Page 37 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

“Because you were working. Building a successful career. He loved how the two of you looked together and kept the majority of things to himself,” Caroline sneers. “The only thing he couldn’t keep contained was his jealousy. His ego wouldn’t let him.”

Thinking back over the years I was with Nathan it’s easy to see how I missed it. Our schedules were like two ships passing in the night and the time we spent together was limited due to ongoing shoots. The majority of it was spent at events and Nathan was always on his best behavior.

“I can say this now because you’re not together anymore.” Caroline has always been honest with me when I asked her for advice, but she has never overstepped any boundaries about my life unless she thought it would hurt my career. “I think you were enamored with who you believed Nathan was.”

Her words steal my breath as I hear the truth in them.

“You’re a good person, Ava,” Caroline says softly. “You look for the best in people. Nathan is an amazing actor for a reason. He also has a horrible reputation and has fooled many people.”

“Thanks Caroline. I don’t feel like a good person at the moment.” I sigh, and switch the conversation over to the press conference. “Can you tell me what you know about tomorrow?”

Getting up from the couch, I head to the kitchen for a drink.

“I talked with Duncan’s agent, Finn. He told me that the team is just looking to get ahead of what Nathan is accusing the two of you of.”

The cup I’m holding stops midway to my mouth and I lean against the counter. “WhatisNathan accusing us of?”

She lets out a big sigh but doesn’t say anything.

“Caroline?” I push off the counter and head back to the living room.

“He’s saying that you and Duncan had this planned the entire time.” I plop in one of the chairs by the dining table and put my cup down. That isn’t a surprise; he mentioned it when he saw us together. “And that you cheated on him with your co-stars.”

A gasp flies out and tears burn the back of my eyes. “He wouldn’t…”

“He did,” Caroline retorts angrily. “But I want you to know that Sean and others are already coming out and saying that isn’t true.”

Resting my elbow on the table I lean my face on my hand. Tears run down my face. This is a nightmare. “Duncan!” Panic courses through me at what this could mean for him.

“Duncan is aware of exactly what’s going on. Finn filled him in.” I wipe a tear from my cheek and take in a shaky breath. “He’s angry that this is happening to you.”

“He should be angryatme. This is all my fault. How could I put him in this situation?” I get up and start pacing.

“Ava, this isn’t your fault. This is about Nathan needing to be the center of attention.” Caroline says softly. “Duncan’s job isn’t in danger, they just want to get ahead of the gossip.”

Relief floods me at her words. I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if I was the reason that he lost anything. “Thank goodness.”

“Finn also mentioned that Duncan is determined to set the record straight tomorrow.” A tendril of calmness wraps around my heart spreading warmth through my chest. “He’ll do whatever you need him to do.”

I have no reason to doubt a single word she’s saying because that’s who Duncan is. Pushing out a breath I feel some of the tension release.

I don’t have to do this alone. I have Duncan.

Duncan. The one I’ve been running from my entire life.

“Thanks, Caroline. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Hanging up the phone I sit for a moment in the quiet house, my elbows resting on the table and I let myself enjoy the way it feels to know I have someone who will stand by me.

Picking up my phone I send him a text.

Me:Thank you.

Duncan:No problem.

Duncan:I’ll see you tomorrow morning.

I’ve run from this my entire life, not just Duncan, but love. I don’t know if things will work with him after everything I’ve put him through, but I know one thing for sure.

I’m tired of running...

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