Chapter 8
this is a terrible idea
RILEY
Eyes glued to my reflection, I apply my mascara. This dramatic winged eyeliner is a bit bold for me, but I want to try something different so I can do something different later tonight—starting with my makeup and this backless black sequin minidress.
It definitely has nothing to do with Hayden.
That’s what I keep telling myself. If only I could believe it.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand. When my sister’s name appears, I pick it up and swipe my thumb across the screen. She called earlier, while she and Hudson were shopping, but I knew she would call again.
“Hey.” I sit on the edge of my bed, my eyes drifting to the blue hydrangeas in the vase on my nightstand.
“Hey, Ry.” Piper breaks into a grin then whistles. “You look stunning.”
I toss my hair over my shoulder and wink at her. “Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it. The makeup and the blue highlights make your eyes pop. And I love the lipstick.”
My cheeks heat at the praise. This shade is one of my favorites, a peachy pink color.
Her dark brown eyes sparkle as she tilts her head. “Are you sure it’s just you and Nastya going out tonight?”
“Yup. It’s just a fun night out. I need to let loose a little. Grant will pick us up. It’s all good.”
Piper nods and doesn’t dig for more. I trust her with anything, but I’m so embarrassed about how shitty my dating life has been that I stopped sharing those kinds of details with her a long time ago.
Occasionally, she’ll try to interrogate me, but she’s typically good at giving me space.
She knows I’ll come to her when I’m ready.
“What are you wearing?” she asks. “This makeup calls for something super-hot.”
I stand and set my phone on the nightstand before I twirl around.
“Wow!”
Phone in hand, I wander back to my vanity. “What’s the verdict?”
“Was my reaction not good enough?” She chuckles. “You are enchanting. That dress looks incredible on you. And those shimmery details? I fucking love it. Where are you going? Somewhere fancy?”
“Nope. Just a new club downtown.”
My niece pops into the frame wearing a big smile. She and I may not be related by blood, but Piper loves Story like she’s her own, and I adore her just as much.
“Hey, Ry!” She waves. “Your makeup is fabulous.”
“Aww, thanks for the confidence boost, you two.”
“We’re just stating the obvious.” Story fixes her tight, neat bun.
“You think it’s okay for dancing? And maybe some poor choices?”
“You never make poor choices,” Piper says. Story nods.
An image of Hayden pops into my head. If only they knew what I agreed to.
“Are you heading to rehearsal?” I ask Story.
With a dramatic sigh, she puts her head on Piper’s shoulder. “Yeah. We’re working on Giselle right now. My legs are actually dying.”
Affection and pride fill me. “You’ll survive. You’re built for the stage, baby girl. Any company would be happy to have you.”
“A company would be great…” A pinkish hue creeps onto Story’s cheeks. “But I don’t have much confidence. Maybe I’d believe you if I got accepted into the New York School of Performing Arts.”
Being accepted into a ballet company like the one she’s auditioning for would be great for her career.
Her desire to follow in my footsteps is incredibly cute.
The bond we built when my sister worked as Story’s nanny nine years ago has only grown stronger with each passing year.
The girl lives and breathes ballet. She wants to dance on the biggest stages in the world, and she’s ambitious enough to make her dreams a reality.
She’d never give up like I did.
The moment the thought settles, my body deflates. This is not the fucking time for regrets.
With a deep breath in, I force myself to smile. “I better get going, girls. I don’t want to keep Nastya waiting.”
“Be safe,” my sister says, “and shoot me a text once you’re home.”
“I promise I will.”
Once I hang up, I shake off the sudden bout of negativity then slip into my heels and give my reflection one last look. This look might be my best in a while. Something good is going to happen tonight. I can feel it.
My phone buzzes, and a picture of Hayden with Story and Hudson appears on the screen.
My heart thunders in my chest as my hands go clammy.
This reaction isn’t new, and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it—and that’s exactly why I need to move on.
