Page 13 of Beyond the Red Carpet

“Real.” Vanessa repeated the word, her voice dropping lower. “You know, you were very convincing back there.”

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Kate’s skin tingled as Vanessa’s eyes met hers again, this time with an intensity that made her breath catch. There was something different in her gaze now. A flicker of vulnerability that hadn’t been there before.

“So were you,” Kate said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vanessa stood and walked towards the kitchen, her tumbler empty now, but Kate didn’t think that was the only reason she was leaving the room. The weight of their conversation seemed to hang heavy in the air, stifling the space between them.

As Vanessa’s footsteps faded, Kate let out a slow breath. She rose from the sofa, needing to move, and wandered towards the windows, drawn to the dazzling view of the city skyline. She focused on the bright lights in the distance. In the reflection of the glass, she caught a glimpse of Vanessa returning with the bottle of whiskey. Kate turned, looking over her shoulder, just as Vanessa lifted her eyes to meet Kate’s in the reflection.

Their eyes locked, and for a fleeting moment, something passed between them. Kate saw it in the subtle softening of Vanessa’s features, the way her eyes warmed with a hint of unspoken understanding. Or perhaps it was something Kate wanted to see.

As quickly as it happened, the moment was gone. Vanessa blinked, the flicker of vulnerability vanishing, and her expression closed off once more.

She refilled Kate’s glass, their fingers brushing again as Vanessa handed it to her.

Vanessa pulled out her phone again. “He’s still parked out there.” Her thumb swiped across the screen as she cycled through different camera views. “You should stay here tonight,” Vanessa said as she looked up. “It would look strange if you left now anyway.” She set her phone on the coffee table, face down.“There’s a guest room at the top of the stairs. First door on the left.”

Of course, it made sense. What new couple wouldn’t spend the night together after such a public display of affection? If that photographer was still there in the morning, he’d get another shot of them leaving together too.

“That’s probably smart.” Kate gripped her glass tighter, hoping her voice wouldn’t betray the flutter in her chest. “I don’t have anything with me though.”

“I can lend you something to sleep in.” Vanessa’s eyes left hers as she sat down again. “And there’s a new toothbrush in the guest bathroom.”

“Thank you.” Kate looked away for a second. “For letting me stay.” She searched Vanessa’s face for any hint of reluctance, but found none.

“It’s the least I can do after tonight.” Vanessa held her gaze. “Are you okay?”

Kate nodded slowly. “Yes. Obviously shaken, but...” She trailed off. “I’m just glad you were driving, honestly. And that we made it here safely.”

“I always used to have a driver, but over the years I’ve gotten out of the habit. I like the freedom of driving myself. Although it comes with its own risks.” Vanessa’s voice was steady, but her eyes held a hint of concern.

Kate took a deep breath. “There really wasn’t time to say anything, but I live only ten minutes away from the restaurant.”

Vanessa’s expression softened. “I’m sorry. I should’ve asked. And I’m sorry that it’s already gotten like this. I thought we’d have a few quiet weeks before any real paparazzi threats.”

Kate waved off the apology. “You don’t need to apologize. I knew what I was getting into.” Even as she said the words, she wasn’t sure if she believed them. Yes, she had agreed to the fake relationship, but she hadn’t anticipated the danger of itall. “And I was the one who decided to give that photographer something.”

“Still.” Vanessa’s voice was insistent. “I want to make it up to you. Starting with making sure you have proper security at your place. Unless you already have it?”

Kate’ shook her head. “I just have the very basics. I haven’t lived there that long and until now, I haven’t had a need for it.”

“Okay. I’ll have my security team do an assessment and get a solid system put in.”

“Thank you,” Kate said softly, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension.

Vanessa’s gaze held hers, and for a moment, Kate saw something other than the confident movie star she’d always admired. She saw a woman who had been hurt, who was still reeling from the betrayal of her partner, and who was now doing her best to pick up the pieces.

Vanessa nodded before she stood up. “I’ll go find you something to wear.”

Kate watched Vanessa disappear up the stairs to get her something to sleep in. The enormity of what lay ahead crashed over her. Weeks, maybe months of this, of being close to Vanessa while maintaining professional distance. Of pretending their touches and glances meant nothing when they set her skin ablaze.

This arrangement had seemed so simple when Elliot first proposed it. A mutually beneficial solution to both their problems. But now, with the taste of Vanessa’s lips still lingering on hers and a whole night ahead in the guest room just down the hall from her, Kate realized just how complicated things had become.

7

Vanessa wrapped her hands around the warm ceramic mug, staring out the kitchen window at the morning light streaming through the palm trees. The coffee’s rich aroma filled her senses, grounding her in the present moment as her thoughts drifted upstairs.

The house maintained its usual morning quiet, but the energy had shifted. Someone else occupied her space. Someone whose kisses from the previous night lingered in her mind with startling clarity.

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