“And…he’s coming over. Of course he is. Let’s see if you’rereallyboyfriend material.” I’m joking because he’s proven he is multiple times tonight, but he plays along.
“Me?” He raises his brows. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.” Shifting closer, he presses his lips to my cheek before whispering in my ear, “Be prepared to swoon, Baby. I’ve got this.”
Oh, God.
“Hayley, hi,” my ex Lachy interrupts us before I can respond, and I force an over-the-top grin, thanking him when he congratulates me on the film.
“It’s good to see you,” I lie. “How have you been?”
“I’m good. I’m really good. I’m here with Chelsie Watson. She’s working with your director onSheridan Shores.” He points behind him toward Chelsie standing over by the railing, as though we’ve been living under a rock and don’t recognise the star of the biggest TV show in the world right now.
I’m desperate to roll my eyes, but when Reed cocks his head to the side, confusion set in his features, I’m proven wrong. He has no idea who she is.
“I love Chelsie,” I say with a smile. “You traded up.” I’m joking but I swear Reed growls from beside me.
“Lachy, this is my boyfriend, Reed. Reed, this is Lachy.”
“Her ex,” Lachy adds with a smirk. “We gowayback. From Australia.” I’m sure he expects Reed to get jealous, but Reed shocks him by smiling wide.
“Nice to meet you, Lachy from Australia. As Hayley said, I’m Reed,from America.And we’re goingwayforward.”
I burst out laughing while Lachy stares at him in confusion before shrugging with a smile.
“Well, it was nice seeing you, Little Jackman. And good to meet you, Reed. I better get back to Chelsie. I just wanted to say hi.”
“Good to see you too.”
He walks away but glances back, confusion still marring his features, and I laugh again, turning my face into Reed’s chest,stifling the sound. “That man can act, but he was never the brightest spark.” I wrap my arms around his waist and grin.
“And yet, you dated him.” Reed’s playful tone draws my gaze as he winks.
“Yeah, well. He could do this thing with his—”
Reed’s palm wraps around my mouth and I giggle, raising my hands in question. “Real or fake,” he grates, “I don’t need to hear about another man’s skills.”
“Why? I was only going to tell you about his motorcycle.” I smile innocently and Reed huffs out a laugh.
“Sure you were.”
Feeling significantly better, I agree to head back inside and spend another hour smiling and mingling, posing for photos, answering question after question about what’s next. Sometimes they ask about my career, a topic I try to avoid while ignoring the pang in my chest, and sometimes it’s my love life––an easier topic with Reed by my side. It’s a long night, but when it ends, I’m not at all ready to go home.
How could I? I’m high on life and success, however temporary it may be. I need to embrace this feeling.
Mind made up, whenReed walks over with our coats, I let him know there’s a change of plans.
“I want to go dancing.” I squeeze his hand as I bounce on my toes.
“Dancing?” His gaze falls to my six-inch stiletto heels before he cringes. “Are you sure? You’ve been on your feet for hours.”
“And I could easily stand for hours more. I’m sure.”
“Okay.” He laughs to himself. “Come on. Our driver’s waiting. Where do you want to go?”
An idea comes to mind and my smile widens. “I’m not sure yet. But I want to golinedancing.” He eyes me suspiciously, and a laugh bursts out of me before I get the chance to cover my mouth. I’m teasing and he knows it.
“Line dancing?” He keeps a straight face. “Do you know a place?”
“I don’t. Do you?” I raise an eyebrow in question and he chuckles, shaking his head.
