Exaggerated Worship Ch. 01

The soft hum of voices, the gentle clink of wine glasses, and the subtle echo of footsteps across polished marble blended into a warm, elegant hush that filled the gallery space. My heart was fluttering--half from exhaustion, half from the euphoria of seeing my name displayed in gold lettering across the wall.

My exhibit.

I never knew that this day would come.

I stood among canvases that had held pieces of me for years, surrounded by light and admiration, yet none of it felt as grounding as the arm that slid around my waist and pulled me closer.

The person who helped me become who I am today. The man who encouraged each brush stroke. The love of my life. My Noah.

I felt the hair on the nape of my neck tingling as he leaned down, lips brushing against the shell of my ear, his voice low, reverent. "I am so proud of you, baby. Look at what you created."

I turned my face toward him, his eyes dancing with pride, a boyish grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Despite the years being together, this man still brings me butterflies.

"I knew you'd be able to organize your own exhibit," he added, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.

I didn't know I could. But he believed in me. And that's why it happened.

I melted into him, my fingers curling around the lapel of his jacket. He smelled like cedar and clean linen and a trace of something uniquely him. The grounding weight of his presence was a balm against the nerves still humming in my veins. Sure, I am proud of myself. But I was also incredibly nervous.

" Thanks, babe. You being here make it better for my nerves too," I said sheepishly as I looked around at the growing crowd within the venue.

"Of course, baby. I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said, brushing my hair behind my ear. "I moved all my meetings today. This day is only for you."

A just like that... my legs felt like jelly. He cupped my cheeks with both of his hands and leaned in slowly. The kiss he gave me then was tender, soft and proud, like a seal over everything I'd worked for. A reassurance. A safe place. A reminder that all is well and that all will be well.

"Ah, yes. The one and only magician who caused all this magic to happen."

Oh shit.

I pulled away from Noah, blushing profusely, composing myself as I turned to face the man addressing me. I caught a teasing smirk from Noah before my attention went to the man who intervened.

That was incredibly embarrassing.

He was tall, well-dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, and held the kind of presence that filled space, perhaps too easily. And he looks incredibly familiar.

"Nice to meet you," he said, offering his hand with a charming smile. "I'm Gabriel Grimm. An art curator from New York City."

My eyes widened. Gabriel Grimm? That famous art curator from multiple magazines and television features? How is it possible that he's in front of me right now? Why is he even in my exhibit?

My mouth went dry as I tried to process the current situation. How do fans act around their idols again?

I snapped out of my stance when I felt Noah's hand on my lower back. His warmth spread through me like a wave of comfort and encouragement. I took a deep breath and smiled, extending my hand.

"Of course! I've heard so much about you. I am Elena Davis. Thank you for dropping by." Did my voice crack? I hope it didn't. Was that natural enough?

He took my hand and gave it a firm squeeze. His gaze roamed the space with admiration. "Your work is absolutely stunning. I couldn't believe that your talent has only been witnessed by a few pairs of eyes. These masterpieces deserve to be seen by the world."

He isn't just here to be here. He's also spouting words. Words that I do not expect him to utter. especially to me.

"O.. Oh.. thank you. That's so nice of you to say." Yes. My voice cracked this time. Get yourself together, Elena!

"I'm not exaggerating, madame," he continued. "Your eye for detail is extraordinary. The way you mix mediums--coffee granules and oil paint? And that one piece--textile, yarn, glass, and acrylic? That's genius. I'd do anything to peek inside that pretty mind of yours."

Yes. This is too much for me. I felt my face getting hotter and redder. I can't believe that THE Gabriel Grimm is complimenting me. Heck, I think he is complimenting me TOO MUCH.

Noah's fingers flexed at my waist, his grip tightening for just a beat. Oh no. I got too excited, I forgot to introduce him. I was about to say something when Gabriel continued.

Gabriel chuckled lightly, pulling something from his inner pocket. A sleek card. "I would love to be a part of your creative life. And maybe, you could be part of mine? I'm curating an exhibit in New York next year. I'd be honored if you considered showcasing your work."

I took the card hesitantly and was about to speak but he interjected once again. Wow. Does he normally talk this much?

"You've graced us with not just your beautiful works," Gabriel added with a smirk, taking my hand in his, "but you're breathtaking self as well." He kissed my knuckles, slowly and deliberately. I was too shocked to say anything and before I could say anything, he walked away.

And that's when I felt that the comforting warmth on my back vanished. Noah stood there, the air around us filled with tension. Oh no. Is he mad that I didn't get to introduce him?

The night was about to end as the people slowly left the exhibition. I watched as people left and bid their goodbyes, congratulations, and compliments.

There was a long silence before Noah spoke again.

"You're done with your awfully long conversation, honey?"

His voice was calm, but I knew that tone. Controlled. Distant. It's the voice that he uses when he's not amused.

"I'm sorry, babe.... I didn't get to introduce you to him. He was.... quite fast-paced.. in a way" I said, facing him. But he didn't look me in the eyes. Something's really up.

"I don't mind that much," he added quickly, throat clearing. "It's getting late. I think we should go home."

I looked at him, studying the way his jaw was set, how his eyes flicked away from mine too fast. I nodded "All good, babe?" I asked. Stupid question, really. Knowing that he's not.

"Yeah, I'm good," he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's been a long night. Let's go."

And he walked away. I paused, staring at his back as he walked away from me.

