Page 41

Paige

I spend the next week bouncing between my apartment and Easton’s, watching Isaac whenever Keeley can’t, and I have to admit, I’m way beyond falling for that kid. I’m there. And it blows my mind to think that I love someone else’s child when I don’t even know if I want my own.

Spending time with Isaac isn’t helping my cause with Easton either. We’re supposed to be taking things slowly, but every time I see them together or Isaac tells me a story about something they’ve done—showing me a different side of Easton—I fall even harder. And I barely get to see him.

When Saturday arrives, I’m leaving Easton’s midafternoon when Hayley texts me about the event.

Hayley: You better be ready for a HUGE night. We both deserve some fun

We’ve been talking a lot this week and while I held back from telling her about Easton and Isaac in the beginning, when she invited me to go dress hunting—her words not mine—I had to tell her why I couldn’t go. Though I didn’t mention my relationship with Easton, she assumed my dad had asked me to help and I didn’t correct her.

Another text comes through before I’ve responded to the first and I laugh.

Hayley: You better not be lying about the hot guys either. I’m ready to get my flirting on

“What’s got you smiling?” Easton asks as he walks me to the door, the only time we’re able to sneak a moment to ourselves.

“My date.” I shrug with a laugh, watching his eyes widen.

“Your date?”

“Yep. I’m taking a gorgeous, blonde Australian and—”

“You’re taking Hayley?”

“Dammit. Couldn’t you just pretend to be jealous for a second?”

“You want to make me jealous?”

“No. I don’t.” I laugh. “I was joking. But I wouldn’t say no to seeing you all feral for me.”

Easton glances down the hall before stepping closer and wrapping his hand around my throat, pushing me against the open door, his lips hovering an inch from mine. “I’m not jealous because I like the thought of you out there without me, looking hot while guys ogle what’s mine, thinking they have a chance. But trust me when I say I am feral for you. All the fucking time. And when we’re finally alone, I’m going to worship every inch of your body until I’m all that you think about, ruining you for any man that dares to try and take my place.”

“Jesus.” I fan myself as my legs clench. “You’re brave, sending me off when I’m feeling like this.”

“I trust you.”

“Good.”

“But if you’re really struggling with the pressure between your legs, find a room and call me. I’ll help ease the pain.”

“Dammit, Wilder.” I shove him backward and glance down the hall like he did, making sure Isaac’s nowhere in sight. “That’s mean.”

“I seem to remember you love the anticipation.”

“I do. When you’re there .” I shake my head and turn to leave, but Easton catches me by the wrist and pulls me into him.

“Maybe you should come back here.” The playfulness in his voice is gone, and I freeze.

“What?”

“When you’re done, don’t go home. Come here. You’ve got a key.”

“But what about Isaac?”

“He’ll love seeing you in the morning. As will I.”

My pulse spikes as I stare into his eyes, looking for clues to his true feelings. “Are you sure?”

“One hundred percent. Now go before I change my mind and make you cancel the event again.”

Easton lightly slaps my ass as I walk out the door and I instantly melt. Who is this man and what has he done with my Easton?

I planned to walk away without looking back, but a thought hits me and I turn to call out before he shuts the door.

“I almost forgot…I hope it goes well with the lawyer tonight. Let me know, yeah?”

“Thanks. I will.” Easton smiles but it’s impossible to miss the stress behind his expression. He’s at a loss with what to do at this point, and it’s taking a toll on him. We’ve got to hope something changes moving forward or he’s only going to get worse.

A fter rushing to the venue to double-check that everything is set up, I race home to get ready. When I’m dressed, I stare at myself in the mirror and curse. Dammit, East. The dress is perfect without panty lines and yet I can’t bring myself to walk out the door without panties—his words from the last event running through my mind. The next time you go sans panties, you better be sure that I’m going to be there.

He’s not going to be there. And even if he wanted to, he can’t be.

With a groan, I slip on a barely there pair before crossing my fingers and glancing up at my reflection, squinting in the hope that makes it better. But to my relief, it’s fine. The panties really are barely there, because even I’m struggling to notice them under the shine of the burgundy material.

Letting out a sigh, I grab my bag and shoes and run to the elevator, putting my stilettos on while I travel to the lobby. After a short cab ride, I’m back at the venue again, arriving just as Hayley steps out of a cab in front of me, looking stunning as always.

A wave of flashes announces her entry, and I smile from behind her as she drinks in her moment, posing for the cameras. I try to sneak in, hoping to go unnoticed, but of course, that doesn’t happen, and I offer the photographers a smile and a wave.

I knew they’d be here; I arranged them in the hope that the photos would bring exposure to the youth charity. Exposure equals money, and we need every cent we can get.

When I catch up to Hayley, she’s smiling wide. “I always wanted to be an actress, but I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.”

“You will. And you’ll probably come to resent it.”

“I hope not. I chose this life knowing what I was getting myself into, but I guess who knows what the future will bring. Are you ready?”

“I sure am. Let’s do this.”

