Page 50 of The Wrong Move

“Hey, are you okay?” A protective hand rests on my waist.

I look up to Byron. “I just received some exciting news.”

“Yeah?” His eyes sparkle. It’s a tiny thing, and my chest flutters that he wants to share in my joy.

“Leto Designs will be in Austin Cisterna’s upcoming movie. The main star will wear our designs in three scenes. Isabella wants me back there soon.”

His brow furrows. “There as in Italy?”

“Yes.”

“So the movie isn’t being made in LA?”

“He’s an Italian producer.” My frown matches Byron’s.

He takes both my hands in his. “This is big for you?”

“It’smyartwork on the designs.” I hope he understands the importance. Pride grows in my chest as the realization settles in, and a tear wells in my eye. I laugh once and swipe it away. “I’m supposed to be happy.”

“You’re overwhelmed.” He rests both hands on my shoulders and waits until I look into his soothing eyes. “What’s worrying you? I’m sensing something other than excitement.”

I close my eyes, then slowly open them. Byron will see through any lies. “Leaving my father.” He waits. “And… going back to a country I love. Isabella will try to convince me to stay.”

His breath hitches. He takes a while to answer. “Do you want me to go with you?”

He would go with me?

“It’s fine. It’s for a few days to be present at the meetings before the final shooting begins.” Then it dawns on me. “Imagine if I’m invited to the red-carpet screenings?”

“Then, if it’s okay with you, I’d be honored to be your partner for the night. I’ll drop everything to share a special moment with you.” He pulls me in for a hug. “Congratulations, Gigi.”

“Thank you,” I whisper. While the film release won’t be for many months, possibly a year, my thoughts whirl as to where Byron and I will be then. We are together now as if no time has passed, and while being with Byron is easy, my heart warns me it’s not ready to be hurt again so soon. He is trying to make amends for past mistakes, yet basketball still controls every decision he makes.

“Do you think you could get the time off to come?”

He nuzzles my neck. “Is it within the next four weeks?”

I close my eyes, enjoying the tingles shooting over my skin. “I believe so.”

“Then yes. If you need me to be alongside you, I can. Oh, and forget the artwork for Summer’s room. You’re under too much pressure. I’ll get Mom to buy something from me.”

“No,” I say, pulling away. “I want to do this. I’ll have it finished within the week.” I already have ideas using soft pastel colors.

He takes my face in his hands. “Only if you have time, Gi.” He kisses my cheek. “And I don’t want to upset Isabella, so I’ll get you home now.” Hoping Byron would take me to his for the night, I had caught a ride in with Mason and Paige. He kisses my lips. “Coach called early-morning training anyway. We could both use an early night.”

I let out a breath of disappointment. “Sure.”

He takes my hand, leads me to his sports car, and opens the door for me. The moment he closes the door, I’m hit with the scent of new leather seats. While Byron is excited for me, our careers in terms of financial rewards don’t even come close. And he is married to a game that rewards him with riches.

The initial silence on the drive home fails to hide the tension.

“I’m only away for a short time.” I reach across to lay a hand on his thigh. His strong muscles flex beneath my fingers.

“I know.” He doesn’t take his eyes off the road. The bright lights of his fancy dash reflect onto his face. His expression is tight, giving me nothing.

“I’m not going to see him,” I say quickly.

He jerks his head, giving me a quick glare before turning back to the road. “See who?”

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