Growing up a Dupree, I’d spent my entire life being a supporting character. But knowing I had the power to makeherforget how to breathe felt like the world had finally tilted in my favor.
“Griffin,” a hairstylist said behind me. I turned to face her. She shielded my forehead, aiming a can of hairspray. She’dalready emptied an entire can into my hair, but I let her do her thing.
When I turned back, Juliette was gone. I was equal parts disappointed and relieved. My head and my heart were locked in a brutal standoff. My heart wanted to follow her around like a puppy dog and try to reproduce that blush. But I restrained myself. In less than an hour, I’d be leaving here, and I’d probably never see her again.
Two minutes before go time, I walked to the edge of the room, out of everyone’s way, and said a quick prayer, literally, asking not to embarrass myself and to do Declan a solid here. He’d poured his whole heart and a hefty chunk of savings into this line.
When I opened my eyes, Juliette was standing in front of me, her outfit complete with silver heels. Her hair was slicked back into an updo, and her right cheek had been bedazzled with rhinestones. With silvery-pink eyeshadow and matching lipstick, she was even more stunning than usual. Good grief.
She studied me, head angled to one side. “Were you praying?”
“Yes.” I cleared my throat. “I always say a quick prayer before I do any modeling work.” I let out a nervous chuckle. “Any work, really. I need all the help I can get.”
“Places,” Declan whispered, waving us over. He crossed his fingers and then crossed himself. “Please don’t let anyone stumble.”
Twenty minutes later, the show was over, and Juliette and I were back in the dressing room gathering our things. The clothing line had been a hit, and now I was free to go home, explore the Strip, or get an In-N-Out burger. Whatever my heart desired. But I had other plans. This was what I’d been waiting for since the day I agreed to come.
I changed out of the suit and hung it back up. Then Ipulled on a pair of shorts and grabbed my bag. My chest ached as I glanced over to give Juliette one last look.
She was still in her dress, watching me. “Are you in a hurry?”
I nodded once. “I’ve got a three-hour drive to Zion National Park.” I thought maybe she’d show some disappointment that I was leaving. I knew I was.
Instead, her face lit up. “Are you hiking the Narrows?”
“Yes.” I smiled. “This afternoon. I’ve never done it.”
She bounced on her toes. “Would you mind if I came along?”
What…?
Who…?
How…?
I blinked, my brain completely blanking. “Uh…”
She held her hands up. “I just… I’ve always wanted to go.” There was a wistfulness in her expression. Which was weird. I knew for a fact she’d grown up here. If she’d always wanted to go, why hadn’t she? “Don’t worry. No hookups,” she teased, punching me playfully in the arm. “It would just be as friends.”
Fantastic. She just friend-zoned me.
The thought of having my heart destroyed over another woman was exhausting. Which was exactly what would happen if I let her come along. The more I was around her, the harder I’d fall.
“Please?” she asked, her hands pressed together in a prayer pose.
I laced my fingers behind my head, paralyzed between want and self-preservation.
Declan caught my eye and mouthed,Let her come.
I couldn’t deny it would be more fun to experience the Narrows with someone else.
Originally, Boone was supposed to be my plus-one, buthe’d come down with the stomach flu and had to stay back in Phoenix. I’d made the mistake of telling my mom I planned to hike alone. She’d called me multiple times to express her concern. “You could fall off a cliff or get lost and run out of water. Or what if there’s a serial killer at the campground? You know all the weirdos like to hang out at national parks.” She didn’t appreciate it when I suggested she stop watching so much NCIS and Criminal Minds.
I’d like to say telling her Juliette would be with me might ease her concerns, but I was positive that once she saw her, they’d only increase.
But Juliette was too hopeful, and I was too much of a sucker to say no.
I blew out my breath, knowing my next words might cost everything I had left. “Sure. That could be fun.”
