Page 26 of The Only Thing That's Real
What the hell was she going to say?
I’ve never loved Jay more than I did five minutes ago when he suggested we ask Ryan questions after our chat with Jimmy. However, now, at this precise moment, I’ve never been more jealous of the man, because I’m in an SUV with Trevor, Sean and Marie, and Smith from our security team. Jay is in the other SUV with Ryan and the rest of the group.
Did she answer him once they got in the car? Did they continue questioning her? What are they talking about?
When I texted her about my relationship with the guys, her face lit up, not only from the glow of her phone in the dark backstage of the studio, but because of her gorgeous smile. Her knee had bounced, and her bottom lip had slipped between her teeth, as though I had made her day. Her happinesssent me out in front of the cameras with an extra spring in my step. I sang my face off and turned on the charm like never before during our sit-down on the couch. It’s usually all an act I’ve perfected, but I didn’t have to pretend tonight. Thinking about her watching on the monitors backstage. Wanting to impress the redhead with the bright eyes was the fuel I needed.
For once, all my smiles were genuine.
“So, how’s it going with Ryan?” Trevor asks.
“Better.”
“Well, I hope you’re giving her more in-depth answers than you give me.”
“Seriously, what is your deal with her, man?” Sean says, chiming in from the seat behind me. “Everybody loves Ryan. Why do you have to be such a pain in the ass?”
Before I can answer, Marie chimes in. “Knox, she’s freaking awesome. I mean, what’s not to love?”
“Listen—”
Interrupting me with a gasp, Marie reaches over the seat, grabbing my shoulder. “You like her!”
“She’s fine,” I say, ignoring her implication.
“No, youlikeher.”
“You’ve lost the plot, my friend.”
“Holy shit!” Sean laughs, hitting the back of my seat. “Babe, you nailed it! He’s fucking into her. That’s why he went off to the crew at soundcheck the other day about nobody going near her. I can’t believe I didn’t put it together.”
“You two are out of your minds.”
Thankfully, we pull up behind the restaurant and before Smith is out of the car, I throw my door open and head inside, knowing the way through the back of the building by heart. Itdoesn’t even phase the staff to see us or any other celebs who don’t want the paps in their faces to cruise through their space. As always, the Malibu table in the Candle Room has been prepared for us, the velvet curtain pulled, creating a private space where we can eat without being on display.
Those who rode in the other SUV are already taking their seats at the round table, but she’s not here.
Head on a not-so-subtle swivel, my heart thuds against my rib cage. Why didn’t she come to dinner? Inhaling a deep breath, I tell myself it’s for the best. She’s off-limits and I’m a piece of shit.
As soon as my ass hits my chair, I check my phone, thinking maybe she replied to my earlier texts. My need to know why she’s not here is irritating.
I feel her before I see her. My body instantly sags with relief as soon as I lay eyes on her, laughing at something Reeves from our security team has said. Her hair is up with a few small curls framing her face leaving her neck on display. Her peaches and cream skin exposed beneath the small straps of her long lavender dress. My chest tightens. The electricity that always follows her entrance to any room shoots straight to my dick. This reaction I’m accustomed to, but the jealousy coursing through my veins is new.
Since when is Reeves so funny?
I’ve never gotten a reaction like that from her.
You’d have to not be a total jackass when you speak to her and actually say something funny, dickhead.
Jay sits to my right, but there’s an open seat on my left. She chooses one of the empty spots across from me. I do my best to ignore the disappointment I shouldn’t feel.
She’s distracted by her phone until Kristen sits next toher. She puts her phone down and is all smiles, laughing at something K said. My lips lift at the corners simply from watching her smile. I’m clueless what has her beaming the way she is, and to be honest, I don’t care. Ryan Staley with a smile on her face is pretty much all I need to right my world. If this feels so good, how the hell would it feel to be the one who put that smile on her face? Seeing her response to my text was like feeding the beast inside me an appetizer, and I’m starving for more.
All the women at this table are beautiful, but the one with the curls and freckles sitting directly across from me stands out above the others. All I’ve ever wanted from beautiful women in the past was a quick fuck. It’s never felt like this. We’ve only had one complete conversation, that almost didn’t end well. So, none of this makes sense.
I’m dying for her to look at me. But she hasn’t glanced in my direction once. I’ve gone from avoiding her at all costs to wanting nobody’s attention but hers. Maybe I should text her again. I would make texting her my full-time job if her smile was her reaction every time.
I wish Jay would restart hisAsk Ryan Questionsgame. I need to know everything about her.
