CHAPTER TWENTY
TIFFANY
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I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I don’t want to stay home alone. It’s becoming a bit of a phobia, which pisses me off. Once Sadie leaves for the day, I start getting restless, then a few hours later, Noah heads off.
Tonight, five days since the awards evening and the thief broke into my home a second time, Noah catches me hovering as he grabs his backpack.
“Why don’t you come out with us? It’s no big deal; some of the boys are just heading to a bar for a few drinks,” Noah offers. “If you change your mind, I’ll take you home.”
“You sure?”
“Deadly. If I walk into the bar with you, I’ll be the envy of all my teammates and be untouchable until at least Thanksgiving.”
I chuckle, appreciating his lightheartedness.
There’s a grounded nature to Noah that makes him feel like a friend you can rely on. He was a commander in the US Army for almost fifteen years and has entertained me with some funny stories.
I think he knows I’ve been struggling.
Why he’s single, I don’t know. He’s a very big and very good-looking man. Yet, it appears Jayden has my heart. There are zero sparks between me and Noah.
He waits for me to get changed into a pair of blue jeans and a black cropped top, then I add a fitted blazer and heels.
I run downstairs and climb into his waiting car.
Pulling the sun visor down as we hit the road, Noah shoots me a glance. “Have you talked to Jay?”
I shake my head. “No.”
I’d rather not justify spending the night with his teammate. I also don’t want to say it’s no big deal. It is. I miss Jayden like crazy. I’m worried about him, but also angry.
What if he’s there tonight?
“Are you sure it’s not weird that I’m tagging along?”
Noah laughs. “Oh, it’s weird, but trust me, the guys are going to lose their minds to have a drink with Tiffany Stallone.”
Usually that would annoy me, but all the BHS guys I’ve met so far have been cool. They don’t seem to be fazed by who I am or star struck over my dad. I think Noah is just trying to make me feel better.
Jayden hasn’t answered any of my messages—only three—and it does hurt that he doesn’t care. Not even enough to reply and ask how I am.
I trust you.
You shouldn’t.
Josh Black rang on Monday to say that Noah would be taking over and gave no explanation. Normally, I guess I wouldn’t care. Everyone knows he spent the night, so it was embarrassing, but I asked anyway.
“Can I ask why?”
There was silence for a long moment, an awkwardly long moment, and then he finally replied. “Jayden is moving into a different division.”
Oh.
I was pleased to hear he hadn’t lost his job, unless that was a standard response which actually meant they’d fired him.
I got the feeling Noah might say if he had.
Speaking of, Sadie has a crush on the commander. I mean, he’s tall, burly, and has shoulders that can only be described as a wall, so I don’t blame her.
After all, I fell for my sniper.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
I miss those deep-thinking eyes roaming my body, the way he made me quiver just walking into a room.
“Don’t worry, they’ll behave. And you’ll be safe with us boneheads,” Noah says, and we park.
Noah introduces me to everyone, including a handful of girlfriends and wives. Thankfully, Jayden isn’t there.
“Oh, my God.” A pretty blonde who looked vaguely familiar pushes her way through the group. “I’m so excited to meet you. I’m Jessie.”
“Hi,” I shake her hand, trying to piece together why I recognized her.
Then it hit me.
She’s Jayden’s sister.
Suddenly, I felt uncomfortable.
“Sorry to hear what’s happened,” Jessie said.
I’m unsure whether she’s referring to her brother ghosting me, the break-in, him changing jobs or me losing my diamonds.
It’s all pretty shit.
I smile as I shrug. “It’s part of being a public figure. Noah is doing a good job.” I lift my wine. “Including entertainment.”
I’m desperately hoping she won’t ask me about Jayden. That she doesn’t know anything. And I feel suddenly stupid being here, as if I don’t have my own friends to go out with and have to tag along with my bodyguard.
It is weird.
I should’ve stayed home.
Maybe I should fly over to London to see Rebecca after the launch. Some girl-time away from all of this craziness would benefit me. To stop thinking about Jayden and the week we shared.
The night we shared.
“These boys are good at both, so welcome to the group.” Jessie grins. “Hey, Trina, come meet Tiffany.”
“Oh, hi! Marshall told me BHS is doing your security. He’s a fan of your dad. They all are,” Trina shakes her head. “Never seen one of his movies myself. Sorry...but also not sorry.”
I chuckle.
Her honesty is so refreshing.
“Girl, how crazy they broke in twice. I’m sorry.” She adds.
“Jay was there, right?” Jessie asks.
I nod.
Please do not ask anything else.
A couple more of the women come over and ask about my shoes. They’re vintage Louboutin and should not be on my feet tonight, but as they’re my favorites and I needed cheering up, I pulled them out of their box and velvet bag.
Glancing over my shoulder, I note that Noah has his eye on me. He winks and I figure he’s letting me know they’re fine and not crazy fans.
I’d already figured that out, but I appreciate the support.
“So did Jayden behave himself while he was helping out?” Jessie asks.
No, and I loved every minute of it.
Until he fucked me and then ghosted me.
“Yes, he was very professional—”
“Liar.”
I hear his rough voice behind me and turn.
“Jayden.”
“What are you doing here, princess?”
A blast of emotion rushes through me.
Happiness.
Lust.
Then shame plows through me. My God, what am I doing here? These are his friends, and when a guy ghosts you, you don’t go to a bar with his pals and expect him to not feel stalked.
God, I’m an idiot.
But he can go to hell asking me that. I mean, his first question after what I’ve been through, and his cold departure, is to ask why I’m at this bar instead of how are you?
“Having a drink with Noah.” I stiffen my chin.
“I invited her.” Noah slaps Jayden on the back. “Beer?”
“No,” Jayden’s gaze remains locked with mine. “I’m not staying.”
Oh my god.
What a jerk!
I swallow and force myself not to look away.
He’s angry, but that does nothing to hide the intense passion mixed in those steel globes. But like the stubborn alpha he is, Jayden would rather die than admit how he feels.
A woman knows.
I don’t know why he can’t tell me he has feelings. Does he think I wouldn’t be interested in him because of his job? Because he’s not some rich, famous guy?
If that was who I am, would I be standing in this bar with his friends and sister having a glass of wine?
He hasn’t even given me a chance.
I thought it was about his job...I was wrong.
It’s time I faced the truth. This isn’t about anything except the fact Jayden Rogers wanted to fuck me and then walk away.
“You shouldn’t be here, princess.”
“Who wants shots?” someone calls out, and while I stare back at my former bodyguard, I reply. “Make mine a tequila. And this round’s on me.”
Jayden’s eye twitches.
He glances over at his sister, then back at me.
Then turns and walks away.
I want to burst into tears, but I can’t and I won’t.