Friday, December 13th, 2019

Bliss' POV

Bliss' POV

I stared out the window. This room has an amazing view of New York.

I am already nervous, especially with this being my first fashion show. I almost jumped out of my skin when Grayson wrapped his arms around me.

"At least let me know you are in the room. Good morning." I wasn't angry, but my nerves were on edge.

"I'm sorry. Good morning. Are you okay?" Grayson asked while taking my hands and leading me to the couch.

"I'm nervous about the fashion show and being back in New York. I woke up way too early this morning because I had a nightmare that Alexander somehow got through security and into the fashion show. I'm grateful for all of the security, but Alexander could easily disguise himself. When we walked on the beach in Maui, I thought I saw him. New York is my heart and home. But if I need to move, I will. Florida or North Carolina was always where I wanted to move to."

"If Alexander were smart, he would not show his face. Also, an order has been given to shoot and kill. You could have woken me up. Remember, I said if you needed someone to talk to, talk to me. You could even move to Texas and stay with me."

"Okay. I didn't order breakfast yet because I didn't know what you wanted."

"What would you like? I'll order it."

"I love eggs, so how about scrambled eggs, bacon, and orange juice?"

I couldn't help but stare at Grayson while he ordered breakfast. I'm sure he works out in a gym. I want to see his abs. He noticed and asked me,

"Anything wrong, Bliss?"

"Nothing is wrong. " I got up and sat in Grayson's lap while he was on the phone. While he continued ordering breakfast, I caressed his abs. He kept flinching while trying to suppress a moan. My hormones must be raging because as soon as he was off the phone, I took his shirt off and tossed it on the floor. Then, I kissed the heck out of his mouth.

"What was that for? I'm not complaining at all."

"I'm a sucker for abs. And I wanted to see yours. It's sexier if I take your shirt off."

Grayson pulled me closer to his chest and continued to kiss me. My hands were all in his hair while we kissed. His hands explored everywhere, and I let them. Grayson stood us up, then laid me back on the couch. His boy was thrilled, but I didn't let him in. I was serious about the hormones. We were so into making out that Grayson put his hands behind my back and undid my bra.

I pulled away from the kiss and looked into his eyes, which had a look of lust. Between kisses and moans, "Will you officially be my girlfriend?"

Watch me play with Grayson. "Grayson, you made that apparent in Barbados when you told that man to leave me alone."

"Well, yeah. But this makes it official."

"Hmm, I don't know. I need to think about it."

He got mad and sat down on the couch. "You're joking, right?" Grayson is so easy to tease, just like Shane. I started laughing. Grayson looked at me like I was crazy.

"What's so funny?"

"You're so easy to tease. Yes, I will."

"I'll show you how easy to tease I am."

I resumed sitting in his lap and kissed Grayson again. Grayson pulled my shirt off, and then reached behind my back to unhook my bra. He tossed it to the side.

The phone started ringing, but we ignored it. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. We didn't answer that either. There was another knock, but this time, whoever knocked said, "Room service." So we stopped, both out of breath.

"Uh, you flung my bra over near the TV. I know you don't want the bellhop seeing my breasts."

Grayson stood up and went to toss me my bra. I went to the bathroom while he went to answer the door.

I took a shower and put on my yoga pants and a tank top. Then, I went back to the living room.

"Woo, now I am ready for my second breakfast."

"You were serious about not being shy."

"I certainly am not. I have never been. Sit." I sat in his lap again, but I fed him some of the breakfast this time. "The only thing I was shy about was my feelings when I first dated Shane. That was it."

My phone went off. I checked it and saw that Layla had sent me a text.

"Layla and Marco want to have dinner with us later. They tried the room number, but we didn't answer it. Marco had stayed here before and said there was an excellent restaurant downstairs. Ryan and Noeli are coming too."

"Dinner is fine with me. How about we go to the gym?"

"Well, we can't help that we were busy. And, okay." I replied back to Layla that dinner was fine. So, we finished eating our breakfast. Grayson then went to take a shower.

After his shower, Grayson changed into jogging pants and a tank shirt. Then, he called about security in the gym.

Ten minutes later, Grayson finished his call. "The receptionist said they have a room within the gym we can use, which is fully equipped. Security will stand guard in front of the door."

"Okay. Thank you. I need to work out. Let's go before we get distracted."

As soon as we stepped out of the room, two security guards stepped in front of us, and two were behind us as we walked to the elevator.

