Page 5 of Kiss Me

The woman frowns. “Ladybug, can’t you see she’s eating her lunch. It’s rude …”

“But Dad said I?—”

“It’s no problem at all,” I say in between them, not wanting the girl to get into trouble. “Liza, do you have a pen?”

My assistant searches through her bag and pulls out the marker she always keeps on hand for me to sign autographs.

“Can you sign my hoodie? It’ll be awesome to have your autograph on my new jacket for my first snowboarding class tomorrow.”

She spins, presenting me with her back.

I look to her parents for their approval before signing her white puff jacket.

The woman rolls her eyes. “It’s not like he won’t just buy her another one anyway,” she says, half-laughing.

“No, I’m never taking this off,” Eve counters as I sign her coat.

“Thank you. I’m so sorry for interrupting your lunch,” the woman says as she rocks the baby in her arms.

Her husband, I presume, if the huge rock on her finger is any indication, takes the baby and begins rocking her.

“It’s no problem at all,” I tell her. “Honestly.”

Eve’s smile widens. “I can’t wait to show Stasi this. What time do they arrive, Aunt Riley?”

The woman, who I’d presumed to be her mother, responds, “In a few hours. Let’s leave Ms. Casey and her friend to finish their lunch in peace.” She waves my way. ‘Thank you again,’ she mouths over her shoulder.

“Thank you,” Eve says excitedly before surprising me with a hug.

“Eve,” the woman calls, but Eve only hugs me tighter.

“You’re going to do great at the X Games. Don’t worry about your ankle. I know it’ll heal fast.” She squeezes me tighter before letting go.

A longing invades my chest upon her release. It mixes with the guilt that already resides there, causing an odd mix of emotion I can’t put words to.

Once again, that prickling feeling that someone’s watching me crawls up my spine. I circle the room with my gaze. All I see are a few families sprinkled throughout the spacious dining area. Along with the family and young Eve, walking away.

I can’t bring myself to look at Liza across the table. Shame at my lie replaces the content feeling I had when Eve first introduced herself.

“Maybe we should do a meet and greet while you're here,” Liza suddenly says. “You know, your dad proposed doing something like that when you first brought up the idea of coming here to Wilson Slopes for the week.”

“No.” I shake my head.

“That’s what I told him at first. But seeing that young girl, I bet there are others who’ll be here this week who’d love to meettheTania Casey. I can make a few calls …”

“No,” I tell her again more sternly before standing.

She quickly rises and moves to my side. “Be careful. Here’s your crutch.” She tucks the crutch under my arm, and I get the urge to hurl the damn thing across the room.

I bite back on that impulse.

“What’s wrong?” Liza asks, misinterpreting my expression. “You look a little sick. Is the sprain causing you pain? Dammit. Let’s head upstairs and we can use some of that ointment and I’ll have the staff bring up more ice packs.”

Every word from Liza was like pressing the sharp edge of my shame deeper into my chest.

“My ankle isn't the problem. I … I just need some time,” I tell her as I take a step away from the table.

“Let me know where. I can have a car—” She stops as I hold up my hand.

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