Page 19 of Beyond the Red Carpet

Vanessa met her gaze, her eyes flicking briefly toward the glass in her hand before returning to Kate’s. “What do I want to do? I want to throw this glass at her head.” Vanessa’s voice was low, her eyes fixed on some point over Kate’s shoulder. Vanessa took a breath, her chest rising and falling in a slow, measured rhythm. “But I can’t do that. I won’t give her the satisfaction.”

Kate waited, her own breath catching somewhere in her throat. She knew why Vanessa wanted this fake relationship, to get back at her ex, to create her own headlines, but this was the first time that Kate had witnessed any real emotion from Vanessa when it came to her ex.

“I have no feelings for her. Not anymore. Not after everything.” Vanessa’s jaw tightened. “But I hate her for what she did. For how she did it. She could have just left me instead of sneaking around and getting caught. Because it was only a matter of time before she got caught. A camera is never too far away from either of them. But she did it anyway.”

Vanessa’s eyes met Kate’s again, and this time the vulnerability was unguarded.

“Let’s get you another drink.” Kate’s voice was gentle. “And then we’ll figure out what you want to do.”

11

The bartender placed a fresh gin and tonic before her, condensation beading on the glass. She lifted it, ice cubes clinking. Vanessa took a long drink as Lauren’s laughter echoed across the room.

Kate’s arm slipped around her waist. “You okay?” Kate’s breath brushed against her ear.

The touch sent electricity down Vanessa’s spine. Her closed her eyes for a second, willing herself not to feel anything, but her body betrayed her, melting into Kate’s embrace.

“I’m fine.” The words came out rougher than intended.

Lauren appeared in her peripheral vision, chatting with a group of actors and producers.

Kate guided them toward the doors to the terrace, her hand finding Vanessa’s, their fingers intertwining. The contact felt too natural, too right. This was supposed to be an act, but Vanessa found herself wishing for just a second that she could be with someone like Kate, someone who respected her, who cared about her feelings, who had kissed her like Kate had. Vanessa swallowed. Kate’s protective instincts, the way she positioned herself between Vanessa and Lauren’s line of sight, it sent awarmth through Vanessa’s body that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Vanessa’s gaze dropped to their joined hands. Kate’s thumb traced over her knuckles, the simple touch igniting sparks she couldn’t ignore. She’d spent decades mastering control over her emotions, yet here she was, coming undone by the smallest gestures.

“What do you want to do?” Kate asked softly, glancing around her to make sure that no one could overhear their conversation.

“We could leave.” The words slipped out before she could stop them. She took a sip, the bite of gin steadying her nerves. “I mean, we’ve made our appearance.”

“Is that what you want?” Kate’s question held no judgment, just quiet understanding.

Vanessa stared into her drink. The truth was, she didn’t know what she wanted anymore. When she looked up she noticed Kate’s eyes narrow slightly as her gaze fixed on something over Vanessa’s shoulder.

“She’s heading this way,” Kate murmured.

Vanessa took a deep breath, steeling herself. “I need you to look at me like I’m the love of your life.” She paused, meeting Kate’s gaze. “I mean it. Really sell it. This isn’t for some staged photo op. This is Lauren. She knows me better than anyone.”

A subtle change came over Kate’s expression, a hint of uncertainty or surprise, but it was gone before Vanessa could decipher it.

Kate held her gaze as if she was silently accepting Vanessa’s challenge. This was the moment when the truth of their situation would become evident, when the boundaries of this fake relationship would be tested.

“Okay.” Kate leaned closer, her voice lowering. “You don’t owe her anything. Alright?”

Vanessa nodded, and Kate smoothly segued into a new topic, asking Vanessa if she wanted to get away next weekend, that she knew of the perfect place.

And then Vanessa became aware of Lauren’s presence. She imagined she could sense Lauren’s eyes on them, searching for answers, maybe even wondering if Vanessa had cheated on her with Kate.

“Vanessa,” Lauren said. “I’m glad I caught you.”

Vanessa held her breath as she turned, steeling herself for whatever was to come. Lauren’s eyes flicked to Kate, taking in their joined hands, their closeness. For a moment, Vanessa saw a flicker of something in Lauren’s eye, an emotion she couldn’t quite read. Was it hurt? Surprise? Jealously?

Then, Lauren’s gaze shifted back to her, and the mask of composure slipped effortlessly back into place. “I wanted to talk, clear the air.”

Vanessa felt Kate’s body stiffen beside her. “Now?” She couldn’t keep the edge of irritation from her voice.

Lauren’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I understand if you don’t want to?—”

“What is it you want to clear exactly? You cheated. Multiple times. And the whole world knows about it. My name’s been splashed across every tabloid because of your affair.”

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