It only stopped once, and the winch named Mikayla stepped on. She was about to open her mouth, but I shut it. "If you don't mind your own darn business, I will have my security team embarrass you. Now, please leave me alone."

Grayson said in an irritated tone, "Mikayla, leave Bliss alone. What has Bliss ever done to you? You wonder why no one wants to model with you."

Mikayla was about to say something, but Grayson gave her one of the meanest glares I have ever seen.

The elevator finally stopped at the lobby. Mikayla just had to insert her foot in her mouth.

"I hope Alexander Mahoney finds you so I can be rid of you."

Grayson was so pissed that the security guards restrained him. The guests were just as shocked and angry. I calmly went to the receptionist's desk and asked, "Does the lobby have security cameras that heard what Ms. Shay just said?"

"Yes, ma'am, Ms. Sanders. We have everything on tape that Ms. Shay just said."

"Thank you." While my security team held Grayson back, I walked over to Mikayla, took one look at her, then smacked her so hard that she fell.

"You have no idea what that man put me through! He almost killed me, you wicked witch! You are sick to wish death on another person! Leave me alone!"

As I walked away, another model ran up to me. "Thank you so much for shutting her mouth up. Nobody can stand her, but somehow she is still popular. My name is Nicole. You have my support."

"Thank you, Nicole. I'm Bliss, and it is nice to meet you." Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Ashton and another man walking our way.

"Bliss, I saw and heard every word Mikayla said. I am sorry, honey." Ashton turned around and made sure everyone heard him. "As for you, Mikayla, this is one of the many reasons I will NEVER represent you. You are nasty, rude, and ignorant toward others. It is downright despicable for you to wish death on Bliss. And, not only did I see it, But Mr. Watson from Sapphire Couture also saw it."

"Ms. Sanders, welcome to Sapphire Couture. My name is Mr. Timothy Watson. We would love for you to be the face of our company. Ms. Shay's behavior towards you was deplorable. Don't worry at all about what you did to her. We still would like you to be in the show tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mr. Watson."

Then, he turned to Mikayla. "Consider yourself done with the company. We will not tolerate this type of behavior by someone representing our company. Grayson, you will now be working with Bliss." He turned back to me.

"Ms. Sanders, we will draw a contract for you and forward it to Ashton for review. And we would like to invite you and your guests to the rooftop club in the hotel this evening for a party for the models in the show."

"Thank you so much. We will be there."

Ashton and Mr. Watson left us in the lobby. Grayson picked me up and twirled me around. "So much for relaxing tonight."

"You'll love it. The model's parties are amazing. Do you still want to go to the gym?"

"Yes, because I can release my anger on a punching bag."

****************

Narrator's POV

Later that evening.

Bliss' POV

"Marco said Cris and Kam are joining us for dinner. Jessica, Julian, Andrea, Mason, Carly, and Kalani are coming to the club later."

That shirt Grayson wore showed off his biceps and abs and made me drool, besides feeling warm and fuzzy. And he was checking me out too. "Uh, I think we should leave before we have another session like this morning."

"I'm ready when you are."

It's been a while since I have been to a club. And I can't wait until Cris' club opens in January. I will definitely be there. I grabbed my phone, the room key, and my purse. Then, we left the room. Just like earlier, two bodyguards were in front of us, and two were behind us.

Nobody got on the elevator with us, so it was a straight shot to the first floor for the restaurant. As soon as we stepped off, we saw Layla, Kam, Noeli, Ryan, Cris, and Marco. I told the bodyguards that they were my friends.

"Hi, everybody. We have some news to tell you guys. Let's get to the restaurant first."

Marco made the reservation in his name. The restaurant has two levels; our table was on the second level. After we put in our order, I told everyone our news.

"First, I saw Ashton and Mr. Watson from Sapphire Couture earlier today. Sapphire Couture wants me to be a permanent model for them - the face of the company. Grayson and I will be modeling together."

"That is great news, Bliss! Congrats, girly! You and Grayson will be the power couple of the modeling world."

"Thank you, Kam. Secondly, my friends Jayson and Tina called. My website is done. I emailed them the name that I chose. And I am waiting for a call from the company producing the makeup. I am hopeful that the website and New York store location will open at the beginning of next year."

"I can't wait to try it, Bliss. Girl, you are on a roll."

"Thanks, Layla. The business has been a dream of mine since I was a teen. I am super excited about both the modeling and my business. I'll let Grayson tell you all the other news."

"Bliss officially became my girlfriend." Grayson wrapped his arm around me and kissed my cheek.

