She scoffed.“No!Not happening.”
I sat back and regarded her with a smug smirk. “Okay, then how else are you going to get a chance to chat with Phoenix Sky at an album listening party?”
She sat taller, interest fully snagged.
“Because an acquaintance mentioned it to me and told me I should come. I mean, it’s not my thing, and I wasn’t planning on going. I guess I won’t if you’re not?—”
“Okay.” She nibbled her lower lip and then groaned. “This is insane. What does one wear to a listening party…babe?”
I grinned, absolutely satisfied.
16
AVA
Fake-dating my ex-boyfriend was possibly the worst idea ever. But he did make a great point. I needed him. Hisconnections,rather. Needing my ex was a big no-no.
However, so far, I had to admit that Lincoln was coming through for me. He even had his friend, who was a tech genius, digging deeper than I ever could into some of the people I’d see backstage at that event. I supposed I could put up with the discomfort of pretending to be his again. It was for the greater good.
This evening was our first appearance together. An exclusive listening party hosted by Phoenix Sky’s label. The venue was someone’s mansion—I wasn’t sure whose. I stepped out of Lincoln’s car as he held the door open for me. The entire home was like something out of a magazine—gated and set on a sprawling property. Despite this being a casual event, the guests strolling up the steps were in designer everything. There were even valets in white polo shirts. One of them approached, and Lincoln handed him his key and straightened his blazer. He seemed unfazed by the extravagance.
I adjusted my clutch and followed him toward the stone steps. On our way, his palm landed on my lower back. I nearly jumped out of my skin, and he instantly dropped his hand to his side. I was embarrassed about the way I reacted. His touch had been warm on my bare flesh. I wore a pink sequin halter top, which I felt ridiculous in. It wasn’t my style, but Sienna, Lincoln’s assistant, insisted it was “way cute”.
Lincoln frowned at me. “You know, if you jump with disgust every time I touch you, no one will believe we’re together.”
I glared at him. “That wasn’t a jump ofdisgust. It was…” It was a pleasant surprise. Why did his hand still feel so good on me?
“A jump of… delight?” he asked, eyeing me with that teasing gleam in his eyes. It made me miss how we once were with each other… and I hated myself for it.
My derisive snort echoed so loudly that someone turned to look back at us. “You wish, Ford.”
“A man can dream,” he muttered.
I gave him a sideways glance, not sure if he was serious or still teasing.
“Just act normal,” he added. “As in,don’tact like my touch is poisonous.”
I rolled my eyes, but I didn’t get to respond. My attention was instantly captured by the opulence of the foyer when we stepped through the door. Talk about excessive. There were glass chandeliers, glistening tiles, and abstract wall art. I could only imagine how swanky the rest of the house was.
When we reached the living room, I was proved right. Velvet sectionals wrapped around a sunken living area. There was a white grand piano, more chandeliers, and glasseverything. There was no way the homeowner had kids. I scanned the room. There were A- and B-list influencers and celebrities lounging around. There were flutes of what I assumed was champagnebeing passed around, and hors d'oeuvres were served on slabs of black marble. Here I thought a listening party was simply guys and gals lounging around in comfy clothes listening and bobbing to music while sipping beer.
I fiddled with my top and thanked my lucky stars I’d consulted Sienna about outfits or I’d have been severely underdressed.
“Are you okay?” Lincoln asked.
I glanced up and instinctively moved closer to him. I was by no means shy, but being in a room full of wealthy celebrities was a bit daunting. “Sure.”
The way his eyes moved over my face told me he didn’t buy it. His response was to wrap an arm around my shoulder—like he would when we were younger and he knew I was uneasy. My heart constricted.
“Lincoln!” someone called.
A tall man with a buzz cut and thick glasses approached us with a smile. “You made it.”
Lincoln smiled. “Thanks for the invite, Angus.”
I blinked.Angus?As in Angus Crews, the Grammy-winning producer who had worked with half the Billboard Top 100?
Angus clapped Lincoln on the shoulder like they were old pals. “Man, I’ve been trying to get you to one of these for years.”
