Page 48 of King of Hearts

“Andy, I’m really sor –”

“Don’t apologise.” His words snapped through my own. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “They are just relentless. I didn’t want them to draw you into this. It’s not the kind of life you want. Their morality is questionable to say the least.”

“Andy,” I said, intentionally keeping my voice light. “It’s okay. Dad and Nan will be thrilled and no one else will be interested in little old me. It will be forgotten by tomorrow.”

“I should have known better,” He self-chastised. “Please just watch yourself and don’t underestimate them.”

“I’m one of them, remember?” I was aiming for a joke, but his lack of response signalled I missed the mark, so I continued to babble. “My boss wants Urban to release something as he had a few emails today requesting a statement from me from the few people who have recognised me. What do you think?”

He took a moment to respond, and I second guessed whether he saw the email or any of my texts despite my initial thought that was why he was calling.

“You’re going to release a statement – about the photos?” His suspicion pulled at my heart and I leapt to explain.

“Andy, only if you agree. I wouldn’t release anything unless I spoke with you. Darren just thinks getting on the front foot might be better. Keep it light before someone makes a mountain out of a molehill.”

The line was quiet for a while and I scratched at something non-existent on my desk as I wondered if I should fill the silence. Should I continue to explain why I thought this was a good idea or tell him to forget I mentioned anything? I hated that this felt so awkward when last night was perfect. Now it was stilted and stiff.

Plus, I was a total coward using Darren as my scapegoat when it was actually my suggestion.

“Can you let me think about it?”

“Of course. As I said, I would never release anything without your approval. I hope you know that.” His light breaths were the only indication he was still on the line as I patiently waited for his reply.

“I know, Arns.” He paused, before adding, “I wish I could see you tonight but some of the boys are coming around.” His change in direction was reassuring and I felt myself smile.

“Boys night on a Monday? Wild!” I joked and his soft chuckle echoed through the speaker.

“Just a few mates coming around for some poker. You’re still coming to the game on the weekend, yeah? Did I tell you I got those seats for you and your friend?”

I had totally forgotten about the game with Marls this weekend having been so preoccupied over the last few weeks. Watching a match was really the last thing I needed before I could finalise the feature and the thought was bittersweet.

“We will be there. Thank you, Marls is going to lose her mind.” I smiled, already thinking about calling her once I was off the phone with Andy.

Heading outside a short time later, I crossed my arms to secure the warmth, the chill in the air heightened by the zephyr brushing my bare lower legs. I headed home, knowing I was in for a night of over-thinking. I couldn’t pinpoint a time in my life when I experienced anything approaching this. I felt on the verge of something amazing with Andy. Something scary and uncharted but amazing all the same. Right now, though, worry was the dominant emotion and it sat ever-present because this was all so new for me and it was becoming more and more apparent that it was for him too – and more than anything, that scared the shit out of me.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Andy

“I’m just saying, Andy, you need to be more careful if you don’t want the world to know your business.” Pup’s voice hissed through the speakerphone, the only sound in my otherwise silent apartment. The table was ready, snacks out, pizza ordered and beers in the fridge, all ready for poker night.

“It was four am.” I grumbled, already tired of this conversation. It was the exact reason I wanted to get Arna home so early – even though the needy inner voice begged me to bury my face between her thighs and spend my entire life there.

“And they werestilloutside waiting. Now your girlfriend’s face is plastered on every reputable news outlet in the nation. She is being dubbed asGloss’Jewelfor Christ’s sake.” Pup chuckled at himself.

“She isn’t my girlfriend and with a name like that I’d hardly say they are reputable.” I positioned the chairs before placing my drink on the seat facing the balcony. Even when inside, I liked to be able to see the view of the outdoors where it was easy to breathe, and the confines of a regimented life were forgotten. There had to be some perks to hosting poker with the pack of brutes.

“What is she then, because I don’t think you can say it’s only for the interview with these pictures.”

“You’re my agent, Pup, which means business advice.”

“Nice try, Andy.Youcalledmefor guidance, remember.” He sighed into the phone. “Look, I know she matters to you. You haven’t so much as kissed a girl in public before and now you’ve been captured escorting one from your house. She clearly isn’t a hooker.”

“Watch it, Kieran!” I snapped.

“Ooooooh, touchy.” His laugh irritated the fuck out of me, leading me to open the fridge and reach for a beer instead of the juice I had been having. “All I’m saying is you might want to get over your fear of labels. You may be able to keep up the bullshit with the team, but I’ve known you a fair amount of time, and I’ve never seen you smile this much.”

Running my hands down my face I sighed, leaning over the bench, my phone propped against the coffee machine.

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