Page 79 of When I Had You

Her eyes go wide, and deep pink lips part. I catch the tight blink as if she’s seeing things. “Cash? What are you—”

“Whenever you need me, I’ll be there for you.”

“You’re going to get into so much trouble.” She smiles. “Is it worth it?”

“You are worth it to me, babe.”

Looking at the flashes explode around us, she turns back to me and whispers, “You sure you want to cause a riot?”

Sliding my hands around her waist, I pull her close, and say, “Too late.” I kiss her with her head tilted back, our names being shouted in every direction while my lips are pressed firmly to hers, and tongues tangling like we’re the only two people left on earth.

“Ah, the famous race car driver?” The intrusion of his annoying fingers snapping near Marina’s ear has me pulling her upright again and close to my side.

I glance at Marina. “This is the ex?” She nods as I try to stifle my laughter, but I slip. The guy’s a good three inches shorter than me, and he doesn’t look like he could hold up a fence post already cemented in the ground by his build. Is this really what girls want from Hollywood?

Disappointing.

The frenzy of the media causes chaos on the red carpet as well. Our names being called repeatedly and the tap on the shoulder by a microphone put me on edge. But I’m beginning to worry about Marina's safety if a fight or violence breaks out to capture the story. A lot of money is attached to first pics, and we’re chum in the water for the sharks.

The actor says, “I’m sure you heard I got engaged.”

I’m slow to turn my head toward Marina, hoping he catches the drift. He doesn’t. He’s standing there like I give a shit about him or his life. “Why is he still here?”

She laughs. “I have no idea.” Turning to him, she says, “Tell me where you’re registered, and I’ll send you a gift. You didn’t want me then; you’re not getting me now. Just leave me alone and go live your own life.”

Leaning closer, he talks to us like he’s sharing a secret. “Well, I just wanted to come over and tell you sorry for breaking your heart, Marina.”

“You did no such thing,” she smarts as if the mere suggestion offends her. I wish she wouldn’t react at all because he doesn’t deserve it, but I understand the why of her behavior. I’m also a work in progress.

I step in and shake his hand. “I actually wanted to thank you for being a cheating bastard, or I wouldn’t be dating this amazing human now.” I pat his shoulder. “So thanks there, Chip.”

“It’s Corbin.” He drops his tone like he knows he won’t win. Wise.

He walks away, leaving us stunned by the realization that he’s only just now experiencing the regret of losing something you will always want and love.

Despite the audience, we move inside the theater. Standing in the crowded lobby, she loops her arms around my neck, not giving a damn who sees us. “You’re my Prince Charming who came to my rescue.”

I love the silky material wrapped around her body. Sliding my arms around her, I hold her to me. “Nah. I’m just a guy who came to support his girlfriend.”

“You’re acting humble. That’s so unlike you. I don’t approve either. Where’s my Cash?”

“Your Cash, huh?”

“That’s right. Mine. You’re all mine.” She looks around although we already know we’re surrounded by an audience of spies and eavesdroppers. “You know what I really want to do?”

Wiggling her hips in my hands, I hope it’s what I’m thinking. “Get some candy and go home?”

“Tempting.” She laughs. “I really want to kiss you.”

“What’s stopping you, sweetheart?”

“They’ll write horrible stories about me tomorrow. If only they knew the truth and what really happened.”

Running the back of my fingers over the delicate curve of her neck, I look into her eyes. “They’re going to write what they write. You can’t control it, so you should do what you want and not live by their narrative.”

I almost expect an argument. That is her specialty, after all, but that’s not what I get. I get her lips pressed to mine and a deepening kiss. If she wanted to make a headline, she’s succeeding, and I’m happy to help.

Cupping her face, I love her with my tongue and my mouth, my lips, but most of all, my heart.

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