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And here was Katie, willing to suffer Wendy’s nastiness if it was merely about her but not about me.
I started to fall for Katie Evans right then and there.
But as we started walking again, I tried to keep my hopes to a minimum. Katie had no idea what we were about to face inside. I knew she could handle whatever they threw at her, but maybe she didn’t want to face it constantly. And she would have to, if she agreed to be mine.
I’d just have to protect her like she said she’d protect me. If anyone tried to harm or humiliate Katie, they’d have to deal with me. Not just tonight, but in the future, too.
And soon we walked into the lion’s den, together, ready to face what came next.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Katie
Me: Okay, here’s a picture for you all.
Emmy: OMG, you look gorgeous!
Amber: Soooo pretty! I wish I could get my hair like that.
Abby: That dress. Maybe I should ask Nolan for a princess dress for my next birthday.
Emmy: And where would you wear it, hmm?
Abby: Let’s focus on Katie.
Me: Don’t worry, I know I look fabulous. Nolan hired movie professionals to do my hair and makeup. And damn, I have to admit I like being spoiled a little.
Abby: You’re going to rock the party, Katie. Just remember: Nolan picked you. Which makes you more special than any of them.
Amber: Um, I’m not sure that logic is sound. People are special in different ways.
Abby: It’s not about logic. Katie is better than the rest of them.
Emmy: You do realize the person holding the party was our client? I like Zara.
Abby: Yeah, yeah. Zara’s cool. Still, Katie is far better.
Me: Well, time to go. Wish me luck! It’s been a while since I wore heels, and I hope I don’t trip.
Amber: Good luck! You’ll be fine. And don’t worry, I know Nolan will be there to catch you if you fall.
The entire walk down the red carpet, my heart pounded so loud I expected every reporter to remark on it.
Except they didn’t, and I managed to stumble through every question and sound confident, which was the important part.
By the time we reached the entrance, I sighed and leaned a little into Nolan.
He squeezed my arm in his and whispered, “You did a great job, baby. Amazing, in fact.”
“All those years of putting on a smile for my tours, no matter if I had to deal with assholes or not, paid off.”
He kept his voice low. “Ready for the next round?”
“Is this a boxing match?”
“In a way, yes. But I put my money on you to win.”
It was a simple, throwaway comment. And yet, it invigorated me with extra energy.
