I smile. That’s nice.
“But only if you do your PR rep a quick favor,” she says as her hand lands on my arm and she gently turns me. “Do you see that man over there?”
“Hank Carter,” I blurt out, following her eyes. “I can recognize a major action star.”
“Oh, I know Hank Carter,” Gabriel says quietly.
I blink. Wait. Did Gabriel sleep with Hank Carter? Is Hank Carter gay?
He must see the thought work across my face because he coughs out a laugh. “Not like that. He’s straight as an arrow.”
“And a straight icon,” Alyssa adds. “As in the hetero men and jocks love him. Which is why you two are going to walk over right now as the photographers approach.”
I blink at her. “Right now?”
“Window’s closing,” Alyssa says sweetly.
Gabriel’s hand is on my elbow, and before I can say anything else, we’re walking toward the man I’ve watched jump off of exploding buildings since I was a kid.
Gabriel leans closer. “I love a good action movie. And Hank’s fans love my music. This is a good opportunity.” He holds the glass to his mouth to cover his words. “We’re milking this fake marriage tonight. Great work.”
“Yes. Excellent mileage,” I agree. I squeeze the words out just before he’s introducing me to Hank and his girlfriend Hailey. As expected, the photographers work their way to us a moment later, and everyone turns naturally, allowing a couple of pictures to be taken.
It strikes me out of nowhere that my father is a huge Hank Adams fan, and maybe he’ll see this. It’s ridiculous to feel hopeful about that, but as Gabriel leans close, I do.
Gabriel is excited about the image for our purposes, but the way he talks about it, I’m fairly certain that he was thinking mainly about how it benefits me personally. I make note of that as the small talk carries on, and soon enough, we’re alone again in the increasingly loud, crowded space.
“Small talk is always so exhausting,” I say. “How do you have the energy for parties every night?”
“Me? No. I like quiet time at home with my husband.” He shrugs. “I told you. You’re good for me. Hell, I couldn’t possibly stay later at this particular party than whatever time it is right now. After Alyssa finishes her drink, my man needs to go home.”
I can’t help but smile. “Music to my ears.”
“Unless you want to stay.”
“Hell no.” I take his elbow this time. “No take-backs.”
Gabriel laughs. “I think we’ve been sufficiently seen. We should say goodnight to Marco and Fox on the way out, too. I’ll call us a car to the hotel.”
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
GABRIEL
I slideinto the back of the car with Spencer. Fox and Marco acted enthusiastic about the song. The entire cast and crew were excited, too. But I know the old magic wasn’t there, and so did everyone else.
Acting flashy for Spencer was a nice distraction. Now it’s quiet again, though, and the troubled thoughts are waiting.
“Gabriel,” Spencer says, his voice low and steady. His cheeks are rosy from the cold air, and he wears his jacket unbuttoned over his suit. “You okay?”
“Sorry.” I rub my hand over my face. “Just tired.”
Spencer looks at me skeptically.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing,” he answers quickly, turning his eyes toward the front as lights pass in the window behind him. After a second, though, he turns back to me. “This might be the bourbon talking, but you do seem…” He sighs. “Moody.”
I blurt out a laugh. “Moody? God. Am I acting that bad? Moody is how you describe an ornery child.”
