Page 42 of Her Filthy Mistake

“Too bad.” She bites her bottom lip and flips it out with a pop. “I love being shared. In all ways.”

“Good for you.” I place my hand on her shoulder and put more space between us.

“Asshole.” Her eyes narrow into slits as she steps back after finally getting the message. But by this time, Zoe had disappeared through the crowd.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Zoe

When I step into the clearing from the beach to the main resort, Jace calls out to me to stop. I contemplate ignoring him but stop after a few more steps. It’s right at the edge where it’s darkest before stepping into the lit walkway. I’m not jealous. Seriously, I’m not.

Damn it. I don’t have any claim over him. We’ve made less than zero solid promises to each other, so it’s fine if he hooks up with someone else. That’s complete and utter bullshit. I wanted to scratch her eyes out.

But what’s worse? She got to hug him, and I didn’t. I couldn’t. If I went up there and threw her off him, everyone would’ve gasped in shock and horror. Especially my mom.

“Zoe?”

I turn to face him as the shadows keep me from seeing his eyes. “Yes?”

“You know that’s part of the deal, right?” He steps closer until his eyes are visible as they search mine. “The groupies. The women who want to latch on to a celebrity before they make bank so they can ride the money train.” He rolls his eyes as he shifts from foot to foot on the pebbled sidewalk. “Not that I think there’s any chance I’m going to break out now after all these years. But these women don’t care about me as a person. It’s the fame they’re clamoring for. I’m not interested in her today, nor was I the first night she approached me.”

“Yes.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I know that. I’ve seen it millions of times, and while I can’t deny I was a tiny bit jealous….”

His lips dance upward as he closes the space between us. “Color me intrigued by that statement.”

“Stop.” I give a halfhearted chuckle and playfully shove his chest. “I wasn’t worried that you’d head off with her.”

“Oh, really?” He arches his eyebrows.

“Fine. There’s a part of me that wanted to yank her hair and toss her down on the ground to stake my claim.”

“Really?” His voice is deeper as he steps into me. We’re so close his heat mingles into mine.

“But….” I glare at him. “I couldn’t because we aren’t a couple, and even if we were, everyone would’ve been shocked if I wrapped my arms around your neck, told you how proud I was of you for taking that risk, how beautiful the song was, and–”

His lips land on mine, and I sling my arms around him, drawing him closer. As I inhale his scent, I shiver at the need coursing through me and the relief of his solid frame holding me as his hands caress my back. He tilts his head, and our tongues lick the flames of passion higher and higher.

When his hands drop to my ass, and his hard cock grinds into my sex, I gasp and dig my nails into his skull. His lips leave mine as he trails them along my jaw and to my ear. “Thank you. That means a lot to hear you say that.” His voice is rough and vulnerable, making the butterflies in my belly dance. “I wouldn’t have sung if you weren’t here. You gave me the strength to fight my demons and take that risk.”

“Lord.” I shudder from head to toe. “That’s one hot pick-up line.”

He pulls back and cradles my face. “I’m not trying to pick you up or to trick you. I do appreciate your support. I’d be stupid not to on so many levels. Mainly because I’ve fought wanting you for years.” He gently kisses my lips, sucking the bottom one between his lips. If his intention is to send me flying over the edge, he’s doing a damned good job of it. “But also, I trust that you wouldn’t lie to me. Your job is talent acquisition. If you think I’m good, you know what you’re talking about.”

“I do.” The hope in his eyes makes tears sting mine. He’s been through so much, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep from being his next blow. “When Dad gets here, I’m going to talk to him.”

“Okay.” He nods while swallowing hard.

Finally, he’s able to see reason. I smile and jump into his arms. “Thank you. I know you won’t regret it. You saw how everyone responded to you.” I laugh as joy fills my heart and pull back. “I mean, that groupie should have given you the first–”

“Shut up,” he growls and lifts me off the ground until my legs are wrapped around his waist. “I’m not interested in anyone but you. And it’s been that way for years.”

I jerked backward and stare at him. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’ve not been with anyone in almost three years because I wanted to be sober, but more importantly, it was because if I couldn’t be with you, I wasn’t taking second best.”

I can’t speak or think for several seconds as my eyes sweep over his face. How is that possible? I swallow hard over the lump in my throat. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say that you’re willing to go through this with me. That you’re willing to take people’s criticism of us as a couple and weather it together. Because the second I started singing, I knew I couldn’t walk away from you.” He licks his lips. “What do you say? Are you willing to give us a shot?”

---