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I look toward the intimidating mansion and blow out a long sigh. I guess this is it.
Maddox takes my hand in his, and we dial up our supernova smiles. Every one of my nerves is standing on end, and we might as well be approaching an active volcano.
We have to rock the red carpet, and we’ve been toldEntertainment Weeklywill be here. We’ve been warned, and I hope to hell we’re ready.
I lean into him, and he ushers me to the house oh, so carefully, with his bodyguard behind us. It might be my insecurities, but it feels like all eyes are on us. With cameras snapping, Maddox and I pose on the stone-paved sidewalk, then again in the entryway where a red carpet decorates the expansive front porch. We want to get good pictures for the press. Since the charity of our choice flashes on the screen behind us, we pose to raise awareness of Life Light, the animal rescue organization Skye and Sophie selected.
I let out a silent whistle when we step inside. The candlelit atmosphere illuminates a double marble staircase that winds up both sides of the domed two-story foyer. Gothic archways with textured pillars separate the enormous rooms. An ornate fireplace burns in the grand room where a string quartet plays.
Billy swaggers through the crowd, welcoming us with hugs.
“I’m truly sorry about theLove Buzzphoto, Billy,“ I whisper, fidgeting with my clutch. Because of Maddox and me, Billy and Skye were also outed as being in a relationship.
“Riley, sweetheart.” He grabs my hand. “Don’t apologize to me. I should be apologizing to you because Skye and I broughtyou there. And I know you’re trying to make your way in this business, and your reputation’s on the line. Tell me if there’s anything I can do to help.” He pats my hand. “I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been on this planet. I assure you, in no time, this will all be forgotten.”
“Thank you.” Once again, his kind words and relaxed nature put me at ease. “Your home is beautiful.”
“All my ex-wife’s doing.”
That explains the minimalist in the ostentatious house. His ex-wife, Maddox’s mother Kathryn Warner, is a larger-than-life musician. Almost thirty years ago, she left Billy for her manager. That relationship ended six months later.
I glance around. “Where’s Skye?”
“She’s waiting to make a grand appearance.”
“Got it.” I chuckle under my breath. Skye was born for this life.
My palms clammy as I take in the scene around me. The place is filled with people I’ve only seen in movies. People I never thought I’d meet in real life. People who don’t even seem like real people. And they’re all even more stunning in person, with the men in sleek tuxedos and the women in toilet paper gowns that look designer. It’s truly unbelievable.
Everything is so elegant and crisp. Even the Champagne sparkles a little brighter.
I decide I’m going to need some of that bubbly stuff to get through this. I make my way to a bow-tied server and pick up a beautiful glass of liquid courage. Conversely, Maddox stands beside me, cucumber cool, emanating the bold air of someone accustomed to this life. He exudes masculinity and power, which is a little intimidating and a lot hot.
Don’t go there, Riley.
TheEntertainment Weeklyreporter, Becca Wallace, approaches Maddox, glowing. “Congratulations on that Emmy nomination! I’m pulling for you.”
Maddox has been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series forUrban Dawn. It’s his first, and since all awards are for the prior year, it’s for when I wasn’t on the show. I hope he wins because it’ll boost our chances of getting a contract for a third season.
As Becca continues to compliment Maddox, adrenaline propels me over to James Harbor, an Oscar-nominated actor and reported longtime friend of Billy’s. I strike up a conversation, and to my relief, James is a chatty, good-natured guy.
After complimenting my work onUrban Dawn, he’s called away, and I’m thrilled I got the chance to meet him. That’s when Jemma approaches, wearing a sleek toilet paper dress and a plastered-on smirk. “That’s a good look on you.”
That has to be an underhanded non-compliment, given that it’s Jemma, and I’m wearing toilet paper. “I’m in my element.”
My nerves dial up as I talk to her. Of all people, she’s the person closest to Maddox who might question the validity of his and my relationship. And if she figures out the truth, my career is destroyed. So, I better play nice. “I love your dress, Jemma. You look amazing,” I say, which is true.
“Thanks. I plan on winning.” She drifts away into the crowd, and I’m left standing next to Becca Wallace, who decides to interview Maddox and me, as promised. When she directs her questions to Maddox, I fall into the role of supportive girlfriend as I smile and hang onto his arm.
Becca doesn’t hold back on asking us everything. “So, Rilox, tell us what you do together on your time off.”
Great.I’m blanking on “our” free-time activities. Did Skye have us figure that one out? It seems so obvious, yet I don’t think she did. I open my mouth and blurt, “Watch movies.”
At the same moment, I hear Maddox say, “Go to premieres.”
We look at each other, wide-eyed, and Maddox fumbles as he says, “Well, watch movies at their premieres.”
Phew. Good recovery, and we both paint on bright smiles. Clearly, we need to get it together, but leave it to Maddox to save the moment.
