Chapter 17
SEVENTEEN
ZOE
Tonight’s the night of Declan’s premiere, and my stomach is a bundle of nerves.
I sit on the bed, and open my laptop to call Caitlin.
We’ve kept in touch with Zoom, but it’s not the same. Declan’s good company, but there are times when I really need my best friend.
She squeals when I show her how my bump is growing. I hate that she’s not here and sharing this with me, but at least we can talk via video.
“So, how’s life with the sexy Declan?” Caitlin tilts her head and smiles.
“Amazing.” I sigh.
“I know you. You’re waiting for that bubble to burst, right?”
I hesitate. She’s right. I’m sure I’d be fooling myself if I thought whole thing I have going with Declan would last forever. His past reputation doesn’t support the idea of him sticking around for long—although this is the first time a child’s been involved. “I guess.”
“Whatever happens, I’m here. You know that, right?”
I nod. “I know.”
“So, what are you up to now?”
“Declan’s got a movie premiere tonight. Nothing huge, but I’m going with him.”
Her eyes widen. “Lucky bitch.”
I laugh. “It’s pretty crazy. I only just found out that he has an assistant. He doesn’t do much because Declan does his own thing, but he organised a gown and for my makeup and hair to be done before we go tonight.”
“Exciting!”
“It is. I’m feeling pretty good now—the morning sickness seems to have passed. Until now I’ve been crawling into bed early because I’m so tired. But I’m looking forward to tonight. What are you doing?”
She lets out a big sigh. “Brandon’s at a training camp this weekend, but he’s back on Monday. I hate it when he goes away. Apart from the other players’ wives, I don’t really know anyone here yet.”
“It’ll happen.”
“I miss you .”
“I miss you too.”
“Zoe, are you ready for hair and makeup?” Declan calls from the living room.
“I’ve got to go and become a princess.”
Caitlin laughs. “Have fun. Get loads of photos and send them to me.”
“Will do.” I blow her a kiss and close my laptop .
I’m not used to being fussed over. The only time I’ve ever had my makeup done was when I posed for a headshot for my company website.
By the time I get downstairs, I’m nervous, but Declan greets me with a smile and leads me into the living room.
They’ve taken over my work desk—which I told Declan was the best place to use for this, and set up a mirror against the wall so I can see what’s happening.
“Zoe, this is Tatum and Maxine. They’re here to do your hair and makeup.”
I take a deep breath and sit down before they get to work. Declan takes up a position in a chair so he can watch proceedings.
And when it’s all done, I look at myself in the mirror and smile.
“You look beautiful,” Declan says. “Not that you don’t all the time.”
I laugh. “Thank you for this.”
“I’m enjoying being able to pamper my girl. Go and get your gown on. I’ll be there in a minute to zip you up.”
After placing a kiss on his cheek, I head back up to the bedroom and sigh a little at my gown hanging on the back of the door. As I drop it over my head, the beautiful navy fabric flows over me. It’s perfect. Everything’s perfect.
The click of the door tells me Declan’s arrived, and he plants a kiss on the nape of my neck as he zips me up.
“Give me five and I’ll be ready,” he says.
“I’ll believe it when I see it.” I laugh.
When he reappears minutes later, fiddling with his cufflinks, I catch my breath. Declan O’Leary in grey trackpants is a sight—Declan O’Leary in a tux is devastatingly gorgeous.
“I’m ready when you are,” he says.
“Any time.”
He finishes adjusting his sleeves and holds out an arm for me to take. “Let’s go, beautiful.”
By the time we get to the limo parked outside, I’m trembling, but he’s there with his hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Nervous?” he asks.
I nod.
“I’ll be with you the whole way. There’ll be a few minutes while I have some photos taken, but Nikki will be around, and she’ll be with you if I can’t.”
I draw in a deep breath. I’ve not met Nikki yet, but Declan seems to think I’ll like her. She’s been a part of his life for a long time and he says she’s practically family to him. Given his real family turned their backs on him, I’m glad he has her. Although her presence in his life sparks my interest. If I’m honest, I’m a little jealous. It’s hard not to be when Declan’s lived the life he has. But I’m it for him now—me and our baby.
I have to hold onto that.
When we arrive, Declan gets out first and then turns back, holding his hand out for me to take. Once I’m on the footpath, I smooth down my skirt, thankful that it’s full and hides my baby belly as the photographers’ flashes go off.
I know the media will find out some time that Declan has a child, but I’d like that day to be as late as possible .
My nerves aren’t helped by the fact that despite the fancy hair and makeup, I’m still feeling bloated.
“We just have to get past this first part of the red carpet and then we’ll be out of the spotlight,” he murmurs.
