by M. Clarke
“We’ve taken the first step,” I said.
Emily sighed. Her shoulders slumped. “Thank you, Nathan, for taking care of Olivia. If she didn’t have the Taser you bought for her...” Her lips quivered. “I don’t even want to think about what could have happened.”
“It’s okay, Mom. I’m here,” Olivia murmured, all choked up.
“I’ve been thinking of getting myself one, just in case,” Charlene added.
“I’ve already taken care of that.” I sat up straighter, checking my phone. “The police confiscated Olie’s Taser, so instead of buying just one, I bought three, one for each of you. According to the confirmation email—” I showed Charlene “—it should arrive tomorrow.”
Emily’s brown eyes widened. “Thank you, Nathan. Let me pay for them.”
“And mine too,” Charlene chimed in.
I shook my head. “No. It’s fine. It’s on me.”
Olie snaked her arm around behind me and tugged at my belt loop. “You are simply the best.”
“I am, aren’t I?” I winked.
Before Olie had a chance to respond, Charlene slapped the arm chair as if she recalled something. “How was your cologne shoot? Does it smell incredible?”
“It smells dreamy,” I stressed.
Charlene sank into her seat. “Oh, I can’t wait to smell it.”
“Nathan will be filming the commercial after New Year’s in LA,” Olie mentioned.
Charlene’s green eyes lit up. “Can Emily and I watch?”
“I suppose. I don’t see why not. I’ll ask my agent,” I replied.
Charlene squealed softly. Her lips perked, eyes widened, and her smile radiated warmth through the whole room. “Thank you so much.”
Olie rubbed her eyes and covered her mouth as she yawned. She reached into her purse and pulled out her cell. “I’m texting Isla that we’re both home.”
Charlene stood up, straightened her sweater, and picked up her purse next to the sofa. “Well, I should get going. You all need your rest.”
“I should get going, too.” I released Olie to stand.
“Wait,” Emily said. “It’s late, Nathan. You’re welcome to spend the night if you’d like.”
Olie and I exchanged glances. Emily had never given me permission to stay overnight before. Olie shrugged, and then nodded. Her gesture let me know it was up to me, but she wanted me to stay.
“Sure, thank you. I’ll take you up on your offer. Olie and I have a meeting with Matthew tomorrow so that will work out.” I turned to Olie. “I’ll be back.”
“Where are you going?” she asked, looking concerned.
“Escorting Charlene to her car.”
Charlene’s eyes sparkled. “That’s okay, Nathan. Nobody is going to touch this old thing.”
I draped my arm around her shoulder and guided her to the door. “I insist.”
She smiled wickedly. “Well, in that case, I’m not going to argue.”
I halted. “By the way, before I forget, there will be two bodyguards stationed in front of the apartment to keep the reporters and paparazzi out. I’ve already spoken to the building admin, and they agreed.”
“You’re too much,” Emily said.
“He’s perfect. I might have to steal him away from Olivia.” Charlene snorted.
Just as I opened the door, I looked over my shoulder. Olie and Emily’s lips curled from ear to ear.
Chapter 32
Olivia
Waking up next to Nate filled my heart with joy, a feeling I never wanted to stop having. I was surprised Mom had given him permission, but I knew she did it for my sake. Nate and I were back together, and everything would be uphill from then on. Hopefully soon, the next step was to get engaged. I didn’t want it then, but I definitely would say yes now. Almost having lost Nate to Kelly and then to Troy, I learned to capture the moment. When love happens, you take it and hold on to it tightly.
Meeting with Matthew Knight was the first thing on our agenda. The evidence of that night had faded. My neck and eyes were almost back to normal. But I couldn’t help myself, wondering if the employees we passed by on our way to the meeting room knew what had happened to me.
Nate tapped his knuckles on the door. The door slightly swung ajar.
“Come in.”
We walked in to see Matthew already seated in a plush leather chair. Looking ever so debonair and polished, his suit fitted perfectly to his body.
“Nathan, Olivia. Have a seat.”
