The Ties That Bind

26. fashion week

o l i v i a

You would think four hours of sleep, under eye bags, matted hair, and severely swollen and blistered feet would be an absolute nightmare. But for me, I'm living in a dream. A dream I've had since I was a little girl.

I can still remember my first Fashion Week when I was a fresh faced model and completely star struck by all of the high profile designers and models walking passed me. Four years later, I'm still in awe by everything about Fashion Week. Swollen feet and all.

This year is a little different though. Unlike the other years, I'll be walking in the Paulina Bianchi show. Yes, Paulina Bianchi, the most anticipated designer this year. Her pieces are gorgeous, incredible, and elegant. I could rave about her for days. It still blows my mind that she asked me, an eight-month pregnant woman, to walk in Fashion Week wearing one of her pieces. Life sure is wild!

I'll admit, the castings, fittings, and shows have taken a toll on my body. Parker has been concerned about how chaotic and stressful this week would be for me, but I always reassure him that I would never risk my health or the baby's health. A few blisters won't kill me, right?

I just want to enjoy every single moment. Fashion Week, in all its craziness, is an unforgettable experience. I'm sad just thinking about how today is the last day. Enough day dreaming, Olivia! Time to get started with my day!

I swiftly detach my body from Parker's hold, then get out of bed. I take a second to admire my gorgeous, sleeping fiancé. His disheveled dirty blonde hair and five-o-clock shadow make me want to jump back in bed. I lean over and give him a peck on the lips before heading to the bathroom.

When I flick on the lights, I'm appalled by my appearance in the mirror. Yikes, I'm in desperate need of a shower! I turn on the water and wait a few seconds for it to warm up. I slip out of my comfy silk pajamas and step into the shower. The steaming water eases my sore muscles. As I massage conditioner into my hair, a deep voice startles me. "Can I join you?"

I open my eyes and smile when I see Parker's gloriously naked body through the slightly foggy glass door. "The more the merrier," I say.

He hops in and moves behind me. I turn my head and watch as he grabs the bath sponge off the shower rack. He pumps body wash onto it then begins lathering the soap onto my arms. I can't help but lean my head back onto his shoulder.

Parker pulls my body closer to him continuing to move the sponge across my upper body. I feel his soft lips touch my ear. "I missed you," he whispers.

"I know," I say. Because of my hectic schedule, I've barely seen Parker this week.

"Do you know how much I love you?" Judging by his erection pressing into my back, I'd say a lot. Before I can respond, he moves the sponge lower, caressing my very round belly. His other hand moves to my hip, steadying me. "You're so fucking beautiful, Olivia. You're a goddess." My pulse starts to quicken as his hand moves lower.

"Parker," I moan, my voice barely audible. "We can't." As much as I want this, really really want this, my schedule does not permit sexy time.

Ignoring me, Parker continues to drive me absolutely crazy with his gentle assault. My brain turns into mush, and my body melts into a puddle. This man. "I'll be quick," he tells me. I nod, too aroused to even respond.