“Hey...,” Sean complained.
Meghan grabbed his hand. “I’ll get him forher.I’ve already got my own man.”
Chloe still couldn’t believe he’d gone on national TV and taken the heat for her. His fans could very well turn on him now, and where would that leave him? She didn’t even want to consider that.
Unable to sit still for another moment, Chloe popped to her feet. “I have to go see him.”
Meghan grabbed her phone. “I’ll book the flight.”
“I just knew that young man had his head on straight.” Mom grabbed her in a hug. “Go get him, honey.”
Chapter44
Chloe fidgeted through both flights to LA, her mind turning with what she would say to Liam. How could she even describe the depth of her regret? He’d opened his heart to her, even to the point of sharing about his mother, and she’d abused his trust.
During her quick stop in Charlotte, she’d called Simone to get Liam’s address. And now, as the Uber driver carried on a monologue about his electric Tesla, Chloe put her hand over her nervous stomach. The rambling hillside road climbed and curved, revealing hidden driveways and meticulously landscaped lawns and gardens.
From up here she had fleeting views of the Pacific sunset. Any other time she might appreciate the glorious golden glow swathing the horizon—the same view Liam must enjoy each night. But right now all she could think about was...
What if he doesn’t want to see me?
She pressed her hand to her heart, which felt as if it might burst from her chest. It would be the ultimate rejection. She wasn’t sure her heart would survive it. And yet...
The driver slowed on a downward slope, pulled into a paved driveway, and stopped in front of a formidable black iron gate.
Stupid her. She hadn’t considered she might not even have access to his front door. If he wasn’t home, she’d need a ride to a hotel.
“Can you wait here a minute?”
“Sure thing.” The driver turned off the engine.
Chloe exited the car and approached the daunting gate—a starkreminder of just who Liam Hamilton was. She glanced down at the clothing she hadn’t had a chance to change before rushing to catch her Wilmington flight—black leggings and a black tee with white lettering.I am a writer. (Anything you say or do may be used in a story.)
There was probably a camera somewhere. She glanced around even as she fluffed her plane-smooshed hair. Then she homed in on the keypad. The Call button.
He might not answer at all. Or he might refuse to see her. Her stomach twisted. This was the scariest thing she’d ever done. But she would never know if she didn’t find the faith to put herself out there.
All right, Chloe. You can do this.
She sucked in a deep breath, blew it out, then pressed the Call button. She waited, pulse racing.
She peered up the drive. Only the roofline was visible over the hill. Was he home? Could he see her even now? She glanced back at the keypad. Had she hit the right button? Other than numbers, it was the only option. She pressed Call again and waited.
And waited.
He wasn’t home. Or he wasn’t answering. She wet her very dry lips. What now? She could simply camp out here and wait. But what if he’d flown somewhere after the interview? What if he wouldn’t be home for days?
She could call him, but she didn’t want to give him the chance to turn her down over the phone. It would be all too easy. It was why she hadn’t called him to begin with. This was something she had to do face-to-face. When he saw her—when she saw his face—she’d know how he truly felt about her.
Wouldn’t she?
How could she find out where he was? Spencer would know, but she didn’t have his number. Maybe Simone did though.
“Miss, you gonna need another ride?”
“Another minute please. I’ll pay you for the trouble.” She tapped Simone’s name, praying she’d answer the call.
“Did you make it to LA?” Simone asked by way of greeting.