I squeeze his hand. “Where you lead, I follow.”
“I love you.”
I loop my arm through his, and he shepherds me through the throng of photographers, pausing every so often to smile and wave.
“You’re doing well,” he murmurs. “I just have to stop to pose for a few photos and then we’ll be inside.”
I nod.
He leads me toward a tall, blonde woman. She’s gorgeous—probably around the same age as him, and she gives me a tight smile as we approach.
“Nikki. This is Zoe. Zoe, Nikki.” Declan gives my arm a squeeze. “I’m entrusting you to Nikki’s care while I go and get these photos taken.”
“Zoe, you look lovely.” Her smile relaxes as we watch Declan walk back to the red carpet and pose.
“Thank you. So do you.”
She lowers her voice. “That dress covers your pregnancy well. I’m assuming that’s what you were aiming for?”
I nod. “I thought it best.”
“I’m surprised Declan’s decided to support you. I thought ...” When I turn toward her, her cheeks are flushed.
“I gave him an out, you know. Told him he didn’t have to be involved at all. I didn’t need him. He chose to be with me.”
She gives me a tight nod. “I know. He told me. It just came at a time when I was trying to get his career back on track. He needs this, Zoe. He’ll be lost without the movies and these nights out.”
“He’s been perfectly happy for the past few months. I’m sure he’ll tell me if he wants something more.” My jaw tics in annoyance. She’s not being rude—I get that she cares about him in a different way than I do, but the implication that I’m holding him back isn’t lost on me. “I’d never stop Declan if he wanted to keep acting. It’s up to him.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, I didn’t?—”
“He’s not obligated to cancel what he’s doing for me. I don’t even know what the future holds, but …”
“How are my girls doing?” Declan cups my hip and places a kiss on my temple.
“Good.” I smile at him, but his brows rise and I just know we’ll be discussing this later.
“Why don’t we go in?” he says.
He holds my hand the whole way, and all through the movie, squeezing tight when the love scenes appear on the screen. I can’t deny that it’s weird watching him on screen kissing and being in bed with another woman, but I know it’s not real— we’re real.
And when it’s over, he joins Jessie Lane and the director on stage for a few questions before rejoining me and escorting me out a back door.
“Are you tired, or do you want to go for a drink somewhere?” Declan asks.
I raise an eyebrow at him. “A drink?”
“Nothing alcoholic. We just got invited to a private function after this.”
I nod. “I’m fine. What do you mean we ? You mean you.”
He kisses me on the nose. “No, we. It’ll all make sense when we get there.”
“Where is it? I could do with putting my feet up.”
He chuckles. “A little down the street. We can walk if you’re up to it, or we can take the car. It’s just a couple of minutes from here.”
“Lead on, then.”
Holding my hand, he takes me down the road and around the corner to a quiet little bar. He talks to the doorman briefly, and then the door is opened and we walk in.
“I’ve got a surprise for you,” he says.
He steers me across the room until I see someone I definitely recognise.
Jessie Lane clasps her hands together and beams a bright smile at me. “You must be Zoe. I’ve heard nothing about you, but I hope we can change that.”
I laugh.
She loops her arm in mine. “I’ve got people for you to meet. Zoe, this is Josh Carter and his wife, Delaney.”
I say nothing—just stand there and blink. Declan nudges me with his elbow. After living with Declan for all these months, I thought I’d be better at this. But Josh Carter is huge—he’s one of the biggest movie stars on the planet.
“Hi, Zoe.” He holds out his hand, and I slide mine into his to shake it.
“I hear you’re one of us.” His wife claps her hands together.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I croak. “One of us?”
She grins. “I’m from New Zealand too.” Turning, she waves a hand in the air toward a group of people. “Pania, Lana, come and meet Zoe.”
“Your wife seems …” Declan says to Josh, “exuberant.”
Josh chuckles. “But she’s very good at adopting new people and taking them under her wing. I promise Zoe’s in good hands.”
“I have no doubt that she is.” His eyes twinkle with mischief. “Zo, I think we’ve found our people.”
“Once I heard where you were from, I knew I had to introduce you,” Jessie says. “I just came back from New Zealand recently.” Pain shoots across her expression.
“Oh, I think I heard about that. That was where you were …”
“Stabbed.” She nods. “But I’m recovering and that woman is behind bars.” She seems to be trying to force a smile. “I’ve got to go and talk to a few more people, but I’ll leave you in Delaney’s capable hands.”
She takes the arm of a man standing nearby and guides him away from us.
I don’t miss Delaney’s worried look before she shifts her gaze to me and smiles.
