Page 10 of Resisting Fate
“Yeah,” Mad said with a grin. “I feel better now. I thought she was actually fooled by Blake’s movie-star shine for a minute there. Later, bitches. Claire says she has a pizza for me in the kitchen.”
“Oh, no, thanks, we’re stuffed,” Lexi said.
“You can have some too,” Mad said belatedly. “Sorry. She got it special for me since I don’t like this fancy stuff, but I’ll share.”
“Go ahead and enjoy,” Missy said. “We’re fine.”
Mad strode away, her fiancé fell into step with her, and they headed off for pizza.
A few minutes later, Hailey and Blake made their way out of the conservatory, heading who knew where. Missy and Lexi followed a discreet distance behind, through the maze of people, all the way to the two-story foyer, where only a few people lingered. Missy and Lexi exchanged a look of alarm. Hailey was either leaving with Blake or heading up the huge staircase. Either way, they wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on her.
“Where are you two heading?” Missy called.
Hailey stopped and turned. “Blake’s giving me a tour. They shot some of the scenes upstairs.”
“We’ll go too,” Missy said.
“Yeah, we’re big fans of the Fierce trilogy,” Lexi said.
Blake whispered something to Hailey.
Hailey nodded. She crossed to Missy and Lexi and pulled them aside. “Ladies, I’m fine. Really. Thank you for your concern.”
Lexi leaned in. “He’s gonna be out the door before you can get your panties back on.”
“Like I’m wearing panties,” Hailey said with a cheeky grin.
Lexi grinned. “Hey, me too.”
Hailey’s eyes widened. “I was kidding! Geez, Lexi, at least wear a thong!”
“Seriously,” Missy said in a low voice, “is this what you want?”
Hailey sighed. “You think I haven’t dealt with men like him before? And maybe I’m up for it. I could use a breather, like Sabrina said.”
Missy shook her head. “I think Sabrina meant some quiet meditation time.”
“Or counseling time,” Lexi said.
Hailey tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I don’t need therapy. I just need to let loose.”
“We’ll be waiting right here for you,” Lexi said.
“I’m fine.” Hailey pasted on a smile, probably because she was getting irritated. She gave both their arms a squeeze, turned and headed back to Blake, who didn’t look happy to be kept waiting.
Blake put a hand low on Hailey’s back, guiding her toward the stairs. They’d only taken one step when Josh appeared suddenly in the foyer, his expression fierce.
He spoke in a stern commanding voice. “Hailey, no.”
Hailey whirled. “What?”
Josh was not playing around. “Not him. Literally any other guy at this party, but not him.”
“What’s your problem?” Blake snarled.
“You, asshole.” Josh hitched a thumb. “Now move along.”
“Josh!” Hailey exclaimed. “You have no right—”
