Valerie P.O.V.

The next two days flew by as we repeated the same process as the first, there were so many new brands that I was introduced to, completely immersing myself in the fashion world. Tomorrow we will be meeting with one of Julian's clients to dress her for various talk-show interviews, and then on the last day, we have one more meeting with a design house in the morning before flying back to L.A.

I was settled in bed at the end of another big day, scrolling through some of the photos I had taken on my phone that I could possibly upload, before Carter's name popped up on FaceTime. My heart fluttered in my chest as I quickly smoothed over my hair and lifted the phone screen at a better angle before answering it.

"Hey gorgeous," his sexy voice answered before his face popped up. Omg he was lying in bed shirtless! I think I'm having heart palpitations.

"Hey handsome," I replied cheekily, laying my head down on the pillow.

"How's everything been? How's your family?"

"Yeah they're good, my brother asked about you actually," I laughed.

"Oh really? What'd he say?" he raised his eyebrows, brushing strands of hair off his face. I want to run my fingers through those waves.

"Yep, just overprotective brother stuff, nothing to worry about. And it's been so fun, I've learnt a lot, it barely feels like I've been doing a job," I explained.

"That's good to hear, put your styling talent to use. You should go for it if it's what you like to do," he said, shuffling a little bit before laying down on his side. I wish he was here next to me.

"Hmm, maybe... I really am into clothes..." I mirrored his action and laid down on my side, causing one of my silk straps to fall down as I pondered over the idea.His eyes drifted down to my bare shoulder as his expression changed.

❗️

"You know hard it is for me to not want to reach out and touch you right now," he murmured. "I have your climax imprinted into my brain, the way that you feel..."

I gulped at his words, it just got a million degrees hotter in here. It was unfortunate that I had to leave soon after that night. I felt like a different girl. I felt powerful. I wanted more.

"I wish you could, Carter. I want you to," I whispered as I pushed the other silken strap over my shoulder, giving him a good view of my cleavage.

"Fuck Val, you're a tease," he growled. I ran my hands up my body and over my breasts before giving it a squeeze, imagining that it was Carter. I moaned breathlessly at the feeling before I stretched my top down and pinched at a nipple. I couldn't help it, he ignited this sexual side of me so easily.

He let out a groan before rolling onto his back again and running his hand frustratedly through his hair. "God, I want you to touch yourself, but at the same time I'm the only one who's allowed to make you come baby," he eyed me darkly, halting my movements. He was being territorial. Okay. That was hot.

I blinked myself out of the lust and fixed myself up. "Okay," I let out one deep breath, pulling the covers over me to get settled in. Only two more days.

"Can't wait to see you," he whispered.

"Me too. Good night Carter," I responded with a sleepy smile.

"Sweet dreams Valerie."

I arrived back in L.A where Ell came to pick me up before going to shop together for The Chase party tonight, I made sure to get a good nap in on the flight so I wouldn't be tired for the evening ahead.

"How was New York?" she questioned as we flicked through a few racks of clothes in all sorts of colours and shapes.

"Surprisingly good, no dramas," I said, concentrating on looking for something nice. I needed to make sure she looked movie-star worthy tonight.

"That's good! I really think you would be a wonderful stylist," she stopped to smile at me.

"Yeah, I'm not sure though. It does appeal to me but I've still got school. Maybe I could try after I graduate..." My lips twitched to one side as I shrugged at the possibility.

"At least you can keep posting your looks, that should help you grow," she said as she walked over to another rack to continue browsing.

"Yeah definitely," I responded as I put my hands on my hips to glance around the store again, in search of anything that stood out.

After a while, we got home at around 6 to get ready for the event, before Carter and Kean came over so we could all catch a lift there together.

I picked a matching colour-blocked burnt orange set for Ellana consisting of a thin strap, straight neckline crop top that showed off her toned midriff and high-waisted wide leg trouser pants. I teemed it with a nude pair of pointed pumps, a large statement ring and gold drop earrings with slicked back straight hair tucked behind her ears. I decided to wear a strapless beige jumpsuit, some basic skinny heels, and my hair in a slick, low ponytail, with large stud earrings.

Kean strolled in first to the apartment, before nodding at us both in greeting; "Looking good ladies!" he complimented, before directing a wink at Ellana, who giggled and made her way over to him.

I smiled before flicking my attention over to the man just behind him. Carter was dressed in a pair of navy slacks, tan belt and long sleeve white shirt that was unbuttoned and rolled up at the sleeves. Can someone pick my jaw up off the floor?

He sauntered over to me with a smirk before grabbing onto my hips and pulling me roughly towards him, connecting our lips together. I snaked my arms around his neck, my body tingling all over as we kissed lascivously, conveying how much we had missed each other. I would never get tired of this feeling.

"Ahem," Ell cleared her throat obnoxiously, giving both of us a raised eyebrow as we pulled apart to look her way.

"Let's get going before you guys defile our dining table shall we?" she said mischievously, earning a chuckle from all of us and a silent "ELL!" from me as I widened my eyes at her.

There was a small red carpet and backdrop to go through, before we entered the venue for the wrap party to kick-off the final season. Lights were flashing brightly as the cast members did a few interviews with media outlets about the show.

