Page 147 of Beautiful Storm

“Alone,” Tom adds, exactly as I expected. “It’s a private matter.”

Luke doesn’t answer. Instead he turns my way, his gaze full of concern. “Want me to stay?”

Always. “No, I’m okay.”

He gives me a pointed look, not believing me, but I reassure him with a smile. I am okay. Or at least, I can handle this. Thanks to Preston, I know exactly what’s going on. Jake was never going to leak the fire to the media. He pitched the idea for the show. And Tom’s here to tell me all about it.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Luke

Ihover outside Amelia’s office trying to get a hint of what’s going on, but I can’t hear a damn thing.What a fucking mess.Astressfulmess.

At first I thought Hayley was calling to tell Amelia I was cheating, and maybe that would have been better because at least I could have explained that I’m not. Whatever’s going on with Preston and Jake seems so much worse, and the concern etched into Amelia’s features is freaking me the fuck out.

I should be in there, telling her it’s all okay, but instead I’m stuck out here, helpless. Again.

I’m not sure how much time passes as I pace the halls, but when I’m almost at my breaking point, my agent calls.

“Brett, any news?”

“They’re not going to take the article down, but they won’t print anything else unless they get new information.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Unfortunately not. It’s how the world works. Rumors make the news every day.”

“Yes, but that wasn’t a rumor. That was three women saying they had proof.”

“But they don’t, right? And thankfully the reporter they spoke to works for a college buddy of mine. So we’re good. Unless…”

“We’re good. They don’t have any proof.”

“Then sit tight, and hopefully after your Super Bowl win, it will all blow over.”

“Yeah. Hopefully.” I fall back against the wall opposite Amelia’s door and stare, unmoving, somewhat dejected until Brett sighs. “You’re really worried about this, aren’t you?”

“I can’t hurt her again.”

“Maybe you won’t.”

“Thanks, man.”

As I hang up, I hear voices and freeze. Tom walks out first, his face red, anger marring his features. He glares my way and huffs before shaking his head and continuing on his path.

The second he rounds the corner, I rush to Amelia’s door as she’s stepping out, her expression drained.

“What happened? Are you okay?” My hands settle on her waist as I study her, making sure her breathing is calm.

“Jake pitched the fire to Tom and Jim,” she says as she pulls me back into the room. “They want to feature it in the show.”

My heart seizes but I can’t think about me right now. I promised I’d protect Amelia and Jelly Bean with whatever it takes, and I’m not backing down now.

“Let them,” I say firmly while my stomach knots. “They don’t have permission to feature you, and if they find out about me, so be it.”

“What if the team drops you?”

“They won’t,” I lie. The team might be forced to drop me if the truth comes out.

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