Page 399 of How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother
“It’s just the bathroom,” I say, charmed by his concern, but entirely positive I will be just fine. I press a quick kiss to his lips. “And we’re at a private party. I’ll be fine.”
He nods, but I don’t miss the concern flitting across his expression. “Okay. Just be quick.”
I nod and head down the hall, a tiny bit tipsy but still steady on my feet. Honestly, I maybe should have grabbed Joni, because I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to manage my dress on my own, but I’m buzzing on intelligent conversation and champagne, so I’m just going to run with it. It’s been an amazing night! Anything is possible!
I push through a door and freeze. I thought this was the bathroom, but I’m actually on some sort of outdoor rooftop terrace.So…I’m possibly tipsier than I thought.
I stand at the door and consider my options. The terrace is pretty, full of oversized planter boxes that are lush with vegetation. It isn’t going to help with the needing-to-peesituation, but the night air feels cool against my flushed skin, and the plants are so pretty.
Betula pendula,I think, running my fingers over the shimmering leaves of a silver birch tree. That one has always been one of my favorites.
I step past the tree and grip the banister at the edge of the terrace, looking out at the glittering skyline. It isn’t anything like the views in North Carolina, but there’s still something magical about all the glittering lights.
“Needed a break?” a rough voice says from behind me.
I spin around and come face to face with an older, balding man wearing a smarmy expression. He’s holding a camera in his thicky, meaty hands.
I close my eyes and swear under my breath.
What was I thinking coming out here like this?
“The life of a celebrity can feel pretty intense for someone like you. Someone who isn’t a celebrity.” He takes a step closer. “How are you feeling, Audrey?”
I take a step backward, my heart pounding in my chest, but there’s nowhere for me to go. The banister is directly behind me. I grip it with both hands and force words to come out of my throat. “I’d rather not talk to anyone right now,” I say.
The man licks his lips. “I watched you in the airport yesterday. Scared out of your wits, weren’t you?” He tsks. “Better toughen up, sweetheart. This life isn’t meant for everyone.”
“I really would like to be left alone,” I say, my voice stronger this time, but I might as well be speaking a different language for all the care this man is giving my words.
He lifts his camera and fires off a few shots, the flash blinding in the dim light. I lift a hand to shield my eyes.
“Step forward for me, honey. Let me get a few shots where the light is better.” The man reaches forward, his free hand wrapping around my wrist before he yankshard.
I stumble forward, struggling to regain my footing and pull my arm free, but the man has an iron grip. “Let me go,” I say, the words sharp in my dry throat, but his grip only tightens as he pulls me closer, his breath hot on my face.
“Take your handsoffmy girlfriend,” a familiar voice says, and I look up to see Flint hauling the man away from me. He holds him by the shirt collar, anger blazing in his eyes. “Don’t go near her again. Do you understand me?” He shoves the man toward Nate, who is waiting just behind him, then he’s in front of me, his hands gripping my shoulders, his expression intense. “Are you all right? Did he hurt you?”
I manage a stuttering breath, but I can’t form words. My heart is beating too fast, the adrenaline racing through me making me hot, then cold, then hot again.
“Audrey,” Flint says, giving my shoulders the tiniest squeeze.
It’s enough to rattle something loose, and I lift my gaze to his. His eyes are an intense blue, fear radiating in their depths. “I’m okay,” I whisper. “Can we just…I don’t want to be here anymore.”
He tugs me against him for a brief hug, then curls an arm around me protectively as he walks me out of the party. Nate and the photographer are nowhere to be seen. We don’t talk to anyone as we make our way to the elevator.
Nate must have talked to Joni though, because she shows up downstairs right after we do, letting us know a car is already on its way to pick us up.
Flint hasn’t said anything since we left the terrace, but I don’t need him to say actual words for me to understand how he’s feeling. His jaw is tight, tension radiating from him in palpable waves.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know he’s only angry because he was worried, and clearly, he had reason to be becauseI was in way over my head when that photographer accosted me. But the longer Flint is quiet, the more defensive I feel.
How wasIsupposed to know there would be a photographer hiding out on the terrace? As far as I understood it, the party was supposed to be private—no press. I don’t know how the photographer got in, but it’s notmyfault he was there.
As soon as we’re in the car, Flint shifts to face me. “Audrey, what were you thinking going out there alone? I told you to take Joni with you.I told you.”
My indignation boils to the surface.“What was I thinking?” I shoot back. “I’m not a child who needs scolding, Flint. I just wanted some air. How was I supposed to know there would be a photographer lurking in the corner?”
He scoffs. “That man is not a photographer. At least not a credible one. His name is Ed Cooper, and he’s a criminal with a mile-long list of restraining orders, a stalking charge, and the worst reputation in all of Hollywood. He has no morals, Audrey. He will cross every line there is to cross.”
