SEVEN
Three days had passed since the dinner at Cole’s house, and I still couldn’t get Victoria out of my mind. It was so strange being around her, like talking to a stranger and an old friend all in one breath. There were pieces of her I immediately recognized: her shy smile and the way her eyes twinkled when she knew something no one else did.
But there was also a new side to her, one she was holding back from the rest of us.I couldn’t blame her, not after everything she’d been through. Even though I was just on the periphery, it was easy to see the toll Cole’s drinking took on her. She was taking a risk coming out here, at least in her mind. While I wanted to comfort her, to assure her everything would work out, that wasn’t a promise I could make.
Every day, I found excuses to talk to her, to see her bright smile. I kept telling myself I was just holding up my promise to Cole, but with every conversation between us, that was moving further into the back of my mind. It had been a long time since I sought someone out, usuallywaiting until my friends dragged me out of my self-imposed isolation.
But Victoria was different. Maybe it was our shared history, or maybe it was because she hadn’t witnessed my downfall, but I was finding it easier to confide in her than anyone else in my life.
Right now, I stared out of my cabin, watching as she hung out with Alex in the gardens. She looked so alive out there. As I got to know Victoria better, I also learned about the weight she held on her shoulders. Even if she hadn’t disclosed what was causing her so much stress, she’d let me see little pieces—the way her smile faltered when people asked her about her life back home, the soft sighs she released when she thought no one was paying attention.
But out there? There was no sign of that stress, and it made her even more breath-taking.
For the first time in a long time, I could see myself wanting someone, wanting to let them into parts of my life. Not as a cover, not as something temporary, but as something real and hopefully lasting.
“Fuck,” I hissed, pulling myself away from the window. Out of all people in the world, why did it have to be Victoria? I could never make a move on her. Once upon a time, I might not have given it a second thought. There were a few years, right after I started to gain some fame, when it was almost easy to find someone to share my bed. It became like a game to see how long it would take before I found someone to take home for the night. I wasn’t proud of that guy, the one who treated people like they were special only for a brief moment. While I tried to treat my companions with respect, I couldn’t lie and say I remembered all of them. There were images of faces and a few memories thatwould pop up late at night, but no one stuck. No one made me want to stick around for more than an evening.
Besides, Theo had convinced me to keep work and play separate. Fake relationships were common in my world, often helping actors build their brands and hype upcoming projects. It seemed simple enough—keep a thick line between my personal and professional relationships. But a couple of years ago, I’d agreed to date the wrong person, one with a vindictive streak and an incredible talent for songwriting.
There’s nothing like listening to twelve songs outlining all your faults to make you take a deeper look at yourself.
After that, my reputation took a nose-dive, and I wasn’t able to go anywhere without my dating habits being questioned. Shame was my constant companion, and I didn’t realize how deep it had buried itself inside me until it was too late.
I’d promised myself I wouldn’t get involved with anyone until I worked my head out. No one else needed to be involved in my shit. But there was something about Victoria Campbell that called to me, and I fucking hated myself for it.
The timer on my phone buzzed loudly from the table.Shit.Rubbing my hand over my face, I pushed away all those damning thoughts. Checking my phone, I grimaced when I realized I should be ready to go. Who the fuck thought it was a good idea to throw Cole an impromptu bachelor party? Oh, that’s right, me.
As I hopped into the shower, I ran through the plan for tonight. It was going to be a small crew, just Cole, Alex’s friend Javi, Theo, Curt, his son, Gray, and myself. We’d invited Cole’s dad, but he was going to dinner with his wife to celebrate their getaway. With limited options in town, atleast alcohol-free ones, we’d settled for a poker game at the Lost Tavern. Marta and Curt graciously offered to close up for the night to give us some privacy. Tuesdays were the slow nights anyway, and while Curt would be with us, Marta was more than happy to hang with Alex and help her with any last-minute wedding emergencies.
When I finished getting ready, a knock on my door made me jump. I rushed over to push the screen open. Cole walked inside first, flanked by Tori, who was already chewing on her cuticles—nervous tick. I was glad to see that hadn’t changed. We’d always laughed that you could tell report cards were coming by the length of her nails.
She’d changed since the last time I saw her, leaving behind her workout clothes for a casual dress. The soft pink fabric flowed out at her waist but cut off above her knee. The pastel color complimented her skin tone, making it appear even more golden. It was sun-kissed and supple, flawless in a way that made me want to run my tongue along every inch. Fuck, why the hell did she have to be so tempting?
“Hope you don’t mind,” Cole said, oblivious to my distress. “Figured she could hang with us tonight.”
“Of course,” I said as I wrapped my arms around him, tapping his back a few times before turning to his little sister. We both stared at each other, as if unsure if a hug was appropriate. Well, fuck that. I reached down, wrapping my arms around her waist and lifting her in the air. Damn, she fit nicely in my arms. Almost too well. It took everything in me not to take a sniff of her hair, to get another hit of that intoxicating scent that surrounded her.
Pulling back, I let out a little laugh, noticing her attire. “Didn’t get the casual message?”
She scoffed. “I didn’t have anything to wear, so Alex letme raid her closet.” She toyed with the hem of the dress, as if not feeling entirely comfortable. The move made the fabric cling to her curves, making my throat tighten. The image of them consumed me—the flare of her hips, the softness of her skin. She was a fucking knockout.
“You look great,” I said, lowering my voice so only she could hear. “We’re going to have to keep guys away from you all night.”
She tucked her lip between her teeth. “And what if I don’t want you to?”
“Jesus, Tor,” Cole said, scrubbing his hand over his face. “No hooking up while I’m around, ‘kay? It’s hard enough seeing you all grown up. I don’t need to go to jail tonight.”
Her eyes flared as she turned to her brother. “Don’t even think about it, Cole. If I want to talk to someone, you’re going to respect my choices and stay out of it.”
He held up his hands, “Fine, fine….” But as soon as she turned her back, he mouthed to me, “Keep an eye on her.”
I almost rolled my eyes as well. I had a feeling Tori could handle matters just fine, but I wasn’t about to get involved in a Campbell sibling brawl, so I kept my mouth shut.
Not to mention, I’d probably stolen more looks at Victoria than any other guy would tonight.
I glanced across my kitchen, watching as Cole and Tori talked about tonight's plans. She laughed, and it struck a nerve in my chest. I loved the way it lit up her whole face. Even if she wasn’t Cole’s sister, she was too good for someone like me, a guy with a red mark emblazoned on his chest.
And I needed to remember that.