We’re barely inside for a minute when I hear my name and a shiver makes its way down my spine. Not the good kind. I turn slowly, hoping I imagined it, but no such luck. Christian is here in San Francisco and he’s walking my way.

“Holy shit,” Hayley says beside me while I glare in his direction, not even bothering to hide my disdain. “Did you know he’d be here?”

“I did not .” If I had, I wouldn’t have come.

When he reaches me—a beautiful blonde attached to his arm—he winks as he smiles. “Paige. Nice to see you.”

“I wish I could say the same.”

He rolls his eyes and turns to Hayley, offering her his hand. “Hi, I’m Christian and this is my fiancée, Nicola. Nicola, this is Paige and…” He trails off for Hayley to answer but his fiancée cuts in.

“You’re Hayley Jackman,” she says with a squeal of delight. “Oh my God.” She covers her mouth with her hand and gasps. “You’re starring as Riley in Jaded Beginnings .” Her voice lowers to a whisper as though it’s some big secret, and she leans in with anticipation.

But Hayley gives her nothing. “I am?” she questions and a laugh bursts out of me.

Nicola’s jaw drops until Hayley laughs. “I’m kidding. That’s me. It’s lovely to meet you.”

“Oh.” Nicola pauses before she giggles. “Is that Australian humor?”

I don’t think it’s Australian humor so much as Hayley sticking up for me, but still I wait for her response. “Sure.” She shrugs and I laugh again. Thank you, Hayley.

“I’m going to get a drink,” Hayley says before turning my way. “Are you coming, Paige?”

“I am. It was nice seeing you both. And nice to meet you, Nicola.”

“You too.” She waves as we both turn away, but I don’t get far before Christian calls out again.

“Paige, wait.” I ignore him, following Hayley toward the bar as she laughs beside me.

“So…that was fun.” I perch onto a bar stool and drop my head to my arms, resting on the counter.

“Is it bad that I don’t even know her but a little part of me wanted to slap some sense into her?” I look up to see Hayley’s nose crinkle, making me laugh out loud. “For you,” she adds, but I guessed as much.

“You won’t hear me judging because I feel the same. I’m sure she’s nice but—”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s dating your ex; we don’t like her on principle.”

“Do we still do that if we don’t really care about the ex?” I ask, my brow raised in question.

“Absolutely.” Hayley laughs. “Now, what are we drinking?”

I sip on the same drink for the next hour, holding it in my hand as I flit around the room, chatting with guests and people in high places, including Evelyn, the director of the foundation.

Despite knowing that Christian’s lurking somewhere, I actually have a good time. Hayley and I even dance for a few songs. But as the night goes on, I wish I was home, curled up on the couch, watching the latest superhero cartoon with Isaac or the latest action movie with Easton.

Not that I’ve ever done either of those. But I want to.

I have always loved my life. Always loved the spotlight. But lately, it’s different.

That girl—the socialite that shared her life with the world—isn’t me. I’d much rather be home. At Easton’s. Where I finally feel like my true self.

Hayley waves to me as I head to the bar for a rest, but of course, Christian’s there to stop me once more. And like earlier, I ignore it.

“Paige, stop.” He grabs my hand, pulling me to a halt, and I force a smile, spinning around, shaking myself free.

“I’m working, Christian. How can I help you?”

Christian’s fake smile matches my own as he steps closer, lowering his voice. “We’ve been over this. I just need a goddamn photo with you and Nicola.” To the outside world, I’m sure we look like old friends catching up, but on the inside…a completely different story is playing out. This is me and Christian at our finest. This is what we do. We fake it for appearances. Always have.

“I’m not letting you look like Mr. Perfect while your parents splash intimate photos of me all over the Internet. If you wanted my cooperation, you should have helped me first.”

“I told you I couldn’t. Not unless you tell me why they’re doing it.”

“Have you ever thought that maybe I’m trying to protect you? I cared about you once.”

“That thought never crossed my mind, Paige. Like I said, you’re heartless. You cared for me about as much as you cared for your hamster in fifth grade.”

“I never forced it to run outside and— No. You know what? You’re a dick. I’m not helping you, so fuck off.”

“Oh, Paige. That’s where you’re wrong. You are going to help me. And I’m going to tell you why. Very soon.”

My anger boils but I keep the smile locked on my face. “What the hell does—”

Christian presses his finger to my lips, silencing me while he laughs. “Don’t go far. I’ll be back.”

He walks away but makes sure to glance back over his shoulder, smirking my way, and I huff out a laugh. He’s trying to rattle me. Just like his goddamn parents. And all this time I’ve been trying to keep him away from their business. Well, fuck this. If he tries to mess with me again, I won’t bother keeping his name out of the mud. In fact, I’ll grab a stick and write it myself.

Servers circle with sweets, and I only then realize the time, going in search of my bag so I can text Easton. I hope it will distract me from whatever it is Christian thinks is going to change my mind.

But when Easton responds, telling me he’s fine when I’ll bet he’s anything but, my night gets worse. I should have stayed home. Even if I didn’t have to help with Isaac, I should have stayed home for them both.