Chapter 44 I stand in the spotlight, arms held high as I look out over an audience on its feet, whistling and clapping. But in the sea of people out there, I only see one face. One pair of brown eyes that sparkle with love and pride as Noah looks up at me on the stage. I take my final bow, then exit the stage with a smile on my face as I see Noah making his way out of the row he's sitting in, already on his way to meet me backstage in my dressing room. "Congratulations, Allegra!" Cora-who's become one of the best friends I've ever had-pulls me into a hug the second I'm out of view of the audience. "You were amazing tonight." "Likewise," I reply, giving my friend a huge squeeze. "You killed it." She stares out at the now-empty stage as the lights flash off. "I can't believe we made it here." "Me, either." It feels like a lifetime ago that Cora and I received callbacks for our Expressions auditions, and after three more rounds of auditions and a rigorous practice schedule, we both made it into the final show, which premiered six months later and was a resounding success. Both of us danced in the show for the next two years-continuing to teach littles on the side-until we were both scouted for a new show by the same creators, Empowerment. It has an all-female cast of dancers and an overarching theme of self-love and self-discovery, and I couldn't say "yes" fast enough when they offered me the lead role. Tonight was opening night, and it went as well as I could have hoped for. I danced my heart out, and I'm excited for both of our families and all of our friends to be in the audience tomorrow night. Tonight, though, I just wanted Noah here. Because no matter how much time passes, every time I get on the stage, no matter how large the audience, I dance for him. Like he's the only person watching. Cora sees the distant look in my eyes and laughs. "What are you waiting for?" "What do you mean?" "I mean, why are you still standing here with me when I know you want to throw yourself into your sexy husband's arms?" Husband. I'm still not used to the word, and every time I hear it, it gives me a little thrill. Noah and I tied the knot two months ago, during the NHL offseason. It was an intimate celebration with only our families and closest friends in attendance, and the happiest day of my life as I got to say "I do" to the man who changed my life forever. Noah's nieces were the flower girls; Penn and Fisher were the best men; and the day was filled with more love than I could have ever thought possible. I know we're still young, but when you know you want to be with someone for the rest of your life, you know...so we didn't see any point in waiting any longer. After, we honeymooned in Bali, but I'm not going to lie, we saw a lot more of the inside of our suite at the resort than we did the stunning scenery there. Although I'm definitely not complaining about that. "Okay, I'll admit that's what I want to do right now." I grin at my friend. "Go get him, then." She gives me a little slap on the butt and a wink. I salute her before beelining to my dressing room-which is a new perk I get to enjoy as the lead in the show. I throw open the door and find Noah inside, sitting in the chair by the vanity. He's dressed in a black henley and dark jeans, and he's holding a massive bouquet of blush-pink ranunculus. My heart skips a beat in my chest as I drink him in. He's even more handsome than the day I met him. Now, as he begins his fourth season in the NHL, his career has gone from strong to stronger. He's a regular on highlight reels, known to be one of the best players in the whole league. But more than that, he has the tremendous respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans. And every year, the Lions' rookies talk about how kind and patient Noah is with them, making them a part of the team family and helping them find their feet in the league. My Noah. I smile, and he's on his feet in an instant, crossing the room in three long strides. "You blew me away tonight, baby," he says as he throws the flowers down and gathers me into his arms. "You were breathtaking." He presses a kiss to my lips. "And so sexy." He drags his lips along my jawline. "And best of all, mine." His mouth moves to my neck, and my back arches involuntarily, my body fine-tuned to respond to his every kiss, every touch. "Thank you for being here," I tell him, and he laughs, his warm breath tickling my bare skin. "When you finished your first number, I was so proud I needed to brag about you to someone, so I leaned over and told the old woman next to me you were my wife. I think she thought I was a weirdo because she swapped seats with her husband after that." My body shakes with laughter picturing this. "Can't fault a protective husband looking out for his wife like that." "Damn right you can't," Noah says in a low voice as his big hands slide down the curves of my body. I suck in a sharp breath, suddenly needing nothing more than my husband to show me how much he loves me. "Take me home?" "I don't know, I kind of want to stay right here..." Noah pulls back to look at me, his eyes full of heat and his smile positively wicked as his hands keep traveling south. "You think this room is soundproof?" The suggestive note in his question has my stomach clenching, and I sink my teeth into my bottom lip. "You got some fantasy I wasn't aware of about making love to your wife in her dressing room?" "Yes." He smiles again as his fingertips skate ever-so-softly over the edge of the gold-sequined leotard I wore on stage tonight, tracing along my chest and up to my collarbone. And then, with the hands of a practiced expert, he begins to slide the straps off my shoulders. His movements are achingly slow as he holds my gaze. "You know I can't resist you in these damn leos, Ally," he murmurs against my bare skin. I smirk through my shiver. "That's Mrs. Downsby to you." "How could I ever forget," he replies before nipping the sensitive skin at the nape of my neck with his teeth. I barely have time to gasp at the sensation before he picks me up and sets me gently atop my vanity. And then, he makes me forget any and all variations of my name...makes me forget every name in this world but his. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!