14
I step out of the limo and take a second to situate the long-ass cape attached to my costume before reaching inside.
You don't hesitate to take the hand I offer. You're the epitome of class as you take in the five hundred foot stretch full of cameras and reporters. I can feel your hand tremble slightly and wrap it around my arm, squeezing it in silent support.
"Okay?"
All the flashing lights make your brown eyes sparkle as you draw your bottom lip between your teeth and nod. "Let's do this."
You let me take the lead, and I maneuver us down the carpet, stopping when Kate gives me a sideways glance.
The reporters are respectful of our limitations, and I have a feeling my best friend has something to do with it.
No doubt Kate left threats in her wake. She's carrying a bat. Not that she needs a weapon.
I answer questions, and you surprise me by adding your own comments to compliment mine instead of trying to monopolize the conversation.
"I'm a very lucky man," I gush honestly, and you elbow me playfully.
"We're both lucky."
Kate might consider it a big no-no, but I'm willing to suffer the consequences. I lean down and kiss your sweet mouth before moving us to the next slew of reporters. They're eating up our chemistry.
I usually dread the gold carpet portion of benefits. Between mild social anxiety and intrusive questions about my personal life, it feels like the short walk lasts eons.
That's where you come in, Bella. Making everything better with just your presence.
Time flies, and before I know it, Kate is stopping us at the entrance of the banquet hall.
"You did phenomenally, but it's not over yet," she tells me softly, reaching out and gripping my fingers.
"What's going on?" I ask, squeezing you to my side in an effort to protect you from whatever is waiting for us inside.
Kate sighs. "We've got gate crashers."
"Okay ... it's bound to happen." I shrug and pull you toward the door, but she stops me.
"One of them is Rosalie, Edward."
I feel like I've been doused with a bucket of ice water.