Starshine by Melody Winter (39)

The make- up artists fussed around us, but I was too busy giggling at the man applying powder to Alex’s face to pay too much attention to the lady who was expertly applying my make-up. The man obviously fancied Alex.

Neither of us needed much make-up. We were still healthily tanned from our month away at Sao Miguel. But apparently, television lights made you look pale, so we were letting the make-up artists work their magic. Alex had two-day old stubble covering his chin and the side of his face, my favourite look for him.

“Where’s Erin when you need her?” I asked, trying not to laugh at Alex’s discomfort at the man’s flirting.

I had to look away when the man placed his cheek next to Alex’s.

“All pretty and ready to go, tiger.” He growled before heading out of the door.

The woman tending to me also finished and left the room.

Alex was watching me through the mirror, his eyes never leaving mine until the door had firmly shut. As soon as we were alone he sprang from his chair, and came over to mine. He positioned his hands on the arm rests and kissed me. It was an urgent and hard kiss, his lips pressing against mine desperately before his tongue pushed into my mouth. My head pushed back against the chair as he continued kissing me. I let my hands snake behind his neck, pulling him deeper as my own tongue battled with his. When he pulled back, resting his forehead against mine, we both breathed heavily, staring into each other’s eyes.

“I want to do something,” he breathed. “Fuck knows, I should have already done this.”

I frowned as he pushed himself off my chair and tucked his hand in his pocket. Before I had time to ask him what he was referring to, he sank to the floor on one knee. I was about to tell him that now probably wasn’t the best time for him to go down on me, when he presented me with a light grey ring box. He raised it toward me, swallowing and breathing quickly.

His fingers snapped the lid open.

A beautiful diamond ring stared back at me. It was a cluster of nine diamonds, set in the shape of an oval.

I began shaking as I tore my eyes away from the ring, and back to Alex’s face.

“Ella Summer,” he said, sounding the most serious I had ever heard him. “Will you do me the tremendous honour of agreeing to be my wife? Will you marry me?”

My mouth moved, but no sound came out.

Alex smirked. “Either I’ve gone deaf, or you need to speak up.”

“Yes!” I shouted, my voice most definitely coming back. “Yes, yes, yes!”

I threw myself at him, and he toppled sideward onto the floor.

“Shit,” I muttered, as I bent over him. “Are you okay?”

He pointed to his lips. “I will be when you kiss me.”

This time our kiss was gentle and languid. It was a kiss full of promises, and dreams, and our united happiness. Eventually, he shifted his mouth away from mine, just far enough to be able to speak. “Thank you,” he whispered. “For everything.”

I heard the sincerity in his voice, understanding that my agreement to marry him meant so much more. I’d saved him from a one-way road to destruction. I’d calmed him in a way I had never set out to do. He still fired up when annoyed and his language was still guttural—but I liked that he had that fire within him. It was what made him Alex, my Alex.

We stared at each other for what seemed like forever, and then, as if he couldn’t stand the seriousness between us any longer, he spoke in a way I had long got used to.

“Fuck, I can’t wait to get you home.”

He pushed himself up onto his elbows, and placed the ring box in between us.

“Try it on,” he suggested, taking the ring from the velvet cushioned padding.

I held my hand up so he could slip the ring onto my finger.

“It fits!”

“I know,” he replied smugly.

“How?”

He winked. “I have to have some secrets, Ella.”

I pouted before looking at the ring.

“It’s beautiful,” I said.

He looked as if he was about to kiss me again, when there was a knock at the door.

“Time to move people. Five minutes to stage.”

“We need to dust ourselves off.” I said, seeing the dusty marks on the knees of my black jeans. Alex jumped up, turning around so he could see the back of his trousers in the mirror. He tried to swat away the grey marks on his bum.

“Here, let me,” I said, moving toward him.

“Any excuse to touch my ass, Ella. I should be used to it by now.”

“Never get used to it,” I said, dusting him down with my hands.

There was another knock on the door, and this time a young woman walked in. She had a clipboard in her hands, and headphones over her ears.