"So, that is why neither one of you was answering the phone," Ryan said while smirking, and everyone chuckled.

I retorted back, "Boy, you know me. We did not have sex. That is reserved for my fiancé and me after we say, 'I do.' I almost made that mistake in London in June. And you all will never guess what happened. We were on our way to the gym in the hotel. Mikayla said, and I quote, 'I hope Alexander Mahoney finds you so I can be rid of you.'"

The smile that was on everyone's faces disappeared. They all had scowls on their face. "Are you kidding me?! She wished you would die?!" That was Kam.

"I'm not surprised at all that she would say something as disgusting as that. Mikayla was always nasty and jealous of what others had." That was Ryan.

"Do you want me to take care of her?" Cris was serious when he said that too. He whipped out his phone and was about to call someone.

"I don't wish her to die. I just want her to leave me alone. I have never done anything to her. Mikayla was the face of Sapphire Couture until today. Sapphire Couture is going to terminate her contract."

"That is what she gets. I'm glad you got it, Bliss. And Mr. Black is going to get the best contract for you."

"Thanks, Noeli." The waiter returned, and Marco asked for a bottle of their best wine. Ten minutes later, he came back with a bottle of the best red wine they had and eight glasses. "Your entrees will be out shortly."

Marco and Cris poured a glass of wine for everyone. Marco made the first toast. "First toast is to Grayson and Bliss on becoming boyfriend and girlfriend." Everybody then clinked their glasses.

Kam did the next one. "Second toast is to Bliss with her becoming the main attraction for Sapphire Couture and for her makeup business, which will be tremendously successful."

Everybody then clinked their glasses and took a sip of the wine. The servers brought our dinner to us within a few minutes of the second toast.

"Am I the only one that noticed Noeli did not drink her wine?"

*********

We had a great time at the restaurant, laughing and chatting about life and love. We were in the room for about two hours. The party didn't start until 10:00 pm. Marco and Cris paid for the meal and gave the waiter a nice tip. They told me it was a celebration dinner for me.

"You two are too sweet. Thank you, Marco and Cris. It is almost 10:00 pm. Should we start heading upstairs?"

"The rest of the family should be here in a few. Let's wait for them in the lobby." So, we headed to the lobby.

There they were, waiting for us to finish dinner. I hugged Kalani.

"How are you doing, sweetheart? Is Grayson taking care of you?"

"I'm fine. "No way was I going to tell him what we did earlier. And he is taking great care of me. "We are now officially boyfriend and girlfriend."

"Good. I'm just checking to make sure."

"Dad, leave Grayson alone. He is good for Bliss. Let's head upstairs so we can dance off this food."

We all chuckled as we walked over to the elevators. We had to take two elevators. The bodyguards got on the elevator with me.

When we reached the rooftop, the entrance was set up like the red carpet at an awards ceremony. I waved to the people standing behind two velvet ropes on each side of the entrance to the club. There was also a sign that said, "Welcome, Ms. Bliss Sanders, the new face of Sapphire Couture."

We saw Mr. Watson as we walked into the club. "We have VIP seating for you and your family. Follow me."

Jessica sat on the same couch with Grayson and me.

"Drinks and food are already paid for. We wanted to thank all the models for supporting Sapphire Couture. We couldn't do it without you, Marco, Layla, Grayson, and the others. If I don't see you all again tonight, enjoy yourselves, and see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mr. Watson."

"Well, I am certainly not here to sit." I sure did get up and drag Grayson with me to the dance floor. "Let's go, Grayson. Don't be scared. I haven't been to a nightclub in years."

"Trust me. I am not scared."

I heard Kam, "Let's go, Cris. You know Bliss and I love to dance." They were right behind me.

We did, however, stay within view of my security team.

"Now I know, Mr. Kendall, you are not afraid to touch me. After all, you took my bra off this morning."

"Uhm, no, I'm not afraid. Watch." He grabbed me, lifted me enough that I could wrap my legs around him, and tongue-kissed me in the club for everyone to see.

Once I heard the Caribbean music, I pushed away. "Does that answer your question?"

My legs were wobbly after our kiss. "Uh, yes indeed. Now, hands on my hips because I am now taking over."

Grayson's POV

I'm already horny from this morning. Bliss started grinding on me as soon as I put my hands on her hips. I leaned down and peppered her neck with kisses.

After several more songs, Mr. Watson began to speak. Bliss is fortunate because I was about to take her into a corner in the club to make out.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Sapphire Couture's welcome party. Thank you all for coming. I want to officially announce the new change in models representing the female line. Please welcome into our family - Ms. Bliss Sanders! Come on down and say a few words."

