be fine as they arrived in a blaze of flashing cameras.

“Can you help me out of the car? I’m afraid my dress will get caught on my heel.”

“Couldn’t have that happen. That certainly would make front page news. Every red blooded man in America will envy me tonight.”

He got out first before walking to her door and holding out his hand. She almost fell into his arms as he pulled her gently up.

He grinned as he put his arm around her waist. “Now everyone knows you’re mine.”

The feminist side of her brain should be protesting but she loved it. She cuddled into him as they made their way up the red carpet.

“So is it wedding bells, Malone? Or just the flavor of the week?”

Declan glared at the reporter. Zoe quipped, “I think you should be asking me that question.”

“You’ve lasted longer than most of his one night stands. What’s your secret?”

Declan was about to reprimand him but instead Zoe took over. She blew the man a kiss. “That would be telling.”

He loved this new confidant side of her. He wasn’t the only one. The reporters and crowd loved it.

* * *

The rest of the night passed in a dream. The film wasn’t her type but she was glued to his side. She couldn’t stop smiling. Afterwards they went to an exclusive party together. She danced for ages with Declan, him holding her as if she were the only girl in the world. Then his agent came over with a look of thunder on his face.

“Malone you need to mingle. You can’t afford to ignore all of the people here just because of her.”

“Watch it Mark. Her name is Zoe.”

“Sorry,” Mark said, barely glancing her way.

“Declan, you go. I need to find the ladies room.” Zoe excused herself. She didn’t like Mark, he had the look of a ferret. She smiled at people as she found the ladies’ room. She was the only one in the room so took her time redoing her lipstick. She had just gone into a stall to grab a tissue when the door opened. Two women came in. They obviously thought the room was empty.

“Did you see the woman on Declan Malone’s arm? Who does she think she is? He’ll dump her next week, can’t she see that? He’s like that with every woman he meets. All true love and happy families until his next leading lady comes along.”

“Come on Susie, that’s a bit unfair. They seem happy together. You aren’t jealous, are you?”

“Jealous? Of a mechanic from the wrong side of town? Not on your life. Let him play prince charming to the poor Cinderella. He’ll come back to me in no time. He always does.”

“Especially if you land the leading role in the next movie. When will you find out?”

Simmering with anger, Zoe refused to hide in the stall. She flushed the toilet and came out to greet the ladies with a smile on her face. She washed her hands as they squirmed.

“Sorry, but us Cinderellas like to keep our hands clean.”

She left them both in her wake. She wasn’t going to let them see that their spiteful words had gotten to her.

She spotted Declan in what appeared to be a deep conversation with someone. She didn’t want to interrupt, so she found an empty table and took a seat. She wasn’t there long before a man came up and asked her to dance. She vaguely recognized him but couldn’t remember his name.

He held her too close as they danced.

“You know you should stick with me babe. Malone’s star is already on its way down.”

“Really?” she replied icily but the man was either too dense or too drunk to realize. He pulled her closer.

“Is it true you’re a mechanic? I bet you could teach me a trick or two.” His grin turned into a grimace as her heel caught the sensitive part of his foot.

“Please excuse me, I’m not used to dancing in heels this high.”

She walked away, hearing him swear at her under his breath. The rose tinted glasses had been ripped from her eyes. Instead of seeing people admiring her gown, she saw them looking her up and down as if wondering how she dared to be there. Mixing with them. She overheard snippets of conversations so rude and immature she almost thought she was back in high school for a minute. This wasn’t the real world. All these people had to complain about was their next role or their co-star.

She edged her way through the crowd, determined to leave.

“Zoe, there you are. I wanted to introduce you to Stephen. Sorry, we got into a conversation and I lost track of time.”

She smiled. This was important to Declan and he didn’t need her to mess it up.

“Lovely to meet you Miss. Nice to see someone having a good time with their date. Not always the case at these parties,” Stephen said.

Zoe continued to smile despite the fact that her mouth was getting tired. She didn’t know what to say.

“What do you think about Declan tackling a different sort of role?”

“It was Zoe’s idea. She thinks the roles I play could be done by anyone.”

Stephen’s eyes shone with approval. “Every man needs a good woman to keep his feet on the ground. Maybe you two would like to join my wife Edith and I for some dinner one night next month.”

“We would love that, wouldn’t we Zoe?” Declan said.

“Good,” Stephen said, looking genuinely pleased. “Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to head home. I can’t abide these after parties. They rapidly deteriorate into a gossip fest. And I am too old for that nonsense.”

“I’d like to go home too, please,” Zoe said. The effort of keeping a smile on her face was getting painful.

“Really?” Declan’s surprise was obvious. “I thought you were enjoying yourself.”

“I rather guess she was until she met the less than delightful Susie. I saw her follow you into the ladies. Whatever she said or did, Zoe, ignore her. If you’ve ever heard the phrase ‘empty vessels make the most noise’, never was it applied more aptly than to that woman.”

Zoe didn’t know how to reply so stayed silent.

“Now goodnight and please do take me up on that dinner offer.”

“We will,” Declan answered for both of them but he was staring at Zoe with concern.