Page 46 of Property of Fox

"So, the book is real?"

"The book? Yes, it's real. I'll be honest, I haven't read it, but yes, I have slept with her, but that was at the last signing. That was it. There isn’t a relationship between us. Not in the slightest. There is no grand love story here. She and I have never been together.”

“Then who is the father of her baby?” Keira asks. “I doubt she’s the Virgin Mary.”

“That’s her business, but it’s not mine."

“If there is nothing between you, why did you kiss her yesterday? It seemed pretty real from where I was standing in line.”

“That was her idea. Not mine.”

“So, if you’re not in a relationship with Eden, why were you here as Ares?”

“Because her new publisher wanted a publicity stunt for her upcoming book tour. They paid me to play the part, help her create more buzz about her book, and then after the event, she’ll be making the announcement that we were done.”

“You realize how ridiculous this sounds, don’t you?”

“Believe me, if the roles were reversed, I wouldn’t believe me either.”

Brea stays quiet throughout Keira’s line of questioning.

“Say something, firefly.” I turn my attention back to her. She sits there, arms wrapped tightly around herself as if I’m the storm threatening to rip her world apart. “This whole thing has been a mess, and I never wanted it to become your mess, too.”

Her eyes flicker up to mine, filled with hurt. “Was I just going to be the new Eden for you this year’s signing?”

“Absolutely fucking not,” I shake my head vehemently. “I care about you. More than I thought possible in such a short time. The truth is—” I step closer, desperation clawing at my throat. “The truth is that when I kissed you yesterday, something in me shifted.”

“Don’t say things you don’t mean, Fox.” Her voice trembles slightly, revealing the cracks in her brave façade.

“I mean every damn word, Brea,” I say, my heart racing as the distance between us seems to stretch and compress. “Should I have told you about the stunt with Eden? Yes, you deserved to know why I was at the signing and why I went to great lengths to keep what was going on away from prying eyes. I was trying to help Eden. I never intended to find someone I connected with here.”

Brea shifts uncomfortably on the couch, her fingers twisting together as she processes my words. Keira remains vigilant beside her, still protective but now with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

“I don’t trust you,” Brea finally says. “Not after everything that’s happened.”

“I get it. I really do.” I lean against the wall, trying to give her space while remaining close enough to let her feel my sincerity. “But please listen. From the moment we started talking at the event, there was something real between us, and I didn’t plan for that. If I could take back everything from this weekend with Eden, I would. Because being around you feels… different. Good.”

“What does that even mean?” She narrows her eyes at me, skeptical.

“It means…” I take a breath, trying to find the right words. “Fuck, I don’t know how to explain this. I’ve never caught feelings like this before.”

“Aw, look at him getting all flustered. It’s almost cute,” Keira remarks.

“Keira,” Brea interrupts softly.

“What? It’s true.”

“So, what now? Do you think that coming back here and telling me all this is going to erase the pain from you lying to me?”

I sigh heavily. Selfishly, I’d hoped this would be enough, but considering what Brea had briefly shared about her past with me, she’s been hurt by a lot of people in her life. Me, now included. This isn’t something that can be washed away with a simple ‘I’m sorry’.

“No, I wanted you to have the full story, and you can do what you will with that, Brea. Believe me. Don’t believe me. It’s up to you.” I pull out my wallet and retrieve one of the business cards I carry for the construction company. “My number is on that card.” I place it on the coffee table in front of them. “I’m going to stay in town through Wednesday. If you want to talk, call me. If you don’t, then I have my answer.”

And with those final words, I shift and walk out the door. Neither of them follows me to my truck, nor do they come out on the porch as I pull away. Even if she doesn’t call me, she at least knows the truth and that I can live with.

FOX

I’m not eventwo steps into the hotel lobby before some of Eden’s fans are on me, begging for pictures and pestering me with questions. The thin grasp on my public composure is slipping with each incessant syllable coming from them. One of the women sidles up next to me, her phone held high in her hand for a selfie.

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