“Good morning,” Nate and I greeted him together, taking seats in front of him. The large meeting table fit for twenty made me feel small.
Matthew sighed and gazed at me with sympathy. “How are you, Olivia? I’m so sorry you had to deal with so much the past week.”
“I’m fine.” I gave him a weak smile. “I’m lucky I have Nathan. He’s been wonderful through all of this.”
Matthew gazed to Nate and smiled. “He’s a good man.” He paused and changed the subject. His expression changed to a somber one. “Nate informed me a restraining order has been processed, and I’m sure it will go through quickly. Are you meeting your agent soon?”
“Later this afternoon.”
Matthew nodded. “I see. Well, I have a couple of things to talk to you about. The first one is regarding your career, so if you don’t want Nathan to be in the conversation, I can ask him to leave the room.”
I looked at Nate. “No. I tell him everything so he might as well hear it now.”
“Very well. I had to make that clear before I continued our conversation.”
I gave him a quick smile, bracing for the worst news. “I understand. I’m fine.”
Matthew tugged his tie and continued. “As we discussed at the last meeting, the leak of your pictures has affected your career in a negative way. Has your agent informed you if anyone has canceled your contracts?”
I looked down shamefully. “A few. I was surprised they all didn’t.”
“Unfortunately it happens. It gives me a bitter taste in my mouth when they do that, but I also understand. Our industry is all about reputation. Not many spoke up about Troy, which is why he lasted this long. I do have to admit he’s good at his job, but had I known what kind of man I was dealing with, he would’ve never stepped inside my building.”
When I released a long breath, Nate placed his hand on my lap. “Had I known what kind of man he was, I would’ve never even looked his way. He was so different at first, charming and sweet. He never showed any sign of aggression until we dated longer. The monster came out when I left him.”
Matthew leaned back, letting the chair rock. “The good thing is that the attention has now focused on Troy. You’ll have to prepare yourself. When he goes on trial, you’re going to have to relive all those moments you want to forget. And the scandal regarding your nude pictures will resurface.”
My heart sank. Troy kept on digging his knife through my heart. He was taking me down with him. The tightening from Nate’s grip on my thigh brought me back to reality. He was upset, too.
“Is there any way around this?” Nate stepped in. “Don’t they have enough evidence to convict him of attempted murder? Why do they need to bring all that up again?”
Matthew’s chest rose and fell with a deep breath. “You’ll have to ask Olivia’s lawyer.” He paused. “Nathan, this can get really ugly. Troy’s lawyer will do everything he can to make Olivia look bad. She’s going to have to get her facts straight. The lawyer can give her more guidance.”
Nate nodded.
Matthew cleared his throat. “Let’s move on to better news.”
Nate’s shoulders drooped, and his jaw clenched. Icy chills skidded down my back, and I shivered. Better news sounded good, but it didn’t matter. Matthew reminded me, although it was nothing but good intentions, that there was more Troy to deal with. It was just beginning.
Matthew glanced between Nate and me and continued. “Social media can break you or build you, depending on whose side they�
�re on. I don’t know if you’ve been on social media lately, but according to our social media analysis, since the outbreak of your pictures, your votes for Sexiest Couple Alive have skyrocketed. Don’t think too much of this. Take it for what it is. Nathan and Olivia, you two are the Sexiest Couple Alive.”
Nate’s eyes grew. My heart leaped. “What?” I asked, needing to hear it again just in case I’d heard it wrong.
“The voting ended yesterday. Let me repeat.” Matthew chuckled. “Nathan and Olivia, you are the Sexiest Couple Alive. Congratulations. We’ll be announcing this tomorrow.”
“That’s great,” Nate gushed, squeezing my thigh with his hand that had stayed there throughout the whole conversation.
My lips formed a thin line. “I don’t feel like I deserve it.” It was the truth. Would I have won if the naked pictures of me didn’t leak out? “I mean, I’m grateful, but...”
Matthew rubbed his jaw with his thumb and index finger. “Yes, I believe you would have won regardless. You were in the lead and then tied with two others. The three of you were neck and neck at one point. Just before it closed, you won with more votes.”
