Chapter 14
FOURTEEN
DECLAN
I’ve been in Zoe’s bed every night for the past two weeks.
But we’re not together—not in any kind of official sense. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but we’re satisfying each other’s needs and it’s bringing us closer. And not just in a physical sense.
I frown when Nikki’s name comes up on my phone. She hasn’t called in a while, and I thought I’d finally gotten through to her that I’m done.
But maybe she’s calling just to say hi—after all we have been pretty close.
For the first time in a long time, I answer the call.
“Nikki?”
“Don’t hang up. I’m not trying to get you onto any other project. It’s about your last one.”
I roll my eyes. The name of that movie has changed several times and I’ve lost track. I’m not sure I really care anymore .
“What about it?”
“Have you seen the news about Jessie Lane?”
I freeze. Jessie was my co-star on that movie—her career’s been on the same trajectory as mine for other reasons. I’d heard she was difficult to work with, but she was really lovely. Although she was having trouble with a stalker at the time too.
“Nope. I’ve been busy with other things. What’s up?”
“She was stabbed by her stalker. She’s okay, and they caught the woman who did it, but the production company want to capitalise on the publicity and have a small premiere for the movie in a couple of weeks. And then they’ve sold it to Netflix for streaming.”
I choke out a laugh. “You’re kidding. Is she really okay?”
“Apparently so. I don’t have much detail on it.”
“Wow. Poor thing.”
“Yeah. Her stalker tracked her all the way to New Zealand and stabbed her there. I’d love to know more, but the detail just isn’t available. But anyway, what do you say?”
“About?”
“Attending the premiere. Small red carpet. Limited screening. And it’s in your contract, so you’re obligated.”
I huff out a breath. “I’ll think about it.”
“I’ll send you the details.”
An hour later, my phone rings again. Jessie Lane .
I gave her my number while we were working together just in case she needed support while dealing with her stalker.
“Jessie,” I say as I answer the call.
“Declan. How are you? ”
“I should ask you the same. I’ve not seen the news, but my agent tells me you’ve been through an ordeal.”
She sighs. “I’m okay. But that stalker I had hurt me. It’s in the past now, and I just wanted to talk to you and see if you were going to this premiere.”
I grimace. “I probably should.”
Jessie pauses. “Do you have a date?”
Wait.
Is she asking me out?
Zoe and I haven’t discussed any of this. Can we go on dates while she’s pregnant with my baby? How would I feel if she went out with another man?
The idea of it doesn’t sit comfortably with me.
“I … uhhh.”
She laughs. “Relax, Declan. I’m not asking you out. I just …” Her tone changes, and the bounce she usually has disappears. “I just need a friend.”
Shit .
“Any other time, and I’d say yes. But …”
“Oh. You have a girlfriend?”
I frown. “Well, no, but …” I blow out a long breath. “It’s complicated. There’s a woman I met in Las Vegas. You remember that trip I had planned when we finished the film? I had a one-night stand which has turned into, well, I’m not sure what it is yet.”
She’s switched off from what I’m saying judging by the uh-huhs and the hmms that come from her after that, but I spill everything before we finish the call.
I’m sure she didn’t listen, but telling someone helped a lot.
Zoe’s nose is buried in a book when I walk into the living room. The afternoon sun floods in the window behind her, bathing her in light. She’s so effortlessly beautiful.
“Zoe?”
Looking up, she blinks as if shaking herself out of her thoughts.
“I’ve got a movie premiere coming up, and I wondered if you wanted to go with me.”
“You do?” She puts down her book and stretches. “What movie is that for? I thought you said the last one went straight to DVD.”
I shrug and walk toward her, then drop onto the other end of the couch. “Apparently not. My co-star was stalked and attacked—the studio want to cash in on the publicity.”
She grimaces. “That seems a bit gruesome.”
“It won’t be a blockbuster, but it’s a free night out with a red carpet.”
Zoe taps her forefinger on her chin. “It gives me an excuse to buy a new gown. I mean, it’s fancy, right?”
I grin. “I’ll be wearing a tux.”
“Swoon.” She laughs and all the tension rolls out of me. “It’s a shame I can’t drink. They’ll have champagne and things, won’t they?”
“They will, but seeing as you can’t drink, I won’t either.”
I’m not sure she’ll realise how big a sacrifice I’m making. It’s been years since I’ve coped with one of these nights without the calming influence of a drink.
“You don’t have—” She starts.
“I do.”
Her lips turn down into a frown. “Okay.”
“I’m not doing anything that risks whatever this is with us.”
Zoe’s eyes widen.
I shift closer to her. “I think you know as well as I do that there’s something more here than sex. I’m not going to do anything put that in danger.”
She licks her lips. “I … I think the same.”
“I’m relieved.” I smile. “Although the sex is pretty damn good.”
I could eat out on her laughter for years.