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Jessa had returned, lingering within earshot. I’d spent so long trying to deny my connection with the West family. At any moment it could all come crashing down upon me.
“Can I get you another whiskey, handsome?” Jessa batted her eyelashes. Wait. Was she flirting with him?
“Not right now, sweetheart. Sophie and I have some unfinished business to take care of.” He winked with a smoldering smile that should be trademarked, and Jessa giggled, a sound I’d never heard from her before. Interesting.
Out of the corner of my eye, I found Keaton and the group shuffled back out to the bar.
I scurried around to Griffin’s side, begging him, leaning in close so I could keep my voice low. “Please leave. I promise I’ll call you tomorrow and we’ll talk. But I can’t tonight.”
“Oh no you don’t. I came all this way to Honey Falls?—”
“Holly Creek,” I corrected him, nervously eyeing Keaton. I could tell by his scrunched forehead and sharp eyes he had concerns about me talking with a man in close proximity like we were.
“Whatever. I won’t leave until this gets resolved. Now, why don’t you come with me to my car and we can talk this out.”
Griffin hooked my elbow and tugged me to the door.
Keaton saw it instantly and almost jumped over the bar to reach us before we got too far.
Cameras turned. Lights shifted. Melanie shouted to her crew, “Follow that drama.”
“What the fuck are you doing with your hand on my wife?” Keaton growled, storming upon us.
Griffin stopped short. “This is family business?—”
“I’m her family, asshole.” Keaton shoved his hand away from me.
“You don’t know who I am?” Grif’s nose turned up.
“I don’t care if you’re the goddamn King of England. You don’t put a finger on her, got that?”
“Your husband is charming,” Griffin smirked at me.
“Hey, asshole. You don’t talk to her either,” Keaton closed the gap, getting up into his face and wouldn’t be deterred.
Griffin shoved him away and it escalated fast. Words turned to fists. Melanie’s crew circled like vultures.
“Stop—please! You’re both being ridiculous,” I cried, getting in the middle of them. But too late, Keaton’s punch landed into Griffin’s eye.
The CEO of West Games fell to the floor, knocked out cold.
But the damage was already done.
Cameras rolled. Hearts broke. Cracks blew wide open between me and my fake husband.
Jessa ran to Griffin’s side and fanned him with a towel.
And Melanie cackled off to the side, apparently the only one pleased by the melee.
27
LEGIT
KEATON
The kitchenat the Hops was quiet, but far from calm. The head of West Games sat across the island from me, an ice pack pressed to his eye. I had one on my knuckles, the dull throb pulsing in time with my temper. Sophie stood between us, arms crossed, jaw tight like she was holding back from screaming.
“Do you think you two can be mature enough now?” she snapped. "Let's pretend that fight didn't happen and start over. Keaton, this is Griffin West, my stepbrother. Griffin, this is Keaton Kingston. M-my husband."