Heart of Fire by Meredith Wild & Angel Payne

Author:Meredith Wild & Angel Payne [Wild, Meredith & Payne, Angel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781642632477
Publisher: Waterhouse Press

Chapter Fourteen

Kara

“Gramps,” I gasp.

The woman applying my lipstick pauses long enough to sigh but doesn’t bother to see who’s joined the chaos of the premiere prep squad gathered in the hotel’s penthouse.

The door swings shut with a quiet click, and Gramps hits me with a dashing grin as he walks closer. I’m grateful when the woman finally steps away so I can smile fully at our unexpected guest. Gramps is nearly unrecognizable in his tuxedo. He’s groomed and tall and stunning. I’ve seen him this way plenty of times, but only in old photos. From another, happier time…

I slip off the makeup stool and walk toward him, gathering up the tulle skirts of my dress as I go. His eyes glimmer with emotion.

“Ladybug. Look at you in all that pink.”

I shrug, warmed but a little embarrassed by his praise, and look down at my designer gown. The bodice is fashioned like a corset, seductive but elegant, and I’m sad I’ll have to wait for Maximus to see me in it. I have a feeling he’ll like the look too. A lot…

Have we really been apart just a few hours? I truly hope the movie is riveting, because I’ll need the distraction. I ache with missing him already, but I’m anxious too for whatever Z has planned for their meeting.

I flatten my hands over the fluffy layers of tulle. “Thanks… It’s just another dress. Another event.”

“I know, but I only ever see you like this when they’re talking about you on the news, if you can even call those shows news. It’s different in person seeing you all dolled up.”

Smiling, I reach up to straighten his bowtie. “And I only see you like this in pictures. So handsome. You know, you waited so long, your old-school tux is back in fashion again. You’ll fit right in.”

His eyes dim a little. “Fitting in isn’t my main concern tonight.”

“Oh?” I try to give it a breezy casualness. “So what actually brought you out?”

His warmth recedes a little more. His attention shifts to the other people rushing around the room, packing up their kits. I take his hand and lead him to the hallway, where we can have more privacy.

“Gramps?” I press. “What is it? Is everything okay? What did you and Mom talk about the other day?”

He clears his throat. “First and foremost, we discussed your safety.”

“Okay.” I draw the word out a little. “That’s a good thing, right?”

His features are more formidable as they tighten in a frown. “I’m still not convinced her head is in the right place with all this.”

I swallow hard. “You don’t?”

“Kara. I don’t doubt your mother cares for you. I just worry some pieces of this have more to do with her ego than what’s truly best for you.” He pauses. “And I decided it was time to stop hiding.”

I shake my head, unsure what he means.

He finally laughs then, but it’s underlined by sadness. “You don’t think I stay holed up in the guest house all

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