Chapter 23
Decker
I would have stayed in the pantry with her forever.
I could drag in a mattress. Build a pillow fort. Hole up in our little hideaway, just me and her, soft lips and lingering touches.
Hell, I’d even let the guys join us.
They make her happy. So damn happy.
And after last night?
I want to make her that happy for the rest of my life.
If she wants to be with all of us, I want to give her that. I want to make the life we’re daring to dream for ourselves possible.
But my current position comes with responsibilities I can’t avoid. Boxes that must be checked before I’m afforded a life where privacy is a given, not a highly sought-after privilege.
I blow out a long breath, forcing myself to forge on. I don’t dare look back.
Because I’m a coward.
I can’t stand the thought of seeing the expression on her face as I walk away from her.
Seven more days. I just have to get us through them.
Almost there is the mantra playing on repeat in my mind as I stride into the kitchen.
People call out to me. One of the camera people—Tonya, I think her name is—rushes forward to focus the shot.
I offer her a terse smile, never looking directly into the camera, per the instructions Misty has drilled into me over the years.
Smile more. Look natural.
Hold your head high, but not too high. Don’t clench your jaw.
I crack my neck to alleviate the tension.
Seven more days.
Everything will be different in seven more days.