The Game (Wagered Hearts Series, #3)(59)

"Ok sweet cheeks, I love you too," I heard her say before hanging up.

"I'll have to remember that nickname," I said, startling her. She turned back to face me and narrowed her eyes. I couldn't help but grin at her.

"How long have you been standing there?" she asked.

"Not long. So how is sweet cheeks by the way?" I asked, moving into the room and taking a seat on the couch.

"Don't you dare call him that," she warned. "He'd be so embarrassed."

"That's the point," I said, still grinning.

"And you expect me to help you?" she said. The smile died on my lips and I sat up and leaned forward on my knees, my face losing all traces of humor. "Relax, I was only joking," she said. "You're not the only one with a sense of humor, you know?"

My body released some of the tension and I sat back again. "If this were any other situation, I'd be the first to laugh with you, but I feel like it's my life here. I don't know what I'll do if she won't see me again," I said. I sounded desperate to my own ears.

"So what happened the first time you two met?"

"We got interrupted by a damn photographer. He snuck into the restaurant and started snapping away. Emilia was so quick to get out of there; we never got to finish our conversation. Now she says she needs time," I said.

"Hmm, not good," Mel mused.

"What do you mean?" I asked, slightly alarmed.

"The more time she has, the more she'll second guess herself. I know she has feelings for you, but she doesn't trust them. She doesn't trust you. She's probably using the time as an excuse to try to convince herself she'd be better off without you," Mel said.

I felt my heart sink at her assessment of the situation. It just made things more desperate. "What can I do?" I asked.

"You need to do something that will leave her in no doubt about your feelings or how serious you are," she said.

"Yes," I said, "I figured as much myself."

I did have to prove myself to Emilia. Words wouldn't cut it anymore. I had to convince her with my actions. I sat back and thought of what I could do that would show her just how much I loved her.

"I've got it!" I said, shooting up from the couch and pacing the floor as the idea took hold of me.

"What is it?" Mel asked eagerly. "You've got this gleam in your eye that tells me you've got something good."

"I do! I hope so, at least. If she wants bold, then I'll give her bold," I said.

I told Mel about my plan to show up at the awards show and crashing the stage to proclaim my love for her in front of millions. She seemed awed and a little disbelieving of my plan at first, but quickly caught on once I detailed what I was going to do.

"You've got some balls," she said, sounding impressed. "If that doesn't convince her, I don't know what will."

"I hope you're right."

"How will you even get on the stage in the first place? The security would probably haul you out of there before you could even finish your speech."

"I'll work that out later," I said.

I left Mel's office after swearing her to secrecy. She'd been dying to tell Ryan about it, but I couldn't risk anyone knowing, not even one of my best friends. He'd have to watch it on television like everyone else. She finally agreed and I left to go put my plans into motion. The award show was coming up soon, so I had to work fast.

Mel had been doubtful about my ability to get on the stage to deliver this heartfelt speech, but it turned out being rich and well-connected opened a lot of doors. It was just a matter of knowing the right people. I never thought I'd have to ask a favor from Warren Peters, but he'd been a big help, surprisingly. Since he was now a major player in Hollywood, he was able to get me five minutes on stage just before Best Screenplay was announced. After that, security would get me. I didn't know how he managed it, and frankly I didn't care, but I owed him one.

***

The moment had arrived. I could either be the happiest man in the world, or the biggest laughingstock. It all depended on Emilia. I arrived at the Beverly Hills Hilton shortly before the ceremony started. I had to sneak in through the back since I didn't want anyone to know of my arrival. Not that I thought people would care one way or another, but I didn't want to risk word getting to Emilia.

She'd arrived solo tonight, looking stunning in a sexy sliver gown. I couldn't take my eyes off of her as I watched her arrival on the television screen in a private room. I had to marvel at the strength and nerve it took for her to show up tonight. After everything she'd been through--everything I'd put her through--she wouldn't be brought down and cowed. Even when she'd been insulted, she wouldn't hide herself away. Instead, she came with her head held high, looking like a queen. I couldn't help but admire her.

She marched down the red carpet and didn't stop for any interviews. I felt a bit of disappointment once she was off screen, but I could understand why she'd want to avoid the press. Even though a new scandal was dominating the news and cast a pall over the evening, Emilia was still a hot topic. I could just imagine the questions that would be awaiting her if she did decide to speak. Hopefully tonight, I could undo some of the damage I'd done.