Page 68 of Official

When the small crowd gathered in the living room claps, I snap out of my trance and swallow to wet my dry throat as I make my way to the dining table. Tall bottles are lined up in a neat row as a makeshift bar, and I pour myself a drink.

I take a sip and turn to find Xander approaching me.

Teddy is nowhere in sight, and neither is Val.

We’re alone.

“I’m surprised you came tonight.” I study him over the rim of my cup, my heart rate three times faster than it was a moment ago.

“I told Teddy days ago that I’d be here, so I’m here.” He fixes a drink for himself, his arm brushing my hip where it rests against the edge of the table.

I practically jump at the contact. “Right. And Teddy is so important to you that you didn’t care who else might be here who might not want to see you.”

“If that was true, you wouldn’t have posted a picture of you and me yesterday,” he shoots back and takes a long sip of whatever dark drink he just made.

I was too distracted by the way his arm muscles tightened and loosened while he moved to notice what alcohol he used.

My eyes snap to his. “I forgot that I scheduled it before we left the island,” I explain, a sharp edge in each word. “By the time I saw it, it already had ten thousand likes and several hundred comments. If I would’ve deleted it at that point, I would’ve looked like a jackass.”

“And it’s all about appearances,” he says sarcastically, and I’m rattled. The man infuriates me worse than anything Jason ever did. “This may be none ofmybusiness, but how long are you planning on using me for your publicity stunt?” he asks, his sarcasm even deeper than before.

There are a million comebacks on the tip of my tongue—including the fact that it washisfreaking idea in the first place—but the truth is, none of it would solve our problem.

We told my nearly two million followers that he and I are together, and I never thought about what would happen if we drifted apart. I didn’t think we ever would. Then again, I hadn’t expected anything that happened over the last few weeks.

When we were wrapped in each other’s arms, exploring every sensual spot on both our bodies, it was like we had all the time in the world. Nothing could reach us on that island, and we were too solid to break apart.

I was wrong on so many levels.

“I’m done playing games, Sam,” Xander whispers as he brushes past me.

But I stop him, grasping his forearm and tugging him backward. “For the record, I didn’t force you to help me. You’re the one who offered. You’re the one who gave me the push to post the announcement. So stop acting like I’m the bad guy here who manhandled you into this agreement.”

He clenches his jaw and grinds out, “I didn’t realize it was a lifelong contract. Nor did you mention it would bring out this… disappointing side of you.” His voice grows softer, and guilt swims in his dark brown eyes like he surprised even himself with that admission.

I gulp, but it doesn’t go down easily. The lump in my throat only grows the longer I stand here in front of him. We’re planted a foot from each other, and I’m still holding his arm, a connection between us.

But we might as well be miles apart.

“I know I have my flaws, Xander, but don’t blame me for yours.”

He doesn’t budge as I step closer to him.

“You’re disappointed in yourself more than you are me, but it doesn’t matter, does it? I wasn’t who you thought I was, and you weren’t who I thought or needed, either. Let’s call it what it is and go our separate ways.” I finally drop my hand from him as the pressure builds behind my eyes. The barbershop quartet raises their voices with the chorus, and I square my shoulders as I assert, “I’ll come clean about the entire lie first thing tomorrow. God forbid we’re tied to each other any longer.”

Dipping my head to cover my watery eyes, I sidestep him and set my drink next to the clutter of booze, then head toward my old room, where I left my purse. On the way, I stop Teddy, plaster on a smile, and tell him I’m leaving.

“So soon?” He furrows his brows. “We haven’t even started karaoke.”

“You know I’m not much of a singer.” I shrug, walking backward. “Besides, Mom and Dad are too hammered already to make it to karaoke.”

He chuckles, glancing at our parents, whose cheeks are flushed. “I think Dad might have fallen asleep a few times. I caught Mom snapping her fingers in front of his face.”

“Keep an eye on him,” I say seriously. “After the cake he had, he might go into a coma with all that sugar.”

“I’ll take care of him,” my brother reassures me.

Before I turn away, I say, “Oh, and you’ll be happy to know that I’m calling the whole online stunt with Xander quits. I’m going to post tomorrow.”

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