Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
“Besides, it’s too damned busy in the city,” he muttered.
She’d known he didn’t like loud noises and crowds. A walk was a bad idea. “I’m sorry. Would you rather just go to the restaurant, sit down, and talk there?”
He hesitated before nodding in agreement. “How about we just walk directly to the restaurant, and we can talk over an early dinner?”
“Compromise. I like it.” Not waiting for him to reply, she deliberately hooked her arm into his and took that first step.
They strode out of the hotel and onto Ninth Avenue. She engaged him in conversation, asking how his family was doing but saving the sensitive questions about his new sister for later. Whatever the story behind Aurora’s sudden appearance, Sasha was certain it was touchy and personal. And maybe not something Xander would want to discuss with her right now.
They arrived at the restaurant, and although it was early, a small group of people gathered around the hostess stand. Xander waited his turn and she stood beside him.
Just as he stepped up to the counter, Sasha heard her name and the whispers around her. She briefly closed her eyes and kept her gaze forward, hoping whoever had noticed her would be content with the sighting.
“Excuse me,” a female voice said, this time much closer. Sasha turned, and girls about her age suddenly surrounded her.
“It’s her,” one of them whispered to the other.
Sasha understood that these women and others like them, not to mention men, were her audience and had made her career. Assuming her I’m on personality, she smiled at them, making them feel important. “Hi!” she said.
“Oh my God. Nobody will believe this. Can we take pictures with you?” one of them asked.
“And can I get your autograph?” another one requested, her voice more of a squeal.
At that point, the girls had drawn a crowd, and for the next … Sasha wasn’t certain how long, she took requisite selfies, posed when other people snapped photos for each other, signed napkins, checks, and anything else the crowd came up with.
Finally, a manager stepped in and asked everyone to take their seats and allow her to enjoy her meal in peace. As everyone walked away, she let out a long breath, dropping her shoulders in relief.
She hadn’t experienced the odd sensation of someone watching her in that creepy way again, but this crush of people, though she was used to it, set her off inside, causing anxiety.
Then she looked up and saw Xander standing against a wall, arms folded over his chest, an unreadable look on his handsome face, and nerves twisted her stomach for an entirely different reason.
* * *
No sooner had Xander given his name for their reservation than he turned to find Sasha surrounded by people, pushing to get a piece of her. He watched her flash a winning smile at her fans as she signed and took pictures without complaining for a solid thirty minutes.
The sight reminded him of the frenzied type of life she lived and thrived on, the same kind of life and choices that had broken them up in the first place.
He stood back and waited, the way he would have waited for her had they stayed together. Except she’d never managed to show him she could love or prioritize him in the same way.
While he stood to the side, he couldn’t help but study her. Their time together used to be spent mostly in bed. Sexually they were completely compatible, which was the main reason he tried not to focus on how delectable she looked now in her outfit with the strip of bare skin that occasionally appeared when she’d move or lift her arms to sign something for a fan.
But the longer he watched her, the more he realized something about her was different. Beneath the act she put on for the crowd, there was a strain around her eyes and a tightness to that luscious pink-tinted mouth. And if he allowed himself to admit he looked close enough, a sadness he hadn’t expected.
Given how much she’d wanted this kind of fame, he was surprised, but it wasn’t his place to put an end to the circus. It did, however, make him wonder why she didn’t travel with security to prevent her from being overwhelmed.
Finally, a large man who Xander assumed was the manager strode over and announced it was time for everyone to let Sasha sit down and eat in peace. He sure as hell had taken his sweet time, Xander thought.
When the last of the fans finally walked away, Sasha let out a long breath, her shoulders slumping as she released the tension she’d obviously been holding.
Xander strode over and met her gaze. “You okay?” he asked.
She nodded. “I’m fine. I was just hoping to fly under the radar here. I’m not all made up, not dressed to stand out.” She shrugged, disappointment in her eyes. “Guess not.”