Page 26 of The Publicity Stunt

Plastering on a fake smile, he shifts and turns to the pregnant woman. "Sorry, we're actually meeting people inside. Maybe another..." He trails off and pulls her into the building. "Time. Damn, we got separated before I could finish. Oh, well."

Bri laughs and wraps her arms around his waist. "That was actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Thanks for pointing out my face. And blocking it from the cameras."

"Anytime. I have no issues staring at your face and telling you when your mask falls," he says and rubs his knuckles on her cheek, mindful not to smudge any makeup.

"When you say things like that, man, I wish you gave me a different answer in the hotel room."

He feels her body tremble beneath his touch, and he hates the fact he has no idea whether or not he still has feelings for Sasha. Something's there, but it may be more anger and resentment than love. Looking at Bri, he's not sure if he ever really loved Sasha. He thought he did, but he never wanted to just be with her like he does Bri.

"Trust me, I'm picking apart everything I feel to try and figure it out myself. The sooner I can say definitively there's nothing left there, we can have a new discussion."

Her hand slips into his, and they're ushered towards their aisle. He looks around, amazed at all the stars he sees. It's not surprising to see a few famous people at his games from time to time, depending on where he is, but it's never been this many and not in one room.

"Holy shit, that's Cooper Scott."

"I thought you didn't listen to country," Bri jokes.

"I don't, but he had a couple of good songs. Plus, he's a legit country boy who fought his way back into the limelight after falling a little from grace. It's a comeback story."

Chuckling, she looks up at him, and he loves how she looks right into his eyes. Into his soul. "Would you like me to introduce you to him? I opened for him at the start of my career before I settled into pop. He's a decent guy."

Kace gapes at her. "You know him?"

"I know his wife, Maci, better, but yes, I do. He took me under his wing a bit and helped guide me. Taught me what he learned from his mistakes to keep me from making any of them. He also got me in touch with the lawyer to save me from my parents."

"Again, we need to circle back to that conversation, and yes, if we have a chance, I totally want to meet him."

The lights dim, and he realizes the subtle cues of what's about to happen before the show starts. They find their seats, and he settles back to enjoy the night.

Throughout the night, Bri only releases Kace's hand when she has to prep for her performance, and she kisses his cheek when she wins an award. Of the seven she's nominated for, she wins Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.

"Next up, we have the Recognition Award," the host Kace knows he should recognize but doesn't says. "The nominees are..."

"This is the only one I really care about winning," Bri says in his ear. "I'm on the board of Put the Arts Back in Schools program, and it's close to my heart. This could generate more donations if I win."

"And the winner is..." The envelope opens dramatically. "Bri Waters for Put the Arts Back in Schools!"

The crowd erupts, and she turns to Kace. He turns to her, and instead of kissing his cheek, her lips hit his. A bolt of electricity shoots down him, and he deepens it slightly before letting her go up on stage to accept the award.

He smirks as she takes the little golden statue at the podium.

"Thank you for this award. The program is near and dear to me. When I was fourteen, my choir teacher convinced me to go for my dream. He saw something I hadn't yet seen, and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn’t for him. Mr. Hanks, thank you for always believing in me. For showing up to my shows whenever I'm close to home, and being the confidant helping me navigate through the industry when I doubt myself.

"I'd also like to thank my date this evening, Kace Lyons. This man, better known for his skills on the ice, has come to my rescue multiple times tonight, including an unfortunate transportation issue that almost prevented me from being here. Kace, you've quickly become my rock, and someone who I know I can lean on. I appreciate you so much, and I appreciate everyone for this award. Thank you!"

Bri steps off stage to her seat, and Kace turns to her. "I think what you did up there solidified our relationship more than the red carpet did."

Leaning into him, she says, "I think the kiss we shared on accident did that already."

He licks his lips and leans to her ear. "I hope we get to do that again, Bri. That was electric."

She flushes and lowers her head slightly. "I'm glad it wasn't just me."

"No, baby, it definitely wasn't just you."

A shadow falls in front of them, and he finds himself suddenly mute. Cooper Scott. Fucking Cooper Scott stands right there in front of him.

"You made a sweep tonight, Bri," Cooper says.

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