Page 21 of Beyond the Red Carpet

12

The silence hung thick between them, punctuated only by the purr of the engine and the occasional click of the turn signal. Vanessa’s driver wasn’t one for small talk.

Vanessa’s profile caught the passing lights, her jaw tight, her gaze fixed on some distant point through the tinted window. The memory of their confrontation with Lauren lingered.

“Did you get that security system installed?” Vanessa’s voice broke through the quiet.

“Yeah, I did. Thanks for organizing that. They got it all done yesterday.”

“Good.” Vanessa turned to look at her. She leaned closer, her breath warm against Kate’s ear. “Give Matthew your address. Otherwise you’re going to end up staying at mine again.”

Kate’s pulse quickened at Vanessa’s proximity and her words. She cleared her throat and spoke toward the front of the car, giving Vanessa’s driver the address for her town house in Santa Monica.

“Of course, Ms. Monroe.”

Vanessa’s hand found Kate’s in the darkness between them, her grip firm yet gentle.

Kate glanced down at their joined hands, at how Vanessa’s fingers fit perfectly between hers. The warmth spread up her arm and settled in her chest. Such a small touch, yet it consumed her thoughts. Kate’s thumb twitched, wanting to trace patterns on Vanessa’s skin.

Kate closed her eyes, sinking into the leather seat. The memory of their kiss in the alley flooded back, when she’d had that crazy idea to push Vanessa back against the wall. Her lips tingled at the phantom sensation now as she remembered how soft Vanessa’s lips were, how Vanessa had deepened the kiss.

The warmth of Vanessa’s hand in hers now only made it worse. This wasn’t real. It was never going to be. Kate had agreed to this arrangement knowing it would be difficult, but she’d severely underestimated just how much it would affect her.

Her thumb betrayed her, stroking once across Vanessa’s knuckles before she could stop herself. Vanessa’s grip tightened slightly in response. Kate kept her eyes firmly shut, afraid to look, afraid her face would reveal too much.

She’d signed up for this. A fake relationship to help them both. But it might just be the hardest thing she’d ever done. And they had weeks to go. Every touch, every shared glance, every moment alone together pulled her deeper into this mess.

“I’ll see you tomorrow evening,” Vanessa said, her voice carrying that hint of projection as if others were meant to overhear. “Eight o’clock? I can pick you up?”

“Sure,” Kate said as her eyes fluttered open. “That would be great.”

The car slowed to a stop outside Kate’s townhouse. She withdrew her hand from Vanessa’s, missing the contact immediately. Such a simple touch shouldn’t leave her feeling so adrift. But it did. And tomorrow they’d do it all again. A romantic rooftop dinner for the cameras. That was the next thing Elliot had planned for them.

“Goodnight, Kate.” Vanessa leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Kate’s cheek. Her lips lingered a fraction longer than necessary, sending sparks across Kate’s skin.

“Goodnight.” Kate’s voice came out barely above a whisper. She forced herself to move, to open the car door and step out into the cool night air before she did something stupid like turn her head and capture Vanessa’s lips with her own.

13

The waiter led Vanessa and Kate up a winding staircase, the clatter of the bustling restaurant below fading with each step. As they reached the top, the night air greeted them, carrying with it the steady rhythm of the ocean. Vanessa’s steps slowed as she took in the scene before her.

The rooftop had been transformed into a romantic oasis, full of soft lights and candles. A single table stood in the center, draped in pristine white linen, the flicker of candlelight casting a warm glow on the polished silverware.

Vanessa had requested a romantic setting, and the restaurant had delivered beyond her expectations. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of something, regret maybe, that this was all for show.

The ocean’s murmur provided a soothing soundtrack, and she hoped the gentle crashing of the waves would help calm her thoughts. She stole a glance at Kate, whose eyes reflected the dance of the candle flames, her expression a mix of awe and maybe nervousness.

The waiter pulled out their chairs, inviting them to sit. Although, she couldn’t imagine why Kate would be nervous. Lastnight was the time for Kate to have felt intimidated, but she’d handled everything with ease.

Vanessa watched as Kate settled into the chair across from her. She was wearing a tailored royal blue jumpsuit that hugged her figure perfectly, exuding an air of class and sophistication. The fabric complemented Kate’s eyes, making them stand out even more. The top was sleeveless, showing off toned arms, and the silver pendant hanging from Kate’s neckline was simple, yet it caught the light in a way that drew Vanessa’s attention to her collarbone. Her blond hair was styled in loose waves, framing her face softly. The entire look was a blend of modern chic and classic elegance.

The waiter’s voice faded into the background as Vanessa adjusted the lapel of her cream blazer. She’d spent nearly an hour in her walk-in closet earlier, pulling out outfit after outfit, knowing whatever she chose would be all over social media tomorrow. The blazer had been the right choice - tailored to emphasize her waist, paired with fitted black pants that elongated her legs. Underneath, she wore a black camisole that dipped just low enough to be interesting. Her dark hair was left straight tonight, falling a few inches below her shoulders.

“And our fish special tonight is a pan-seared Chilean sea bass...” The waiter’s words drifted back into focus.

The outfit projected exactly what she needed. Powerful yet approachable, sexy but sophisticated. She’d learned long ago how to dress for the cameras while still looking like she hadn’t tried.

The photographer that Elliot had tipped off was hidden somewhere across the street, but that was honestly the last thing on her mind as she lost herself in the moment, the setting, and the woman across from her.

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