“Completely inaccurate,” he says.
“It’s fine,” Dex stage-whispers to Lola. “He’s trying to impress someone.”
My entire body tenses.
Bryce shoots him a murderous look that only makes Dex grin harder.
Lola turns to me next. “And you are?”
I shake her hand. “Annabelle. I work for the team.”
She gives me a look women give other women when they’re trying to assess whether they’re competition. “Nice to meet you.”
Her tone implies it might not actually be nice.
Before I can unpack that, a woman with a camera strolls by snapping backstage candids. When she angles toward Bryce, he steps aside.
Unfortunately, I step in the same direction.
She catches the photo at the exact moment Bryce glances back to check if I’m behind him. To anyone on earth, it looks like we’re standing very close. Too close.
The photographer’s expression lights up like she just spotted Bigfoot making out with the Loch Ness Monster.
“Oh no,” I whisper.
“Oh yes,” Bryce says.
Within thirty seconds, the picture is online.
Bryce Blackhorn spotted backstage with mystery woman before Nashville concert.
My soul leaves my body.
“I am not with him,” I say. “This is misleading. This is wildly misleading.”
“It’s Nashville,” Bryce says. “Breathing within ten feet of someone counts as a dating rumor.”
“Why are you so calm?”
“Because this isn’t my first rodeo.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“I need a drink,” I tell Mia.
***
Back in the VIP lounge, I’m barely recovered when Harper slips to my side. “You’re handling this well.”
I blink and glance around. “Wait… where’s Coach? Shouldn’t he be here?”
Harper laughs softly. “Oh, honey. Ryder does not hang out with the boys unless it’s required."
I nod. “That… actually makes sense.”
“I love Lola, and Mia snagged me a ticket. So here I am. Supervising you, supervising Bryce.”
I snort.
