Suffice it to say, Cassidy was wary of men in general and Dash specifically. She’d been hurt more by him than Adam, and that was enough of a warning not to let him in again.

But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t appreciate being his girlfriend in public, and if he wanted to sleep with her during the course of this charade, why not enjoy that, too? Something she’d decided between her glam experience and walking out to see the approval in Dash’s expressive eyes. As long as she kept her heart locked up tight during their temporary affair, she’d be fine. Because clearly that’s where this was headed.

For the ride to and from the city, Cassidy had booked a deluxe limousine for her, Dash, Xander and Sasha, but when she stepped outside to find two vehicles waiting, she stopped in her tracks.

“I don’t understand.” She reached for her small bag to retrieve her phone and call the company when Dash placed a hand over hers.

“I changed the reservation.” He inclined his head at his brother. “We’ll see you there.”

Xander grinned, Sasha laughed, and they headed for their own vehicle.

“Why did you book two cars?” Cassidy asked.

“So we could be alone.” He placed a hand on her lower back, and a current of electricity buzzed along her spine as he led her to where the driver stood, back door open.

She slid into the seat and Dash joined her.

When the door slammed shut, he turned to face her. “I appreciate you doing this for me. Especially tonight. I know it’s not easy, but I’m not going to abandon you to the wolves.”

“I’m honestly okay. I can’t say I’m looking forward to the red carpet walk, but once that’s over, my nerves will calm down.”

His hand covered hers, and he smoothed his fingers over her knuckles. “You’ll wow them.”

She rolled her eyes. “They’re there to see you.”

“Well, they’re getting us.” He leaned back and relaxed, and she followed suit.

The trip to the city was quiet, and they didn’t encounter more traffic than expected. The sun had already dipped low on the horizon when the limousine neared the venue. Cassidy’s stomach was in knots. The wait for their car to reach its ultimate destination felt endless.

Dash held on to her hand. The pad of his thumb soothing in a rhythmic motion over her skin was meant to calm her, but nothing would. Not until she’d made this long walk without tripping or making a fool of herself in front of television cameras.

“Ready?” Dash asked as their car door was opened for them.

She nodded. “As I’ll ever be,” she muttered.

He stepped out and held out his hand, helping her as she tried to delicately exit the limousine. Her heart pounded in her chest as they approached the red carpet, and suddenly she was bombarded by flashing lights and questions being called out.

Dash grasped her palm firmly in his as they made the long walk, stopping occasionally for posed shots, and he took full advantage of the media, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. She did her best to fake it, cozying up to him, placing her hand on his chest, and smiling the whole time.

The MTV host, a beautiful woman, also glammed up, stopped them to talk. “Dash, you’ve never walked the carpet with a woman on your arm before.”

“That’s because I’ve never found one worth it before.” He turned to Cassidy and treated her to a smile filled with genuine warmth. Not the one she’d come to think of as his stage grin.

Warning herself to remember this was for show, she looked at him with adoration, but she was still taken off guard when he braced his hands on her waist and pulled her close. He pressed his lips to hers in what she’d call a fun kiss, one definitely done to make a point to those watching. But the way he looked at her made it hard to remember they weren’t a real couple.

“So you’re Cassidy Forrester, Axel Forrester’s sister,” the woman said.

Dash’s publicist had dropped the official news about his current relationship in time for tonight’s event.

“I am,” Cassidy said with a smile.

“I think a lot of women are wishing they were you right now,” the host said, her comment not catty but genuine.

She was about to answer when Dash let out a low chuckle. “I’m a changed man,” he said, kissing the top of Cassidy’s hand that was still joined with his.

“We already saw the band. They seem ready to perform. Especially Axel. Have you all gelled?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.” Dash winked at her and soon they were walking again.

Somehow, they made it the rest of the way down the red carpet, and when Cassidy stepped off, she was able to breathe once more.

“Cass!”

Sasha’s voice rang out and Cassidy turned to her friend. “I made it!” she said, laughing.

Tags: Carly Phillips The Kingston Family Billionaire Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net