Was I insane? She and I were too different. She was a social butterfly: city runs, private screenings. She was so excited about life, as if she was determined not to miss out on anything. It was one of the things that drew me to her. But my life revolved around the office and the penthouse. Not exactly the height of excitement for someone like her. That didn’t stop me from wanting her.
“You’re going, aren’t you?” Bianca asked on a squeal.
I was digging my own grave, I knew that, but I wasn’t a liar. “Considering it.”
When it came to Hailey, I just couldn’t stay away, could I? High time to do something about that.
Chapter Nine
Hailey
I loved fancy events. And I loved preparing for them even more. It was like a ritual—taking out several dresses, deciding on the perfect outfit. Then coming up with a matching makeup color scheme and topping it all off with an appropriate hairdo.
I watched myself in the mirror: short, golden dress with a generous cleavage. My hair was wild around my shoulders. My makeup screamed Hollywood leading lady. I loved it. The event might be in the afternoon, but it was elegant enough that it required me to pull out all the stops. I loved the perks of my job, all the invitations to exclusive events. I loved private screenings, because they were the rare occasions in this business when the press wasn’t invited so details of the movies wouldn’t leak out. The screenings were mostly for critics and lucky folk like me.
Afterward, I had enough time to come home and change before heading to the hotel. How had I gotten myself into spending Saturday evening with him?
Didn’t matter. I wasn’t going to let him kiss me again. I had until the evening to steel myself against all that sexiness.
Before leaving, I sent my brother Will an email, confirming that I’d found a replacement for myself to teach styling at the education center. He and his fiancée, Paige, ran a foundation focusing on teaching marketable skills to people who hadn’t had access to regular education. I loved helping there as much as possible. Up until now, I’d taught a course on fashion styling, and then helped the students get internships at Macy’s. But with the additional clients Cameron had sent my way lately, it was impossible to keep up.
I smiled broadly when I darted out of the house. I loved Lakeview Terrace. We’d grown up on the outskirts of it. My siblings had moved into posher neighborhoods, but I liked it here. As a plus, my house had been cheap enough that I’d been able to save a down payment with only a few yearly bonuses.
When I arrived at the theater, I grinned from ear to ear, twirling slowly so I could take it all in. It was a beautiful art deco building with chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. The carpet and chairs were a mix of red and gold.
The screen was in the front. There were private boxes at the back. I didn’t have an invitation to those yet, but one day I would. I
liked setting high goals for myself.
There was still an hour until the movie started, and in the meantime we were all invited to enjoy the canapes and champagne, which was exactly what I did.
I nearly tripped over my own feet when I caught a glimpse of dark brown hair. Was I imagining that Reid was here? Projecting? I walked closer, studying the man surreptitiously. He had his back to me, and when he turned, my breath caught.
“Fancy seeing you here,” I managed to say. “Coincidence?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Didn’t you say that you subscribe to the ‘hell is other people’ school of thought? What are you doing here?”
“I knew you’d be here. I wanted to see you.”
Oh wow. “You’re going to see me in the evening anyway.”
“Wanted to spend more time with you.”
Reid drank me up and made no secret of it. That sinful gaze travelled down to my hips, resting on my legs. Then he looked back up slowly. I shivered, feeling as if he’d traced a path from my navel up to my chest with his mouth. When our gazes met, I could only hold it for a few seconds before breaking eye contact, afraid I would give myself away otherwise.
“You didn’t mention you’d be here.”
“Didn’t want to give you a chance to change your mind.” He bounced back and forth on his feet until he was in my personal space. My mouth went dry, and I instinctively licked my lower lip. “Even if I had to face... this.”
“And? Is it as bad as you imagined?”
“Absolute fucking nightmare. Care to save me?”
I laughed but knew he meant it. I also suspected this was a ruse, but I didn’t have the willpower to say no. Not when he pinned me with his molten gaze like that.
“Sure. Stick with me and I’ll sort you out.”