Page 61 of Fake Fiancé for the Billionaire Rockstar

Kelly claps excitedly and places a hand over her heart when she’s done. “I knew it, so tell us about your relationship. Are there wedding bells in the future?”

“I’m hoping that there might be. Right now, though, we are going to take it one step at a time and do things the right waythis time around. I love him, and how that ended up happening shouldn’t matter.”

“Well,” Kelly says, looking toward the camera, “you heard it here yourself, folks. Raising Havoc’s drummer is no longer on the market, despite what recent news might want you to think!”

Before they can say anything else, I quickly reach down and turn the TV off before hurrying through the house to change out of my pajamas. My hands are shaking as I do so, but I can’t stop thinking about what Carmen just did.

She went on live television and told the world how she feels about me.

I need to get to her — right now.

When I walk out of my door and head toward my private garage, there’s already a car waiting for me as I step through the glass door. I nod to the driver, directing him on where to go, and I’m only hoping I’m not too late. If I know Kelly, she’s going to keep Carmen there for a good ten minutes when the show goes to commercial and that should give me plenty of time to meet Carmen outside the studio.

Traffic is chaotic this morning, but I don’t pay it any mind as I stare ahead at the road. I need to wrap Carmen in my arms, tell her how sorry I am for walking out last night, and tell her that something like that will never happen again.

I’m going to lay all my cards out on the table.

23

Carmen

As I step outof the studio, a wave of joy washes over me, lighter than I’ve felt in a long time. It’s like a weight has been lifted, the burden of keeping my feelings for Donny hidden finally gone. I’d set the record straight, told the world how much I love him. I chuckle to myself, Kelly’s excitement still buzzing through me, making my steps feel lighter as I walk out.

My breath catches when I step onto the sidewalk.

Donny stands in front of me, leaning against the side of a car, hands tucked in his jeans, and curls blowing through the winter wind. He pushes away from the car, eyes heating as he takes me in, and before I know it, I’m being lifted into his arms.

He smells like sandalwood and warm musk, the familiar scent making my heart race. I breathe him in deeply, savoring themoment, just before he sets me gently back on the ground. Taking a cautious step back, I lower my eyes to the pavement, biting the inside of my cheek.

He reaches out, his fingers soft against my skin. “You love me, Sunshine?”

“It was the only way I could think to make everything better, to give you the truth without you walking away from me,” I hurriedly say and stop when he starts chuckling. “And what the hell is so funny?”

Donny shakes his head and nudges it toward the car. “Let me take you to my place? There’s too many eyes and ears right now.”

Sure enough, there’s a swarm of people eager to get closer to us with their phones out, and that puts me into action. I slide onto the back seat, Donny following right behind me, and only when the door shuts behind him do I let out the breath I was holding.

“I’m sorry,” he says softly, his hand reaching out as he threads his fingers through mine. “I never should’ve walked away from you.”

“Why did you?”

“Fear, I guess.” He looks out the window, thinking about his next words, and gazes back over at me. “I was scared about what you would say, that you didn’t feel the same way as I do, so I got out before I could hear it.”

“You should’ve stayed,” I whisper.

Donny nods and squeezes my hand gently. “I’ll make it up to you for the rest of my life if I have to, Carmen, but know that I want this. I’ve wanted this since the moment I saw you. I was just too in my head to know it then.”

“Since you saw me, huh?”

He tugs me into him and I allow it, loving the warmth that radiates from his frame over to mine when he does. I sink into his side, relishing in the touch, and rest my head against his chest as the car coasts down the busy street.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, Sunshine.”

I look at him when he stops talking and I smirk. “You can keep going.”

“You’re amazing, talented, smart, and deserve so much more than I’ve given, but I’m going to be the man you deserve. No other man gets to have you, Sunshine. You’re all mine.”

“All yours?”

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