Page 101 of Pursuing Desire

His response reverberates throughout my body. I feel it all the way to my toes. Either Dax believes what he’s saying, or he’s a damn good actor. Either way, this interview has gotten way too personal.

The reporter is making goo-goo eyes at Dax, and I’m sure she’s half in love with the guy, too. And who wouldn’t be in love with the guy after hearing that interview? She clasps her hands together and leans forward in her chair. “Well, thank you both so much for your time today. I have to say, this was your best interview yet. The viewers are going to love this. The connection, the intimacy, it was exactly what we’d hoped for.”

I rise from my chair, and Dax stands up with me. His arm drops from around my shoulders, but instead of moving away as I expect, he takes my hand into his and squeezes.

After saying our goodbyes to the reporter, we make our way downstairs. Dax holds my hand the entire way, which isn’t entirely unexpected. We still have to keep up the charade until the grand finale. Since the show is gaining in popularity, we have to be especially careful. We don’t want to give anyone a reason to think there is a problem between us.

The tension between us is thick. I know Dax wants to talk, but somehow, we make it downstairs without saying anything to each other.

I’ve never felt so indecisive, so in limbo. On the one hand, I want to say screw it. Do exactly as Dax suggested, and just go for it. What’s the worst that could happen if our relationship blows up? On the other, I still feel raw from what happened with Anthony. And if I’m honest, I’m scared. I’m scared of what would happen if things didn’t work out, and I’m scared of what would happen if they did.

At this point, I don’t even know if Dax wants to deal with me anymore. I’ve been horrible to him. My accusations were way out of line. The way he reacted at his apartment gave me the impression that there would be no second chances.

The way that interview went . . . well, that gives the opposite impression.

The front lobby comes into view. It’s empty except for the guards and a couple of people with briefcases. Outside, however, is a different story. There are still people hovering around the building. Some are even holding up signs with our names on them. Thankfully, there are fewer than before, but it’s still a bit jarring to see them there.

I never expected to have fans, and I can’t say I’m happy about it.

Dax stops walking. “That’s pretty damn inconvenient. I wonder if there’s a back way out of here. Let me check with the driver.”

He pulls out his phone and starts typing out a message.

“Sorry, sir,” a guard says, stepping up to us. “Out front is the only way. However, we can provide some assistance getting you out.”

Dax sighs and places his phone back into his pocket. “That would be great. My driver is already pulling up outside, so we might as well get going.”

“Um, Dax? I think I’m going to get my own ride. I’m still looking for a place to stay, and there’s an apartment I need to look at. It’s the opposite direction of your place. So you go ahead without me.”

“You’re going to fight this crowd alone? That’s ridiculous. I can drop you off wherever you need to go.”

I consider it for a minute but then reject the idea. After that interview, I need some time to myself. If I get into the car with him, I know I’ll be lost. His complete change in mood has caught me off guard, and I need time to recuperate.

“I appreciate the offer, but there are only about a dozen people. I can handle it.”

“Alright. Just be careful.” Dax scratches his head and looks at me thoughtfully. “I was kind of hoping we could talk. The publicity interview stuff is over, but the live finale show is next week. We should really discuss things before then.”

I nod. “Sure. You’re right. We should talk. I’ll text you in a day or two, and we can meet for coffee or something.”

He looks like he wants to disagree but ultimately changes his mind. “Sounds good. I’m free whenever. So just let me know.”

He raises my hand to his mouth and kisses it lightly.

“I will.”

He releases my hand. “Stay here for a minute, and I’ll try to get the crowd to follow me. I’ll go out the door on the far left. Once I have the crowd’s attention, you can slip out the door on the far right. I won’t get into the car until you’ve made it down the block. Deal?”

“Thanks, Dax.”

He smiles that sexy half smile. “No problem. I’m here for you.”

I don’t get a chance to respond. He pivots on his heel and heads for the door on the left, just as he promised. The guards follow him outside.

Just as predicted, the small crowd surges toward him. I take the opportunity to slip out the other door and quicken my steps to an almost jog. Once I’m safely at the far corner, I chance a quick glance behind me. I’m relieved to see that Dax is still talking to the ladies in the crowd, and no one has bothered to follow me.

My relief is short-lived when I turn back around, intending to cross the street. A voice I never wanted to hear again comes from right beside me.

“Hello, Jess. Nice to finally see you again.”