I didn’t honestly know how I felt, except that dealing with a pissy Luis was a headache I didn’t want or need.
“It was a gift, but not from James.”
“Then who gave it to you, and why did you think it was okay to prance around town in it? You had to know someone was going to take a picture. This isn’t the first time you’ve been caught up in my life, Dad.”
“Honey, last time I checked, I was the parent here, and I thought I made myself pretty clear when you brought both those fellas up here. I think you’re playing a dangerous game with them, and your heart. You know where I stand, and I’m not sorry the rest of the world does too now. Maybe it’ll help you come to your senses before it’s too late and the choice isn’t even yours to make anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean even a man who feels about you the way that one does, will only wait around so long, sweetheart.”
“Dad, James and I aren’t . . . it’s just not like that. It can’t be. It would never work, so will you please get rid of the shirt?”
“I’ll get rid of the shirt if you get rid of the bozo.”
“Hunter isn’t a bozo, Dad.”
“But he’s not the one for you. We both know that, and this publicity stunt is going to blow up in your face. I don’t want that for you. I don’t want to see you get hurt over this.”
“I won’t, Dad. I promise. Hunter’s only a friend, just like James, and it’s all for publicity anyway.”
“Maybe so for you sweetheart, but a father knows when a fella looks at his daughter as more than just a friend, and I got news for you Ava Riley, both those boys got that look in their eyes. I don’t think what you’re doing is fair to any of you. I know your mother and I raised you better than this, Aves.” Low blow Dad. “Someone is going to get hurt. You have to decide if the end game is worth it. Who are you going to be when it’s all over? Are you going to be able to look in the mirror and feel good about yourself?”
“Dad,” I whispered. “It’s going to be fine. You just don’t understand. Hunter knows the score. He knows what this is and he’s okay with it.”
“Honey, you may not know this, but us guys, we don’t always act with a lot of reason or common sense. A guy will agree to just about anything if he thinks he’s got a shot with a girl. I think you gotta be the one to do what’s right here, Ava.”
“And what exactly is the right thing?” I snapped into the phone. I almost never spoke to my father like this, but I didn’t like how convicted his words made me feel. “I know you want me to admit I have feelings for James, but even if I did, it would be impossible. We don’t fit. This life . . . the spotlight, he hates it. The pressure and gossip and rumors and craziness . . . at least Hunter gets it. He’s used to it.” What was between James and I had already been ruined once because of it. Being Riley James would keep coming between us, and eventually one of us would resent the other and it would turn into something ugly and that would break my heart more than I could bear.
“You’re a big girl, Aves, and even before you were all grown up you were making your own choices like you were, so I’m not going to tell you what’s right or wrong for you. I just think it would be a real shame if you chose something easy over something that might be a little bit harder because you were scared. You’ve never backed down from a challenge in your entire life. You’ve always been brave, no matter what life has thrown at you.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “It’s not bravery, Dad, it’s stubbornness, and I get it from you.”
“You’re wrong, Aves. You’ve always faced your fears, and it’s fear that makes you brave. Reminds you you’re alive, that you’ve got something to lose, something to hold onto, but there’s also so much more out there for you. Don’t ever settle. The best things are worth the risk, even if you have to fight a little for ‘em. Especially the ones you have to fight for.”
“Dad,” it hung heavy between us. I didn’t know what to say.
“I love you Aves, and I just want you to be happy. The real kind of happy that won’t change with the parts you get or don’t get, or the headlines that talk about you. And you only find that by knowing who you are, being true to who you are, and by finding the people, or person, who pushes you to be the best version of yourself. And who will love you through it even when you aren’t. That’s the most important thing, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
“I love you too, Daddy,” I sniffed. I swear I wasn’t tearing up, I just had a little dust in my eye.
“I’ve always been proud of you, but don’t forget, you still got a little mud on your shoes.”
“Never. Thank you for always knowing what I need to hear even when I don’t want to hear it.”
“Anytime, baby girl. Now, could you do me a favor?”
“What?”
“Can you let James know I spoke with his father, and we’re on for that fishing trip this summer.”
Fishing trip?
James’ father?
“Aves, you still there?”
“What fishing trip, Dad?”
“The one James and I discussed when you were here. He mentioned he and his dad had been wanting to get out here for a fly fishing trip, and I offered to set it up and take them. He was going to mention it to his father, but when I called up there to get one of those shirts from his sister, I figured I may as well speak to John myself and see if we couldn’t get a timeframe nailed down.”
“John?”
“That’s James’ father.”
Yes, I knew that, but I didn’t know they were on a first name basis.
“And you talked to him? And his sister?”
“Yes. Emily’s real sweet. I enjoyed talking to her.”
“How did this even happen?”
“Well, when I spoke to James the other day, he mentioned the shirt shenanigans his sister started and then I—”
“Hold up, you talk to James on the phone?”
“Is that a problem, sweetheart?”
“I—I just—you know what, I need to go. I’ll talk to you later, Dad.”
“Okay, bye baby girl.”
At the last second before I hung up, I remembered to ask, “You’re still coming down here for birthday weekend, right?”
