But also taller than Juliet, curvier than she was, obviously far less complicated. Kerrington was the definition of Hollywood royalty; the Kostas had been famous for multiple generations. Directors, producers, actors – there wasn’t a corner of the film industry they didn’t have their fingers in. Kerrington didn’t have to be fearful of someone squashing her career for coming out, not with the Kosta name.
Kerrington was also a very talented actress, which was salt in the wound.
She then introduced herself to Robbie, who excitedly returned the handshake.
“Dad, if you don’t mind excusing us, I was just about to bring Darcy over to introduce her to Avery, before she leaves. You know she’s not long for an after party.” Kerrington lifted her eyebrows, politely waiting for her father to bring up anything else.
He waved both of his hands at them. “Go, go. I just wanted to tell you – again – how thrilled I am with the song, that was it.”
“Well, again, thank you,” Darcy returned, her smile so genuine.
Kerrington started to turn, clearly ready to lead Darcy away from Juliet – fromthe grouponce more before she paused and looked between Juliet and Robbie. “Would you two like to come?”
“No. Thanks.” Juliet’s voice was sharp and she could feel that her smile was, too.
Would she like to accompanyKerringtonand Darcy over to meetAvery Wilder, lesbian actress?
She’d have to tear her hair out. Or someone’s hair. Who knew whose it would be? It wouldn’t be Darcy’s gorgeous golden locks, and that was about all she could promise.
She was this close to snapping already, when faced only with one of them. If she had to watch both of these women look at Darcy, in her open-backed, thigh high slit black dress that highlighted her cleavage…
Pointedly, Juliet turned to look at Robbie. “I need another glass of champagne.”
Two hours later,Juliet was pacing in her foyer.
This was not how she’d expected tonight to go.
She’d been looking forward to this premiere for weeks. Looking forward to being with Darcy, to hearing that emotional, heartrending song they’d written and performed together play for the audience in a movie that was sure to be an Academy Award nominee.
She’d been looking forward to taking Darcy back home, feeling Darcy’s mouth and hands all over her. Feeling the way the desire surged between them until both of them completely burned out, collapsing together.
She’d been looking forward to having Darcy back here, in her house, in her bed. Being with her while Darcy was touring, in the hotel beds, wasn’t the same as having herhere.
It was symmetry in the purest form, she supposed, as she paced, wondering when Darcy would arrive.Ifshe would arrive, the same way she’d done the first night they’d slept together.
Her heart leapt to her throat when the door opened and Darcy walked in.
Her heels were in her hand, and Juliet… loved that.
Darcy came to an abrupt halt when she realized Juliet was obviously standing right there. “How long have you been standing there? Were you waiting for me?”
Shewantedto give Darcy a flippant denial. “Yes,” she shot back, instead, unable to lie. “And I’ve been waiting here since I got home twenty minutes ago.”
Darcy lowered her heels to the floor, lifting a sharp eyebrow up at her. “Why?”
“Why?” She repeated back to her, irate. What a ridiculous question. “I guess because I didn’t even know if you were coming here.”
Darcy’s green eyes glittered back at her, narrowing. And there it was, the same agitation she’d had earlier. Apparently, she’d been able to put it aside for the premiere, but it was still there.
Juliet almost celebrated seeing it, glad she and Darcy were now matching one another’s energy.
“Our plan tonight was for me to come here. Why wouldn’t I?” Darcy asked, angling her jaw defiantly. “I always do what I say I will.”
Juliet worked her jaw back and forth, the heat pulsing through her. The raw, unfiltered jealousy, something she’d never felt before. Not like this.
“Did youwantto come back here tonight?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Darcy snapped, tossing her hands into the air. “I’m not the one who changed the plan tonight, Juliet.”
