Page 89 of False Promises

Riley: Look to your right.

I craned my neck until my eyes took in Riley and Sam with VIP backstage passes hanging from their necks.

“Hey, what are you guys doing here?” I neared them, and we exchanged hugs. “You should have told me you were in town.”

“Last minute change of plan.” Sam shrugged. “Lisa left for the week, and my kids are at their grandparents’ for three days. My label sent me to check an old warehouse to shoot my next music video and where we could do the release party. Riley decided to tag along. We’re leaving in the morning.”

Riley nodded. “And we were curious about how tonight would go.”

I scratched the side of my face. “I’m happy to see you guys. It’s just… The timing sucks.” I exhaled and lowered my voice. “Savannah is here.”

Riley’s eyes rounded. “Here? Like here in New York? I thought she refused to come along. You were supposed to keep your distance.”

“Well, she appeared on my doorstep this morning, stating she’ll teach me how committed relationships work. It’s bullshit. Anyway, she’s leaving tomorrow.”

“Shit. I’m sorry. What are you gonna do?” my manager asked with a scowl.

“Still trying to figure this one out. We’re supposed to meet in the hotel bar later. There’s an afterparty tonight, but I’m not sure I’m ready to risk setting her free amongst the people I work with. She’s too unpredictable. Last time was a disaster.”

Riley squeezed my shoulder. “Maybe it’s not a bad thing. It’s about time I meet the woman driving you crazy. This way, I’ll size up who we’re dealing with. There are three of us. What could go wrong, right?”

I swallowed hard. “Why does it scream disaster then? Never underestimate the games Savannah Prince—or whatever her name is—can play, man. I am warning you.”

He tapped my back. “Nah, let us go to that bar first. Introduce ourselves. Join us there in an hour.” Riley winked. “Around us, I bet she’ll act all nice and stuff.”

Sam burst into a fit of laugher. “God, I can see trouble in our future. Can’t wait to see what it’s all about. Is she really that much of a madwoman?”

“Yep. And it’s getting worse every day.”

Sam nodded, a look of understanding taking over his face. “C’mon, let’s get out of here.”

Ed drove us back to the hotel and we parted ways in the lobby as I went to my suite and my friends hit the bar.

I changed into dark denims, a gray shirt, and a black jacket, then descending to the bar on the first floor, I surveyed the dim-lit room for my people. Riley had texted ten minutes ago to inform that Savannah had arrived. And four minutes ago to tell me she had been hitting on both of them after they sent a drink her way, even though they told her they were waiting for me to show up too.

I rubbed the column of my throat, trying to open up my airways. My heart hammered in my chest. Once again, I’d need to put on my best poker face tonight. Could I play the part without Savannah sensing our ulterior motives? I had to. Riley had a plan. He always did. Right now, I’d run with it without questioning the execution. With one last deep exhale, I rolled my shoulders back and closed in on them.

“Carter,” Savannah exclaimed as I took a seat facing her at the small table. “You should have told me your friends were joining us. I would have made a reservation in the most exquisite restaurant in town. Champagne, wine, seafood. Now I look like a cheap hostess meeting them in this dive bar.”

We were in one of New York’s most upscale hotels. There was nothing crappy about this place. The servers wore black uniforms with stainless steel nametags and served champagne in crystal flutes.

I forced a tilt to my lips and patted her hand over the table. “Don’t worry, they’re here for me. And to meet you. Not to be impressed by expensive dishes.”

Her lips transformed into a pout. Sorry, woman, this doesn’t affect me anymore.

She moved to her feet. “Well, if you’re being your boring self, I’m calling it a night.” Her voice lowered to a suggestive tone. “Are you coming to our suite with me, Carter?”

I lifted a finger. “In a bit. I just got here, and I’m starving. I’ll order food and join you later.”

Savannah blinked. If smoke could escape her ears, I was sure people would think she caught on fire. “Carter Hills. I traveled all this way for you. To show you my commitment.” Her words were clipped. I did my best to pay her no attention. It worked because soon enough, her tone smoothened again. “Honey, I’ve missed you. Can we make up for the time we were apart? I brought toys because I know how much you love them too. I thought we could try one on you. Like we discussed.”

From the corner of my eye, I caught Sam pinching his lips together to avoid laughing. Yeah, I wouldn’t hear the end of that one.

Standing in front of Savannah, I looked into her eyes when I repeated, “For now, all I wanna do is eat something. Either you stay here and join us when we go to a party later or you spend the night on your own. Your choice.”

Her face lit up. “A party? What kind? Not a country music snooze fest, I hope. I hate that music. No offense.”

“None taken, woman,” Riley said from behind me. How could Savannah be this brusque without blinking?