The Secret (Single in Seattle 1)

“Why are you pissy? What crawled up your ass today?”

I take a deep breath and then decide fuck it. I rehash what happened in Liv’s office.

“Lord help me,” I hear Kelly whisper. “Of course, she doesn’t want to ride her father’s coattails, Vaughn. As a woman, she has to fight for everything she’s got in this business to begin with. But if she attaches her father’s name to hers publicly? Everyone will think she has the position she does because of her father and not because she’s a talented artist. I know that you had your own challenges with getting to where you are in this business because of who your parents are. And you overcame that. But imagine being a woman. You have no idea how hard it is to succeed in Hollywood as a female, Vaughn. I think that what she’s done is brilliant, and if her dad doesn’t mind, why should you?”

I pull up my driveway and blow out a gusty breath. “Because I’m an asshole?”

“No, it’s because you just took it too personally. It has absolutely nothing at all to do with you. She made the decision before she even knew you.”

“Yeah, well, I suppose you’re right. I just got my back up and overreacted.”

“And now you can take a deep breath and not be an asshole when you see her again. You didn’t do anything stupid and break up with her or something, did you?”

“No.”

“Good. Because I like her a lot, and I think she could be really good for you. Just stop taking everything so damn personally. The world doesn’t revolve around you.”

“Since you constantly remind me of that fact, I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon.”

“You’re welcome. Bye.”

She disconnects, and I just sit in my car, staring at the city below.

Yeah, I overreacted. I guess I have more issues from my childhood and the people I came from than I thought. I spent years in therapy and thought I was past a good portion of it.

Apparently, not.

Olivia is the child of one of the biggest celebrities in the world, but she never had to endure what that means—being followed, having cameras shoved in your face. Never having a moment to herself.

Her dad protected her from all of that. And if I’m being honest, I respect the hell out of that decision. I wish my parents had done the same for me.

So, although we both come from powerful forces in our business, we have totally different perspectives.

It’s a breath of fresh air, really.

And after our talk in her office, I have a few things that I need to see to.

The restaurant is empty because it’s usually closed tonight, but I pulled some strings and got them to open a table just for Olivia and me. If she doesn’t want to be photographed and in the tabloids with me, that’s fine. I’d prefer that myself.

But I’ll be fucking damned if she’ll continue assuming that I’m just here for the sex.

Okay, in the beginning, that might have been true. But, the more I’ve learned about her, the more I want to spend time with her—and not just between the sheets.

Which is new for me.

I’m not used to romance. But, damn it, I’m about to learn real fast.

“Does this table suit you?” the restaurant manager asks, pointing to a table in the middle of the room. The candles are already lit.

“It’s great,” I reply with a nod. “Thank you again, Chris.”

“It’s our pleasure, sir.” He half-bows, and then we see Olivia walk through the door. “I’ll show the lady this way.”

He walks to where Olivia waits and escorts her to our table, holding the chair out for her.

“Thanks,” she says and meets my eyes with hers. “Isn’t this place closed tonight?”

“Not for us,” I say with a smile. “We’ll start with the wine and appetizers.”

“Very well, sir. I’ll be right back.” Chris walks away, and Olivia’s eyebrows lower in a frown.

“Did you already order?”

“Since we’re the only two here this evening, the chef is making us something special. Five courses, so I hope you’re hungry.”

“I’m starving,” she admits. “I skipped lunch.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you made me so mad, I couldn’t eat.”

I sigh and reach over to take her hand in mine. “I apologize for that. I really do. I let my emotions get the best of me. The truth is, it’s none of my business what name you use professionally or why. It’s your decision.”

“My dad has been incredibly understanding about it,” she says quietly. She doesn’t pull away from me but rather squeezes just a little tighter. “At first, I thought it would hurt his feelings, but the more he and I talked it over, we both decided it was for the best. I’m not the first child of a celebrity to go down this path, in this way. And he understood that I wanted to make my own way. Forge my own career. Yes, I work for his company, but I didn’t interview with my dad. I got the job on my merit.”