The Road To Heaven (Allendale Four 3)

Something ebbed between us; a feeling, maybe a memory. It felt nice to be here with him just as a friend. He had a girlfriend and sure, that hurt, but it also took anything else off the table. Hayden was incredibly loyal and even though I knew this was nothing more than two friends together, he would feel the consequences from the night.

“How’s Sabine going to feel when these pictures splash all over the internet.”

He smiled but it wasn’t happily. “I’m sure they’re already up and I’m sure that’s why I haven’t checked my phone.”

“Will she be angry?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. This is a bit of uncharted territory for us.” He exhaled, hands gripping the ledge. “What Sabine and I have…”

“You don’t have to explain. I’m just glad you have someone.”

I thought the words came out genuine. I hoped and he simply gave me a thankful nod, but his gray eyes lingered on my face and I felt that raw, masculine intensity Hayden had always possessed.

“Heaven!” Lea cried from across the rooftop, waving her camera. RJ hung by her side. “Come get in this photo!”

I glanced at Hayden. He lifted his chin. “Go. Celebrate. You deserve it.”

I pushed away from the ledge and started over, but stopped before I got too far. I held out my hand. “Come with me?”

His eyebrow raised and I nodded. I wanted him to enjoy this with me. Share it with me. Hayden hobbled over, wincing at the pain in his side, but he slipped his arm around my waist and offered to hold the camera with his long arm.

“Thank you,” I said, between shots. “For opening up like that and sharing a little bit of your life with me.”

He smiled, a genuine one I hadn’t seen in a long time. “For you? Anything.”

29

Hayden

The answer to Heaven’s question about Sabine came in fast, furious texts the next morning. The photos of me walking the red carpet were one thing. I’d told her and Bryant about the event, and although she didn’t like the fact I went with Heaven, she accepted that the world needed to see I was healing and healthy. Bryant, on the other hand, was thrilled that I would be seen at such a spectacle and immediately put out a press release that washed over my invitation as Heaven’s guest.

No, the premiere was considered a success for my image. It was the after party photos that caused a problem. The press wasn’t allowed on the rooftop but guests had cameras and posted on their individual accounts. A few of the actors, like RJ, have rabid followings on social media, scouring the internet for any sighting, which meant photos of me on that rooftop with Heaven went viral pretty quickly, particularly the ones of me and Heaven taking quietly. The selfies where everyone looked at the camera except me. No. I wasn’t looking at the camera. I was looking at her.

Always her.

I’d just finished showering at the gym when my phone buzzed for the tenth time and I knew there was no way to avoid it any longer. The locker room was empty.

“Hey, Sabine.”

“Finally, you answer.”

“Sorry, I had my morning workout and PT. I just got a break.” I didn’t even try to say that too convincingly. She knew better. She’d set up the schedule. “I’m guessing you’ve seen the photos.”

“I did see them. All of them.

You guys made quite the splash last night.”

“I think it was more about the success of the premiere than anything else.” I put the phone on speaker while I tugged my shorts on and pulled a shirt over my head. In the mirror my exhaustion was evident. I hadn’t been able to shake the headache from the camera flashes the night before.

“You’re right. People love that show, which makes the fans even more rabid and any little piece of dirt travels like an STD at a Hollywood party.” I heard the annoyance in her voice. “Don’t disregard how eager your fans have been for any little piece of news about you.”

“I know.” I sat on the bench. “I’m sorry if anything looked inappropriate. I assure you that we were just there as friends. Nothing happened.”

Sabine sighed. “Hayden, I told you in the beginning I wouldn’t play second to anyone else. You’re not the first athlete I’ve dated and I won’t allow it to look like I’m being used in any way.”

Sabine dated an outfielder for the Braves and a second-string quarterback for the Falcons before I moved to the city. I ran my hand through my hair. “It doesn’t look like that. Anyone at that party can tell you we were completely platonic the whole time.”

“It doesn’t matter what people say, Hayden. It matters what they see.” Frustration built in her tone. “We made agreements up front about this and it was a two-way street. I’ve held up to my part of this deal. You better hold up to yours.”