Page 16 of Sweet Addiction

Why did I just let that happen?

Knox kissed me.

I lethimkiss me.

And I… liked it.

I liked it a lot.

I slap a palm over my mouth as if it can rid me of the kiss. Reality sinks into me. Oh my god. I kissed Knox McCabe. My mother’s fiancé.

Said mom appears in my doorway. A mixture of panic, guilt and shame courses through my veins. My pulse kicks up, heart drumming against my ribcage when she smiles at me. “Hey honey, what are you doing?”

Her voice is like ice-cold water being thrown over me. I know there are issues between us. Mainly because she wants me to be something I am not, but I would never hurt her. Not intentionally. Tears prick my eyes, but I don’t let them fall. Clearing my throat, I plaster on a smile. “Homework.” My voice is a little squeaky which doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Okayyy,” Mom draws out the word. “Well, I thought we could look at some of these castings?” she says hopefully. I deflate. I want to tell her no, but how can I do that when I kissed her fiancé?

“Sure,” I concede.

She claps, the biggest smile on her face. “Also, I didn’t want to mention it just yet, but I am just too excited to keep it to myself.” She takes a deep breath and says excitedly. “My agent called. She said the production company has given the green light to film a pilot about us, for a potential reality show. Of course, the biggest selling point for them is my marrying Knox.” I can’t help but wince when she says his name. “And they want me and you to attend castings and all that jazz. It’s going to be so amazing. I have a feeling we are going to be bigger than the Kardashians.”

I swallow, suddenly feeling hot all over. “Mom—” I start but she cuts me off.

“Don’t Madison. I know reality television isn’t the route either of us wanted to go but I think it would be good for all of us.” She pins me with a look that says not to argue.

The funny thing is, if I was just honest with her, she would know I don’t want anything to do with any part of the entertainment business. I could tell her right now. But then I remember what just happened. Blowing out a breath, I concede. “Okay, if you think it’s the right step for us. But…” I trail off, eyes widening, breath hitching, when Knox appears behind her, a towel in his hand as he dries his wet hair.

“What’s the right step?” he asks nonchalantly as if he didn’t just have his mouth on me. Mom spins to face him. I’m grateful for the reprieve considering my cheeks are burning up. I suck in a breath, the tension in the room almost suffocating with Knox’s presence.

“Honey,” Mom starts, and I grimace. “Clarissa wants a conference call with us both at five-thirty. Everything will be explained then.”

“Why can’t you explain now Scarlett,” the impatience in his voice, the irritation on his face is clear. His eyes come to me. I blush at his intense stare and the way his tongue darts out, running across his bottom lip seductively. Jesus. He isn’t even trying to hide anything.

“Later. Madison has agreed to attend some castings, isn’t that great?” she chirps, changing the subject.

Knox’s gaze shifts to Mom. My stomach drops at the look on his face. “I think it would begreatif you let Madison decide for herself what it is she wants to do instead of pushing her into somethingyouwant.”

Oh god. I feel sick. Jumping off the bed, I rush forward wanting to diffuse the situation. How dare Knox comment on me. Even if what he is saying is right. Mom frowns, her eyes, now full of suspicion as they bounce between Knox and me. “I do want that, actually,” I lie, my voice sure but inside I am a mess. Turning pleading eyes onto Knox, I implore him to shut his mouth.

It must work, because he lets out a sigh, turns to Mom and says, “Where are we taking this conference call?”

Mom’s body relaxes, a smile curving her lips. “In my office. I just need to get cleaned up and I will meet you down there.”

Knox nods, his gaze coming back to me briefly before he walks away.

Shoulders slumping, I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding, turning to Mom. “I’m going to finish my schoolwork.”

She smiles, stepping out of my room, only to stop and throw over her shoulder, “Okay sweetie. Dinner will be early tonight. I have birthday drinks with a friend at eight-thirty so please make sure you are sat down, ready to eat at six-thirty.”

Shutting my door, as if it can block out everything that just happened. Climbing on my bed, I slump against the pillows.

How the hell have I gotten myself into this mess?

* * *

Mom left shortly after dinner.

Though she begged Knox to join her, he refused. Gave her the excuse that he needed to go over plays for the football team. I know it was a lie. And I know it gave him the perfect opportunity to be alone with me after our kiss.

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