Page 97 of The One for Forever

His expression is soft and fond. “Let’s just get through tonight and go from there.”

The day of the verdict was one of the wildest roller coaster rides I’ve ever been on. The utter despair of losing the case. The wild adrenaline rush of the car chase, and then Rex telling me for the first time that he loves me.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, Derek showing up and violating client confidentiality to inform on Pete Diamond. I certainly couldn’t have predicted that. As much as Derek annoys me, he came through by making an official report to the police. Pete Diamond was arrested the next day. He failed to make bail, and he’s facing a slew of charges. The charge of being an accessory to murder might not stick. But if it does, Pete could face years in prison.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what I could’ve done differently at trial. For one, I wouldn’t have put Pete on thestand. It’s impossible to go back and correct my mistakes. Amber probably won’t serve a day for killing her husband. But if the truth comes out, at least the world will know.

And the world will find out who chose to sell out their ideals and accept Amber’s money instead.My secret witness. As the days have passed, I’ve only become more convinced that my theory is correct. But I’ve still got to prove it.

It all depends on tonight.

Cliff pulls us up to the red carpet. He’s dressed up in a sharp suit to play our chauffeur, a far more honorable one than Pete Diamond ever was. Cliff pops out of his seat, rounding the car to open the back door. Cameras are already flashing.

Rex gets out first. With his muscular frame in that tux, he looks like the A-list star of an action movie. Hair slicked back, threaded with silver. His gray beard is trimmed, a lopsided smile on his handsome face. He’s equal parts distinguished and devastating. The star of all my dreams.

He turns and holds out his hand to me.

I slide one leg out of the car and stand up, accepting Rex’s offered hand. My dress shifts and falls into place. It’s a deep sapphire, cut close to my upper body with tiny straps over my shoulders. From my waist, the skirt flares out in a generous A-line.

Rex leans close, humming appreciatively. “You look good enough to eat. Have I mentioned that?”

“Once or twice.”

“Be careful,” Cliff mutters, shutting the car door behind us. “Good luck.”

“Thanks, son,” Rex says. “We’ll see you soon.” He hooks my arm around his, and we start down the red carpet. I ignore shouts of my name. Questions about what I’m doing here and whether Amber invited me.

Thankfully, someone else arrives a moment after us, and the attention shifts.

When we’re past the entrance, security discreetly waves a metal detector wand over us. But neither of us is armed. We make it to the wide lawn, where the party is taking place. There are tents set up. Servers carrying trays of champagne and canapes. I recognize famous faces all around. Plus banners announcing the brand names of sponsors and official photographers documenting everything. It’s a cool night. Palm trees wave in a salty breeze, and flowers bloom all around the manicured garden.

“Amber’s not holding the party inside the house,” Rex says against my ear. “Surprised she had that much sense.”

“Her guests wouldn’t want to sip champs in a recent murder scene. Then again, maybe that would be a draw. You never know.”

“I’m sure she’s saving the murder scene party for next time.”

I shake my head in disgust, forcing my smile back into place. I scan the crowd for the people I’m looking for.

Then Christian Hayworth storms in our direction.Ah ha. Interesting.

I assume he’s headed for the exit. I don’t think he’s noticed me. He’s scowling at something over his shoulder, and then he stops short when he gets a look at me. His expression darkens further. “Miss Ainsley. And your bodyguard. What on earth are you doing at this macabre affair?”

“Shouldn’t I ask you the same thing?” I say.

I lift an eyebrow at Rex, communicating silently. He keeps a tight hold on my arm.

Christian steps to the side of the walkway, lowering his voice. “Now that Amber’s secured my father’s fortune, she promised a large donation to the foundation I support. The only catch wasthat I had to appear at this…freak show. She’s got corporate sponsors for a party celebrating how she got away with murder.”

“She did get away with it, didn’t she?”

He narrows his eyes. “I never imagined I’d see you here, considering how Pete Diamond humiliated you at the trial. I actually felt sorry for you. But here you are, stunning as a starlet at a premiere. I’d ask you again to join me for dinner, but I’m not interested in fame-seekers. I guess you’ve decided infamy is better than nothing? Just like Amber?”

“Watch how you speak to her,” Rex warns.

“It’s all right.” I kiss Rex on his whiskered cheek, then turn back to Christian. “You make a fair point. But not everything is what it appears. You make movies. You should know that better than anyone.”

Christian sighs, glancing around. “This is exhausting. I’m leaving.”

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