Page 26 of Hiding Forever

“It’s not you I don’t trust. It’s your sisters.” They’re worse than TMZ. If they knew I was in Santa Barbara with Gigi, I have no doubt they’d send paparazzi just to out me. Those girls are ruthless. “When do you get back to New York?”

She lives in her apartment in the city, but she grew up on the West Coast where her family has a huge estate in San Clemente. It’s as well guarded as Gigi’s place, but with her sisters still living at home, it’s not a place I’d feel safe visiting.

“Two more weeks, and I should be back in New York. Gabby is meeting me for a romantic week in London before we return.”

“Isn’t Paris where you go for romance?”

“Not when your family is staying there for the rest of the month.”

“London it is. Tell Gabby I said hi.”

“Of course. Now, stay off social media and call if you need me. Kisses. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

A shadow falls over me as I end the call.

“Your mom?” Riley asks.

I glare up at him. “Excuse me?”

“You saidlove you. Were you talking to your mom?”

“No, and nosey much?”

He grins, like my anger is funny.

I hold onto my attitude, ignoring how perfectly straight and white his teeth are and how sexy his smile is.

“I walk here every day. It’s usually vacant. I didn’t notice you until I was too close not to overhear.” He shrugs. “Sorry.”

“You don’t look sorry. You look amused.”

“What makes you think that?” He stuffs his hands into his jeans pockets.

“You’re grinning.”

His features straighten and his brows pucker. “Huh.”

“Huh? I tell you you’re smiling, and your response ishuh.”

He shrugs again. “I haven’t smiled in a while.”

“Oh.” My anger fades. “I haven’t either.”

He retreats a few steps. “I can come back later for my turn.”

His turn on the bench? I hop to my feet. “No. Stay. I’m done anyway.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Oh, and, uh, I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t mean to steal your bed.”

“You didn’t. I gave it to you.”

“But you wouldn’t have had to if I hadn’t fallen asleep in your suite.”

“It wasn’t a big deal.”

“It was to me. Thank you.”

He studies me, his eyes crinkled at the corners as if he’s confused.

I hitch my thumb over my shoulder, toward the house. “I have to go.” Without another word or glance at him, I take off.

I should be relieved but even though I apologized for my behavior, I still feel like I made a fool of myself. I don’t know why I care anyway. I blame Justice. Because of him, I’m a self-conscious mess.

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