Page 26 of The One I Love

“Apparently, he’s been busy.”

“Busy or not, it seems strange that he’d pull back now.”

“I agree.”

“Speaking of pulling back.” Eve shifted on the sofa to more fully face him. “I just got an email. The company that was going to back my cosmetics line is pulling back. They don’t want to be associated with me. Not right now, anyway.”

Anson straightened, and his eyes flashed green fire. “That’s—”

“Business,” Eve finished, keeping her tone matter-of-fact. “With all the negative online chatter, I’m not surprised.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Hold off on the launch. It’s the sensible solution.” She lifted a shoulder and let it drop. “I’ll wait until they feel confident again. Given time, this stuff with Jason should blow over.”

“It will,” Anson added his reassurance. “This kind of stuff always does. Something juicier takes its place.”

“I’m glad you’ve been spared the brunt of the public’s wrath,” Eve continued. “Probably because, like Calista, everyone thinks we’re no longer together.”

Anson’s dark brows slammed together. “I heard her say that, but why would she think that?”

“Because the online buzz is that you’ve cut me loose.” Eve chuckled. “I’m sure Jerome will be happy to hear that.”

“We’ve discussed this before. No one is cutting anyone loose.” Anson reached over and gripped her hand, holding it firmly in his as his gaze searched hers. “When we attend the Autumn Ball together on Saturday, everyone will know we’re together.”

“Britt said, and I agree, that the more public we are with our relationship, the more it’s going to keep the video in the news.”

“What are you saying, Eve?”

She cupped his face with her hand. “I’m saying that I love you, and I will do anything to protect you.”

CHAPTERSEVEN

Once June sent the text to Cameron, asking him to meet her at the small park behind her apartment, she tried to relax. Immediately after receiving the DMV report from Leon, she’d started going through the names on the list of party guests.

None of the last names of registered owners of classic Impalas matched anyone who’d been at the party the night Aubrey was killed. June had agreed with Cameron when he’d told her he doubted anyone who’d attended Sly’s parties would have driven such a car.

Still, she’d held out hope. After all, she doubted many of the attendees had driven Buick sedans either.

When her gaze was drawn once again to a name halfway down the DMV report, her hands began to tremble. She took in a steadying breath and let it out slowly.

In her heart, June knew she didn’t need to look any further for the driver of the car that had struck and killed Aubrey. This man was who she was looking for.

“Juin.” Cameron brought the hint of fall leaves with him as he slid beside her on the picnic table bench. “I came as soon as I got your text.”

“I found him.” June met Cameron’s gaze.

“Wow.” Cameron’s eyes widened. “That was fast.”

She gave a jerky nod.

“Are you sure it’s him?”

June slid the report over in front of him. “I made a mark next to his name.”

As he picked up the paper, June watched Cameron’s gaze slide down the list. She knew the instant he saw the name.

He lifted his head, and his eyes met hers. Disbelief blanketed his face. “How can this be?”

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