Page 118 of Tangled Up In You

“Baby,” she murmured into his shoulder, “I’m so worried and I don’t know how to help.”

The way her whole body trembled against his added to the feeling that he was not only flailing but bringing her down with him. And he didn’t want that. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he knew he couldn’t survive without her. Having her with him was beginning to feel like the best and worst thing, and even acknowledging that racked him with unbearable guilt.

“Shh, darlin’,” he whispered to her as he stroked her hair. “Don’t worry a bit. I’ll sort it out and it’ll be okay.”

She pulled away to meet his eyes. “Will it? Will you?”

As he opened his mouth to reply, his cell rang. He chose to release her and answer it with a distracted hello.

“Mate! So, the rumors are true!” Jackson said with a grin in his voice.

“Aye, Jackie,” Gavin replied, forcing himself to sound upbeat.

“Though I’m glad you’re in town, I must say I’m a little dismayed to have learned so through TMZ, of all things.”

“Sorry, didn’t have a chance to call.”

“No, not that, mate,” Jackson said with a laugh. “I’m sorry to see that TMZ drivel actually gets it right sometimes!”

There was a silence as Gavin fought to get himself into a more jovial mood. He looked at Sophie. Her back was to him as she gazed out through the window at their picturesque view of the Santa Monica pier. It was starting to get dark and the lights of the Ferris wheel were growing brighter.

“Listen, Gavin,” Jackson continued, “I should have called you before. I’m sorry to hear about your family troubles. It’s a real kick in the balls, that.”

“Thanks, man.”

“So, here’s the other reason I called. I’m having a fucking outrageous party tonight and you and your lady are coming. I’m up in the Hollywood Hills—just bought an insane nine-million-dollar house and I need to break it in! You’ll come, right? You have to come. It’ll take your mind off all this other crap.”

Gavin relaxed. “Yeah, we’ll be there, mate. Give me directions.”

70

SOPHIE

As Sophie receded farther into the corner of the room, she watched all the beautiful people around her with detachment. It had taken Gavin a half-hour to convince her to go to Jackson’s party with him, as she hadn’t been remotely interested in a splashy social event after the altercation with the photographer. She had finally relented when Gavin explained that he desperately needed to have some pure and simple fun and that he was sure this party would be the perfect solution. And so they made their way up above Sunset Boulevard to Hillside Avenue, where Jackson’s stunning mid-century modern home perched over greater Los Angeles.

And as soon as they arrived and were greeted by Jackson, Gavin’s mood did lighten noticeably. He fell into his naturally sociable self and was quickly surrounded by a group of new friends. Watching him reminded her of the way he’d held court in the hallways of school. He was naturally charismatic, yet he never fully understood how engaging he was, how much people revered him. He always greeted the worshipful fans at their shows and the people who showed up at their house to get a glimpse of him with such openness, never putting himself on a different level. And Sophie knew that attitude made him all that more special of a person.

Jackson broke up the gathering to whisper into Gavin’s ear. Gavin responded with a nod and excused himself, walking across the length of the open room toward the kitchen. Jackson then approached Sophie before she could see what Gavin was up to.

“What’s the most beautiful girl in the room doing sitting so quietly?” he shouted to her over the thumping bass of the latest dance song being spun by the DJ.

Ignoring his typical flirting, she told him, “Great party.”

“You’re lying. For that, you owe me a dance,” he insisted, and pulled her by the hand so she stood with him.

She laughed and allowed him to lead her to an open space outside on the patio. He pressed his body to hers, touching her with unnecessary intimacy before segueing into an uncoordinated freestyle excuse for a dance.

What he lacked in skill he made up for in enthusiasm, and she found herself laughing and having fun. After the song, he offered to get her a drink. The outdoor bar was out of the sparkling water she craved, though.

“Come with me to my enormous kitchen, love, and I’ll get you a drink,” he shouted to her as the pulsating music continued.

He led her by the hand and the crowds seemed to part reverentially for them. As they entered the large and airy kitchen, she saw Gavin sitting at the marble island bar. There were several other men with him, one of whom casually cleared something from the countertop before she could register what they were doing.

“So, my dear?” Jackson asked. “Don’t you want something … harder than fizzy water?”

She laughed. “I’ll take some red wine along with the water if you have it.”

Gavin grabbed her hand and pulled her to him so that she stood between his legs.

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