Page 65 of Solid Ground

His Adam’s apple bobs as he gazes at me. It’s all kinds of distracting. “I’m sorry they’re calling you names.”

“You should have seen some of the comments when I sold my company. It seems like no matter what the story is, people get personal.”

He cups my cheek. “I can’t imagine anyone with anything bad to say about you.”

“They don’t know me. And I’m okay with that. You and I know the truth. That’s what matters.”

“Do you know how amazing you are?” he asks.

I shrug. “You can tell me as often as you want.”

He chuckles. “You are amazing, Zoe. You make me feel more like myself than I have in years. That night in Vegas, I never thought I’d find the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

I lean over and peck his cheek. “That’s very sweet.”

“You and this baby—you’ve turned everything upside down, and it’s sogood.”

“So let’s not let these photos get us upset. We’ll get on with our lives, and …” My phone rings—I know it’s Caitlin. She has her own ringtone. I hold up a finger. “Hold that thought.”

“Caitlin,” I say as I answer the call.

“Oh my god, Zoe. I just saw the photos of you with Declan in the grocery store. Are you okay? I’m so angry.”

“I’m fine.”

She pauses. “Are you actually fine? Or are you fine, fine?”

“I’m actually fine.” I laugh. “I think you’re more angry than I am.”

“That bitch reporter. I’m going to give her a piece of my mind.”

“I love you, but it’s okay. Declan’s manager and publicist are going to work out a statement. I’ll let them take care of it.”

It’s so Caitlin to defend me. I couldn’t ask for a better best friend. I can just imagine her stamping around their apartment, flicking her blonde hair over her shoulder, ready to storm in and give attitude to everyone involved in this.

She growls, and I bite down a smile. “It makes me miss you more. If I was still there?—”

“You’d be apart from Brandon and miserable. You’re where you need to be, and so am I.”

“Why are you so sensible?” She laughs.

“That’s me.”

“Hi, Caitlin,” Declan calls in the background.

“Tell him if he lets the media say nasty things about you, I’ll cut his balls off.”

I burst out laughing. “He’s doing his best to fix this. Promise.”

“He’d better. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

“I’ll leave you to it then. I just wanted to check in,” she says.

I lean back on the couch and close my eyes. “Thank you. I really appreciate it. You need to come and visit me soon. We’ll go to LA and I’ll introduce you to some new people.”

“New people?”

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