REGRET - The Price of Truth: Everhide Rockstar Romance Series Book 4

by Tania Joyce

  Hayden’s hand trembled as he shut the door. “Let’s get out of here.” He hooked his arm around her shoulders, leaned on her like he needed her to help to stand upright.

  Back at their apartment, he dropped his suitcase by his bedroom door, grabbed a beer from the fridge and collapsed on the sofa. Dark shadows circled his eyes; his hair was a floppy mess. “What a fucked day.”

  “You going to be okay?” Lexi stood in front of him and ruffled her fingers through his hair.

  “Yeah.” His smile didn’t touch his eyes. “Thank you.”

  “Any time.” She glanced at the wall clock by the kitchen. “I have to get ready for this function tonight. You want to come?”

  “No.” He rested his head back on the sofa. “I’m exhausted after the flight and dealing with Mom.”

  “Okay.” She went to turn away, but he caught the hem of her coat.

  “Hey.” His eyes flooded with so much pain that her chest ached. She wanted to crawl onto the sofa next to him and take his worries away. “I’m sorry. For everything. For LA. For fucking us up.”

  “Me too. Let’s forget about it. I’ll always be here for you.” She stepped in and kissed the top of his head. “Always.” She turned on her heels and headed into her room.

  Today had been a reality check. It was her wake-up call to stop hiding from him and pushing him away. She had to savor the time they had left together. He was, without a doubt, the most remarkable man she’d ever known.

  Oh shit . . . was there something deeper between them?

  No. No, there couldn’t be. Dumbass.

  The past week had proven how much they cared for each other.

  She wouldn’t let a few crazy kisses ruin their friendship.

  No matter where he went or whoever he ended up with, she would always be part of his life. Always.

  Problem was . . . she didn’t want him to be with anybody else.

  Whoa . . . she couldn’t unpack that notion now. She had to go to work.

  She tightened the chain around her heart. After the long day, she wasn’t thinking straight. She didn’t want Hayden fermenting her brain.

  Block him out. Block him out. Block him out.

  But it was futile. She closed her eyes. Clutched at her heart. Thoughts of him flooded her mind. His smile. His hugs. His lips on hers.

  Oh, shit. It wasn’t possible.

  There was no way she could be in love with Hayden. Right?

  No-no-no-no. NO!

  No. Fucking. Way.

  Chapter 11

  In the cold rain, Lexi shivered. With her umbrella in one hand and clasping her coat to her chest with the other, she rushed down the street toward Bryant Park. Her high-heeled boots clicked against the sidewalk. She was late. Super late.

  Winter had hit New York with a vengeance. Christmas decorations lined the streets. Drizzle fell in misty sheets across the avenues. After the daunting day dealing with Hayden’s mother, the weather matched her mood—dreary and irritable. The chill exacerbated her fatigue.

  But she had to push her exhaustion aside and smother her delusional thoughts of loving Hayden away. She had to whisk up a cheery mood for the festival. That promotion at work was so close she could touch it.

  That was what she wanted. Nothing else.

  “Alexandra. Good to see you as always.” Her boss greeted her at the coat checking area. Leaning in, he kissed her on the cheek. His breath reeked of alcohol.

  Lexi slid back a step, quick to put distance between herself and Chase. “Sorry I’m late. It’s been a crazy day.” She tugged off her gloves and put them in her purse. “My roommate’s mom—”

  He leaned toward her head and inhaled deeply. “Hmm . . . you smell good. Nice perfume.”

  “Okay . . .” She held up her hand. Fire shot through her voice. “You did not just smell my hair, right?”

  “No.” Chase frowned. “I was paying you a compliment.”

  “Right.” A knot twisted between her shoulder blades. After her hellish day, now she had to put up with this? Great . . . not! “Um . . . er . . . thanks. Please don’t do it again. Anyway, I was late because my roommate—”

  Chase handed her an orange lanyard press pass. “I’m not interested in hearing about your problems. We’re here to enjoy the festival.” With his silver-fox hair and shiny gray suit, Chase looked older than his forty-two years. His smile held too much arrogance as he jutted his chin toward the inner depth of the huge outdoor event tent. “Let’s go.”

  Lexi sighed. The weight on her shoulders grew heavier. She wanted to download the dramas of her day onto somebody. But Chase was right. He wasn’t that person. Hayden was the one she always talked to, even if it was about his mom. Every day that drew her closer and closer to his leaving, the more and more she worried about missing him.

  Damn.

  She hooked her purse over her shoulder and smoothed her hands over her black knit dress. Time to get her head focused on work and onto food. She had to do a good job and stay in her boss’s good books.

  After an hour of drifting around inside the tent, watching food demonstrations, tasting rich Indian curries, spicy Moroccan salads and juicy American fusion cuisines, Lexi had scheduled five restaurant reviews and gathered several business cards from places to follow up. Her belly was full and she still had to sit through the main dinner.

  At eight o’clock, they headed for the far end of the tent. Round tables, decorated with white cloths and tall cylindrical vases filled with holly, faced the stage, ready for the guest speakers. Chase placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward their table. His hand slipped too close to her ass. Her skin prickled, and a shudder crept up her spine. She didn’t want him touching her. Stepping a foot to the side, she flashed him a glare full of warning. “Please don’t.”