“So then it was a sympathy vote.” My heart deflated.
Matthew sat up taller. “Olivia. You won fair and square. You didn’t force them to vote for you. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Besides, you get to do the commercial with Nathan. Or would you like for me to give it to someone else?”
My eyes lit up, and my heart pounded with elation. “Me, do the cologne commercial with Nathan? Of course, I would love to. Thank you so much.”
Matthew chuckled lightly. “Good. Another thing about this industry, so many scandals have come and gone, one will replace another. You will be old news, Olivia. And I mean it in a good way.” He winked. “Nathan already has the date and time of the shoot, but you’ll be receiving an email today. Also, I hope your calendar is clear next week. My assistant will be communicating with your agent. Being Sexiest Couple Alive comes with a price. Projects are already lined up. We don’t waste time. Before I end this meeting, do you have any questions?”
“No,” I said softly, feeling grateful. “Thank you for everything.”
Matthew spread his lips into a warm smile. “I believe good things should happen to good people. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another meeting to attend. See you both at the annual Knight Fashion Christmas party.”
With that, he was out the door.
Chapter 33
Olivia
“Congratulations.” Nate kissed me as soon as Matthew left the room. “I knew you would win.” When I didn’t say anything, he tilted his head to the side. “What’s wrong?”
I couldn’t explain. A little part of me still felt guilty for winning. I didn’t have to say a word. Nate already understood.
“I’m excited that you’re going to be right there beside me to take the photos and do the commercial. We’ll have projects together. We can travel together. Hey...” He lifted my chin to meet his gaze. “Like Matthew said, we didn’t force people to vote for you, although I might have paid a few.”
I arched my eyebrows and frowned.
“I’m just kidding.” Nate embraced me. “Come on, smile for me and enjoy this moment. You’re supposed to be excited.”
Nate was right. Troy had sucked all the happiness out of me, but I wasn’t going to let him have this one. Besides, Nate was being so sweet and supportive, and I didn’t want to ruin his moment for him.
“Okay.” I pulled back. “We’re going to move up the ladder of success together.”
“That’s my girl.” Nate tenderly ran his thumb over my cheek with a loving smile.
The phone vibrating in my purse startled me. I picked it up. “It’s Isla. She’s moving in with Josh today. They want to know if we’re free for dinner. But she also said...” I stared at the screen waiting for more words. “Come soon. She wants my help.”
“Tell her we’ll be there after we meet your agent.”
After I texted, I shoved the phone back and turned my eyes to Nate. “Thank you for being such a wonderful man. I couldn’t have made it through without you.”
Nate gently pressed his forehead against mine. “I’m happy to be there for you. I’m just glad I have you back, and I’m so grateful you weren’t taken away from me. I don’t know what I would’ve done if something had happened to you.” He exhaled a heavy sigh.
My breath caught in my throat, and I blinked the tears away. “Me, too.”
Nate grabbed my hands and kissed the knuckles. “Let’s not think about the past but look ahead at our future.”
“I will.” That was my promise to Nate.
“Wow, Josh. Had I known you lived in a house like this all by yourself, I would have already moved in with my mother and her crazy friend, Charlene,” I teased, admiring the trimmings on the ceiling and the dark hard wooden floor that led to a huge family room. With a large flat screen mounted to the wall, cherry wood built-in cabinets surrounding the TV, a karaoke machine, a PlayStation3, and nice stereo sound systems, the room was begging to be filled with people to be entertained. But no Christmas tree. I guessed I could expect that from a guy who lived alone.
Josh cocked one eyebrow. “I don’t know about your mom, but crazy friend, she is welcome. I like crazy people like Isla. I have a guestroom downstairs and an extra spare room upstairs.”
“What?” Isla lightly slapped his arm. “I’m not crazy. Weird at times, maybe, but not a lunatic.” She dropped to the sofa after setting a box next to the dining table. “Just for that comment, I’m not unpacking.”
“Hmmm. I was going to say we’ll see what you’re like after a couple of weeks. Your true demons will come out by then.” Josh shrugged. “So I’ve been told. But it seems like I just got a taste of it.”