“Are you ready to walk down to the studio floor?” she asked.

He raised his eyebrows. “Ready?” he asked.

I nodded.

The woman guided us through a maze of corridors before leaving us at the side of the studio. I shifted from foot to foot, nervously waiting for Stella to introduce us. This was my first ever interview, and Alex’s first one since all the madness surrounding the leaked video footage. It was also our first joint interview. I was so relieved that Alex was with me, I’d never have been able to do this by myself.

Nerves were taking a hold though, and I was struggling to even speak. Never mind that Alex had just proposed to me in the dressing room. The enormity of what we had just committed to was rushing through me. I had just agreed to marry him.

We’d only had three months together, in which time marriage had never been mentioned. His proposal had been a huge surprise.

Alex held my hand tightly, rubbing his fingers over the ring he had just placed there.

“How the hell do you expect me to get through this, or give her a proper answer about anything now?” I asked, staring into his eyes that were full of mischief and desire.

“Stop it!” I playfully punched him.

“Stop what?”

“Looking at me like that. You’re practically undressing me with your eyes. You told me ages ago that you hated it when your fans eye fucked you, yet you do it to me all the time.”

He leaned forward to kiss me. “But I’m allowed to eye fuck you. I’m your fiancé now. The ring that I’ve slipped on your finger means I can eye fuck you whenever I want to. You don’t need to grant me permission.”

“As if I ever did.” I grinned at his use of the word fiancé. “You’re so crazy,” I added. “Asking me to marry you just before we go on live TV. You sure you want me to wear the ring. She’s bound to see it.”

“I want the whole world to know that you’ve agreed to marry me, Ella. What better way to let everyone know than for it to be announced on national television?”

“But you hate all the intrusion.”

“I think I’ve found a bit of peace with it over the last few months. We can work it to our advantage at times.”

We’d managed to keep out of the press very successfully during the month after the announcement that Amy had been released early from her contract, and that Rowan had been fired from the Starshine franchise. We hadn’t heard from either of them since then. Although, Amy’s face regularly appeared in gossip magazines as Pierce pushed her forward as a broken woman whose only mistake had been to fall in love with Alex. It was all lies, and all to try and gather some support to stop her rapid descent from stardom. No film franchise wanted to touch her. Fans still hated her for what she did to Alex. She had sealed her fate a long time ago.

Sao Miguel was still a closely guarded secret, as was Ben’s pub, which had become our favourite retreat when we were on breaks from filming Solarflare.

We were currently at the start of the publicity tour leading up to the release of Starshine. We were giving out first interview on the Stella show, with several other interviews lined up over the next month. We’d be travelling to all corners of the globe before heading back to London for the premier.

I fiddled with the diamond ring on my finger. It was stunning. The nine diamonds sparkled beautifully, catching the light every time I moved my hand.

“Thank you, Ella,” he said. “For agreeing to marry me.”

I kissed his cheek. “I don’t know what took you so long.”

He lifted his chin and snarled. “I had to make sure you could keep up with my sexual urges. No point in marrying someone who'll be exhausted after I’ve done my husbandly duties, is there? She still needs to do the washing up, ironing, cleaning, and cooking.”

I punched him hard on his arm just as we were announced by Stella as her guests on the show.

“Ready?” Alex asked, rubbing his arm.

I nodded, not at all convinced that I was.

“I’m gonna have a bruise there now,” he whispered as he grabbed my hand and we walked out into the studio.

The crowd went crazy. They screamed both our names, wolf-whistles sounded out. A few fans fainted and security men rushed over to assist them as they were removed from the audience. I held Alex’s hand even tighter.

Stella was waiting for us in the centre of the studio, a huge smile on her face as we approached her. Alex gently nudged me in front of him to shake Stella’s hand, but she surprised me by pulling me into a tight hug. Once she released me, she turned to Alex and hugged him. He seemed used to it though, whispering something to her before standing next to me. He made sure Stella and I sat down before he sunk onto the sofa.