“Of course. I’m sorry I can’t fly in until the morning of your birthday, so I’ll miss your big movie premiere, but I wouldn’t miss your party for the world.”
“It’s okay that you won’t make the premiere. You’re coming, and that’s all that matters. I’ll see you next weekend.”
In the meantime, I had a few words for a certain bodyguard.
Luis and Hunter stood expectantly outside the office when I opened the door. James leaned nonchalantly against the wall. Not a care in the world.
“Well?” Luis asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t know what you expected the phone call to accomplish. He’s not sorry, and he’s keeping the shirt, but I don’t think he’ll wear it again, not that it matters because the picture is out there.” I darted a quick glance at James, letting him see my irritation.
Luis nodded, his brain working, until he shifted, taking a step toward me. “We can still fix this. He’s coming for the premiere, yes?”
“No, he’ll fly in the next morning for my birthday.”
“That’s good. We can get pictures of you and Hunter with your dad at the party. Play the shirt off as nothing more than a good natured, practical joke.”
“No,” I stopped him. “We’re not using my dad. You’re not going to make him part of this charade.”
“Then what do you suggest, Riley?”
I looked between James and Hunter and then back at Luis. “I think it’s all played out enough. We got the publicity you wanted, hell more than that. The movie comes out next weekend, so what’s the point of keeping any of this up?”
“Riley,” the condescension in his voice was thick, “you may not be aware of this, but turning down that Disney deal could drasticall
y impact your career. There are just some projects you don’t say no to. And now, after these next two films you don’t have anything lined up. Hunter, on the other hand is slated for 6 major pictures and a handful of smaller ones over the next few years. Hitching yourself to him can only be good for your career at this point.”
I laughed and shook my head. “I can’t believe you just said that to me. I’ve never needed to ride on anyone else’s coattails. If I need to ‘hitch’ myself to a man, no offense,” I said to Hunter—he merely held his hands up in a gesture of innocence, “just to hang on to a bit of fame, then I don’t even deserve to be here.”
“Everyone has to play the game Riley. That’s how you get to be on top, and once you’re there, it’ll be different.”
No, it wouldn’t. It wouldn’t ever change. Not if I kept doing things his way. Fuming, I turned and stormed off.
I didn’t have to look over my shoulder to know James was following me.
“About time.”
I halted, and spun around on him, narrowing my eyes. “You don’t talk to me right now. If you want someone to talk to, call my dad, your new best friend.”
His chuckle followed me when I turned and continued toward the front door. In a couple quick strides of his long legs he was at my side in time to open it for me. “Don’t be mad ‘cause your dad loves me. And for the record, I didn’t tell him to get the shirt. He did that all on his own.”
“Whatever.” I brushed past him, out into the shaded courtyard, but his warm hand curled around my bicep before I could go any further. He was gentle but firm as he turned me back to face him.
“The only reason your dad has been calling me, is because he was worried about you. It’s not some conspiracy between the two of us. He just wanted to know if you were really doing okay and he was afraid you wouldn’t tell him. The rest of the stuff just sort of came up.”
“Like the fishing trip?” I arched my brow and pursed my lips.
He released my arm and pasted on a boyish smile. “He invited. Who was I to say no?”
“Mmhmm,” I rolled my eyes and continued to the car.
“If you’re feeling left out, darling, you can come too.”
I walked to the car and yanked on the passenger’s door and dropped myself into the seat. I’d become resigned at this point to James driving my car, even though I’d only just got Lucille back from the shop. I had to change her name because it felt disrespectful to Baby since almost every part had been replaced. He smoothly folded himself behind the wheel but didn’t start the engine. He just stared at me.
“A fishing trip, with the two of us and my dad and yours? Hah.”
“Why not?” he asked seriously.
“Because it would be weird.”
“You’re going to have to meet my dad eventually,” he said as he started her up and pulled out of the drive.
“You’re awfully sure of yourself for someone on my shit list.”
He laughed. “I’ve always been on your shit list. That’s nothing new, but it doesn’t change anything, and now that you’re finally cutting the pretty boy loose, it’s only a matter of time.”
“Until I snap and kill you and ask my father to help dispose of your body in the Montana wilderness.”
His chuckle filled the car. “Keep telling yourself that.”
Twenty-Five
Riley
“No one will mistake you for a little girl in that.” James appeared behind me, our eyes catching in the full-length mirror. His hand grazed my bare shoulder and then he skimmed the backs of his fingers down my arm. I fought a little shiver and hoped he didn’t notice the way goosebumps raised my flesh at his touch.
I cleared my throat and straightened my shoulders. “It’s perfect isn’t it?” A slight grin tugged at my lips as I scanned my own reflection, admiring my silhouette draped in blood red silk. The gown was an understated, elegant, work of art, from the tiny off the shoulder sleeves, and the appealing sweetheart neckline—with just enough of a plunge to be sexy and classy at the same time—down to the way it caressed the curves of my waist and hips before trumpeting around my feet.