“I hear you’re pregnant. Let’s get you off your feet.” Delaney leads me to a booth, and I sink into the large comfortable seat.
“Ohhh, that’s better.”
She sits beside me. “Oh, I remember those days. At least you can sit down when you’re watching the movie at a premiere.”
Pania and Lana slide into the other side of the booth.
“Jessie not joining us?” I ask .
Delaney exchanges a look with Pania that I can’t read.
“I hope she will, but our friendship is very new and pretty fragile. I think she feels more comfortable with Josh and Pania’s other half, Reece.”
“Oh.”
Delaney spots a waitress and waves to get her attention. “Let’s get some drinks and chat. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too. I have to admit this is all a little overwhelming.”
Her smile is so genuine and kind, I really do feel like I’ve landed on my feet here. “I get it. It took me some time to adjust to this life. But I think once you make friends, it’s a lot easier.”
After we order drinks, she leans back in her seat. “Let’s get some gossip in before the boys finish talking shop.”
“Is that what they’re doing?”
She shrugs. “I assume so. That’s the only reason Josh comes to these things. He’d much rather be at home with me and the kids.”
The drinks arrive, and I take a long sip of lemonade.
“So, spill the beans. How did you two get together?” Delaney takes a sip of her drink.
“Well …” My cheeks burn, but these are good people. I’m at ease with them already which has to be a good sign—apart from Caitlin, it’s been tough to click with people here. “We met in Vegas.”
Her eyes widen. “Ooh, we want to do a girls’ weekend there, but haven’t got to it yet.”
“Do it. Just don’t get too drunk like my bestie did. We were supposed to be having fun over two nights, but she went overboard the first night and was out for the count for most of the time. Declan rescued us.”
“Rescued you?” Pania asks.
I nod. “After he helped get her back to the hotel room, we … uhh …. got to know each other.”
“Oh.” She leans back in her chair. “Good for you, girl. He’s gorgeous.”
“So are your men. I feel like I fell into a man-candy store.”
Lana laughs. “Wait until Delaney plays them against each other and they start taking off their shirts to show off.”
I shift my gaze to her. “Does that happen often?”
“Not really, but it’s a sight to behold when it does.” Delaney shoots me a wink and I laugh. “Where are you living? LA?”
I shake my head. “San Francisco. But I’m not sure if we’ll stay there. I’m working out my contract after selling my company, and being pregnant I’m not doing much in the office. Declan and I really need to talk about it. He’s got a huge house here. I wouldn’t complain if we moved.”
She grins. “You should do it. We help each other where we can. I’ve got children, and so has Lana, and we babysit for each other all the time. None of us really have family here, so we made our own village.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I say. “My parents are back in New Zealand, and I do have a bestie, but she’s recently moved to Chicago, so I don’t know if I’ll see her that often.”
Pania frowns. “I’m so sorry. Why did she move?”
“Her husband’s in the NFL. He transferred teams, so she followed.”
“That sucks. I mean, good on them, but it’s hard when your best friend moves away.” Pania shifts her gaze to Delaney.
Delaney snorts. “Look at us. You followed me to LA.”
Pania rolls her eyes. “I followed Reece to LA. You were just the icing on the cake.”
I can’t help but smile at their banter. Lana catches my eye and grins at me.
Music starts up, and I sigh a little at the sight of Josh Carter and Reece Evans walking toward us. Right behind them is Alex Stone, and I sigh a little more as Declan comes into focus. That tux is something else on him, but I can’t wait to get him out of it.
One by one, the women leave the table to dance with their partners.
“Do you want to dance?” Declan asks.
“Would you be upset if I said no? I’m really comfortable here.”
He grins. “No. I’ll join you.”
Sitting beside me, he leans over and places a kiss on my temple.
“So, what do you think?” Declan asks.
“About what?”
He waves his hand around. “This. Them. I feel comfortable here, but if you don’t want?—”
“I love it. They’ve all made me feel at home. I think this is what I’ve needed all along—friends.”
He chuckles. “Don’t let Caitlin hear you say that.”
I shrug. “She knows she’s my best friend. But she’s also newly married and has her own life. There’s no reason why she can’t visit us here and meet everyone. ”
Declan nods slowly before a smile spreads across his lips. “Visit us here? Does that mean we’re staying?”
“What can I say? I’m crazy in love with your house, and I can work from anywhere at this stage.”
He slips his arms around my waist and pulls me as close as possible. “I’m crazy in love with you.”
“And I’m about a hundred months’ pregnant, so make the most of it while I’m feeling emotional.”
Declan roars with laughter before kissing me tenderly. “I can’t wait to hold our baby,” he murmurs.
“You and me both.”