Page 25 of Love Harder

Nothing else existed but this.

“How are you?” he asked, still smiling.

“Good,” I replied, willing my heart to calm down. “I thought it was you.”

Ghost nodded, those inquisitive eyes watching my every move.

“Apparently, we’re doing a photo shoot together? How do you feel about that?”

I didn’t have time to skim around the edges. I needed to do this before my bravado died.

Ghost paused, appearing to weigh over my question. “I don’t know how I feel about being on display for everyone to see. Self-confidence issues and all.”

He spoke about that often when we were together. So I knew he was legit. But he didn’t care about my self-confidence when he slammed the door in my face without a goodbye.

“How are we supposed to do a cover, considering you’re not talking to me?”

He got it—loud and clear.

“We need to talk.”

I replied with a stiff-upper-lip smile.

I was battling my emotions—I should be angry with him, and my head was, but my heart, that traitorous sentimental little bish…

His staff watched on intently as it was clear that something was still between us, and it was sure to burn anyone alive who stood by and watched.

He appeared nervous.

I wish that made me feel better.

It didn’t.

It made me want to hug him.

But I slapped my own ass and said, “I can go.”

“No!” He raised his voice, panicked as he froze to the spot. “Don’t go.”

Even Zuko arched a brow, surprised by Ghost’s response to me leaving.

“I meant, I can come back. I don’t want to encroach on your workspace,” I clarified, secretly content he didn’t want me to go.

Ghost shook his head. “Wait for me there.”

He pointed at a table and chairs off to the side, away from the foyer and prying ears and eyes.

Zuko and I took a seat, and Zuko was looking at me with a what-the-fuck look plastered all over his face. Regardless, he had my back. I didn’t tell him much, but he knew something was between us. I guess he didn’t realize how much so until he saw us together.

Ghost came over and sat off to the side in front of me.

Zuko was to my right.

All I could smell was Ghost and his signature fragrance. It brought back memories which I wish would get amnesia and fuck right off.

Ghost was staring at me openly.

And I purposely ignored him.

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