Hi--thanks for all of your feedback! You guys have helped me start to formulate some new ideas...hopefully, the next post will be within the next couple of days. I just have to make sure everything is perfect for all of you :)BTW, the inspiration for her dress came from Natalie Portman's dress at the Golden Globes, with some slight differences. Hope you like it--let me know what you think. ENJOY!

"Wow…" Tommy muttered, gaping at her across the room.

"You like it?" Jude replied, doing a quick spin. He stood speechless, jaw dropped at her appearance.

She had selected a coffee-brown strapless dress. It was very simple but very flattering. It was tea-length, falling to around her shins, and was made of silk with matching brown tulle lining that peeked out as a thin layer at the top and bottom. The top was fitted against her chest with a straight neckline that was slightly lower in the back.The skirt portion was full and fluffy, with more layers of tulle underneath the silk to fill it out. Her favorite part of the dress was a little bling – a wide ribbon belt with a diamond and ruby encrusted buckle. It made the dress stand out but not be too over the top. She wore matching brown heels that made her feel at least 4 inches taller and simple dangling copper earrings.

Her makeup and hair were both natural, showing off large, bouncy curls that were half pinned up. She felt glamorous but modest, like she had found the perfect balance in one dress. She looked mature, sophisticated, but more than anything, glowed with happiness.

"You…umm…you look…," he stuttered, unable to think coherently.

She stood there grinning, awaiting a full sentence. He shook his head to get back to reality and stared at her once more.

"You look beautiful," he said softly.

She blushed and quietly responded, "Thank you."

He took a few steps towards her, resisting the urge to grab her and kiss her. "You really do. It's still you, just a little fancier," he remarked, taking her hand.

She grinned widely. "That's exactly why I liked the dress. I wanted to look nice but not too done up."

He nodded. "Well, you did it. It's perfect."

"Thanks," she said quietly, squeezing his hand. She looked at him, wearing a classy two-button suit and black silk tie. "You don't look too shabby yourself."

He smiled. "Thanks. I was listed as one of the worst dressed musicians a few years ago, so I'm still trying to make up for it."

She laughed lightly as they gazed at each other for a few moments. He hesitantly broke the silence.

"Sadie told me not to ruin your makeup but I…I really want to kiss you right now."

She grinned faintly and stepped closer to him. "I have more lip gloss in my bag."

He grinned too and looked into her sparkling eyes. He leaned in slowly as she met his lips halfway. Their lips connected, both feeling a surge of emotion, as his hands grasped her waist to pull her in closer. The kiss grew deeper as their tongues intertwined and she touched her fingers to his face, feeling his freshly shaven skin. She absorbed his cologne, a musky, woodsy scent, and felt calmed by the familiar fragrance. He too breathed in the smell of vanilla she was wearing, along with a hint of lavender from her hair. He held onto her tightly, not wanting to let her go, not wanting to send her off to someone else's arms. His passion was not lost on her; she met his level of intensity, wanting to make certain he knew where her heart was.

After a minute, she hesitantly pulled back a bit, kissing him lightly and trying to catch her breath. He too was breathing rapidly, trying to regain control, and rested his head against hers.

"You're taller," he commented quietly.

She laughed a little and said, "The power of heels."

He smiled and pulled back, looking at her warmly. "We should probably get going. You don't want to keep your date waiting."

She grabbed his hands and looked into his eyes. "I know this isn't easy, but it'll be over before you know it."

He nodded and looked down nervously. "I know, we have to do this," he muttered, almost to remind himself.

She saw his hesitation and squeezed his hands. "I love you," she said softly, firmly.

He looked back up, into her eyes, and grinned. "I love you too."

She smiled at him and sighed. "Let's go. Before Sadie comes back and threatens to hurt you for ruining my lip gloss."

He quickly wiped his lips, making sure there was no trace of her gloss, as she grabbed her purse and hastily reapplied some to her lips. They held hands and slowly walked out of her room.

He came down the steps first as she followed a few paces behind. When she reached the bottom, there were gasps and cheers from her family and friends who were awaiting her entrance. She did a spin to show off her dress and then walked around, greeting everyone. As she hugged Georgia, her eyes went to the famous face at the back of the crowd. She felt her breath leave her as Josh Sanders smiled and EJ ushered him up to her for introductions.

He looked better in person than in the tabloids. He was tall and handsome, with light brown spiked hair and deep hazel eyes. His muscular build was enhanced by his charcoal gray designer suit and dark red tie, bringing out the rubies in her belt.

"Jude, I'd like you to meet Josh Sanders. Josh, this is Jude. Your date for this evening."

"Hi," he said, extending his hand to shake hers. "I'm a huge fan."

"Really?" she asked breathlessly. "Wow, thanks. I'm a huge fan of yours too."

"Thanks," he said humbly.

She smiled timidly, disbelieving she was actually meeting him.

Sadie coughed loudly to break the moment. "Umm, guys, shouldn't we get going? The ceremony starts in 45 minutes."

"Yes! We have to go," EJ exclaimed, eagerly pushing everyone outside and into the limos. Jude and Josh made their way out with the group, EJ shoving them into the first limo in line. Jude hesitantly looked back at Tommy, as he was getting into another limo with Georgia, Kwest, and Darius, and met his gaze. She grinned at him as she got in her limo to join Josh.

They talked the whole way, getting all of the basic information on each other. He was 19 and lived in his own place downtown. He had two brothers and a dog, a golden retriever named Sparky. He had been acting since age 6 and was currently shooting an independent film outside Toronto. She gave him all of her basics as well and he truly seemed interested in her, asking questions about her album and family.

As they approached the hall, she could see cameras and people standing everywhere. There was a definite frenzy of activity and she got nervous looking at it.

He saw her tense at the sight ahead of them and gently put his hand on top of hers.

"Hey, don't worry. I've been through this many times. Once you get out there, it's a rush."

"Thanks," she said warmly. "Are you coming too or are we just meeting up later?"

"I think we're meeting up later. I'm going to sneak out of the limo after you go and then I'll see you at the after-party. Hopefully holding an award."

She smiled nervously. "Thanks. Let's hope."