Page 143 of See You There

Dahlia’s heart pounded, and she held her breath. “I’m not sure dating is the right word but,” Luke turned and locked eyes with her. “I am completely and totally in love with her.”

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Luke had been waitingand watching for a chance to talk to Dahlia all night. He didn’t want to take away her big moment, so he stayed on the periphery, fielding questions and smiling.

“Ms. Everton and I are friends.” “No, we don’t represent her.”

It made his teeth ache, but it hadn’t been as bad as he’d expected. Seeing Dahlia in her element made it all worth it.

She was poised and elegant when she sat with her cast in front of the gigantic movie screen, answering the moderated questions. He was so proud of her. Luke had never seen any of her work before, and he was blown away seeing the finished film. He hadn’t realized what a gifted actress she was.

Dahlia was going to be a star.

His chest ached as one person after another approached her, pushing glasses of champagne in her hand. He noticed she sipped at some of them, but a few moments ago, she had disappeared into a reserved room for the cast and hadn’t returned.

Luke’s eyes narrowed as he watched Chandler throw back yet another drink—not the best idea when on pain meds—and followed Dahlia.

He didn’t want to interfere. This was her profession. Technically, Chandler was her coworker, but it took all Luke’s self-control not to follow her and make sure Chandler wasn’t bothering her. He was forced to satisfy himself by standing outside the door. Within earshot if she needed him.

When Dahlia emerged a few minutes later, she looked startled to see him waiting. Her expression softened. “Luke, I—”

“Look who it is,” Chandler slurred, also exiting the room.

Luke did his best to hide his distaste.

“I don’t think we’ve met.” A man appeared at Chandler’s elbow. “I’m Alan, Chandler’s agent.”

Luke took the man’s hand, though he didn’t particularly want to. He was an excellent judge of character. He had to be in his line of work and there was something off about this guy.

“Chandler, there are some people who want to speak to you. Lia, spectacular performance. Congratulations.”

Chandler gave Dahlia a lopsided salute. “See you around, babe.”

Luke wanted to follow and punch the actor, but Dahlia laid her hand on his arm, stopping him. The heat of her hand burned through the sleeve of his tux.

“You brought your family to my premiere,” she said, her eyes bouncing between his. “Why would you do that?”

“You know why, Dahlia.” Luke let all of his feelings sound in his voice.

An adorable wrinkle formed between her eyes. “But I thought your family hated publicity?”

“We do. However, we’re pretty loyal and we stick together. I thought an appearance tonight might…”

Dahlia cocked her head. “Take the pressure off me?”

The corner of Luke’s mouth lifted. Dahlia smiled, her eyes beaming, and his heart picked up its pace the way it always did when she looked at him like that.

“You brought me my sister.”

“You said you wanted her here. There’s nothing I won’t do to make you happy.”

“Thank you.” Dahlia’s eyes glistened. “It means so much to me.”

Luke took her hands, his thumbs stroking across her knuckles. “I wanted to show you it doesn’t matter about our families or the publicity. All that matters is you and me.”

Dahlia opened her mouth to respond, but before she got a chance, a young man with an iPad cleared his throat, breaking the intimacy of the moment.

I’m going to kill this kid.