Page 68 of Protecting Hailey

Frankie rubbed the red line that stretched from his ear down to his jaw. “Oh. I cut myself shaving.”

His gaze danced between mine and Christian’s behind me.

Christian’s voice deepened. “Did you shave with a piece of glass? It looks pretty deep.”

He laughed nervously. “Of course, not.” He cleared his throat. “What’s going on, Hailey?”

“Well, I wanted to see you because Tessa and I are almost finished with the second album. It’s really good, Frankie.”

He smiled, and it brightened his whole demeanor. “That’s great, Hailey. I think with two albums, you should consider going on tour. I know you’ve hesitated in the past because arenas scare you, but this is the next logical step for you.”

The thought of tens of thousands of people watching me on stage made me want to vomit. My stomach turned, and I wrapped my arms around myself. “I know,” I sighed. “I’ve got to do it. I think I should talk to a professional to get over my stage fright.”

“I can help you find someone.”

Frankie’s left eye started twitching. “Are you okay, Frankie? You don’t look so good.”

Frankie paled further at my inquiry, but he slapped on a smile. “Yeah. I’m fine, Hailey. Don’t worry about me. I’m going to work on setting up some interviews and gigs for you to get people excited about the new album.”

“Thanks, Frankie.” I stood, feeling in my gut that Frankie was uncomfortable with me here right now. Just before I left, I turned and said, “Oh, before I forget. Sam is going to set up a meeting between me and Kendra. We’re going to squash this ridiculous feud.”

“Good idea. It’s best to do that before someone breathes new life into it again.”

I groaned at the thought, but waved at Frankie. “Take care, Frankie.”

“Thanks, Hailey.” He pressed his lips together. “You, too.”

I walked past Christian, whose stare could drill nails into Frankie’s eyes. No wonder the poor guy was so nervous. “You were a little intimidating back there,” I said when he started the car.

“That’s in my job description, Hailey. I’m not your PR person. I’m there to intimate anyone looking to hurt you.”

“Well, you don’t have to pass those vibes along to the people who work for me.”

“Yes. I do. It’s usually someone close to you that wants to hurt you. I’ll say it again, I don’t trust the guy. There’s something off about him.”

I shook my head. Frankie had only started acting strangely since Christian came into the picture. “I think you’re just making him nervous.”

“Good.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. This conversation was heading nowhere. We weren’t arguing, but I was a little peeved at him.

I turned to face him. “Is this our first fight?” I asked.

He looked at me with his brow furrowed. “What? You think we’re fighting?”

“I don’t know. I’m a little upset with how you’re treating Frankie and you’re not taking what I say seriously.”

Christian pulled the car over and turned off the engine.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Having our first fight.”

“Oh.”

He smiled. “I love that we’re talking about this. We’re not always going to agree on everything. And yes, I’m going to do or say something that will piss you off. This may even happen several times a day. But if you’re open and honest with me about how you feel, we’ll talk it through until we both feel good about it. Deal?”

“I have no problem telling you when you piss me off.”

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