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She had to reach for the side so she wouldn’t sink. Their gazes held, and all the longing she felt for him was reflected in his eyes.
He tilted his chin up, whirled, and strode away. Macey watched until he disappeared. Then she blinked against the tears racing down her face. Ray was shutting her out.
She’d succeeded at the press conference yesterday because of his steady, comforting warmth. How was she going to get through tonight’s interview? How would she get through the rest of her life without him?
* * *
Macey was waiting at ten minutes to nine, dressed in a beautiful fitted floral dress, her hair and makeup looking as good as she knew how to make it look, and praying desperately for help. She had to pretend to be in love with Tristan. Was it wrong to pretend he was Ray in her mind? That was the best idea she’d come up with at this point.
She was a professional. This was just a job. Heaven above would strengthen her and give her the right words and help her not to let her gaze stray to Ray.
A knock came at the door, and all her pretty speeches seemed trite.
Please help, was all she could get out.
“Brave, bold, and beautiful,” she muttered as she walked to the door.
Pulling it open, she knew this was her first test. She almost faltered when her gaze met Ray’s. He was devastatingly handsome in a gray suit and blue plaid tie. His eyes were full, full of her, but he quickly looked away when she met his gaze. That actually helped her not to throw herself at him. Prayer helped too.
She forced herself to focus on Tristan and smile radiantly. He was in a navy-blue suit and yellow floral tie. He was probably just as handsome as Ray. They were identical twins, after all.
“Is your cheek swollen?” she asked Tristan.
“You should see the other guy.” He laughed and exchanged a look with Ray. His blue eyes looked more serious and troubled than she’d ever seen them. “Are you ready to wow the media again?”
“Of course. Interviews. Pshaw. Easy for a computer geek from Ohio.” She winked and laughed. Her laugh was unsteady, her voice was unsteady, her hands were unsteady.
“A brave, bold, and beautiful computer genius from Ohio,” Ray corrected her.
Her hands stopped trembling as she met his gaze. Even if he couldn’t hold her hand, Ray could steady her. “Thank you.”
His gaze was still tortured, but knowing that he cared meant the world to her. The fact that he was so honorable and wouldn’t act on his yearning for her made her fall even harder for him.
“Let’s do this,” Tristan said, offering his arm. She tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and the three of them walked down the hall, Ray on Tristan’s other side. That was probably for the best, but she liked him close. She prayed harder.
“We thought we’d wow them with the library,” Tristan said. “Take their minds off some of their intrusive questions with an incredible setting. Hopefully.”
“Sounds great.”
They hurried down the steps and then down the hallway to the spacious, gorgeous library. Macey hadn’t had any free time besides her spa time earlier tonight, and that hadn’t been relaxing or fun like she’d hoped. She’d swam until her lungs hurt and her arms trembled.
Maybe after the interview she’d explore the library and find herself a book to escape into. She had numerous medieval romances loaded on her kindle, but they would probably remind her of the handsome prince she couldn’t have. A print book on seventeenth century politics or farming tools used in ancient Egypt might be a better fit.
Unfortunately, the sun had set outside so they couldn’t take advantage of the view. A man stood by an obviously high-dollar camera pointed at a leather sofa. The lighting was cozy and the background was a towering display of antique books and a gorgeous wood and granite fireplace.
“This is James. He’s our videography and photography expert,” Tristan said.
“Nice to meet you,” Macey said.
“You as well.” He smiled kindly and gestured. “Sixty seconds to showtime.”
Tristan guided Macey to the couch. They cuddled onto one cushion while Ray sat next to Tristan and relaxed back with his leg crossed over his knee. He looked like a male model and a military tough guy combined. Like heaven. And Macey needed to stop looking at him.
“I’m so sorry about all of this, but we have to play the part,” Tristan whispered against her cheek, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and clasping her other hand in his.
“I know.” She did know, and she’d get through this. She snuggled into Tristan. It wasn’t awkward just no sparks or thrills like when she was close to Ray.
James counted down and then pointed at them on ‘one.’ A screen went live next to James’s cameras and Macey could see the talk show host Jessie and a live studio audience. Macey, Tristan, and Ray were displayed on a huge screen behind Jessie. Dang, Ray looked irresistible. She hoped this show didn’t backfire and have women the world over rushing to Augustine to fight over General Raymond August. Hot jealousy churned inside her at the thought.
