Take Two (The Jilted Bride #1)(40)

She shook her head. “I don’t believe you.”

“But you’ll believe whatever TMZ says?”

“Are you planning to let them in on this?”

“No, that’s not how these things usually work.”

“How do they work?”

“It’s a mutually beneficial relationship,” I tried to gauge her facial expressions. “Two people who both need attention for their upcoming projects get together, thereby creating more attention and more press for their work.”

“And you consciously seek out actresses to do this with you?”

“No. Selena and I were already dating, but then it turned into what it is now. Nothing.”

She sat silent again, not making eye contact. “But at one point you two actually did like each other?”

“Yes.”

“But you don’t like her anymore? You’re just pretending for the paparazzi?”

“Yes,” I put my arm around her shoulders.

“What about the baby? Is it true you guys are using a surrogate?”

“Where’d you read that?”

“Perez Hilton’s website.”

I laughed. “There’s no surrogate or a baby. She’s wearing a prosthetic baby bump.”

“You’re kidding! That’s crazy! Why would—”

“Don’t ask. Everything used to make sense to me, but the further I distance myself from it I see how crazy it is.”

She looked up at me. “Did you ever cheat on her with groupies?”

Whoa. Where’s that coming from?

“No. I didn’t. I’m monogamous when I’m in a relationship.”

“What happened when you two stopped liking each other? Did you still have sex?”

“Yes, until I told her I didn’t want to do that anymore either.”

“Have you ever been with someone that wasn’t a celebrity?”

“My former publicist.”

And hopefully you…

“Okay.”

I wished I could read her mind. I could tell she was thinking about something and I wanted to know exactly what it was.

“Okay?” I pressed. “That’s all you have to say?”

“What type of response were you expecting?”

“Something like, ‘Matt I’m so sorry I ran away from you all those times. If only I had listened.’ Something along those lines.”

She pursed her lips. “That’s not what I was thinking at all.”

“What were you thinking?”

“I don’t know. It seems unreal, especially since you two are actually having a wedding. I guess I don’t completely believe you.”

I don’t care.

I pulled her close and kissed her, running my fingers through her hair. I felt her kissing me back but she slowly pulled away.

I sighed. “I hope you’ll believe me eventually. I’m not lying. By the way, can I have your phone number?”

“My realtor didn’t already give that to you?”

“No. I did ask her for it though.”

“555-0967.”

“Thanks,” I saved it to my phone. “When’s the next night you’re free?”

“Umm Friday?”

“Can I come over then? Or would you like to go out somewhere? We can go anywhere you want to go.”

I don’t want you thinking I’m scared to be in public with you…

“Here would probably be better. I’m not a fan of being mauled by paparazzi. Plus, you should probably keep up your fake image of being with Selena.”

I leaned over and kissed her again, pulling her closer every time she tried to move away. “It is fake, Melody. I’m only interested in you.”

She was speechless again.

“Since we’re staying in Friday,” I stood up. “Your realtor mentioned you had a lake inspired spa?”

Chapter 19

Melody

My heart was beating so loudly last night I was shocked he didn’t hear it. Or maybe he did hear it and didn’t mention it. Either way, I was shocked I didn’t pass out right in front of him.

I really wanted to believe what he said about him and Selena was true, but they were the talk of the country. Everyone had something to say about their wedding and how cute of a couple they were.

I wondered how people would feel if it really was a hoax, and if there were other celebrities in similar situations. What about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie? Kim Kardashian and Kanye? Beyoncé and Jay-Z? What if they were all just illusions for the public?

I vowed not to mention Matt’s “confession” to anyone, not even Jen. I needed time to process it myself.

There was a knock on my door. “Come in Sophie!”

“Just a couple things Miss Carter,” she stepped inside. “Mr. Maxwell is working from home today and he wants you to lead the three o’ clock floor meeting. Adam Sandler is upset about your re-review of his film and his agent will be calling you later. Selena Ross and Matt Sterling picked the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers for their wedding. Mr. Maxwell wants you to set up a private viewing in a couple weeks. He wants you to get a real feel for the space.”

I need to cancel that Friday date with Matt. Fake wedding or not, it’s a REAL marriage…