Ethan’s gaze flicked to Priya. “I can only think of one place to keep this party going.”
She nodded, her lips curving as he gave the driver the address to the coach house. But just as the words left his mouth, Priya’s entire expression changed.
“What is it?” Ethan asked, concern creeping into his tone.
“That’s my car!” Priya gestured frantically toward the window behind him.
Ethan turned in his seat, just in time to see a tow truck hauling away a brand-new car down the road, its hazard lights blinking.
“I left it at the curb,” Priya groaned. “I was only going to be a minute.”
“Change of plans.” Ethan knocked on the partition. “Follow that tow truck.”
“Understood.” The driver pulled out, steering the car seamlessly onto the road.
“Here we go again,” Ethan said to Priya, glancing over his shoulder.
Behind them, a convoy of vehicles merged into the traffic, the paparazzi pursuing them as they pursued the tow truck.
Priya let out an exasperated sigh before nestling into the curve of Ethan’s arms. “Guess I better get used to it.”
“Look at you, rolling with the punches like a pro.”
“No matter what happens, there’s one thing I know for sure.”
“What’s that?”
Priya smiled and laced her fingers through his. “Life is never going to be boring with you.”
As their lips met, the driver shifted lanes, weaving through traffic to shake off the press. The city blurred in a kaleidoscope of colors. The chase was on, but Ethan and Priya were too wrapped up in each other to care.
Thirty-Six
Ethan traced afeatherlight path along Priya’s neck, his fingers warm against her skin. “Time to wake up, sleepyhead.”
Priya stretched with a contented sigh before rolling over, a grin spreading across her face. This wasn’t a dream. Last night had really happened. The red carpet, the kiss, the chaos. The hours they’d spent tangled up in each other afterward. And now, Ethan was sitting beside her, fresh from the shower, a towel wrapped low around his waist, his hair damp and tousled.
“What time is it?” she murmured.
“Three.” His lips grazed hers in a light, teasing kiss. “P.M.”
Priya’s eyes flew open. “Oh shit!”
“I know, I know. I really wore you out.”
Priya let out a strangled chuckle. “I forgot to feed Sir Puffington.”
“Already handled. Brooke picked him up hours ago.” He lounged back against the headboard. “For the record, she’s revoked our godparent privileges. Something about us being a little too preoccupied with each other last night to be responsible pet guardians.”
“Well…she’s notwrong.” Priya grinned and flopped backonto the pillows. But then everything from last night came rushing back, and she slapped a hand over her face.
“How bad is it?” She peeked out from between her fingers. “Am I getting roasted? Are you getting hated on for skipping the after-party?”
“See for yourself.” Ethan handed her his phone.
Priya took a deep breath and scrolled through the posts. She paused, glanced at him, then continued in disbelief.
“Movie debut turns into a kitten rescue! Ethan Knight proves he’s a hero on- and off-screen. #RealLifeHero”
