A Hollywood Bride (Ryder & Paige 2)

“I know.”

And he believes it. It’s in his eyes. But his voice is off. It isn’t the usual light, flirty tone or the occasional serious, decisive tone. It’s wavering between fear and indecision. “Then what’s wrong?”

“It’s… I just have a lot on my mind, that’s all.”

“Is it because Elliot’s trying to marry a stripper?” That’s the only thing I can think of.

Now he really looks at me. “How did you know that?”

“He told me. He came by Bethany’s place when I was staying there. He wanted to explain that nothing happened at the club, and that the only reason you guys were at the strip joint is because he was looking for a bride.”

“Is that why you eventually decided to come back?”

“No.” He asked me why Ryder’s trust mattered so much to me even though we’re only marrying for a year. I wasn’t able to answer him, but now I wonder if my subconscious already knew I was in love with Ryder. “It was…something else.”

Ryder nods. “Okay. Well, it’s not about him. I knew about his plans, and, you know, whatever. I don’t care if he wants to marry some glorified hooker.”

My mouth hangs open. “The idea doesn’t bother you at all?”

“He has his reasons for doing things, and he can be quite the rebel. He doesn’t have to worry about a public image, and he hates doing things just because other people tell him to. Not to mention he has more money than he knows what to do with. So…no, it doesn’t. He can go ahead and do whatever he wants.”

“Wow.”

A smile ghosts over Ryder’s lips. “Yeah. ‘Wow’ is most people’s reaction to Elliot.”

I grin at him, wrapping my arms around his torso. I don’t know what to tell him to make whatever he’s worried about go away. But I’ll offer what comfort I can.

He rests his chin lightly on the top of my head and squeezes me back.

“Thank you,” he whispers after a moment.

“For what?”

“For being with me. And for being you.”

We stay like that together for I don’t know how long until my phone goes off. I pull away reluctantly.

It’s a text from Oliver. The police caught the other driver.

Who? I type and hit send.

Some psycho fan of Ryder’s. Apparently she’s been stalking and sending him gifts and stuff. Actually she was arrested not too long ago for trying to assault him at a hospi

tal.

That doesn’t make any sense. Why would a stalker try to hurt Bethany?

She thought it was you in the car. Bethany was in your Altima. Didn’t we tell you?

No, I start to type, my fingers numb and clumsy, then stop. He might’ve told me, but I might’ve not heard. I was beside myself with worry and the worst-case scenario at the hospital. I delete No and respond, Maybe. Don’t remember.

If we didn’t, sorry. I called the insurance when I knew Bethany was going to be okay, and they’ve been in touch with us to get more info, etc.

No, no, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. I should’ve thought of the possibility before I let her take my car.

Oliver’s reply is instant. Do NOT blame yourself, Paige. It’s not your fault. You’re not responsible for other people’s actions.

I close my eyes. If I hadn’t let her drive my car, she wouldn’t have been run off the road. No, my car has nothing to do with any of this. It’s all because people see a bull’s-eye painted on my back.