I need to forget about Hayden, but how can I when our lives are so intertwined?
I take a deep breath and swipe to answer. “Hi.”
“I’m downstairs.” His husky voice in my ear causes goose bumps to erupt all over my body.
“I’ll be there in five.”
“Okay.”
I end the call and look myself over again in the mirror. Piper and Story are right—I look great.
Despite my best efforts, I can’t help but wonder if Hayden will notice.
Hayden is leaning against his Land Rover, dressed in a black tee and ripped black jeans. With his broad shoulders, muscular arms, and tattoos, he reminds me of a bodyguard rather than an A-list celebrity.
My heels click loudly on the pavement as I approach, catching his attention.
He shifts to face me, and his dark green eyes move slowly over my body, lingering on my cleavage and then my legs.
He doesn’t rush his scrutiny, and it brings heat to my cheeks.
I like the way his attention feels. It’s like a gentle caress, but it also sets my skin on fire.
That sensation is snuffed out quickly, because when he snaps his gaze back to my face, his expression is nothing but friendly. No heat, no interest.
My stomach clenches, and a wave of nausea crashes into me. Message received. Even with my bright makeup and this sexy dress, he only sees me as his best friend’s little sister.
Stop it, Riley. You agreed to this to help him. Period.
“Hi.” I smooth my sweaty palms down my dress. “Sorry if I made you wait.”
“That’s okay.” He grins and pushes off the car. “Ready to go?”
“Sure.”
He opens the passenger door for me. I climb in and keep my focus fixed out the windshield as I put my seat belt on.
“Have you been to this place before?” he asks as he eases into the driver’s seat.
“Nastya chose it.” I fiddle with my ring. “She and her husband have been there.”
“Will he be joining us?”
I shake my head. “Tonight was supposed to be a girls’ night.”
He snorts. “Sorry for tagging along. I hope I didn’t ruin your plans.”
“You didn’t. Don’t worry about it.”
“Ry?”
I peer over at him, teeth digging into my bottom lip.
“You look incredible,” he murmurs, his green irises darker than usual. “The guys at the club will be dying for a chance with you.”
“Thanks.” I nod.
He’s just being polite, that’s all.
I entwine my fingers and study the road. With every second that passes on our way to the club, I regret not listening to Nastya. This is a terrible idea.
Nastya is already waiting inside. I expected to have to wait a while to get in, considering the club is new. I should have known better with Hayden Hale at my side.
My best friend is wearing a short green dress, her red hair cascading over her shoulders. The grin she gives me sets my body at ease, like always.
“You made me wait,” she scolds me as I plant a kiss on her cheek. With her hands on my upper arms, she takes a step back and looks me over. “But in this outfit? I can’t even be mad at you. You are so beautiful.”
Her eyes slide to Hayden, and her expression cools.
“Hi.” He nods, stepping in so close, his shoulder brushes mine. “Sorry we’re late.”
“Uh-huh.” She folds her arms over her chest and eyes him up and down. “Are you really going to screen Ry’s dates?”
“Yes.” His lips twitch. “I always keep my promises.”
“What if people recognize you?” She arches a brow.
“This place is packed. No one will pay me any attention.” He shrugs. “And even if they do, I’ll make sure they don’t bother you. It’s on me to deal with unwanted attention.” He places his hand on the small of my exposed back.
A jolt of electricity arcs through me. It’s so strong, I worry it shocked my heart out of rhythm.
As if he could feel it too, he quickly drops his hand. “Ready for drinks? I’ve been told they’re on me.”
I give him a smile. If I want to have fun tonight, I have to stop overthinking everything.
We sit at the table Nastya reserved near the dance floor and order a round of tequila shots. The server returns with them quickly, surreptitiously glancing at Hade. Looks like we have him to thank for the prompt service. Another perk of being famous, I guess.
Nastya holds up her shot glass. “To poor decisions.”
I lift mine as well and amend the toast. “To better judgment.”
