His mind became laser sharp. She cared about money.“I’m glad, but I still want to make this up for you and if it means you land Matthew in your bed...”
“No… I want the chance to tell him I love him. I know that’s stupid and he doesn’t know I’m alive, but… I do and I’d trade every dime I have for that chance.”
Again he hadn’t expected that. His shoulders slumped.
She’d said she loved him today. She’d said it when she’d first arrived.
Everything about them was planned by Jennifer to get him to see Ashley.
If he trusted Jennifer, he’d be a fool.
Matt got to his feet.“You shouldn’t bug her dressing room.”
The streetlights were coming on as evening fell. Anthony finished his second glass of wine and then stood, tapping him on the back like he was ready to leave. “You agreed with Jennifer’s lawyers not to help my case, yet you broke the rules.”
Matt’s decisions were his own. His brothers had no say in his career, just like his father hadn’t. Butunlike their father who he still hated in his soul, he hadn’t wanted ill will with his brothers and sisters. He met his gaze and said, “I’m here for my job.”
His brother left his side and straightened his collar in the mirror at the end of the room. “Look, don’t fall for the hired help that’s out to con you.”
Matt’s entire face burned. Ashley was a good woman, but if he argued, thatmeant his brother would stay longer. So he just said, “It’s been a nice evening.”
“You know I’m right, Matt.” Anthony headed toward the door.
Matt held the handle. As an actor, he could smile and wish anyone good night, but tonight he felt off. Prickly even as he said, “Good night.”
He closed the door, turned off the lights and headed upstairs.
His bedroom still smelledlike Ashley’s rose perfume she’d bought and her bags were in the closet as Rosita must have moved her in.
He opened one and saw a turquoise top that would make her pretty brown eyes pop, and white pants.
He stuffed them back in the bag.
He should have told her about Anthony.
But her words “I love you” haunted him. How could she love him? He hadn’t been loved for himself,well, ever.
The only adoration he ever had was applause.
His heart raced like he’d made a huge mistake. Tomorrow he would have to fix everything.
Somehow he needed to show her something inside him that made her want to stay but part of him worried there might not be anything at all there.
He needed the right words.
Matt glanced out at the night sky.
Themoon only made him ache worse. He picked up his phone and called the one person who knew him, always.
On the second ring, the good doctor and his older brother said, “Hello?”
Matt closed his eyes and sat on the floor. He needed to be reasoned with, and listened to. “Luke.”
“Matt, it’s super late here,” Luke said.
Miami was three hours ahead of LA—he had a tendency toforget that. He leaned his back against the wall. “Sorry. I just had a question for you.”
Luke asked, “What?”
