The Romeo Arrangement

I nod, glance his way briefly, and then stare out the windshield. “He always wanted to see Montana. That’s where we were headed that first night, to my cousin Noelle’s farm.” Tears sting my eyes, hot emotion ambushing me, but I need to tell him. “We can’t stay with you forever, Ridge. Dad wants a fresh start and so do I. The sooner the better.”

His silence scares me, this quiet storm building.

But it also tells me I’m doing the right thing, getting everything out in the open.

I mean, if he had, by some freakish miracle, fallen in love with me, he’d have said so…right?

And I can’t say boo about it either way because he’s already done far too much for us.

I can’t stand putting more on his shoulders.

I know what that’s like thanks to Dad, carrying someone else.

“We’ll talk about it tonight. After we get home,” he says firmly but not angrily. “Right now, we’ve got a hotel full of people looking for a rush of fun. Let’s give them what they expect.”

“You’re right. Sorry. I’m not trying to ruin anything. We’ll knock ’em dead.”

I smile, reach across the console, and take his hand.

If this is my last night as Ridge’s bride-to-be, let’s go out with fireworks.

The hotel looks bigger and fancier than I thought.

It’s this place from the fifties by the interstate with a grand banquet hall. A natural backdrop for the rich and famous, an elegant small-town gem.

I find out later it’s been renovated recently with a community grant from North Earhart Oil, Drake and Bella Larkin putting the old Reed fortune to good use, making Dallas shine.

There’s a huge buffet set out, tables, a dance floor, a live band, and an open bar—thank God.

A stiff drink sounds nice right about now. Liquid courage never hurt a girl.

The room is already swarming with people when we arrive, and there must be ten cameras for every guest.

Ridge introduces me to so many familiar faces of people I’ve never met. All well-known stars, reporters, businessmen, and badass ladies showering us with wishes as this happy new couple.

Like I need even more reminders I don’t belong in his life.

They’re all very nice and surprisingly grounded, though, and Ridge is his usual cocky, fun-loving self.

He leads me through the crowd, the introductions, making it feel just a little more effortless.

Bonus: he’s deliciously encouraging with his hands.

Every time he touches me, I melt a little more inside.

Which, let’s be real, is all the freaking time when his arm rests snug around me or his hand is in mine if it’s not on the small of my back.

My ears burn as an actor tells Ridge he can’t wait to see him on the screen again.

“It’s a decent script. Another Western thriller, they want me to be Mr. Tortured Outlaw Man. Considering recent events, I’m up for the job.” Ridge chuckles. “Guess filming starts in a few months.”

Ridge’s words echo in my head.

I thought he was done with film?

They go back and forth, bantering about working together again, all the things that happened during their last film.

Bebe joins our small group a minute later. She’s ecstatic as she mentions how Hollywood is already buzzing over the new film, and then starts talking about schedules, producers, directors, writers, and plenty more that makes my head spin.

I spot Alicia and Amy near the bar and excuse myself from the group, but I only take a few steps when Bebe grasps my elbow.

“That dress looks amazing on you, doll,” she says, flashing this smile that could eat up the entire world.

“Thanks for sending it, plus the other stuff. I’d be a lot less impressive if I had to go digging in my own wardrobe.”

“All part of the deal! Which, I need to thank you for again,” she rushes out beneath her breath. “My God, the magic you worked on that man…”

“Me?”

“Yes, you! Who else? Ridge agreed to do more movies because of you.” She elbows me with surprising strength for being such a pint-sized woman. “I think someone’s in love. Honey, keep a leash on him, whatever you’re doing…it’s working beautifully for you both.”

I…

Just when I didn’t think anything else could shock me tonight, here comes an atom bomb.

My insides sink.

Because of me, she said.

I’ve chased him out of his home.

Out of retirement.

Back into everything he hates.

“Excuse me,” I force out. “I just…I need to speak to someone.”

“Of course,” Bebe chirps. “Enjoy the night, and thank you again. Lord knows I tried everything to woo him back to the screen for years, and you did it in weeks. The Prince is back, and I don’t think anyone cares about the why!”

I nod, swallowing the bitter taste in the back of my throat.

God.

I’m overwhelmed. The terrifying, exhilarating possibility that Ridge feels something deeper makes my heart pound.

It’s insane even considering it when we’re worlds apart.