AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I shrugged. “It helps the whole engaged image.”
“I guess…” Tyson said, though I knew he was judging my decision.
“Once this is over, whatever’s happening between Lena and me will have to be over too.” I ignored the way Tyson’s lips dropped into a disapproving frown.
“You know it’s never that easy.”
“Yeah, well, we don’t like each other. It won’t be all that hard.”
“I don’t know why you keep saying—” Tyson never got a chance to finish as Maeve and Lena appeared at the top of the staircase in his house. My eyes immediately went to Lena, who wore a tight-fitted black gown, cut out at the sides. It was not what I’d expected the team to put her in…
But I loved the edgy look.
Her hair was swept to the side in waves, cascading over her shoulder, and no offense to anyone else, but no one held a candle to just how fucking gorgeous she looked…
And I’m not sure anyone could compare even on a normal day, anyway.
“How do I look?” Maeve asked Tyson as she stuck her arms out, posing for him in her red gown.
Tyson grinned, running up the steps to take her hand. “The most beautiful girl in the world.”
Lena’s eyes hesitantly met mine and the moment had me charging up the stairs like Tyson, not stopping until I was there beside her, offering my arm.
“I might fall on my face in these heels,” she mumbled, threading her freshly manicured hand around my forearm.
“It’s a good thing I’ll be here to catch you then. I’d hate for the most beautiful woman to fall and injure herself.” I wasn’t sure why I let the words slip out, but the look on her face was worth it, a deep red blush building beneath the makeup.
“Where’s Aaron and Nel?” Tyson called up to me—like I had the answer.
“I don’t know. They’re supposed to be here anytime.” I made my way slowly down the stairs, taking my time so that Lena really didn’t trip in the heels they had her in. I was pretty sure she could walk just fine, but seriously, I didn’t want her to fall. The media ate that kind of clumsy moment up—and their scrutiny always led to memes and stupid videos.
That was fine for me.
But not for Lena.
I would protect her from that.
“You just have to smile.”
“But there are so many cameras,” Lena whispered just as the limo door opened. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“You can,” I reassured her, motioning for Nel and Aaron to go first. They didn’t have dates, and usually I was a part of that group…but not anymore.
“You’ve got this,” Maeve added, placing her hand on Lena’s. “This is only my second time to do this, but they’re not out to take horrible pictures tonight. I promise. It’s going to be fun. Just soak it in—and like Jackson said, smile.”
“Okay, okay.” She took a deep breath, her eyes focused on all the flashing lights just outside the limo.
“Let’s just go right behind them.” I grabbed her hand, guiding her out of the car.
“I haven’t even had a chance to check my makeup or hair,” Lena said in a low voice, her expression panicky.
“You look gorgeous as always,” I reassured her as I gave the crowd a wave. “You have nothing to be worried about.” I squeezed her hand, looking back at Lena. “You got this.”
She nodded, clinging to my hand as we made our way down the red carpet. People were shouting things at us, asking questions and making comments—mostly about what we were wearing. However, I didn’t respond to any of them, and neither did Lena. She knew to follow my lead. I led her to where Maeve and Tyson had just posed for their shots, and then I stopped us, pulling her into me.
“Let’s give them some good shots,” I whispered in her ear.
“You two are so sweet!” someone shouted from behind the cameras. “We love this!”