Tonight, Ell and Kean were going to make their debut as an official couple. I posed for a few pictures with Ellana (probably awkwardly- I was still getting used to it) outside the venue as Kean got some with Carter, before we both went off to the side for Kean and Ell to take their coupley shots.

Carter and I couldn't keep our hands off each other on the ride over- he had his hand on my thigh, or I had my fingers constantly touching his arm or playing with his hair, whilst he kept playfully nibbling or kissing me. It was going to be so difficult to keep it low-key during the party.

Inside the glittering hall, a few speeches were made to thank everyone new and old for working on the series as cast, crew and production, making it into the success it is today. Well-dressed people hailing from all parts of the entertainment business were mingling and having fun, celebrating the final season. It was all quite surreal to be standing here. I would've been more nervous, but I hardly knew anyone besides the few I had met through Ell a while back- so I couldn't be intimated if they happened to be VIP. I spotted Julian, and made my way over to him as he introduced me to the other wardrobe stylist on the set. My phone pinged in the pocket of my jumpsuit as we chatted away about New York, prompting me to reach out to see what it was.

Meet me outside, back door.

I quickly excused myself to head over to the hallway that had the bathrooms and the exit door at the end. As soon as I stepped out into the fresh air, someone forcefully pulled me aside and pushed me against the wall of the dark alleyway, trapping me between their arms and slamming their lips on mine. I was stunned for a minute before the familiar heat rushed through my body like wildfire. I kissed him back fiercely, savouring the feel of our lips, as I slipped my hands under his dress shirt and undid a few more buttons to feel his bare skin against mine.

He grasped onto my thigh and lifted one leg up, sliding his hand down to the back of my knee to pull it around his body. I felt his lips leave mine and press onto the curve of my neck as he suckled on the sensitive area, before making his way down to my collarbone, pressing scorching hot kisses along it and the tops of my breasts. I grasped onto his head of curls before lifting it back to meet my lips, missing the way he tasted on my tongue. We pulled back gasping for air, finally feeling the release of all the pent-up sexual tension between us after the solid, gratifying kiss. I bit my lip and gazed up at him, as he brushed the back of his knuckles against my cheek.

"Let's go home," he murmured, "I just wanna be alone with you."

I nodded my head before leaning off the wall, looping my arm in his elbow as we walked back to the front of the building and ordered a ride.

We headed back to Carter's apartment, taking a shower to clean off the night and changed into comfy clothes to slip into bed. The need to just be in each other's calming presence was stronger than the carnal, sexual one. I laid my head on his chest with his arms wrapped around me as we held each other before drifting off to sleep.

~

I woke up in a happy daze, turning up my head to see Carter's sleeping face. He looked so innocent and peaceful, his long eyelashes fanned the tops of his cheekbones, with a very faint dusting of freckles across his nose. I reached out and brushed some of the hair out of his face, before he suddenly tightened his hold and rolled my body over on top of him as he opened his eyes.

"Good morning," I giggled guiltily.

"Hi," his sexy morning voice spoke, tilting his head at me with a lopsided grin. "Staring at me were you?"

"Never." I smirked as he leaned down to kiss my lips, his hands gently massaging my back.

"Mmm..." I relaxed as my head fell to the base of his neck and laid there. He made such a nice body pillow.

"Are you going to fall asleep again?" he chuckled, making my body vibrate from the rumble of his below me.

"Maybe..." I closed my eyes and yawned.

His hands moved down to my panties before curling the small band on the side of my hips in his fingers and released, snapping it back down to my skin. A small sting arose from the motion before he rubbed it with his hand to smooth out the pain. Okay. I'm awake now. I opened one eye to peer up at his smirking face, and then the other, before giving him a glare. He simply chuckled and proceeded to pick me up bridal style, trotting over to the bathroom to set me on the counter so we could brush our teeth.

I experienced another surge of notifications after we post-mated acai bowls for breakfast. Kean & Ell had posted pictures of their newly public relationship it seemed. It had jumped all the way to 48K just by mere association with Ell. Their ship name "Kellana" had officially set sail and I, as the best friend was tagged along for the ride. I couldn't believe the influx of likes, comments and follows my phone was blowing up with- I hope you could turn that off in settings! I didn't even have this many people following me back in the New York social scene, maybe about 3K before I deleted it and restarted a new account. None of it was genuine anyway. It was kind of surreal to think that there were so many people out there that wanted to see what I was up to.

Carter and I spent the rest of the day holed up in his apartment relaxing and lounging around. I decided I wanted to read a book and he joined me for a little while, reading in silence, before he picked up a polaroid camera and bombarded me with snaps. The ones of us we playfully took together were so cute, I slipped one into the back of my clear phone case as a token of affection. I felt so happy.

Carter Bryson wasn't like anything I ever expected. He was caring, witty, emotionally intelligent and extremely talented. Not only that, he always treated everyone fairly and was the sweetest person to his fans. He made me laugh and smile no matter what we got up to, I've become utterly addicted to his presence. He unknowingly brought out the best version of myself I could possibly be.

I think I might be falling in love.

That, was both frightening and beautiful.

Especially because the last time I thought I loved someone, it had ruined me.