I’m willing to do whatever it takes to fit into her world, although I’m not sure she even realizes that she’s the star of it.
TWENTY-SIX
Becca
“Callum, Max, and I will be right next door at all times. Keep your earpiece in, and I’ll be able to hear everything and talk to you. When you guys leave to get dinner, I will follow you. Max will stay here at the hotel and go through Austin’s laptop. Any questions?” Keanu asks me.
One question has been on my mind since we came up with this plan. “What if he tries to kiss me?”
Cal’s jaw tightens. “I’d rather you punch him. Thoughts?”
Same. “I agree. But I don’t think that would help our plan. I’ll just tell him I have a cold sore or something.”
“We’ve got your back, Becca. Don’t worry,” Max says as he leaves for Keanu’s room.
Keanu nods in agreement. “All right, we’re going to head over in case he shows up early. Good luck, being nice to him.” He laughs.
I smile. “Whatever. I’m a great actress. I pretended to tolerate you when we met.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, right.” He walks out, leaving Cal and me alone.
Cal tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’ll be close all night, okay? I won’t let him hurt you. I promise.”
I nod. “I know.”
“Be safe, okay? I love you,” Cal says, his warm breath tickling my lips.
“I will. I love you too.” Pressing my lips into his, I breathe him in and kiss him harder.
“Get a room!” Keanu shouts in my ear.
I pull away from Cal’s kiss, laughing. “Shut up, Keanu!”
Cal’s brows furrow before he remembers the earpiece. “Be safe.”
I nod, and he walks out of the room, leaving me with my growing anxiety.
TWENTY-SEVEN
CalLUM
“Stella, you shouldn’t be here,” I tell her the second she walks through the door of Keanu’s room.
“Not your call,” she snaps at me, apologetic eyes immediately following. “I’m sorry.”
“I know. But do you really want to be here? To see him?” I ask her with fear in my voice.
Because I’m scared for her. She’s about to see Austin again. I know she says she’s worked on it and that she’s in a good place, but this is exactly what would take her out of that good place.
She sits down next to me, leaning her head against my shoulder. “I have to do this. Part of me can’t believe it’s really him.”
Brooke and Cade walk in, and he sits beside Stella instantly, taking her hands in his.
“Ready for tonight?” he asks, and I’m not sure who exactly he’s asking.
I nod. “As I’ll ever be.”
I’m itching to see Becca again. She’s with Sophie and Rose in her room, getting ready for tonight.
