I like being close to him like this. It almost feels more intimate than our other interactions. Our entire relationship can be explained through how we’re dancing. He’s the one guiding me, holding me steady and safe, and I’m the one naturally following his lead. The two of us make so much sense, but all these other factors keep getting in the way, and I can’t wait until those walls aren't blocking us anymore.
I want to be able to dance with him any time I want. I want him to kiss me like nobody's watching, even if we’re surrounded by people. I want us to be real.
But I have to wait for that moment, and I’d wait forever if it meant I could have him for real in the end. I’d wait as long as it takes if Vince is by my side the entire time.
I’m about to ask if he wants to dance to another song before murmuring ensues by the door, and a few people start to cheer.
“What’s going on, guys?” Nico asks me as he appears by our side.
“I’m not sure,” Vince tells him. “You two stay here while I go check it out.” His head flicks to where Emerson and Duncan stand, but then a familiar face pops into view, wearing a suit and that same pretty boy smile he shows everyone in Hollywood.
Alex is here, even though he was not on the guest list.
“Bree! My beautiful Bree,” he says as he all but slides over to where I’m standing with Nico. He grabs both of my hands before he leans into my ear. “Play along, okay?”
“What?” I whisper at him before he pulls back from me and gets on both of his knees. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Bree Hart, the worst things I’ve done in my life are the things I’ve done to you these past few weeks. I am so sorry for breaking your trust in me, and I’m sorry you found out from someone other than me. It was a mistake, a slip-up, a casual thing with all of them. It meant nothing to me.”
“Alex,” I say, nervously looking around at the scene he’s now created at an event that means way too much to me. I can’t believe he’s done this. Now, all of the coverage tomorrow is going to be about this moment instead of the foundation. “Please get up.”
“Not until you forgive me. I wanted to make a grand gesture here in front of everyone to show you how sorry I am. A big gesture like in one of those books you love so much.”
“And you thought showing up and crashing my event was the best way to do that?” I question, a smile on my face but anger in my tone. I all but yank him off the floor and drag him to a small, private area outside the venue. By the time we’re outside, he drops the phony boyfriend act. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“My team told me I should make a big show of faith to you, to show the media we’re doing better than ever. Did it work? Do you think they believed it?”
“Oh my God, you’re such an idiot,” I say as I pace around on the cobblestone beneath my feet. I have no idea how I’m supposed to go back out there and continue the night after the scene he made. I’m hoping Connie is trying to end the event early or make some other gesture that could get people to forget about this, but I doubt it will help.
“Bree, I thought this would be okay. Why are you freaking out right now?”
“Because this event meant something to me, and you ruined it with your stupid declaration! Now this is all people are going to be talking about for days! And why the hell did you think apologizing for cheating on me in front of everybody was a good idea?”
“The main part was over! I thought it would be okay! The only thing I wanted to do was show the media we’re still together despite me being a young idiot. I figured showing up here, at your event, was the best bet to get people to notice.”
Is he blaming all this on the fact that we’re young? “Well, you thought wrong, Alex! Oh my God, this is a mess,” I say as I place my hand on my head and a few seconds later, the door opens, and in comes Vince and Nico. The two of them are staring at Alex, both looking rather murderous, but Vince’s gaze shifts to mine.
“Did he touch you, Bree? Did he break the fucking rules again because he’s an idiot who doesn't care about anyone but himself?”
Vince starts towards Alex, and I place my hand on his chest. “No, he didn't, Vince. I’m fine. I’m just pissed is all.”
“If you touch her without permission again, I’m calling this deal between you two off, and then I’ll kick your pretty boy face in.”
“Vince…” Nico warns as he wades into dangerous territory, but Alex doesn't let up.
“It’s funny, Evans. Did I see the two of you dancing before I came in, or did my eyes deceive me? I don't want to make any assumptions, but those looks you shared were very telling.” Alex smiles, and Vince takes another step forward before Nico grabs his arm.
“He’s not worth it, buddy. If you go back out there after kicking his teeth in, the media will go even crazier than they are now.”
“Please don't make this worse, Vince. I’m fine; he didn't touch me.”
“But he ruined your night.” Vince clenches his jaw.
“Not all of it was ruined,” I tell him as his muscles start to relax. “Alex, we have one more fake date left. After that, you’re free to date and fuck whoever you want, as am I. Please leave before you make things worse. Connie will be in touch with your people.”
“Okay,” he says as he opens the door. “I miss you already, Bree. I’ll see you soon, baby.”
I know he’s saying all that because people can hear him, and it pisses me off. Where the fuck does he get off doing all this at my event?