“Wow,” she mouthed at us before looking back at the audience who still carried on screaming.

My name was called several times, and I nervously looked toward the crowd of people still on their feet and cheering.

Banners and posters were held high in the air. Many were homemade, and said, ‘Alex & Ella forever.’ Hearts with our names around them seemed very popular as well. Alex followed my gaze. More screams erupted as we both looked at the audience. He turned back to me, taking my hand before leaning closer to whisper. “You’ll never get used to this. It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

The screaming suddenly stopped, changing to a joined sound of, 'Aww,' at Alex’s action.

Stella beamed at us as we settled, patiently waiting for the audience to calm.

“Sooo . . .” she said. “Welcome back, Alex.”

Screams rang out once more.

“Always a pleasure,” he replied, grinning at Stella before looking nervously at the audience. Someone shouted that they loved him, and he held my hand even tighter.

“And Ella.” Stella turned to me. I smiled nervously at her, rubbing my fingers against Alex’s knuckles. “I’m honoured with your first ever interview. Thank you.”

The audience cheered again, making even more noise when Alex leaned over toward me, this time whispering so only I could hear. “It’s an interview sweetheart. You need to talk when Stella asks you a question.”

Stella was watching our exchange as if it was the sweetest thing she had ever seen.

She rescued me from having to speak. “I have to say, I think I was the lucky person who was granted the scoop on your relationship when Alex was last on my show.”

We both knew what she was referring to.

“Yes, you were,” Alex said, giving her the cock-eyed smirk that had women eating out of his hand.

“Ella, were you surprised at the way he announced your relationship live on air, letting everyone hear him say that he loved you?”

“Yes. Completely surprised.”

The audience went completely silent as I spoke.

Stella continued. “And it seemed to open a complete floodgate of articles over the following weeks. I mean Alex had never spoken about his private life, never given an interview to the press, and yet within the space of just three weeks of meeting you all that happened.”

I nodded. “It was very quick, but in those three weeks we had everything thrown at us. We realised that if we could get through that, then we could probably get through anything.”

Stella smiled. “I understand that he was a bit hostile to you when you first met on the set of Starshine.”

Alex chuckled, creating a laugh from the audience.

“Just a bit,” I said, looking to him for reassurance.

“I was an ass,” Alex said. “Completely horrible to her. And yet when I asked for her help, she gave it to me tenfold. It was more than I deserved.” He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it.

Stella eyes widened as she saw the ring. “Is that? Oh gosh, do we have another exclusive here? Are you two engaged?”

The audience went crazy, and I flinched at the noise.

Alex nodded at Stella, who was on her feet applauding us. The whole audience followed her lead, and within seconds it seemed that everyone in the studio and audience was on their feet clapping at the knowledge of our engagement.

I leaned into Alex, trying to stop myself from shaking. I needed his support big time. He placed his arm around my back, gently rubbing between my shoulder blades as we waited for the uproar to die down.

Stella stepped forward, her hand extended to shake Alex’s. He stood up, leaning closer to her to say something before gesturing for me to stand as well. She shook my hand before picking up my other hand to view the ring. She moved closer to talk to me, so as I could hear her above the noise.

“It’s beautiful. You are both very lucky to have found each other. I wish you all the best.”

As she backed away, and I returned to Alex’s side and we sat down together.

The crowd gradually quieted again. Stella took the opportunity to signal for the camera to come closer.

“Can we just get a shot of the ring, so everyone can see it on the screen here, and for everyone at home?”

Alex took my hand in his and held it up to the camera that was closing in on us.

The audience gasped as the ring came into view on the large screens at either side of the studio.

“Alex, it’s beautiful,” Stella said. “Did you choose it for Ella, or did she pick it out?”

Alex shook his head. “I picked it for her. I wanted something special, but not too flashy. There’s no point getting her a ring that she’s frightened too wear when she does the washing up, is there?”

I playfully swatted his arm again.

The audience laughed.

“That’s twice in just as many minutes!” he exclaimed, jokingly.

“Does she beat you up regularly then, Alex?” Stella asked.

