Page 37 of Secret Match
Kiwi closed her eyes and told herself to stop.Washington women don’t cry over men.
“Here.” Serenity offered her the toilet paper roll. “And you need to calm down. It’s not healthy for you or your baby.”
True. This wasn’t good for her. Her daughter needed to know her mother would protect her from anything that might happen. She stood and sniffled as she said, “I’m just not cut out for all of this. Seriously—he has a sex tape.”
Her words sliced like the edge of a sword.
Serenity was so perfect as she lifted herself off the bed and her blonde hair bounced like she was a movie star.
Kiwi’s hair would never bounce without a ton of chemicals.
Serenity spoke in her calm, cool voice of reason. “We all knew he’d dated a movie star and clearly she’s seeking attention. Releasing a tape to get in the news.”
Red hot embers still felt like they burned through her skin, but she breathed in. Exhaled. “You think?”
Serenity took some of the toilet paper off the roll and unwrapped it, handing it to Kiwi. “Yes. Don’t worry about it. And go back out there to claim your happiness before you let it fall apart.”
It wasn’t that easy. Kiwi’s skin tingled in the worst way. She hugged her waist to hold herself straight. “How do you deal with being in the House of Morgan?”
“That sounds ominous,” Serenity said, but then she smiled. “I generally believe in my husband. What his family does, including whatever happened with Peter and Jennifer, really isn’t my business.”
“Really?” Kiwi wondered if that was possible. The drama since she’d discovered that Gio was a Morgan was all because of his name. Ignoring his last name would make her life so much easier and she wouldn’t be waiting for another stupid sex tape to fall on her head.
Serenity handed her another tissue and motioned for Kiwi to wipe her face. Kiwi dabbed her cheeks as Serenity said, “Look, your happiness is your own. Don’t let anyone who isn’t even in your life steal it from you.”
This was why they were best friends. Kiwi’s skin cooled as she calmed down. She listened to herself breathe as they used to tell clients in the spa where they had worked together. Finally Kiwi whispered, “I guess. I just never thought I’d be hung up on a man.”
“Go and get your man.” Serenity pointed toward the door.
Right. Running away wasn’t being an adult. What she’d done before she’d met Gio shouldn’t matter to him—in her defense, the images had been shocking. Kiwi pressed her hand on her heart and shoved her pocketbook back in the drawer.
The diamond ring caught her eye again.
If only she could get past his name like Serenity had done and just be with the person.
For now she sashayed out of the bedroom with Serenity and headed back to the veranda where his family still sat drinking wine.
Gio jumped up when he saw her, concern on his face. Everything might work out but she’d have to try. She took his offered hand and sat in her seat beside him. “Sorry, I’m back. I just needed a minute to collect my thoughts.”
“That wasn’t yesterday,” Gio said.
“You were here, the entire time, Gio.”
Anthony, mouth tight, said, “Just in time for dessert.”
Kiwi turned and saw the wait staff bringing trays.
Perfect. Gio didn’t push her for more and he was the best guy she could ask for. Doubt needed to go away.
Gio’s hand brushed over her thigh and she turned toward him. He leaned closer and his strong muscular arm pressed against her body, making her feel safe in his strength, as he said, “Kiwi, you and I need to talk.”
Fair. They needed to be alone. They needed to talk about what was happening.
The waitress slipped crème brûlée in front of her.
Kiwi’s heart sped up as she realized everyone around them was silent. She smiled and met Gio’s gaze. His face was the only sense of calm she had out here as she nodded and picked up her spoon. “Yes, let’s just finish this meal with your family?”
Gio said so the entire table heard him, “Kiwi, Piper was last year. I haven’t seen her since.”
