21. Ashton
ASHTON
“ Y ou look killer in that dress.”
I laugh because Wren is over-embellishing the truth.
I look mediocre at best in the yellow sundress and flat sandals she’s letting me borrow for the dog birthday party at the Rhodes mansion tonight.
Nothing I wore would look “killer” with a bandaged ankle, but I appreciate her moral support.
I could use every bit I can get if I’m to survive this party.
“Thank you.”
She stands behind me as I peer at myself in the full-length mirror in her enormous master bathroom. It’s a pampered girl’s dream with an oversized clawfoot tub, a dual-faucet shower, a huge, illuminated vanity, and, of course, a massive walk-in closet the size of my entire apartment.
Wren clasps each of my shoulders and squeals. “Griffin’s gonna die when he sees you in this.”
I don’t know about that, but I wouldn’t mind if he found me more attractive than usual.
The extra vote of confidence would certainly be nice while he’s off pretending with Scarlet tonight.
The thought of having to see them interacting—especially after our wonderful day together yesterday—has my anxiety amped up.
My attraction to him has grown exponentially just in the last twenty-four hours since he revealed the truth about their relationship.
Even he’s become more openly flirtatious—in front of Wren and Luke no less.
It has me even more nervous about tonight.
I’m not an actress. Can I really put aside my growing feelings and pretend like their closeness doesn’t affect me?
Will I be able to trust that he’s merely pretending with Scarlet?
Here, in his home, we’re like a real couple. I’m not sure I’m ready or willing to share him—fake relationship or not.
After disclosing my depressing news about my apartment yesterday, he helped me arrange a moving company to pack up all my belongings and have them delivered to a storage facility. I specified a few items I couldn’t live without, and they were delivered later that afternoon.
Because my ankle was still healing, he insisted we spend the day at home relaxing.
He pampered me more than if I’d stayed at a five-star resort.
He delivered all my meals on a tray, cooked mostly by Luke—seeing as Griffin burnt the toast he made me that morning.
We spent the majority of the day outside lounging by the pool.
The cool water felt nice on my swollen ankle.
The dogs loved it and had a blast chasing each other all over the yard. Later in the evening, Griffin invited Wren over and she brought Churro. It was adorable watching all five of them play together given their varying sizes.
Wren graciously offered for me to stay with her. While I was hesitant, given we’re virtually strangers, she was so insistent that it’d be no imposition and that it’d be nice to have the company, I couldn’t say no.
I stayed at Wren’s last night. It was really nice, but a small part of me wished for Griffin’s presence next to me in bed…
despite how inappropriate that would be, given he has a girlfriend—no matter how fake their relationship is.
Because the more time we spent together yesterday, the more it truly feels like we’re in a relationship.
Griffin felt like my boyfriend. My cheeks heat just thinking about him and the odds we might kiss sooner than later.
Wren rushes around to face me. “What are you thinking about? You’re blushing like a schoolgirl.
You better dish the deets right now!” She guides me to the vanity and onto the large ottoman.
We sit side by side. “I saw the way Griffin was making eyes at you earlier today. Is that what this face is about?”
A giggle surfaces.
I’m unaccustomed to this girlfriend-dishing business.
Even in high school, I only had a handful of friends, and most were just classmates.
I never really brought anyone to my house—too embarrassed for anyone to see how my real life was when the cameras weren’t rolling, basically being forgotten.
That, and I didn’t know who to trust. Too many people throughout my teens sought my friendship only for the fame that came with it.
“Nothing. It’s nothing.”
She leans back, eyebrows raised. “That’s it? That’s all I get? Come on, girl, you can trust me.” She bumps my shoulder with hers. “There’s something going on between you two, isn’t there?”
My lips upturn, my cheeks burning hotter. “Maybe. I don’t know.” I groan and cover my face with my hands, careful not to ruin Wren’s meticulous makeup job.
“Maybe? I’ll take that!”
“But what about Scarlet?” I speak through my fingers, too embarrassed to face her. I’m not sure if she’s one of the few who knows about Griffin’s contracted relationship with her, and I don’t want to break Griffin’s trust.
She waves her hand and stands. “Oh please, even I can tell that’s a publicity stunt.”
I pop my head up, uncovering my face. “Really?”
She goes to the counter, packing away her makeup in their neat and orderly compartments. “Of course. Anyone who knows them personally can tell there’s no genuine chemistry between the two of them. Unlike you guys,” she singsongs.
I bite my lower lip to prevent smiling too wide, unsure if I should encourage her assumption or not.
She leans toward the mirror, fixing some eyelashes with her eyelash comb. “Their show will air soon, and their relationship will fizzle out. You’ll see.” She turns, her hip resting against the counter. “This’ll be a big night for you.”
“I know. There’s a ninety percent chance I’ll throw up before the night’s over.”
“Oh, nonsense. You’ll be fine!”
If only she really knew what a recluse I’ve become in the last five years and how uncomfortable being around people in general makes me. The fame only adds another layer of complication.
