Page 113 of Hideaway Heart

He tucked a strand of damp hair behind my ear. “I’m proud of you. How do you feel?”

“Better. I mean, I don’t think he’s going to change. He is who he is. But I don’t feel like a trampled-on doormat right now, and that’s a good thing.”

He pulled me close again. “That’s a very good thing.”

Closing my eyes, I inhaled. “You smell like sweat. I kinda like it.”

“Why don’t you take off your towel and suit and I’ll get it all over you?”

I laughed. “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we go up and take a shower together? Then we can order in and bring dinner upstairs to my bedroom and ignore everyone for the rest of the night.”

“Hmph. Your idea involves more patience.”

“But it lasts longer.”

“True. I guess I can be patient for you.” He pinched my ass, making me shriek. “I’ll need the practice.”

* * *

On Wednesday, Duke and I had a final rehearsal, during which I used every shred of acting ability I possessed to appear as though I was still in love with my ex, a woman desperate for a second chance. I held his hand. I moved in close. I looked into his cool blue eyes and pretended I was lost to them.

On the inside, I felt nothing, maybe even a faint repulsion. Yes, he was handsome, but beyond what he’d done to me emotionally, he held zero physical appeal for me. He was tall and wiry, with none of Xander’s carnal brawn. His icy blue eyes lacked the warmth and depth of Xander’s smoldering brown. His teeth were too white, his hair too blond, his clothes too stylish, his voice too smooth, his jaw too weak, his cologne too strong.

When we were done and the mics were off, Duke gave me an impersonal hug and took me by both hands. “I’m so glad we’re doing this. Thanks so much for filling in.”

“Thanks for asking me.”

“You sound amazing,” he said. “Never better. It’s like there’s something different in your voice. It’s richer, more mature.”

“Thank you. It’s a great song.”

“Hey, Duke?” a producer called. “We’ve got a question on something.”

“I should go,” I said. “I’ve got one last fitting this afternoon.”

He nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Pick you up at four?”

“Fine. But we make it clear we’re just friends, okay?”

“Just friends,” he said with a wink. “I promise.” He gave my shoulder a squeeze and moved past me.

I didn’t love that wink, but I decided to forget about it—I just wanted to get through my fitting and go home, eager to spend every last minute I could with Xander before he left.

He still hated the idea of leaving me, but I had a surprise for him. As soon as I could clear it with Marius, I planned to book a flight to Michigan so I could be there for the Buckley’s Pub opening. I knew Xander would be frantically busy the whole time, but that wouldn’t bother me. What mattered was supporting each other’s dreams.

I had a feeling we’d be good at that.

TWENTY-FOUR

xander

“Maybe I won’t go.”I was lying on top of her, our bodies still damp with sweat, my cock still inside her. If I was going to make my flight, I needed to leave for the airport in half an hour.

She beat her hands on my back. “Xander, if you don’t get out of this bed right now, I’m going to kick you out.”

“Try.”

She dug her heels into the backs of my thighs. “Listen, I know somemoves.”