Page 24 of Every Step She Takes
A sharp laugh. “True enough. I still dream of Juilliard, though. What’s it like?”
We talked as we strolled along the beach. Whenever we started getting too far from the house, he’d notice me glancing back and turn us around. The champagne buzzed through me, loosening my tongue, and we chatted away about the life of a music student versus the life of a pop star. At some point, we tossed our clothing onto one of the blankets and swam.
Isabella had invited Justice in hopes I’d have some flirty fun. And I did. I talked and swam and laughed with a heartthrob who, in person, was as real as Colt or Isabella. Colt complained about how often people said he seemed like a real person.
“Iama real person,” he’d grumbled. “Do they expect a talking mannequin?”
That was the allure of gossip rags.Look, this actor eats at McDonald’s, too! This musician’s kids throw tantrums in the mall, too! They’re just like us!As if we thought they were another species, dwelling on some perfect plane of existence separate from our own.
Justice Kane was a swoonworthy twenty-one-year-old who played guitar and sang lead vocals in one of the most popular bands on the planet. He was also a guy who liked bad puns, couldn’t swim very well, and wished he’d gone to college. I basked in the glow of his attention, but even more than that, I enjoyed exactly what Isabella prescribed: time with a guy my own age.
Despite my hopes, there wasn’t any kissing. I got flirting, though, and glances of appreciation for my new bikini. We’d retreated to the beach to talk when a shadow blocked out the moonlight, and I twisted to see Colt looming over us.
“I’m behaving,” Justice said, gesturing at the two-foot gap between us. “We just snuck away from you old fogies.”
Colt kicked up sand, and Justice dodged it, laughing.
“I need to steal Lucy from you,” Colt said. “Tiana wants to talk to her.”
“Sure.” Justice held out a hand to help me stand, but Colt deftly moved into his way. I ignored both and rose to my feet.
“We’ll catch up later,” Justice said. “I think I saw cake. I’ll grab you a piece before it’s gone.”
“Lucy has to put the kids to bed,” Colt said, and I shot him a look – since when did I do that? – but he ignored it and started leading me away.
“I’ll still see about the cake,” Justice called after me. “I’d love your email in case I have more questions about Juilliard.”
Colt snorted and muttered something under his breath. He had his hand on my elbow as he led me away like a naughty child.
“We were only talking,” I said. “We were in sight of the house.”
Colt nodded abruptly and loosened his grip. “It’s not you. I’ve known Justice since he was a kid, and he… has a reputation.”
“He was fine,” I said. “A perfect gentleman, actually.”Even when I would have been okay with slightly less than gentlemanly behavior.
Colt only muttered and led me to a side table where two glasses of champagne waited, still fizzing, as if he’d set them there. As he handed me one, I shook my head.
“I had one earlier, and it went straight to my head. I still feel woozy.”
“Lightweight,” he teased. “You’re walking and talking just fine.” He pushed the glass into my hand. “This is the good stuff. In thanks for helping me make Isabella very happy tonight.”
“Doesn’t Tiana need me?”
He leaned down and whispered, “I lied.” He straightened. “That was about getting you away from the clutches of a very unsuitable young man.” He enunciated the words in a proper English accent, and then his lips twitched in that crooked smile I knew well. “Do you forgive me?”
Not really. I’d been having fun with Justice, and I was irked to be pulled away, especially when Justice hadn’t given off anyunsuitablevibes. If Colt was right, though, maybe he’d been working up to that, lowering my guard so I’d let him lead me from the watchful eyes of my employers.
“You are forgiven,” I said. “The surprise went well earlier. Isabella didn’t suspect a thing.”
He grinned as his eyes danced. “She didn’t. And so we must drink a toast to our success, student and teacher.”
We clinked glasses, and I tried to just take a sip, but he lifted the bottom of my glass, leaving me sputtering as champagne spilled down my throat. When he reached to do it again, I chugged it, which I was certain was entirely wrong for expensive champagne. He sipped a little of his and then set our glasses aside and took my hand, his warm fingers enveloping mine.
“I have something to show you,” he said. “My secret stargazing spot.”
He tugged at my hand, and before I could protest, my feet were moving, following him as we jogged through the bushes that separated the beach house from the next property. The owners had left the first week of August, and the house was dark.
As we dashed onto the back deck, I giggled far more than necessary, the champagne making me so dizzy I could barely see straight. When I stumbled, Colt scooped me up, and I laughed, kicking half-heartedly.