“Yeah, I’m covered in bruises. Look!” He began to slip his arms out of his jacket, teasing the audience, but hitched it back onto his shoulders before it had time to slip below the t-shirt sleeves.

“He bruises easily,” I said.

“So, was he romantic when he proposed? Did he take you out for a romantic meal, wine and dine you?” she asked me.

Alex was chuckling quietly beside me, and as Stella looked at him he began laughing. The audience joined in.

“Not really. He’s only just asked me. Backstage, just a few minutes ago,” I clarified.

Stella looked wide eyed at Alex.

“You’re not romantic then? No roses, violins playing?”

Alex shook his head.

“I’ve promised to make it up to her this evening. She knows she’ll not be disappointed.”

The crowd screamed, But Alex looked completely confused by their reaction. It suddenly seemed to dawn on him what he had said as he held his hand up to his mouth and looked at me before mouthing the word, ‘sorry.’

Stella rescued him, bringing attention to the release of Starshine.

“So, you’re at the start of your worldwide tour promoting Starshine. It all seems to have come together really well for you both, particularly after the leaked footage that practically everyone has seen. That must have been hard for both of you.”

I sniggered. Unfortunately, the audience caught it. A few wolf whistles sounded out, and there was a shout of, ‘Ella, marry me,’ from a male in the audience.

Alex smirked, waving his hand toward Stella, signalling that I could give her an answer.

“It wasn’t too bad. I’d already seen the footage when I’d been editing the scenes with Rowan Busby. Alex hadn’t seen them at all. I mean, the scenes that were leaked were unedited, so people saw our true interactions. The scene in the film itself is just acting, but the parts that were leaked were a bit too personal. I think people may be disappointed with the final edit in the film tonight. The leaked clip shows way more than the actual film does.”

I groan of disappointment came from the audience.

“But,” I added quickly. “The scenes we have just started filming for Solarflare are even raunchier.”

Alex nodded at Stella. “Definitely,” he said. “We’re quite enjoying filming them, aren’t we, sweetheart?”

The audience, ‘Awww-ed,’ at us again.

“Well,” Stella said. “Let’s have a look at one of the clips from the film.”

The screens on either side of the studio sprung to life with a scene from Starshine. It was one where Alex and Amy were arguing. I stared at the screen, trying not to react to seeing her with Alex. But the crowd wasn’t as generous. They booed and hissed as she spoke, and I seriously worried if they would do the same throughout the whole movie when they went to see it. Then the part where I was with Alex when we were arguing, just before he ripped the robe from me, came on screen. You couldn’t tell the difference between Amy and me, as my face was kept sideways, or filmed from the back. But the audience knew it was me, and cheered.

When the clip finished, applause broke out throughout the audience.

“We all know the story of what happened to Amy and Rowan Busby, but it must still seem strange watching Amy in the film with Alex.”

“Not really,” I explained. “I was a huge fan of the franchise before I met Alex. So, I was used to seeing him in the films with Amy. But it does feel strange watching myself with him on screen. It’s incredibly personal acting love scenes with your real-life lover, but it also brings very realistic actions to the scenes as well.”

“I think I find it harder to watch than Ella,” Alex said. “My acting abilities were constantly pushed to their limits when I acted with Amy. The history we had together made it incredibly difficult. Now, filming Solarflare with Ella feels like a dream. It’s almost an extension of our daily life.”

I guffawed, and Stella laughed at my response.

“He’s nothing like he is at home,” I said. “He’s so serious at work. I sometimes wonder whether I know the person I’m acting with.”

“That’s because I can’t just slip into character. You find it so easy to just flick a switch and perform. I can’t. I have to be that person leading up to the shoot.” Alex explained.

Stella looked to the audience, jokingly insinuating that we were having an argument. As soon as Alex realised what she was doing, he grinned, leaned forward, cupped my face in his hand, and kissed me. It wasn’t a peck, but a full-blown snog, literally taking my breath away.

Once again, the audience went crazy.

