Page 140 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“I wouldn’t miss Julian’s special night. He’s a fantastic artist.”

“Do you have a minute?” Valerie asked, pressing Record on her stupid little tape recorder.

“Only one.”

“We haven’t seen you lately. You’ve sort of vanished from the spotlight.”

“I’ve been on vacation.”

“When can we anticipate your next exhibition? There was originally talk of a November date.”

Callie moved to swipe at her hair before she remembered she’d twisted it back in an updo. “We’re still ironing out the details.”

“Rumor has it there are problems—that you’re struggling with your work. We reached out to Marion for a comment. She shared that you were unavailable for the foreseeable future.”

Her stomach pitched, well aware that someone had opened their mouth—most likely Gemma. “Unfortunately, there’s no crisis for your headlines. I’ve simply been out of town.”

Valerie laughed politely, then smiled appreciatively at Nate. “I don’t think I know your date.”

Callie took a step away from him as she met his gaze, hating the invasion into her private life, the sacred pieces that were just for her. “I’ve brought along a friend.”

Valerie’s brow winged up. “Just a friend?”

Callie nodded. “Just a friend. We’re going to head inside.”

“Excuse us,” Nate said as he opened the door, ushering Callie into the lights and music of the party in full swing.

She closed her eyes, huffing out a quiet breath, struggling to pull herself back together. Talking to the press always tied her up in knots—particularly these days. “I’m sorry about that.”

Nate shrugged. “It’s over now.”

She stared at him, not quite sure how to read the distance in his eyes—something she’d never seen until now. “I don’t want that for you.” She gestured to the crowd beyond the tinted windows.

He looked over his shoulder toward the flashing cameras before their gazes met again.

Clearly, she’d hurt him. Never, ever did she want to hurt Nate. She took his hand, walking with him to the quiet of the dim stairwell. “I’m sorry.”

He clenched his jaw, then rubbed at it as he shook his head. “You caught me a little off guard.”

She nodded, never regretting anything more. “I’m realizing that. I don’t want your name splashed in the tabloids next to mine—paparazzi coming to the island and bothering you—following you so they can make up lies and half-truths about the two of us.” She took his hand again, bringing it to her cheek. “You’re mine, Nate.” She kissed his knuckles. “You just get to be mine.”

Sighing, he wrapped her up in a hug.

She returned his embrace, holding on tight. “I want to protect you from that part of my life. I need to.”

He pressed a long kiss to the top of her head, then drew back. “What do you say we go have some fun?”

She touched his hand. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He grabbed her fingers, giving them a squeeze. “Come hang up your wrap and we’ll join the party.”

She smiled, taking off her shawl and handing the black silk chiffon to the woman at the coat check, struggling to relax her shoulders. Their perfect night was officially on the rocks.

“Hey.” He slid his palm down her arm. “We’re good here.”

She nodded again, blowing out a long, slow breath. “We won’t stay long.”

“We can stay as long as you want.”