Page 108

But then I see her.

Across the dance floor, leaning casually against the edge of the bar, champagne flute in hand. Pale champagne gown, sleek twist of blonde hair, eyes locked on us with cool, unblinking interest.Selena.

My stomach twists. She doesn’t look angry. Or hurt. She looks entertained.

And for one dizzying second, I wonder. Did he know she was watching? Was this for her?

West follows my gaze, his jaw tightening when he spots her. Then his hand presses harder into the small of my back, forcing my attention to his dark eyes.

“Eyes on me,” he murmurs, low and rough, a command more than a request.

And even though my pulse is racing, I let him draw me back in. He kisses me again. Softer, reassuring.

And I let myself believe that tonight is about us, nothing else.

thirty

EDEN

The next few hours are a blur of dancing, champagne, and West’s hand never once leaving my body. He introduces me to producers, directors, and a handful of stars I’ve only ever seen on a screen.

It’s close to ten-thirty when Bennett weaves back through the crowd toward us, his cheeks flushed and his grin wide. “You’ll never believe it,” he says, breathless. “I just had a tequila shot with Emma Stone. She told me I have great eyebrows. And Robert De Niro –Robert freaking De Niro– gave me dating advice. He said, and I quote, ‘Don’t be an asshole.’”

West squeezes my hand like he’s trying not to laugh.

A waiter passes and Bennett grabs a champagne flute from him. I have no idea how much he’s drunk, but the pinkness of his face makes me think he might be at the top end of double digits.

“Should we try to sober our boy up?” I murmur to West.

He takes the champagne from Bennett. “Come on, let’s introduce you to some money men.” He lifts his brow then murmurs to me, “This should send him to sleep.”

I know what he’s doing. Playing it down, when underneath he’s desperate to pull Bennett away from his uncle’s shadow. It’s that mix of tenderness and control that makes my chest ache.

So I let him slip into boss mode and step back, leaving the two of them to it. The ballroom is hot, my head light from champagne, and my nerves are still humming from all the dancing. I need a moment to breathe.

The marble floor is hard under my heels as I weave through the crowd, slipping past clusters of men in tuxedos and women dripping in diamonds. But before I can make it to the bathroom I bump into Victoria Markham.

“Eden!” Her voice cuts through the buzz, bright and commanding. “Come with me, there’s someone I’d love for you to meet.”

Before I can tell her I need to use the bathroom, she’s steering me toward the bar, her hand warm on my arm. And that’s when I see her.

Selena looks me over, slow and deliberate, like she’s trying to find fault. “We’ve already met.” She extends a perfectly manicured hand and I take it.

“Selena and West used to date,” Victoria adds breezily, sipping her champagne. “I figured you two could compare notes.”

My stomach jolts, but I force a smile. “I don’t think West comes with a manual,” I say lightly, even though Victoria’s words hit me right in the chest.

Selena’s lips curve, but her eyes never soften. “Oh, he does. You’ll learn.”

“Ms. Markham, there’s a problem in the kitchen,” a man murmurs, leaning close to Victoria. “We need you.”

“Shit.” Victoria wrinkles her nose. “Seriously?Now?”

“It’s only a small leak.”

Victoria sighs, handing off her glass. “Fine. Try to be good girls while I’m gone.”

She sweeps away, and the air between Selena and me sharpens.