Bliss was blushing as she made her way over to Mr. Watson. Everyone in the club gave Bliss a round of applause.

"Thank you all so much for the awesome welcome. I look forward to working with each of you throughout my time with Sapphire Couture."

Bliss just flashed her beautiful smile. Then Mr. Watson says, "Grayson come on, join us." So, I made my way to join Mr. Watson and Bliss.

"I look forward to working with Bliss on future projects. We make a great team!"

A photographer snapped a few shots. Bliss and I posed for pictures.

"Let's go dance again." Bliss and I walked to the dance floor.

***************

Narrator's POV

Everyone had a great time at the party. Bliss wanted to get as much rest as possible, so they left the party at one o'clock in the morning.

*************

Saturday, December 14th, 2019

Bliss' POV

Today would have been my wedding day, but I will not dwell on that anymore. My future is with Grayson. We are planning a trip to Texas so that I can meet his family.

I couldn't sleep because I am excited. I did eat something for brunch, Ashton suggested.

"Bliss, are you ready to go? The limo is downstairs."

"I'm ready." I grabbed my phone, purse, a small bag of clothes to change into, and our room key. Grayson and I then left our room. The security team was in position as we waited for the elevator.

The elevator went straight to the lobby where Marco, Layla, Noeli, and Ryan were waiting. Screaming fans were outside behind velvet ropes. Everyone waved as we got in the limo.

Traffic was backed up, so we reached the arena at exactly 2:00 pm. Everyone stepped out of the limo, waved to the screaming fans, and walked inside the venue.

"Hey Bliss, Natalie is ready for you. I'm sure it was the traffic that put you behind. Follow me. Grayson, you can follow me too."

We followed Ashton to a room where two couches were placed inside. Natalie Duncan sat on one as Grayson, and I sat on the other.

"Thank you so much for still doing the show, and welcome. Let's get the interview started. I'm not going to ask you questions about your personal life. That is nobody's business. But I would like to say congratulations. I saw your interview in Barbados. You both are too cute together. You and Grayson will become the power couple of the modeling industry."

"Thank you. Grayson and I were great friends, but we both wanted to take it to the next level. His support during my time of grief meant the world to me."

Grayson kissed my cheek. "Of course. I had to be there for Bliss. The past couple of months were tough for her. My mother passed away, so I understand the pain and heartache Bliss felt. As for us as a couple, Bliss was the reason. She asked me about dating, and I said yes. What fool would say no to Bliss? And, yesterday, we officially became off the market."

"Grayson, there are a lot of sad faces after what you just said. You're both very attractive. Anybody with eyes can see that you look great together. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Natalie."

"The first question I wanted to ask you, Bliss, was how did you become a model?"

"Surprisingly, it was by chance that I started modeling. I met Mr. Ashton Black at my best friend's April wedding. He told me I would be a great model. He also told me to take some headshots and send them to him. My best friends are models and have helped me tremendously, Grayson included. They always encouraged me to give it a try. I was always a photogenic person, so I did give it a try. And I love it."

"Bliss was born to be in front of the lights and cameras of runway shows. As you can see, Bliss absolutely has a smile that brightens the day of anyone."

"Aww. Grayson is correct. I hear those same sentiments from people who see your billboards, Bliss. You're becoming quite popular."

Grayson and Natalie had me blushing. I kissed his cheek.

"Let's talk about your new business. I understand that you have crafted makeup for women allergic to certain ingredients. When is it due to being on the market, and do you have a name for it?"

"I just spoke to my friends helping me with my makeup. It will be produced at the moment for my website, which was just finished yesterday. The website will be up and running as soon as I receive a phone call from the company producing it. As for the name, I chose The Elegant Canvas because a woman's face is like a canvas. Women put makeup on like an artist puts paint on a canvas. Once an artist is done painting, he or she wants to admire the final product. So, once a woman finishes putting on her makeup, she wants to admire herself in the mirror to ensure she is proud of the outcome. And, it has been patented."

"That is a beautiful name and focal point for the brand. I'll keep the interview short because you are a busy woman today. One more question. How does it feel to experience your first fashion show?"

"It feels great. I am a nervous wreck."

"Honey, you got this. Don't be nervous. Before I close, I wanted to offer my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your grandmother. My condolences to you as well, Grayson."

Grayson replied, "Thank you, Natalie."

