Page 21 of Faking Romance

“This is my wife, Haven,” he adds.

I shake her hand next. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Haven.”

“Likewise,” she replies with a warm smile.

Pierce looks around me. “Where’s your girlfriend?”

I swallow hard. I hate lying. “Uh, she’s coming from work. Should be here soon,” I manage. I am so fucked. Why the hell am I still lying?

“Great. I look forward to meeting her. I love those changes you sent over, by the way,” he says as he reaches for a flute of champagne on a tray held by a passing waiter. He hands it to his wife and I see her hand that’s wrapped through his arm grip him a little tighter.

“Thanks. I appreciate that,” I say.

“We can talk shop later. Enjoy yourself. Wade is around here somewhere, and you met Martin already, right?” he asks, mentioning the director as he walks off toward someone who’s waving at him. Haven gives me a small smile and nods and I return them.

I sit back down and sip my gin. Where is this mystery woman? Al assured me she’d be here promptly at six. I check my watch again. It’s a pricey Rolex my parents gave me for Christmas five years ago, back when we used to talk more often than just big family parties and events. I wouldn’t say I’m estranged from them, but I’m definitely on their shit list.

A movement to my right draws my attention from my drink. My eyes connect with long, shapely legs in high heels, then a red dress that hugs curves that have my dick already perking up, and then a low v-cut neckline that flaunts some gorgeous breasts, and it’s as my gaze continues up to her face that I see it’s…Roxy. Wait a damn minute. There’s no fucking way.

Nope. No. Al would not do me dirty like this. He knows I’m annoyed with Roxy for making so much noise. Why would he think this was a good idea? Fuck my life.

Roxy’s eyes widen as her gaze meets mine. Her step falters for a second about ten steps from me. We both stare at each other for what seems like an eternity.

“Is this your girlfriend?” Pierce’s voice comes from behind me. Roxy’s eyes follow the sound of the voice and then land back on me. She looks pissed. Fuck. This is going to be bad. So bad.

CHAPTERNINE

Roxy

I can practically feel the nervous energy vibrating off Grayson. Fuck. What in the hell was Al thinking? He knows Grayson detests me…and my store. Shit. I shouldn’t have agreed to this. Why didn’t I ask who the guy was? God, I’m so stupid.

Grayson’s Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. His eyes penetrate mine. Damn, he’s silently pleading with me. Fuck. I’m such a damn sucker. Even if he’s a total jerk, I can’t do this to him. I’ve heard for weeks now from everyone in the building about Grayson’s big chance. I know he had a post-filming party to attend this week. And looking around, this has to be it. I do not want to be the reason he loses it. I don’t need guilt added to my already broken self-confidence.

“Yes, hi. I’m Roxy Benedict. Nice to meet you,” I say as I extend my hand, trying to pull myself together and pretend to be…Grayson’s girlfriend, date, who knows?

“Pierce Pointer,” he says. “And this is my wife, Haven.” A stunning woman by his side holds out her hand and I shake it. He looks vaguely family and so does his wife. I’ve probably seen them online somewhere. I make a mental note to do an Internet search later.

“Nice to meet you both,” I say as I lean against Grayson. He tentatively wraps an arm around my waist.

“Hey,” he says, his voice low and gruff. What in the hell? Grayson has a sexy public voice. I did not see that coming.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” I say as I lean up on my tiptoes and give his cheek a quick peck.

“No worries, baby. Everything OK?” he asks.

“Yep, just taking care of something at the store,” I explain because that’s actually the truth and you’re supposed to stick to truths in these situations. Or at least I think that’s what I should do.

“Oh? You have a store?” Haven asks.

I nod. “A romance bookstore. Over on Hearts Lane.”

She claps her hands together. “OMG! I love romance books. You’ll have to give me some recommendations.”

“Of course.” I nod and smile.

A man calls out to Pierce, and he turns and waves. “I’m sorry. It’s an old friend of ours. Will you please excuse us? It was great meeting you, Roxy. Hopefully, we’ll have more time to chat soon,” Pierce says.

“Sure thing,” I say with a smile. They walk away and I step back and turn to Grayson. “What the fuck is going on?” I hiss as I feel daggers shooting from my eyes to his.

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