Deana woke up the next morning, starting her day with a nice soak in the bathtub. She smiled, looking around the bathroom, wall to wall mirrors. She felt like she was on the set of one of his music videos, hearing the song playing in her head. It had been one of her favorites before they got together, and now it was extra special.
Justin woke up not long after, smiling as he saw her bathing. “Good morning, beautiful,” he said, leaning in to kiss her. “We’ll get room service brought in, have some down time here before the fashion show and the rest of our day. Today will be one for the books, a top to bottom red carpet worthy day.” He stepped into the shower, each of them watching the other at different points.
I still can’t believe this is my life, she thought. I’m in freaking PARIS, let alone in a presidential suite in Paris, with Justin Timberlake. God, he’s a beautiful man, and he’s mine, and I’m his. I must have done something very right somewhere along the way.
Damn, I’m one lucky guy to have someone like Deana in my life. She looks so peaceful, sitting in the tub, like we’re not in a fancy hotel, but just at home. She’s slowly becoming more confident, at least that’s how it looks from my end. I hope it’s not because she’s losing weight, but I feel like she gets more beautiful every day. I find new little things to love about her, the excitement in how she responds to certain things. She was thoroughly impressed by seeing Paris last night the way we did. We could be staying in the cheapest hotel in the city and she’d be happy with seeing the museum and Eiffel Tower like we did. Those things had nothing to do with me, but about experiencing them together. She’s not impressed by where we stay, but not in a snobbish way. She could care less where we stay, as long as we’re together. It’s amazing that I can give her this life, and she’s embraced it without judgment and expectations. She is still that shy woman from Manhattan, opening up to a world of possibilities.
They enjoyed breakfast in their suite, enjoying time just the two of them before the day ahead. She knew about the fashion show, but that was it. The beginning of their day was purposefully slow, sitting together on a couch.
They had been good with calling or FaceTime with their families, checking in every couple of days, sending pictures on the other days. Deana’s dress was coming along, almost ready to start the skirt portion. She was finding it easier than she thought it would be, having built it up in her head as this big undertaking.
Deana started getting ready first, straightening her hair before doing large curls at the bottom of her hair. She did a neutral makeup look, wanting the dress to speak for itself. She paired it with black heels Justin had bought her, along with the jewelry he had bought her in Florence.
He wore a black pants and jacket ensemble with white pinstripes, and a black and white t-shirt underneath. Deana smiled at how effortless it was for him to look so amazing.
“What?” Justin said, catching her looking at him.
“Just how you could wear anything and be red carpet ready…”
“They’re gonna be so busy looking at you, they won’t even notice me,” Justin said.
They went downstairs and got into the car, waiting to walk into the show. Deana stepped out first, Justin taking her hand. He took a couple steps before someone in the crowd grabbed his ankle. Deana stopped, they had no clue what to do as security pulled the man off of him. It was a man who had done similar pranks to celebrities at other red carpet events. Justin was able to laugh about it later, but in the moment was shaken up.
They walked into the courtyard of the Louvre, where the fashion show was being held. Justin said hi to other people he knew, introducing them to Deana.
She felt like all eyes were on her as Justin’s new girlfriend. It was a little overwhelming, but Justin was super supportive and held her hand the whole time. She felt better when it was time for them to sit and watch the show.
After the show, they attended a little party. They were making small talk with other guests when someone approached Deana.
“That dress is stunning on you. The way you carry yourself, I feel like you could be the face of our new plus size line. You caught Justin’s eye, so there must be lots of confidence and beauty to be explored. Take my card, think it over.”
Deana just stood there, blinking in disbelief. “What… just… happened?” she gasped.
“Other people are noticing what I’ve known all along. You’re beautiful. Enough so to be at least offered being a model. I kinda like the idea of that, but I know that’s way too much for you.”
“It’s not my passion, and I think that would show very quickly. I’m all for pictures of us, or YOU taking pictures of me, but someone else, with pictures of me for the whole world to see? I dunno. I’m much happier being, this is weird to say, arm candy to a pop superstar.”
“Maybe now you’ll believe me when I tell you how beautiful you are?”
She sighed. “It’s not that I don’t believe you, I know YOU think I’m beautiful, I just don’t always see it in myself. I’ll wear stuff I know you like, knowing somehow this turns you on, and I’m definitely not complaining about it. So many people are looking at me, but honestly I think they just wanna see the girl Justin brought to a fashion show…”
“First off, you are a full blown WOMAN. We definitely need to discuss this later, the things I want to do to you…”
“Yeah? More than last night?” she laughed.
“Baby, this is gonna be a night to remember…”
They stayed at the party a while longer before taking their private car straight to dinner. “A dress and woman as beautiful as you, deserves to be seen everywhere.”
The car didn’t drive far, but didn’t appear to be heading to a bustling part of town. They came upon what looked like a large house, with “Lasserre” over the entrance.
Justin opened the door for her, Deana being left speechless at the interior. There were paintings, simple but beautifully upholstered chairs, windows everywhere. It wasn’t what she expected based on the exterior, but she knew to expect this from Justin. It was another see and be seen night, which meant dining at one of the best restaurants in town.
They ordered, talking about the fashion show, more of the art they’d seen. “Remind me when we get back to the hotel that I need to tell Danielle at being offered a modeling gig. She will DIE…” Deana laughed.
“Once we get back to the room, that’s the LAST thing you’ll be thinking about…” he growled.
“Then let’s get back to the room…” she purred, running her foot along his calf.
“All in good time, baby,” he smiled.
“Long game?”
“Something like that,” he chuckled.
They finished their dinner, playing footsies under the table. Justin had their driver go down the Champs Élysées, stopping to get pictures of the Arc de Triomphe. He took his time getting them back to the room, building her anticipation of what would come next.
They got back to their hotel, Justin rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand in his. They got up to their suite, Justin opening his suitcase. He pulled out the blindfold. “Are you ready?”
