Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“You’re awake,” Derek murmured from behind her.
“How did you know?” She hadn’t made a sound or moved.
“Your body went from relaxed and peaceful to tense, so I’m assuming you’re back in your head again.” The hand around her waist slid to her hip, and he caressed her curves, attempting to soothe her.
She rolled to her back, not wanting to get distracted by Derek’s slow, sensual touch. As much as she desired him, enjoying sex right now was impossible. “Time to face the music and figure out what the hell I’m going to do.”
Still lying on his side, he propped his head on his hand, a small smile lifting his lips. “As much as I want to jet you off to somewhere private to forget about all this shit, I know you’re right. Just know that, as terrible as things may seem right now, this will blow over.”
“But at what cost?” she asked, hearing the fear in her voice.
He gave her an understanding look, but he had no reassuring answers, nor did she expect any. A pat reply like It’s going to be okay wasn’t true at the moment, and he was smart enough to know that she wouldn’t want to be patronized.
Dreading what awaited her, she reached for her phone, which she’d left on the nightstand before going to bed. She’d turned the ringer on silent for the night so the pinging sounds wouldn’t keep her awake, and as she unlocked the screen and saw the sheer volume of new notifications, her stomach sank. She’d hoped that the frenzy would subside overnight. Clearly, that wasn’t the case.
Even as she watched, new notifications kept popping up on her screen. Avery had tried to call her numerous times that morning, and her friend had also left a voice message. Bracing herself for more bad news, Jessica hit play on the recording and put the phone to her ear.
“Oh, my God, pick up your phone already!” Avery nearly shrieked, making Jessica wince at the urgency in her tone. “And when you get this message, look at your notifications and the response to the photos that were leaked on social media yesterday!”
Jessica glanced at Derek, hesitating, because the last thing she wanted was for him to witness her having another meltdown while she read through the mean posts and comments.
Avery had screamed her message and Derek had been able to hear. Understanding glimmered in his eyes as he leaned over and softly kissed her lips. “Take your time. I’ll be out in the kitchen making us some coffee if you need me.” He rolled to his side of the bed and got up, giving her time and space to deal with whatever was on social media this morning.
He walked out and her gaze lingered on his strong, muscled backside until he disappeared from view. Then, gathering her resolve, she sat against the headboard and clicked on the first notification, confused when it took her to a well-known celebrity’s page.
There was a picture of the actress—who’d been called out for being “chunky” in a previous role—wearing nothing more than a bra and panties, a fierce and proud look on her face. She’d tagged Curvy Girl Couture, and the caption beneath the photo read, This is what realistic beauty looks like.
Jessica’s heart pounded in her chest as she opened another notification and tag and saw a snapshot of a famous plus-size model in a swimsuit, baring her beautiful curves, right along with her cellulite and stretch marks. Sexy comes in all shapes and sizes. Be proud of who and what you are!
Every notification this morning led to a post with body-positivity comments and photos. Dozens of celebrities, influencers, and even female athletes had joined the movement, canceling out the disparaging, offensive remarks from yesterday with their uplifting, positive affirmations. Even men had joined in, posting photos of their girlfriends or wives in their favorite lingerie, announcing, Real men love curves!
The comments beneath the original post of the untouched Curvy Girl Couture Lingerie photos were now overrun with inspiring messages: Love how beautiful and natural these women are! Love your body unconditionally! And so many more comments just as positive, Jessica couldn’t read them all.
She scrolled some more and saw a post on Belle Demoiselle’s social media page responding to yesterday’s frenzy. Curvy Girl Couture keeps it real!
Even Jessica’s DMs were overflowing with supportive messages.
She shrieked, just as Avery had. She laughed and cried at the same time, elation and gratitude filling her, and she needed to share the news.
She jumped out of bed and ran to the kitchen, catching Derek walking toward the bedroom. “Derek, look!”
“What’s wrong? Why did you scream?” Worry lines creased his forehead, his expression turning curious as he studied her face. “You’re laughing . . . and you’re crying. I’m not sure what to make of that.”