Eden had had such high hopes for tonight. Now she was alone in her suite in Miami, wearing a slinky black dress, glaring at herself in the mirror. She couldn’t explain the feelings that had arisen in her after she learned Camille would be at the party tonight. Disappointment. Frustration. And something dark and possessive that she could only explain as jealousy.
Anna had told her once that she and Camille had the kind of chemistry that made them fall back into bed together every time they saw each other, even after they’d broken up. Would that happen tonight? Would Eden have to watch them smolder at each other?
No. She knew Anna wouldn’t cheat on her, but would she be tempted? Was she still attracted to Camille?
Eden glared at herself even harder. She didn’t recognize that seething feeling in her chest, and she didn’t like it. She’d never been a jealous person. She hadn’t felt this way when other actresses looked at Zach, not even when one of them was his ex.
There was a knock at the door, and Eden schooled her expression, giving herself a polite smile in the mirror. Then she answered the door, affecting her coolest demeanor to hide the ugly things still swirling beneath the surface. Paris and Taylor were there, waiting to escort her downstairs to the party.
As they approached the ballroom, Eden could hear music already playing from within, somewhat muted by the buzz of conversation. Outside the windows on the far side of the room, the Miami harbor beckoned. Several large cruise ships were lined up to the right of the hotel, brightly lit against the rapidly darkening sky. Beautiful.
She wondered what it would be like at some point in the future, entering a party like this with Anna on her arm. Honestly, she couldn’t wait. She’d hoped tonight might be that night, but Anna had dropped her bombshell about Camille before Eden had a chance to bring it up.
Obviously, they couldn’t announce their relationship while Anna’s ex was here, not after everything Anna had told her about how jealous and theatrical Camille was. So Eden had said nothing.
And now here she was, alone as usual, despite being the center of attention. Taylor and Paris both stayed close as the party guests crowded in to greet her, smothering her in praise and requests for photos. In addition to various crew members, she’d invited local press and influencerswho were all eager for a sound bite. When she blinked, she saw bursts of light behind her lids, the result of too many camera flashes.
“Want something to drink?” Paris asked.
“Please,” Eden said.
“Champagne?”
Eden nodded before she turned to greet several local newscasters. She never drank on a show night, but tonight she could have a glass or two, as long as she remembered to hydrate. The last few months had taken a toll on her, not that she was complaining. Tours were exhausting, but she also loved them more than anything.
More thanalmostanything. Because she had someone now whom she loved even more than a concert performance. How had she gotten so lucky? And wherewasAnna? She darted a quick glance around the room as she was drawn into conversation with the newscasters, but she couldn’t see Anna anywhere.
Eden smiled and greeted and posed for photos, barely managing a sip of the champagne Paris had gotten her, but eventually—finally—the crowd around her began to thin. Perhaps she’d literally greeted everyone in the room.
“Have you seen Anna?” she asked Paris.
Paris nodded toward the windows.
Eden followed her gaze and immediately wished she hadn’t. There was Anna ... with Camille. They were leaned in close, and Camille’s hand rested possessively against Anna’s lower back. Eden learned in that moment that it wasn’t possible to literally see red. But shefeltred. Something fiery and hot pumped through her system as she strode in their direction.
Anna looked up to see Eden sweeping toward her in an absurdly sexy black dress, looking every inch the superstar. Her hair and makeupwere done to the nines. To anyone else in the room, Eden’s expression probably looked polite, but Anna could see the fire in her eyes. Eden was pissed.
And Anna wasn’t sure how she felt about that. She was having a perfectly polite conversation with Camille. Surprisingly enough, Camille had been on her best behavior tonight, full of praise for Anna’s recent success. Anna couldn’t honestly remember a time when Camille had bestowed so many compliments on her. It felt surprisingly good.
As Eden stopped beside her, Anna was reminded of the scene outside the Grammys when Eden had put Camille in her place. She hadn’t seenthatEden since then, but haughty Eden was back in full force.
“Camille Dupont,” she said, and the frost in her tone sent a shiver down Anna’s spine. “I wasn’t aware your name was on the guest list tonight.” That was obviously a lie, but Eden delivered it with a kind of smooth conviction that left Anna breathless.
“No?” Camille’s eyes twinkled. “Anna was kind enough to extend an invitation once she learned I was in town tonight.”
“That was awfully nice of Anna,” Eden said, and whether she realized it or not, she was standing too close to Anna for any platonic purpose. Possessively close.
Anna took a subtle step toward the window, putting some space between herself and the two women who were eyeing each other like competitors in a boxing ring. This was so ridiculous. She and Camille had been having the most cordial conversation they’d had in years before Eden had swooped in and made everything tense.
Camille didn’t know about Anna’s relationship with Eden, but she’d definitely picked up on Eden’s territorial attitude. There was a predatory gleam in Camille’s eyes now, the look of a woman who’d just unsheathed her metaphorical claws in the face of a rival. “I was just telling Anna how thrilled I am for her success. She studied under me for years, you know. You could say I launched her career.”
“I’m aware of your history.” Eden’s look was pointed. She knew everything, and she wanted Camille to know she knew.
“Then you must know how special Anna is to me.” Camille rested a hand on Anna’s arm, and for a moment, Anna feared Eden might actually push Camille’s hand away. Eden’s eyes snapped dangerously.
“Not really,” Eden said. “You haven’t even spoken to Anna since you insulted her dress at the Grammys, have you?”
“Anna knows I always keep tabs on her career.” Camille’s gaze was laser sharp as she looked from Eden to Anna and back. “And a little criticism where it’s warranted can only help Anna improve in the future.” She swept that assessing gaze over the red-and-black printed dress Anna wore tonight, making an appreciative sound.