CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

SAVANNAH

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One thing I love about my home, aside from my amazing shower, is my beautiful office.

It's spacious, with a view out across one section of my yard where I can sit and stare at the beautiful old trees and blue sky. Inside, one wall is lined with bookcases full of books, photos, art, and things I've taken from the movie sets I've worked on.

Along with my glass desk, there're two sofas, a meeting table, armchairs, and a couple of ottomans. Plus a lot of bright cushions. So there're enough places for visitors to find a comfortable spot to sit.

I don't spend a lot of time here, mostly because when I'm making a film I'm always on set, but today the entire team is here.

When I'm not filming, my life is full of meetings, media, and preparing for events, so I usually meet with Briar and Gina to go over the month ahead.

Today is special.

We needed everyone because at the top of the agenda is the Golden Globes. Preparing for the night as a nominated actor is a huge deal. There's a lot to prepare.

"Okay, everyone, let's start," I say, rallying them out of their weekend gossip as I sit down in my favorite spot on the cream sofa and cross my legs.

Today I'm wearing a pair of white Dolce & Gabbana pants with a fitted powder blue cashmere short sleeve knit top. My shoe slips off my heel and wobbles as I bounce my leg and then flip it back.

"Those are beautiful." Briar admires the white Prada flats.

"They were a gift from Nick," I tell her. "How he knew my size, I'll never know."

"Wardrobe department." Gina shrugs from one of the seats opposite me. "Obviously."

I force back my reaction because that last bit was sharp. I'm feeling quite sensitive to her at the moment but need to accept my part in what's happened to our friendship.

Or rather how it's changed.

Friendship isn't something one can demand, and maybe we just grew apart when I wasn't looking. I've certainly been distracted by the whirlwind of my career.

"Good point." I laugh awkwardly, but she doesn't laugh or smile.

I glance at Briar and she's staring at Gina.

It might be good that I've acknowledged we aren't close friends anymore, but I haven't really faced how disruptive Gina is in the team.

I don't want to lose Briar. She's far too valuable to me.

I was hoping to chat with Gina in New York, but she was barely around. I make a mental note to set up a coffee with her this week and talk.

Like a real talk.

It's time to discuss her leaving my team. It's awkward, and she's not contributing.

Ryder asked me if she was sleeping with Nick. I said I didn't think so, but it's possible. The way he came on to me in New York was inappropriate, but I've written it off to the fact he was drunk.

Plus, we've done a lot of intimate scenes together and while it's just acting, we've crossed a personal boundary with each other that normal people don't.

Things can get blurred when your barriers are down. Not that I would have slept with him. Nick is a gorgeous man, but I don't want anyone touching me except Ryder.

Who reminds me that I'm not his.

Which hurt.

But it's true.

My life sometimes doesn't feel like it's mine. I never expected to feel like this. If anyone found out I was sleeping with Ryder—my bodyguard—it would be front page news.

Which is messed up.

The fans would go crazy. I can see the headline now. Is Savannah Sinclair sleeping her way through her bodyguards?

There's no end to the things they will make up to get clicks, likes, shares, and sell stories.

My career is too new. My reputation in its infancy, too new to survive something like that. Unlike normal people, I have to really think about this. I don't want to be known as the actress who has a thousand lovers.

Ryder could lose interest in a month. I see the way women watch him.

How can I be sure he's interested in me and not Savannah, the movie star?

I suppose him claiming I'm not his tells me everything I need to know. This is just sex. It's great sex, but my feels are clearly a lot more complicated than his.

Plus, let's face it. He's not the kind of man who wants to stand beside me on the red carpet. I know this isn't the life Ryder wants.

But the idea of him not being in my life, even after one week and one amazing weekend, feels extremely sad.

More than sad.

I'd be stupid to romanticize whatever this is between us. But then the image of waking to find Ryder watching me with those blue hungry eyes of his reminds me how my heart fluttered. I twisted my head and kissed the powerful bicep lying under me and found myself hard up against him as he ravished my mouth.

Then kissed his way down my body until he found the star tattoo on my ankle and asked me about it. He teased me for saying it hurt, indicating his ripped godlike body, which is covered in some serious ink.

"Stay like that." I smirked, grabbing my phone as he held his arms out. "Completely naked and seriously hot."

I took a photo.

"Delete." He demanded, falling on top of me.

"No. I'm making it my screensaver." I giggled. "On. My. Laptop."

He grabbed the phone, laughing, and kissed me stupid again.

I am stupid when it comes to Ryder.

And I still have the photo.

I am falling for him and there's not much I can do about it. I mean, god, he went to so much effort to make me feel special and celebrate my nomination. How is a girl not supposed to fall in love with a man like that?

It's a serious question.

Then I find out he has a kitten.

I'm not that strong.

It's been less than twenty-four hours and I miss his touch. I miss his blue eyes, cheeky smirk, and the way my body craves his touch.

I miss how my body trembles the moment he kisses me, knowing the pleasure that's about to come.

The feel of his mouth on mine.

His large dominant hands as they splay across my back.

I clear my throat and focus back on my team.

"So, Golden Globes," Briar says. "Round of applause for our esteemed leader and her amazing nomination."

The room starts clapping and I bow my head.

"Thank you, everyone." I smile and glance at everyone individually. "Don't think for a moment I could have done this without each and every single one of you. This nomination is for all of us. And so is the awards night."

Everyone murmurs their thanks. I can see they are thrilled to be acknowledged.

"Will we be attending?" Luis asks.

"Not on the red carpet or the event, but the crews have their own party," Ricco tells him.

His young, hopeful face drops.

I've been trying not to look at anyone as a potential suspect responsible for the threats, but it's difficult. With Ryder not here, I'm feeling a little vulnerable, which is a horrible feeling, as these people are my team.