And this is the worst feeling in the world.

---------------------

The sound of our keys unlocking the door echoed into the quiet of our apartment. I slipped off my shoes, the adrenaline of the night finally giving way to aching feet and a whirlwind of emotions I hadn't unpacked yet.

Noah dropped his keys into the bowl by the door with a little more force than necessary. I watched him as he walked through the living room, clearly agitated.

"Noah... Are you sure that everything is okay?" I asked. This has to be fixed. We don't sleep angry. We never sleep angry.

"I'm fine," he said before I could ask. "I'm just tired. It's okay."

But it wasn't. Nothing's fine. And he's not tired.

"This is not a new relationship. Noah. We didn't meet yesterday. I know you. Something's in your mind." I said, approaching him. I lightly gripped his arm and gave it a hopeful squeeze "Talk to me"

"You don't think I'm fine?" he snapped suddenly, letting out a hollow, sarcastic laugh. "Jeez, what gave me away?"

I lost hold of him as he moved past me, heading toward the bedroom with the weight of something heavier than exhaustion pulling on his shoulders.

I sighed, staying where I'm planted in our living room. "We should really talk about this."

"I don't want to argue tonight," he said, disappearing down the hallway. "I'm getting ready for bed."

I followed slowly, uneasy. Shit. I need to fix this. He's rarely like this and if he is, it's really something big.

"Babe, if this was about Gabriel Grimm--"

"That conversation with that suck-up loser? Don't worry. I'm not bothered by that. Not even a bit."

I knew it. I could see it written in the tautness of his

mouth, the storm behind his eyes.

"It wasn't that bad, Noah. I think it's just his nature," I said, calming him down. I'm always on my husband's side no matter what. I don't even feel like defending Gabriel Grimm at all. He was a bit too much. Too... excited.. and loud.

"He didn't even greet me, babe. It's as if I wasn't there."

I tried to protest, to remind him I hadn't even had a moment to introduce them properly. But he was already on a roll. And here he goes now.

"His mouth didn't even give you a chance to speak, let alone introduce me. What a freaking ass--"

He paused when I placed a hand on his arm.

"Shhh babe.. Let's not start with the names-"

"Not call him names?" he repeated, eyes narrowing. "He was hovering all over you. Don't get me wrong--you are a goddess--but he was stepping over the line."

He turned away, pacing the room now, voice rising slightly.

Oh, I know what's going on. I'd be an idiot if I didn't know.

"Everyone was praising you tonight and I was over the moon about it. I loved it. But that man--he rubbed his compliments on you like he was expecting something in return."

I opened my mouth to speak, to calm him, and to probably tease him a little but he cut me off.

"Look, I'm sorry," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But that asshole pissed me off. The way he looked at you, the way he kissed your hand... he's not even European. He's just Gabriel from New York! I doubt people from New York act like him. Heck, I doubt anyone DECENT acts like him."

His voice was on a mocking edge. A mocking edge I would like to try on him if I get a chance.

His jealousy is adorable.

"I can see that. But you don't have anything to worry about. Don't you trust me?"

"I do trust you. Of course I do. It's him I don't trust. Guys like him--they know how to get in your head, how to use their charm."

He turned to me again, eyes stormy and vulnerable. "You don't understand. Imagine a girl hovering over me like that in front of you--how would you feel, huh?"

I stayed quiet, biting my lip. I would probably feel the same. In fact, I might start a war right there. Noah is a very attractive man, and I've witnessed some head turns here and there- which I loathe, by the way. I don't want to consider myself as a possessive type but when it comes to him, I want him to be mine alone. All mine.

And I know he is just the same towards me.

"I trust you. One hundred percent. But situations like tonight, where I can't do anything because it's technically harmless... that's what kills me."

Okay, no teasing tonight.

He stepped forward, cupping my face gently now, his voice softening. I leaned into his touch, getting a whiff of his scent.

"I love you. I never doubted that. It's just... frustrating. I guess marrying a brilliant, beautiful woman comes with challenges." He murmured, leaning his forehead against mine. He planted a soft kiss on my lips, as if he regrets feeling this way but at the same time, relishes it.

"I'm sorry I lashed out. I didn't mean to. I just..."

He exhaled, his forehead still resting against mine.

"You're the best, you know that? I must've been a saint in my past life to deserve you."

I laughed and slightly pulled away, raising my eyebrow at him. So this is what it is, huh? Mad Noah may be a rare occurrence, but jealous Noah is so rare that I get excited when I see it. It's like a cute UFO sighting.

"You're exaggerating" I teased, laughing as I circle my arms around his neck lovingly.

"Exaggerating?" he asked with a grin. "Well, I'm the only one allowed to exaggerate compliments."

He kissed me again--closer, deeper. Then he bent, slipping his arms around my waist and pulling me closer.

"Do you know what else only I'm allowed to do?" he mutters in between breaths.

Before I could answer, he placed his arms beneath my thighs and lifted me off the ground. I gasped in surprise as I wrapped my hold around him tighter

"Noah!" I squealed, getting a strong feeling where exactly we're going.

He ignored my protests as he went to the room in a swift movement. I could feel the hot tension in the air. I can feel his want.

And I know he could also feel mine.

He plopped me on the bed and hovered over me, his arms on both sides of my body. He smirked, giving me that look that indicates he wants it.

He wants me.

And I am ready to find out how he is going to show me.