ROSES & THORNS

- 5 4 -

We both pulled away smiling as reporters took our photo and bombarded us with questions.

Everyone moved inside, buying things or sipping champagne. I was happy, truly. I would often give people advice on their wardrobe and help them choose, but otherwise I was either answering questions or talking to family and friends.

"Everything is so lovely. I knew you could do it!" My dad hugged me and I hugged him back, my face now hurting from all the smiling.

"Thanks dad. I really appreciate you coming here. It means more than you know." I told him and he patted my back.

"Of course dear, why wouldn't I come?" He said and kissed the top of my head before walking off towards some of his friends to talk to them, when I felt hot breath fanning my neck.

"Come with me." I smiled inwardly at the husky voice and turned around to a smirking Adam.

"Where?" I asked him and he shrugged.

"Outside. I feel like you need a breather." He took my hand and we both walked upstairs to my office and out on the balcony. 

We stood in silence for a while until Adam stood behind me and I was caged between him and the railing.

"You've done so amazing Rose. I'm so proud of you." He spoke in my ear and I smiled, melting completely at the praise. 

I gasped when I felt him placing soft kisses on my neck and my hands clutched the railing tighter. 

"Thank you." I whispered. "For everything." 

I felt his smile as he placed a lingering kiss on my neck then pulled away as I turned to face him.

"We still need to talk." I reminded him and he nodded.

"I know. How about now?" He asked suddenly and I frowned.

"Now?"

"Yes. I want to clear the air. I can't take it anymore." He stepped forward, taking my hand and I led him back inside my office. 

We sat down on a couch, side by side, sitting in silence before he cleared his throat.

"I know I shouldn't have put you in an awkward position at the party. It was going so great until..." He stopped and I glanced at him.

"I know." I whispered slowly and he looked at me, his eyes sparkling with the faint light that entered that dark room from the balcony. 

"It's just that I-.. I'm afraid. Of falling for someone. And my fear is what holds me back. You don't know how much it hurt. I'm scared of going through that again." I told him and he took my hand.

"I know love. I know it's hard, but you have to trust me, okay?" He asked me, his eyes searching mine and I nodded.

"I do trust you." I whispered and saw him smile.

"Good." He whispered back but then he thought for a moment and tensed. "So what about us?"

"What about us?" I asked him.

"You said at the party that you needed to think about... us. Are you... having second thoughts about me?" He suddenly spoke and my eyes widened, and I saw the hurt that flashed across his face, and I cupped his cheek.

"No Adam, I'm not leaving you, don't worry." He relaxed visibly and exhaled.

"Oh thank god. You have no idea what that did to me." He chuckled nervously and covered his hand over mine that still cupped his cheek.

"I was just overwhelmed by everything, that's all. I'm sorry for leaving you hanging there. And the reporters made it worse. All their questions and stupid theories." I said and he shook his head.

"It's alright, I understand. And don't worry about any rumors or articles. I made sure they were all taken down. It obviously won't put an end to them, but it finished some things at least." He told me.

"Thank you." I whispered to him and he nodded, but then furrowed his eyebrows. "But I have to ask you one thing though."

"What?" I asked him.

"Why is it that whenever Gareth is around, I find you in a very compromising position with him. And barely wearing anything." I laughed when he said that and he just stared at me with a frown.

"That's just Gareth, Adam, don't worry. Now that I think about it, it is true." I placed a finger on my chin, thinking deeply before bursting into laughter. 

Suddenly, Adam grabbed my face and crashed his lips onto mine, kissing me. When he pulled back, I was panting.

"I love it when you laugh. When you smile. It lights everything up. Never stop smiling." He whispered and kissed me again, holding me possessively and kissing me deeply, with a new found passion. I kissed him back with equal passion.

"And I love it when you smile." I whispered and he chuckled as he placed another lingering kiss on my lips, then got up and took my hand.

"Come on. People must be wondering where we ran off to." He tugged at my hand and I got up, and we both went back downstairs to our family and friends. 

I felt full of life, full of energy as Adam intertwined our fingers and placed a kiss to my temple.

Now I know, things would be alright.