Chapter 14
Chapter
Fourteen
ZOE
I’m on such a high from our opening night success that I don’t immediately see Connor when he arrives at the party. I wave to Rachel and Anvil and hurry toward them. Trick and a beautiful blond are with them, which confuses me. Where’s his wife?
My steps falter when I realize that C’s standing with Trick and the girl. Is she—C’s date? That he brought to my party? My stomach drops, and my mouth goes dry. I pause halfway to them. If she’s with him, I don’t want to meet her.
I’m rescued by an arm around my waist that tugs me back into a group of toasting cast members.
I turn away from C Crue, feeling like I’ve been stabbed in the heart.
I’m not part of them anymore. I have new friends and a new life in New York though.
I’m going to be a success in all the ways that count.
That’s what matters, I tell myself for the hundredth time.
I glance over my shoulder. Several cast members and some of our production team have gone over to Rachel, separating her from the C Crue group. This is my chance. I move to the wall, so I can approach her from the side. When I’m close, I reach for her and pull her to me for a hug.
“We did it!” I exclaim in a whisper in her ear.
“We did,” she says with a soft laugh. “You were incredible. A standing ovation, Zo! I’m so proud of you.”
“It was your music. Just unbelievable.” Tears fill my eyes, and I tip my head back so they’ll drip out of the sides and not mess up my makeup.
“I can’t believe this night,” I murmur. “I’m so excited.
Did you hear that I got a note and flowers left at the stage door from someone who saw me in the very first production I danced in!
Off broadway when I was eighteen, remember?
I can’t believe anyone else remembers. I’m just… so excited, Rach.”
“Let’s have a G&T to celebrate.”
My arms tighten around her. New friends are great, but there are no friends like the old ones, who loved you first, before any real success.
We migrate to the bar with me holding tight to her hand like she’s a sister that I don’t want to lose in a crowd.
When I turn, I find C’s moved to stand with the director, and they’re talking.
My eyes return to Anvil and Trick and the girl.
She looks familiar. She’s wearing a body-hugging pink and bronze dress with a faux fur collar.
It’s sweet and sexy, very much what Trick goes for.
Then she laughs and winks, and my body jerks in recognition.
“Who is that with Trick? Is that his little sister Ash? I didn’t even recognize her.”
“Yes, she came to babysit. Ash had Irina during the show, but afterward Laurelyn was tired, so now she’s at the hotel with Irina and the bodyguard. Since Ash is free from babysitting duty, she begged Trick to let her come to the party.”
“Uh-huh, and she happened to bring a party dress from Boston just in case?” I ask, looking her over again.
Her face is exquisite, which is very much a Patrick family trait. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize that face immediately. She’s got hardly any curves, though. Average-sized breasts, very slim. Not exactly C’s type if I’m anything to go by.
Trick says something to her and she laughs, then she says something in return and he tips his head back and laughs too. I stiffen and look around. A lot of heads have turned to watch them.
A hollow place inside me widens. Is she enough to fill my place? Trick’s sisters are charismatic and outgoing. C definitely likes that.
“Hey.”
I turn and find C standing in front of me. I’m flooded with relief and happiness that he’s sought me out. He’s gorgeous in his black suit, and he’s wearing a vibrant purple silk tie I bought him as a present. C has such great style.
Without thinking, I step forward, putting my palm against his chest as I kiss his cheek. The weight of his hand on my low back is so familiar. For a moment, I’m his all over again. My heart thuds in my chest as I stare into his eyes.
“Hey,” I whisper.
“Congratulations.”
“Hmm?”
“Great show. You were fantastic.”
I lick my lips and nod. “Thank you. Everyone worked really hard. And I had the best time performing it.” There’s a red mark on his face from my lipstick.
I use my thumb to rub it away. “Kiss print. At least it’s not your collar,” I say with a small smile.
My fingers drag a path through his stubble, which I miss more than life.
The corner of his mouth curves up. “Your kiss print almost became a C Crue signature mark.” His hand presses against me, sliding a little lower so his pinky grazes my ass. “So many of the best nights ended with me finding a red or hot pink smudge on my clothes.”
I smile. “It was expensive when the dry cleaners couldn’t get the stain out, but it was a good excuse for you to put me in certain positions that—”
“Zo-zo, who’s this?”
My face flushes, and I bite off the rest of the sexy things I was about to say.
C’s arm tightens possessively, sending another thrill through me. But his eyes narrow and his expression is one I recognize as dangerous.
I look over my shoulder, finding Dillon, one of the leads. I turn and reach out to welcome him. “This is C McCann, Dill. The money man who helped finance our hiring of RockinStage PR. C, this is Dillion. Where’s your boyfriend?”
Dillon rolls his eyes. “What boyfriend?” he sneers. Then he lowers his voice. “And here comes Josh for you. Careful how you go, girl. You know how rehearsal gets when Mom and Dad fight.”
A flush starts in my face and moves down.
I’m careful to not look at Connor because I’m afraid I’ll give too much away.
Josh and I have an ongoing flirtation that turned physical one night.
We are not a thing though. We both agreed that getting involved in a serious way would be risky.
I’m trying to concentrate completely on the show and my career.
That being said, we have chemistry, and C will spot it because he sees everything.
“Hi,” Josh says, projecting a little more than necessary. “Josh Williams. Zoe’s partner-in-crime.”
I steal a glance at C whose expression has hardened. Shit.
“Can’t be,” C says.
“What?”
“You can’t be her partner-in-crime. Zoe’s no criminal, and Rachel Stroviak is her business partner.”
Josh shrugs, continuing to smile. “I meant onstage. She’s a demon. I’m the lucky guy she corrupts.”
“Must’ve missed that,” C says, and of course he’s lying.
My lips press together as I fidget. The urge to jump in is hard to resist.
Josh tries to ask Connor questions, and C deflects. At first. Then Josh talks about the show and makes a joke about early rehearsals and what I’m like first thing in the morning.
“I remember,” C says.
My breath catches.
“You—are you an actor?” Josh asks.
“No, I’m Zoe’s ex.”
“Oh… oh.” Josh pales. “Someone said you were one of the show’s investors.
I—I had no idea that you’re—” Josh’s hand makes an uncomfortable gesture.
“You’re an associate of Mr. Stroviak, Rachel’s husband.
” Josh grimaces as he glances at Rachel and Anvil who are huddled in the corner with a group of the admins around them.
My eyes scan the room. Trick’s within earshot. His underage sister who has a glass of champagne dangling from her fingers is walking around chatting with people. What was he thinking, bringing a teenager here?
“Well, nice to meet you,” Josh says, withdrawing as C nods.
“Must you?” I whisper.
“What’s that?” Connor says.
“Intimidate people.”
“Unintentional.” His eyes are beautiful and remorseless.
A universe of emotions are at war inside me. It’s so good to see him. But why did he come? I’m still so in love with him, and I really wish I wasn’t.
I have to get away from him before I confess something I’ll regret. “I’m glad you came tonight,” I say softly, giving his arm a squeeze before I walk away.