Hayden raises his bottle of water and winks at me. “Cheers.”
The pulsing EDM envelops me quickly, the thunderous bass reverberating deliciously through my body, loosening up my muscles.
Nastya grabs my hand. “Come on. Let’s dance.”
“Will you be okay on your own?” I ask Hade as I stand.
He nods. “Go. I’m here to observe. If you need anything, just wave, and I’ll join you.”
Nastya pulls me to the dance floor, and when we’re surrounded by the throng of people, I let my body take over. We lose ourselves in the music. We laugh, we spin, we joke. It feels good to move, to turn off my brain. For several songs in a row, I do nothing but exist.
The first man to approach is dressed in a white shirt and black pants. I turn him down quickly, easily. He reminds me too much of the finance guy.
When we make our way back to the table, my already elevated heart rate increases even more.
Hayden is still here. It surprises me, actually. I figured he’d be bored after a couple of songs. He’s still alone, so maybe the staff has been discreet about his presence. He looks relaxed, but I can’t tell whether it’s genuine or whether he’s putting up a front.
Has he been out since Owen died? Why didn’t I ask? The club atmosphere is probably overwhelming to someone who’s grieving.
“Don’t want to join us?” I ask him while we wait for another round of shots.
“I’m good.” He leans closer so I can hear him over the music. “Though I almost stepped in when the white-collar asshole approached you. Good job sending him packing.”
I snort. “What makes you think he’s an asshole? You didn’t even—”
“You were the third girl he’s approached since we’ve been here. He isn’t looking for anything serious.”
I’m speechless. His words make heat radiate through my chest. He was keeping an eye on me.
“Finally, our shots!” Nastya’s voice brings me back to reality.
Thank God. I need a drink.
I’m not really a lightweight, but within minutes of hitting the dance floor again, the alcohol goes to my head. I blame it on my lack of sleep and the nerves that have plagued me since I agreed to let Hayden come with us.
I keep my pinkie curled around Nastya’s when a man approaches and chats me up.
His name is Andrew, and he seems genuine, unlike the other guys who’ve tried to talk to me tonight. Cute smile, dark blue eyes—a plus, given my history with green-eyed men—and chestnut hair. He’s confident but not pushy, and he’s easy on the eyes. So far, he checks all my boxes.
Andrew makes some joke about racehorses.
It’s silly, and there’s no way I’ll remember it tomorrow, but for now, it feels good to laugh.
Though as I scan the space and my attention catches on our table, my mood plummets.
My overheated body suddenly goes cold, as if I’ve been doused with a bucket of ice water.
Hayden is still at the table, but he’s no longer alone.
The woman sitting beside him has shiny blonde hair, red lipstick, and impressively long legs.
They talk and laugh, clearly at ease with each other—so much so that she’s got a hand on his thigh, and he doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he leans in.
The music hasn’t changed, nor has the crush of bodies around me. Yet, my world has stilled.
I blow out a breath and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, trying to recenter myself.
He suggested screening guys to give me his perspective, but I didn’t agree to screen women for him.
I agreed to his plan with the hope it would distract him from his grief, even though I knew his presence here could cost me.
But it seems looking after me hasn’t been enough of a distraction—though the blonde might be.
Tears prickle the backs of my eyes. My not-so-sober state isn’t helping.
I blink rapidly and focus on Andrew, fighting back the hurt.
I was indeed delusional, like Nastya said. I would’ve said no to even the most perfect of men if it meant Hayden Hale would finally notice me.
That flicker of hope I’ve been holding on to, that I’ve hidden under layers of denial and logic, has officially been extinguished.
He told me he was here for me, that he didn’t want to meet anyone. And yet…here he is.
I give Andrew a sad smile. I don’t want to lead him on, so when he asks for my number, I’ll try to let him down easy. I just don’t want to fall apart in the middle of the club.
What I need is to focus on myself.
And to stop hoping Hade will ever see me as a grown woman.