James’ hand fell away from my arm when I did a partial turn to sweep my eyes over the back of the dress, which dipped low, just above the swell of my bottom which looked phenomenal hugged by the gorgeous material. I’d never admit it to James, but I owed these new toned curves to him. He was better than any trainer I’d had before, sculpting me into this strong, defined figure, without taking away all the curves and softness that made me a woman.
“Yes. You are,” James hummed in my ear.
I bit my lip to stop the spread of my grin, but it was useless. My skin warmed under his compliments and heated gaze.
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere.” Lie. Lie. Lie.
“All the same,” he stepped back and my body mourned the space between us, “you look stunning.”
For the first time, I took him in fully, tracing my eyes over his stylishly ruffled hair, down his rugged scruffy jaw, to his broad shoulders covered by the fitted black blazer, which he wore over a black v-neck that looked so soft I wanted to rub my face on it. That would be a terrible idea considering Lacy had just finished with my makeup. A pair of fitted black pants and black boots completed his bad-boy formal look. “You look pretty good yourself.” It wasn’t fair that it was so effortless for him to look so drop-dead sexy. If I were wearing panties under this gown, they would be melting.
I gave him my back, eyeing the two of us in the mirror. Damn, we looked good together.
He’s not your date, I reminded myself.
I was going without an official date. Not that it made much difference since both James and Hunter would be there and the love triangle gossip would continue. Let it. The point I was making wasn’t for the rest of the world. Luis needed to know I was done with the games, and James and Hunter both needed to know that I didn’t need them. Not for my image, not for my reputation, not for publicity, or my career, or my pride or any of the other stupid reasons I’d been going along with this.
After tonight, if—IF—I had someone on my arm, it was going to be because I wanted them there. For the right reasons. It was going to be because I was stupidly, incandescently, ridiculously, head-over-heels in love. Of their own accord, my eyes drifted in the mirror over to James again.
The way I felt about— Nope, I cut that thought off before it could finish.
“I suppose we should be going,” I said.
“The car is waiting. So are the adoring fans.”
“Lead the way,” I waved him on as I stepped into my shiny gold heels.
He eyed my shoes and then held his arm out. “How about you let me help you downstairs.”
“Please,” I scoffed and brushed past him, ignoring his outstretched hand, and the enticing smell of whatever soap/cologne combo that had become my favorite smell in recent weeks, “stairs in heels is nothing at this point.”
“All the same,” he snaked an arm around my waist, “I’ll feel better if I’m not worried about you slipping and breaking your neck. I don’t care what you say, those things are dangerous.”
I allowed him to hold my hand down the stairs.
“You smell nice,” I blurted when we reached the bottom.
His face crinkled in a puzzled smile.
I ducked my head. “I just thought I’d tell you.” I started for the door, but he caught me once again around the waist, dragging me to him until our bodies were flush. He inhaled deeply and let out a satisfied groan.
“You smell more than nice. I want to wake up to that smell on my sheets every morning.”
My eyes went wide, and I shoved off his chest, taking a few necessary steps back. “You can’t say stuff like that.”
“Why not? It’s the truth.”
Why not?
I’ll tell you why not. Because I was one more flirty comment away from messing up my side swept hair-do and makeup on him. Not only that, but it’d make us late. Like re
ally, really late, and since this was the premiere for my movie, that would be frowned upon. Extremely.
I turned on my heels and headed for the door.
The red carpet at the premiere was the same as always. Lots of photo-ops and brief interviews, solo and with the rest of the cast. Hunter and I were shoved together for many of them, and James was never far, which did not go unnoticed, forcing me to field too many unwanted questions in front of the cameras.
Once inside, at least there was champagne. Lots of champagne. And roses everywhere.
I found Jayne chatting with Angela and worked my way over to them. We exchanged awkward hugs and cheek kisses. It hurt that things were stilted with Jayne. I just didn’t know how to get back to where we were.
“You look gorgeous,” she said softly. I could see some of my same sadness in her expression. She should have been with me today, helping me primp and get ready, but I hadn’t asked her. I’d sort of just expected her to show up this morning, like she would have any other time, but she didn’t.
“You look beautiful too.” And she did in her little, sparkly, black sheath dress. She’d gotten her hair cut too. Her dark chestnut tresses, which used to fall past her shoulders, were cut off at her chin, framing her face beautifully.
She smiled a little wider. It reached her eyes this time, and it gave me hope that eventually we’d get there.
Angela, of course, was scrolling through her phone, monitoring all the outgoing chatter on social media and blog posts for the event. Luis was missing, but I knew he had to be here somewhere. He’d find me soon enough. Until then, I planned to mingle and enjoy myself.
I pasted on my most alluring smile and proceeded to charm the room, as was expected, before we moved into the screening room. James continued to shadow me, and it was an effort in self-control to act like he wasn’t in the room. It felt as if a cord, or some invisible force created a tether between us, and it was constantly humming and teasing my awareness.
“Do you think it’s wise to be drinking around all these cameras?” Luis came up to me, eyeing the glass in my hand.
“It’s one glass of celebratory champagne.”
A Taste of Pink (Shades Book 4) Page 25