Isla frowned playfully and crossed her arms. “You can ask Olivia.” Her arms wrapped around me. “I’m a great roommate, aren’t I? Tell him.”
“Yes, she is. She’s the best. She’s a great bodyguard too and will go all ninja on anyone if they try to attack you.” Thoughts of Troy entered my mind, recalling that day when Isla’s life was also in danger, and how she tried to stab Troy with a knife.
“Yeah. I am, aren’t I?” she said softly. I assumed she too was thinking of that day.
“That was one hell of a day and should not have happened.” Nate leaned against the wall. He wasn’t posing, but he might as well have been. With his hands tucked inside his pants pockets and one knee bent, his sideways glance at me sent shooting stars to my sex. He was the whole sexy package, and he was mine.
“Yeah, I agree with you there. I wish I could’ve been there for all three of you. That was fucked up,” Josh said, somberly.
“Yeah. Let’s try to forget about that day. So...” Nate announced, his voice booming with exhilaration. “You’ll find out tomorrow. And since I know you two can keep a secret...” Nate looked at me and winked. “Or, maybe not. You can just find out tomorrow.”
“What?” Isla squealed. “You can’t just leave us hanging like that. It’s like reading a book with a huge cliffhanger at the end. You have to tell us.”
“Olivia and I won. We are the Sexiest Couple Alive.”
“What, really?” Isla embraced me again, this time even tighter. “That’s so freakin’ awesome. I’m so happy for you. I knew you would win.”
“Congratulations.” Josh extended his hand to Nate and reached over the coffee table to give me a hug. “Well, it’s a good thing you guys are a real couple. It makes it more believable.”
Isla released me and leaned back into the sofa. “Who told you? How did you find out?”
“We had a meeting with Matthew Knight regarding Troy’s situation, and that’s when he told us,” I explained.
Isla’s jaw dropped. “You got to spend time with Matthew Knight? I wish I could think of something he needed to talk to me about. That man is one massive, sexy thing.” She sighed dreamily.
“He’s not all tha
t,” Josh huffed. He picked up the box Isla placed down by the table and took it closer to the hallway. Most of the boxes clustered around the stairs. I assumed Isla would be taking the room upstairs instead of the guest room downstairs.
“Jealous?” I teased.
Josh narrowed his eyes at Isla. Jealousy crept along his creased forehead. Whether he would admit it or not, he was jealous.
“Are these all yours?” Nate glanced through Josh’s DVD collections.
“My grandfather gave them to me before he passed away. He loved watching movies. Anyway, we should get these boxes upstairs to Isla’s room. We have about thirty minutes before we need to leave. I made a dinner reservation.”
“Lead the way.” Nate paced to the hallway, followed by Josh.
When they were out of sight, I said, “I can’t believe you’re really staying here. Are you going to be okay?”
Isla furrowed her brows, looking confused. “Yeah, of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
My lips twisted crookedly. “What if he brings girls home?”
Isla puffed out air with a wave of her hand. “We already talked about that. We’re going to let each other know if we bring a date home. I’m sure it’ll be fine. We worked it out.”
“Okay,” I dragged out.
Isla pulled me up from the sofa and took several steps ahead of me. “We better go help.” She spun around. “After dinner, I’ll show you the backyard. It’s huge. It even has a swimming pool. And I love the kitchen.” She gestured to her left. I loved the open space between the kitchen and the family room, as if they were one giant room.
With beige granite counters, light wooden cabinets, and stainless appliances, the kitchen was one to be admired. “Just don’t burn the kitchen.” I giggled.
“I know how to cook. Besides, Josh told me he’s a great cook. I’ll let him make dinner.” She perked her lips.
“Okay, but Isla...” I stopped her as we passed the kitchen. “Just don’t get too attached.” I dropped my voice down to a whisper. “I know Josh is your friend, but I also think, even though you won’t admit it or maybe you don’t know it yet, you have feelings for him. I don’t want to see you hurt. And especially when you live together, it can get complicated.”