"Thank you so much. I will make sure to tell my grandpa and family. And thank you so much for the interview."

"You're welcome, honey. And, keep doing what you are doing."

The director cut off the camera, and the interview was over.

"Thanks again for the interview. It was a pleasure. It will be aired on Monday. I will stay and enjoy the fashion show and watch your debut."

"Thank you." We exited the room, and we saw Ashton.

"Good job, Bliss. I'll show you to your dressing room."

We took a short walk down the hallway to my dressing room. It had a plaque on the door with my name on it. I couldn't help but blush. We stepped inside.

"We have a team waiting to be at your beck and call. Lisa has your makeup ready, Belle here will fix your hair exactly like you want it, and Darcy and Tessa will be helping you change into the outfits."

"It is nice to meet you, ladies, and thank you for all of your help." I really need to calm my nerves. There was a couch in the room, so Grayson and I sat on it.

"I know you're nervous, but seriously don't be. You are a natural in front of the camera, Bliss. Look at all of the pictures we have taken. I'm not just saying that because we are dating. If you want me to walk with you, I'll check with the director of the fashion show."

I glanced at the locket Grayson gave me. I added one of the pictures we took in the photo boothin Barbados where Grayson kissed me. "You would do that?"

"I have the most beautiful and sought after woman in the world as my girlfriend. Of course, I would. I know something that will help you relax."

I knew exactly what he was talking about because he took my hands, stood me up, and sat me on his lap. "We can't do that in front of these ladies."

"Ladies, give us about an hour, and then you can come back into the room." They walked out the door, and that was all she wrote.

*******

Exactly one hour, there was a knock on the door. We sat up on the couch to catch our breaths. After straightening out our clothes, I got up to get the door. "Ms. Sanders, we need to start getting you ready for the show. Mr. Kendall, we need to escort you to your room."

"Okay. Thank you." Grayson kissed me before leaving my room.

"Good luck, Bliss. And, remember, don't be nervous."

"You can take a shower in the bathroom. There is also a robe in there for you. We will give you some time. Just let us know when to come back in the room."

"Thank you." The team exited the room, and I went to take a shower.

By the time I was done out of the bathroom, I had seen that a tray with dinner had been delivered to my room. I looked at the clock in the room and noticed it was close to six o'clock. I opened the door. "Ladies, I'm ready." They all rushed into the room to get me ready. While my hair was being done, I ate some of my food. Once my hair was done, then Lisa put on my makeup.

Suddenly, my stomach felt terrible. "Can someone get me a ginger ale to drink?"

"I'll get it, Ms. Sanders." Darcy exited the room and returned five minutes later with a can of ginger ale and a glass of ice. I poured some ginger ale into the glass and drank it. But, my stomach pain did not go away. Oh no, this is not good.

"Can someone grab Ashton and Grayson for me? I need them, like right now."

Darcy ran out of the room and returned with Ashton and Grayson. "I don't feel so good. I feel nauseous and like I am about to faint. I drank some ginger ale, but that didn't help."

"I'll grab you some Advil or Tylenol." Ashton ran out of the room. Ten minutes later, he came back with water. "I got you some Tylenol. I'll tell them to start with Marco, Grayson, and the other models. I want you to sit for a few minutes."

"Okay." Grayson did not want to leave my room, but he did. I sat in the room for about an hour. I took the pills with a glass of water. I still felt nauseous but thought I was better enough to walk the runway.

Ashton and Grayson came back into the room to check on me. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

"I feel better than I did an hour ago. I should be okay."

"Darcy and Tessa, get Bliss ready for her debut."

Within five minutes, I was dressed. "Good luck," all of the ladies said, then I exited the room. Layla was going to walk out with me. She was positioned to walk out on the stage, so I stood there with her.

"Bliss, you don't look so good. You look like you are about to faint. Are you okay? We can have Ashton get someone else. And your throat looks very swollen."

It was too late.

"Ladies and gentlemen, making her fashion show debut, Ms. Bliss Sanders!" The lights, as well as the cameras, were flashing.

Then, we walked out on the runway.

Grayson's POV

I should grab Bliss right now and take her to the hospital. Layla's right. Something is wrong. And I know what happened!

Someone in this arena gave Bliss seafood!

As soon as Layla and Bliss came on the runway, Bliss fainted. I ran onto the stage.

"Somebody help her!!!!! Call for an ambulance!!!" Layla screamed.

*********

Thank you for reading chapter 42.

Opening catwalk picture is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / nav

VIP nightclub seating courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / Nejron

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