I glance over my shoulder, almost involuntarily. It’s silly — I can’t see into the stage wings, from here. And, even if I could spot Wyatt, I’m not sure it would matter.
It won’t change a thing.
Grayson’s hand squeezes mine almost to the point of pain, and I realize I haven’t responded.
“Ow!” I yelp. He squeezes again, warningly. “I mean,Oh. Yes, of course I forgive him,” I lie, hoping my extreme anger isn’t too noticeable as I smile like a lovesick idiot.
“Thanks, sweetheart.” Grayson’s voice is silky sweet — like honey, sliding down the back of my throat. I could choke to death on it. “I’m still getting the hang of this… thisboyfriendthing.” Grayson drawls, full of false modesty. “I’m sure you know — I’ve never exactly done it before.”
“Oh, we know!” Eileen looks happier than a kid in a candy shop. “I just can’t believe it. It seems impossible that Grayson Dunn, serial bachelor, breaker of hearts, is in a committed relationship!”
“Eileen, two months ago, before we filmed this movie, before I fell for this incredible girl, I would’ve agreed with you,” he says solemnly. “Now, I know thatnothingis impossible when it comes to love. My darling Kat taught me that.”
Pretending to nuzzle into his side, I dig a sharp elbow into his gut. I hear him wheeze softly in pain. He soon gets his revenge, though — grabbing my chin, he turns my face and plants a soft kiss on my lips that makes every woman in the building sigh.
When he pulls back, Grayson makes a tender show of tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I resist the urge to bite his fingers off when they come within an inch of my mouth. My grin saysI love you, darling. My eyes screamI am going to murder you with my bare hands.
“My goodness! You two are justadorable!” Eileen dabs an invisible tear with a tissue. “Aren’t they adorable?”
The audience cheers.
“Color me shocked. Flabbergasted!” She glances at her watch. “Oh, would you look at that! We’re officially out of time for the day! But remember, folks — you heard it here first! The Sexiest Man Alive is officially off the market!”
“Yes, I am. And frankly, I couldn’t be happier.” Grayson laces his fingers with mine again. “Sorry. I meanwecouldn’t be happier.”
* * *
“She still hasn’t saidanything?” Harper sounds concerned.
“Nope,” Grayson confirms cheerfully.
“Not a word?”
“Not one.”
“Nothing?”
“Silent as the grave.” Grayson’s head tilts as he examines me. “Though, the constant pacing is communicating quite a lot. Nonverbally, that is.”
I stop pacing. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out, so I start pacing again.
“Really thought she was going to say something, that time,” Masters murmurs.
I take a few more strides back and forth across the small conference room in the AXC executive suites where I’ve been making tracks in the carpet for twenty full minutes. My breaths are ragged with fury. Each time I catch a glimpse of Grayson, sprawled across a nearby sofa looking more goddamned pleased with himself than Michael Phelps at the Olympics, my hands itch to wrap around his throat. And not in a sexy, semi-erotic way; in anasphyxiate-you-until-you-diekind of way.
After the interview, as soon as the cameras stopped rolling I sidestepped out of Grayson’s arms, said an entirely insincerethank youto Eileen, and escaped offstage. I reached the wings in a flash, my eyes roaming every dark corner for a glimpse of bronze hair and broad shoulders, but there was nothing. No one.
NoWyatt.
I scared a meek PA half to death when I grabbed her in a vise-grip and shook her until she squeaked out that he’d left a few minutes before the interview ended.
“When, exactly?” I pressed, needing specifics.
“I—I don’t remember. I’m sorry, Miss Firestone.” She shrugged helplessly. “I was watching the show…” Her cheeks flush. “I got distracted when Grayson kissed you, only for a minute, and when I turned around I noticed that Mr. Hastings was gone. He must’ve left right around then.”
Of course he did.
I relinquished my hold, feeling somewhat guilty for taking my rage at Grayson out on her. In penance, I only scowled a little when she followed up with a request to take a selfie with me.