As he broke away, he mouthed the words, ‘I love you.’ It had been caught on camera and the females in the audience screamed even more.

“So . . .” Stella said. “Like you said, shooting has begun on the final film, Solarflare, how’s it going?”

“Fine.” Alex nodded.

“And this is Ella’s first ever film, her only acting experience apart from the clips I mentioned earlier.”

“Yes. And she’s doing brilliantly. Although, it does help that we can practise when we’re at home.”

Stella managed to keep a straight face as she picked up on Alex’s statement. “So which scenes do you like to run through at home? You know, the ones that need more practice.” She wiggled her eyebrows at Alex.

“Oh, those ones are always open to more practice and further suggestions.”

Audience members were having a hard time keeping quiet with the suggestive way Alex was speaking.

Stella turned things back to the more serious side of things.

“So, can you tell us what designers you’ll be wearing at the premier at the end of the month?”

Alex nodded. “I’ll be in Gucci. It’s a navy suit, I think.” He looked to me for confirmation. I nodded.

“Ella?” Stella asked.

“Gucci, as well.”

“Any more details? Colour? Are you matching Alex or clashing with him?”

“Definitely clashing,” Alex said, a lopsided grin appearing on his face.

I raised my eyebrows before answering Stella. “I’m not allowed to say, sorry.”

My dress was amazing. It was a long dress, cut tightly through the hips and waist, with a deep V-back and front. It was plain navy, nothing patterned or fussy, to match Alex’s suit.

“So, one last question for both of you before you go. If you weren’t acting, what other job do you think you’d be qualified to do?”

Alex guffawed before turning to me. “You first,” he said.

I thought as quickly as I could, trying to think what I could do. “I don’t know. Before I met Alex, I thought I wanted to do something with film, directing or editing. But now, I’m not sure I could work behind the camera.”

“I know what I could do!” Alex said. I flinched at his sudden exclamation. “Well, I think I could be a male lap dance, you know, all those greasy poles, spinning and shaking my ass. I’m quite a good dancer.”

The crowd understandably went wild, screaming and shouting his name.

“And Ella, you could be the woman I employ to wash my thongs!”

I punched his arm again, and Stella waited for the crowd to calm from their wild cheering and shouting.

“Ella, Alex, thank you so much for taking the time to come and talk to us, and for letting us see just how much you really are in love. I’m sure the audience wants to wish you well, as I do, for every success with both Starshine and Solarflare, and any other projects that come your way. Ladies and gentlemen, Ella Summer and Alex Denton.”

She applauded us, as did the audience when the program cut to a break.

As soon as the camera’s red lights went out, Stella stood up and hugged both Alex and myself. We were quickly escorted off the studio floor, as fans cheered and shouted for us. Only when we were safely hidden away from the studio floor did Alex pick me up and spin me around.

“You were amazing!” he said, pecking my face with kisses. “So fucking amazing for your first interview. And the audience loved you.”

“You think so?”

“Definitely. I’ve never had such an enthusiastic response when I’m interviewed by myself.”

“Maybe today you opened up a bit more. They all seem to love it when you talk about how you feel. You’ve never done it before, remember. But it’s all they want to hear about.”

“Ella, I’m an actor, first and foremost. It’s a job. I have to promote myself that way.”

“Yes, I understand that. But out there, you weren’t just an actor. You were Alex Denton, a human, their idol. Talking about personal things. They loved it.”

He shrugged before taking my hand in his.

“Do you want to go straight back to the hotel. We can have a relaxing bath together and have room service bring us some food. Tomorrow’s gonna be crazy, we’ve got five interviews scheduled.”

“That sounds perfect.” I cuddled into his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist. He rubbed my back and kissed the top of my head.

“Do you think we should spend a few minutes signing things, posing for pictures and chatting with the audience out there?” he asked.

It was the right thing to do, and I enjoyed interacting with the fans. It was just that the offer of a nice soak in the bath with Alex was something I would much rather do.

I nodded.

“Come on, then,” he said. “Let me show off my fiancé to the fans.”