He mumbles under his breath, “I’ve felt the same way for years.”
My bones ache, but his hold alleviates the pressure. I sink further into his grasp and say, “Thanks for sticking around.”
Chapter twenty-four
Returning to the Hollywood Hills
Iplace my purse underneath the seat in front of me and lift my gaze to Holden, buckling himself up already as the flight attendants are securing the carry-ons of others near us in the cabin.
My focus is solely on the two teenage girls popping their heads up from their chairs, sneaking glances at us. One girl is wearing red heart-shaped sunglasses, while the other one is rocking lopsided pigtails. Similar faces, similar hair color. Most likely sisters, whispering and staring at us.
Leaning into Holden’s side, I hover my mouth against his ear, asking in a faint whisper, “Does this happen all the time?” My self-doubt creeping in as Holden’s fans stare at us, unblinking.
He displays a playful smile before leaning into me. “Dating stories always cause a huge rush in the media outlets. I guess our plan is working.”
And he smiles at me. I hate how much I enjoy seeing it.
As soon as he says it, the two girls walk over to us. My arms go up immediately, shielding my un-made-up face and frizzy hair that’s pulled back with a claw clip. I wasn’t prepared to be seen.
“Stop that.”
His arms reach over to drag my hands to my sides, feeling uneasy about this situation. The feeling where you aren’t sure how to exist around a person anymore…
Do I act like a girlfriend or a strategist?
“Do you mind?” The two girls ask, holding up a phone to take a picture with him.
Holden unbuckles his seat belt. Just like that, he instantly shifts into character. The guy who is agreeable, charismatic and smooth to everyone in the room. The guy who looks like he has never had a bad day in his life.
Does he enjoy this part of the job?
“Are you guys together?” The girl with pigtails is now showing off her pink braces, while her sister is jamming an elbow into the girl’s side. Clearly annoyed that her younger sister just asked that question.
He smiles politely, looking at me with those actor eyes of his. He confirms to the girls with a simple and to the point answer,“Yes.” No further explanation needed, just soft eyes directed toward me.
The girls are giggling and I think my insides are doing the same.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please ensure your seat belts are fastened, tray tables are in their full upright position and all carry-on items are securely stowed away. We’re ready for takeoff.”
The girls scatter back to their seats. Once they do, I lean into Holden’s side to whisper, “You make it look so easy.”
“It’s just a photo.”
Mr. All or Nothing, it will never be just a photo.
I roll up the screen of my window to catch a better look at the tarmac. As I peer through the glass, I jolt in my seat. In the windowpane, Skye’s face appears, bright eyed and smiling at me. This was on another whole level, even for her.
Even after takeoff, she still remains there, eerily watching us.
Our awkward tension is for her entertainment.
In the foreground of her face, I see a canvas of blue surrounded by puffy marshmallows hanging in the air. Her black side bangs cover half of her face as she inhales the wind.
Cocking my head to the side, I press into the window to see more of her. Does she have some ominous catharsis to share with the class? As she presses her fingers to the glass, I shudder, feeling a sharp chill.
“Are you okay?” Holden holds on to my hand and I snap back to him.
“It’s okay to be a nervous flier,” he affirms.