“Think of all the connections you’ll make for your rescue. Tonight can push you closer to opening those doors. Just don’t be afraid to talk to people about it.”
Is she a mind reader?
I laugh. “Yeah, easy for you to say.”
She clasps a makeup case closed and slips it into a drawer. “Griffin told me you guys set up a new social media account. That’ll be the perfect plug for you.”
“I hope so.”
Panic creeps in, making my palms sweat. Anxiety churns in my stomach.
We set up the account under my blog title, The Furry Godmother , to help preserve my anonymity.
But I know all too well how easily someone’s privacy can be invaded.
The thought of people knowing who I am makes my brow bead with sweat.
We posted my first clip today of me giving basic commands to Teddy.
It barely made a blip in interactions. Truth be told, I’m relieved.
“I’ll keep an eye out and introduce you to anyone I know. Trust me, we’ll have that rescue of yours fully funded by the end of the night—just you watch.”
My heart thrums to an upbeat rhythm, nervousness crawling up my throat. I’m not exactly the best at people-ing…and asking for money? Gross. The idea appalls me. But after multiple grant rejections, this is the next best option. I look down, intertwining my fingers.
Wren bends in front of me as she puts on a final touch of makeup.
I study the dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks, her pale skin making her green eyes pop.
“You’re gonna do great, I just know it! You’ll have Griffin or me by your side the whole time.”
I inhale a deep breath, trying to steady my heart and absorb some of Wren’s confidence. “Okay.”
“Now, let’s march you next door like the boss babe you are.”
Everyone needs a cheerleader in their life. I’m grateful to have a new one.
I wobble over to Griffin’s driveway with only a small limp. If I walk slowly enough, no one will even notice my off-kilter gate, except for the glaring black wrap I have around my ankle.
Griffin’s back is resting against his Audi parked in the driveway, so similar to the day he came back to the shelter and asked to keep Roxy.
His head is bent, looking at his phone. He’s wearing a navy button-up with the sleeves rolled up his forearms. And oh my does he look delicious.
My mouth waters at the sight. Cue the Sixteen Candles montage with Jake Ryan leaning against his sports car—but ten times sexier.
At the soft clip of my sandals, he looks up.
Time slows.
My surroundings blur.
His gaze is languid as he studies me. His mouth opens and then closes. His Adam’s apple bobs a couple of times before he says, “You look…gorgeous.”
I smile but look away, shying from the intensity of his stare. “Thank you. It’s the hair and the makeup. Wren did an amazing job.”
He takes a step toward me. His voice is quiet. “It’s not the hair”—another step—“or the makeup.” Another step, and his hands are on either side of my waist. “It’s just you .”
“Doesn’t she just look fabulous?”
I jolt at Wren’s shout.
I swivel to see her standing on her porch waving like a proud mom about to send her daughter off to prom with a, “ Toodles, you two kids have fun !”
I chuckle, my hands tingling with nerves, my face hot with the embarrassment of having an audience.
“I’ll see you guys over there, okay? I’ll be fashionably late. You know, got to make an entrance and all that.”
Griffin’s eyes never leave mine. He just waves her goodbye.
I hear Wren’s front door shut, and then it’s just the two of us, illuminated by his soft garage lights and the nearly set sun. The intensity of Griffin’s gaze takes my breath away. His hands glide around to the back of my waist, his arms encasing me, his face inches from mine.
“You look perfect. Doesn’t matter what you wear or how you do your makeup.” He places a chaste kiss on my cheek. “You ready?”
“No.”
My body is abuzz like an overloaded electric socket.
His eyes crinkle, his dimple on display. “It’s going to be good, but if you’d rather, we can just stay here. Maybe watch another movie? This time, we can actually sit on the couch together. Assuming Teddy will share you?”
He’s cute, and the picture he paints is perfect, but…
“As much as I would love to say yes, I think we both need to go tonight.” I don’t want to be the girl that held him back from his career goals. Even if the idea of seeing him with a date—a pretend date—makes me nauseated.
He groans and closes his eyes. “You’re right. Tonight will be a great opportunity for the rescue.” He weaves his fingers through mine. His chest bumps into mine. He leans in, his rough jaw rubbing my cheek as he whispers, “Though, I’d much rather be at home with you.”
His soft words make goosebumps erupt along my skin. My mind goes hazy. Why, exactly, is tonight such an important night again?
Luke shouts from the front porch, “You guys ready for the dogs?”
I jump back from Griffin.
His eyes sparkle with humor and delight. “Sure, I’ll be right in to grab them.”
I left Teddy and the fosters at Griffin’s house while I got ready with Wren. Figured Teddy would help run the energy out of them before we left. Though I’m staying with Wren, Griffin agreed to keep the pups at his house.
Griffin holds out his arm. “My lady, your chariot awaits.” He opens my door and helps me in but pauses before closing it. He rests one hand on top of the roof and the other on the door, staring at me. “Gosh, you’re beautiful. Thank you for coming with me.”
“Of course,” my voice squeaks.
He closes the car door and jogs inside to get the dogs.
Meanwhile, I pray I’ll survive the night.