Page 31 of False Promises

I’m sorry I’m not in love with you. Don’t give up. Your turn will come.

After dinner, and once Jack was in the care of the babysitter the newlyweds had hired for the night, couples paired up on the dance floor while I nursed yet another glass of water with some fancy green paper umbrella and a Maraschino cherry on a pick, doing my best to pull off the nonchalant vibe.

Everything in me was screaming in agony.

I couldn’t keep yearning for my childhood best friend.

Time to create a new life for myself. And to let go of the past.

9

CARTER

“Are you here by yourself?” I asked the woman with long dark hair, falling in soft curls behind her back. She was taller than most women I knew. Five-nine, or even five-ten, without her heels. Who could have predicted this night would turn out interesting after all? I didn’t. This morning, I flew in to New York early, not looking forward to the mandatory smiles, photos, and handshakes being here involved. But now? Perhaps this trip could turn around and be exciting. A man could always be hopeful.

Nick and Dahlia had just returned from their honeymoon a few days ago, and I had spent the last month alone with Jack in Green Mountain. After we talked about it, they chose to delay their trip until my schedule cleared and I had a full month off without commitment. Those four weeks were some of the best ones of my existence. That child really possessed a special key to my heart.

Tonight was my first night away from Green Mountain, and for a moment, even though it sounded silly, I preferred being a daddy instead of a grownup. The playful version of me suited me best. And I relished the freedom it provided me.

With a grin, I placed a glass of red wine on the small table before the woman standing in front of me. Not that I’d been studying what she’d been drinking since I got here. Well, I tried not to. And failed.

Her eyes brightened when they met mine, and she offered me a smile that made my heart come alive inside its cage.

I held out my hand, and she met mine for a handshake. “Hey, I’m Carter.” I cringed mentally. I was so not good at this. The whole flirting thing. Not that I was rusty. I just hated it. Women usually knew who I was and came on to me. I never had to be the one chasing them. Right now, I felt so out of my element, but that was the point, no? Getting out of my comfort zone if I wanted to give my life a new direction. I breathed in. I could do this. “You looked lonely just now, and I thought you might enjoy some company.” Yeah, so bad at this. I sipped my water, trying to moisten my dry mouth.

She raised her fresh glass of wine and nodded. “Thanks for this. I’m Savannah. Savannah Prince.”

“Are you here on business?” I asked, trying to keep the momentum going. “Or are you here with the crew?”

The woman cleared her throat. “I might star in Wesley’s next movie. I’m here because he asked me to come and mingle with people. I’m not an A-list actress, so it requires more work to get my name out there. I want the role so bad I’d do just about anything. But I’ve socialized all night, and now I’m done. It’s quite intimidating.”

She perused the space around us, and when her eyes returned to mine, something shone in her onyx-brown irises.

Under the dim lights of the night, she sparkled amongst the other guests. She nibbled on her lower lip, her cheeks flushing as I stared at her. The shy side of her appealed to me. I remembered how it was when I first started in the business and met my own idols. In that instant, some part of me yearned to protect her against the vultures of the industry. Back then, I had Riley watching over me. He had grown up with a famous father. Tonight, Savannah looked like easy prey in a sea of experienced cutthroat sharks.

“I can empathize. I’m here because I need to be. This isn’t my scene. I’d prefer being at home right now than having to smile at all these people and pretend I’m interested in this Hollywood circus.”

“Right? I can totally relate.” She took a sip, her eyes locked on mine. “I’ve never seen you around. Are you an actor?”

“No.”

“Oh, are you someone else’s date?”

I raked my fingers through the mass of my dark hair and sighed.

“I’m Carter Hills. It’s nice to meet you.” I crossed my fingers behind my back, hoping my name would ring a bell and I wouldn’t have to explain myself.

Savannah’s cheeks flushed. “Like the Carter Hills? The music superstar Carter Hills?”

A weird sound bubbled out of my mouth. “That would be me.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I know nothing about the music industry, but I’ve heard your name a lot. I know you’re a big shot on the country music scene.”

I forced a smile.

I hated fame.

And the recognition.