I rely on them.

I trust them.

"Unless you have a date." Gina smirks at Luis.

Huh? I'm sorry. Does she think she's attending the Golden Globes? Who with?

I'm startled by her comment.

"Who with? Ryan Gosling?" Someone taunts, voicing my question. "Wishful thinking."

"He's married." Gina sneers while others giggle. "Duh."

I sip my coffee to hide my displeasure. I really do not like the way she is with the team. God, have I been that busy and distracted that I haven't seen how she interacts?

Yes, is the answer.

I gaze around and watch how many of them stare at the phones or simply look uncomfortable.

"Briar and I will make sure it's an amazing night, and don't forget there is a wide range of after-parties to attend. So get excited." I clap.

Luis smiles and his face lights up.

"Now, let's dive into the preparation. First, the dress."

"Harry Winston and Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and Karen Walker have all messaged." Briar says, tapping on her screen.

Wow.

"Send them to me and Ellie. We are meeting tomorrow to go over what I'm wearing," I tell her, referring to my stylist.

"You'll need to make a decision quickly," Ellie says. "As you say, we only have a month, and your dress will dictate the colors the rest of the team needs to plan your makeup and hair."

"Please." Kali nods.

"I know what I want already," I say, my mind drifting into my imagination. "Old school movie star with a modern twist, but...not too overly made up. More natural beauty."

Kali whistles. "You do love to challenge me, Savannah."

I grin at her.

"You guys are the best in the business. I have faith." I glance down at my top. "I'm thinking powder blue. It's a hot color this season and I really love it."

It also reminds me of Ryder's beautiful eyes. No one will know its meaning except me.

Not even him.

Will he still be my bodyguard in a month?

For all I know, he's already thinking he needs to be taken off my security detail because of our relationship.

Then I'll never see him again.

"It's a gorgeous color on you," Ellie says, taking notes. "I can see Dolce & Gabbana making a stunning gown for you. With pockets."

The entire room nods, singing with pockets as I giggle.

Briar and I grin at each other. It's an ongoing joke that I hate leaving my mobile phone with her even when I go on stage.

"Make sure you update Nick's team, Briar." I say, tapping my chin. "He'll need to be kept in the loop on colors."

"He doesn't need to know," Gina says, and my eyes shoot to hers in surprise. "This isn't the media tour, so you don't need to match."

Is she serious right now? That's not her call to make.

And none of her business.

She's crossed the line in front of my team. Luckily I'm an actress and can hide my growing fury. But I give her the benefit of the doubt, given she doesn't know the business, and explain.

"Nick asked me to be his date, so we'll be attending together. Therefore his team will want and appreciate the information."

Despite what happened between us in New York, when he messaged me last night over text, I said yes. We're both single—technically—so going along together will tease the media and keep us in the spotlight. Which keeps the movie in front of minds and increase ticket sales.

Gina glares at me, her eyes dark and angry. Then she surprises everyone by climbing to her feet and saying, "Excuse me."

Then walks out of the room.

Everyone is silent for a moment, watching me.

"Let's continue. Ricco, let's set a date for early next week to discuss hair and do some practice styles." I indicate to Briar and the two of them tap on their devices.

For the next half hour, we go through the rest of the plans without a hitch.

Gina never returns.

––––––––

"OKAY, THANKS EVERYONE," I say, standing to walk over to my desk as the team collects their things and shuffles out the door.

"You okay?" Briar says from the doorway.

I lift my head.

She glances behind her and then closes the door.

"Listen, I know this is completely crossing the line, but I'm worried," Briar shares.

Now I'm concerned.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Not me. You."

Oh.

Shit.

Does she know about Ryder?

"What do you mean?" I wrap my arms around my middle.

"Savannah, Gina is being a bitch. Not just to you, but to everyone. Including me." She shakes her head. "I've put up with it because I love working for you... I like you. And I hate seeing her treat you this way."

My heart wobbles and not for the first time. I wonder if we are becoming friends. Then I stop myself because I don't want to appear needy.

But I'm embarrassed, as Briar knows Gina was my friend and her behavior today was horrible.

"I'm sorry I haven't noticed how bad it is. I'm going to speak to her." I uncross my arms and slide my hands into my pockets, relaxing my shoulders. "Thank you for speaking up. And caring."

"Well, let's face it. I'm saving her life." Briar giggles. "Ryder looked like he wanted to shoot her a few times last week."

I feel my face heat. "Yeah, he's...protective."

She smiles at me but doesn't say anything.

Shit, I'm almost certain she knows.

"It's his job I guess," Briar adds.

I nod. "Yes."

She waits for me to expand, but I can't. It's way too much of a risk to tell anyone what is going on between us.

I guess I don't trust easily.

"But he can't go around shooting the people working for me." I grin. "Even if they're a pain in the ass."

"I hope it's okay I said something," Briar says as she turns around and grips the door handle.

"I'm glad you did. And Briar, I love working with you, too."

We share a warm smile, and she walks out.

"See you tomorrow."

Wow. That was surprising, but actually my chest is feeling all warm and happy. Someone cared enough to ask if I was okay.

You know, like a friend would.

It's becoming so clear to me that I've clung to these people in my world—Gina and my family—hoping they would treat me with love and kindness.

They never will.

They don't have it in them.

I wrap my cardigan around myself and walk to the glass windows. Perhaps it's time to let new people into my life and leave the past behind me.

I'm twenty-eight and just beginning my life. Both Ryder and Briar have shown me more kindness in the past few days than my family or my former best friend.

It's time to move on.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and search for Gina's number.

Then call her.

I freeze when I hear it ringing behind me.

"Looking for me?" she asks.

I turn and find a gun pointed in my face.