  Chase smirked and pulled out her chair. “I was just being a gentleman.” He swayed, waving his hand for her to sit. He flopped on to his chair beside her. She hadn’t drunk a drop of alcohol tonight, but Chase had sampled every wine offered, often going back for seconds.

  “I’m more than capable.” Lexi clutched her purse onto her lap. Maybe she was overreacting. Maybe he was just being nice. But still, distance would be good.

  “I’m sure you are.” Chase winked at her, then called over the waiter to pour the wine. She declined the alcohol. Chase downed his glass and leaned toward her. “That’s what I like about you, Alexandra. You’re full of spirit.”

  She conjured a smile but her facial muscles wouldn’t cooperate. Shit. A throbbing ache swelled behind her eyebrow. Was she getting a migraine? Being this close to Chase made her uncomfortable. Should she make her excuses and leave, or could she ignore him and make small talk with the other guests who’d sat at their table?

  She didn’t get the chance to do either. Chase edged closer and talked just loud enough so only she could hear him over the noisy crowd. “Thank you for cutting your time in LA to come here on short notice.”

  She dug her fingernails into the soft leather of her purse. Be polite. Be polite. Be polite. “Thank you for the opportunity. It’s been an amazing evening.” Even to her own ears, her voice sounded strangled.

  As the waiter attended to the other guests at their table, Chase scanned her face. His gaze lingered on her lips. “The office wasn’t the same with you away.”

  Sirens went off in her head. She shuffled her seat a few inches away from him and drew her brows together. “I doubt it. I was only gone a few days.”

  “I know.” He placed his arm along the back of her chair. His round eyes narrowed, held way too much twinkle for her liking. “But you were in Belize last month, before that, you had a long weekend in Las Vegas. I notice when you’re gone.”

  “Please stop.” She arched away from the back of the chair, trying to put as much distance as possible between them. He’d only noticed she was gone because she worked her damn ass off and never missed deadlines. She did her job, put in long hours, never complained. But she had he
r rules and boundaries . . . and Chase was close to crossing them.

  Lexi glanced at the other guests at her table, hoping they sensed her discomfort, but they were engaged in their own heavy conversations.

  “We’re just talking, Alexandra. Relax.” He grabbed the bottle of wine the waiter had left on the table, topped up his glass and pointed toward hers. “Come on. You haven’t had anything to drink tonight.”

  She covered the top with her hand. “No. Thank you. I’m working.” She needed to keep a clear head, otherwise, under the influence of alcohol, Chase would feel the full force of what don’t-fucking-touch-me meant.

  A slimy smile slid across his face. “It’s part of your job to experience all aspects of food and beverages, dear Alexandra. One drink won’t hurt.” He waved the bottle like a pendulum at her. “The night is still young. Let’s have some fun.”

  Her palms turned clammy, and she scratched her neck. Every time she got nervous she broke out in a rash. Her skin turned red and blotchy. “No, thank you.”

  “Alexandra, you look . . . so . . . lovely, tonight.” His eyes dropped to her cleavage and meandered slowly back up to her face. God, she was going to be sick. He looked like he wanted to eat her. She wasn’t on the menu.

  Her heartbeat scampered up to her throat, raced as fast as a chef’s knife chopping chives. She had to get out of there. “Excuse me. I need the restroom.”

  Leaping from her chair, she rushed toward the portable restroom trailers outside the tent. Shutting the stall door behind her, she hung her purse on the hook and closed her eyes. Asshole. Chase is a fucking asshole.

  How was she to handle this? Leave? Where was her wingman when she needed him? Her eyes stung. She couldn’t rely on Hayden anymore. She had to stand on her own two feet. Be strong. Be professional. She could deal with some douchebag like Chase. Taking a few deep shaky breaths, she pulled herself together.

  Don’t be stupid.

  I got this.

  Yep.

  She might be imagining things. Chase might be harmless. But she wasn’t going to take any chances.

  She walked down the restroom trailer stairs and jolted to a halt. Chase stood by the row of tall potted plants with his hands buried in his trouser pockets. The rain might have stopped but her heartbeat rattled like thunder. She looked around. This area at the back end of the library was dimly lit. The plants shielded them from the main entrance to the tent. The odd person ambled by, heading for the restrooms, but didn’t pay any attention to her. I’m out of here. Going home. She went to charge past Chase, but he stepped in front of her.

  “Alexandra,” he slurred. His cheeks blazed red, flushed from alcohol and the cold night air.

  “Yes?” She tried to remain aloof and keep her distance. The back end of the portable restrooms loomed behind her.

  “You know . . . ” He smoothed his hand over his tie as he staggered a step closer. Her blood turned to ice. “I’ve been thinking.”

  “About what?” She couldn’t keep her voice steady.

  “I could open up so many more opportunities at the magazine to you if you met my expectations.” He undressed her with his eyes.

  Nausea pooled in her gut. She hugged her purse against her belly and looked around for security. No one was in sight.

  “It’s cold, Chase.” Her breath misted, despite the nearby gas heater. “I’m going home.”

  She took a step sideways and so did he.

  “Wait.”

  “For what?” She glared at him, trying to remain calm. “What do you want, Chase?” Her voice sliced through her teeth. She wasn’t stupid. She knew what he wanted. But there was no way in hell it would happen.

  He tilted his head and raked his sleazy eyes over her dress again. “It could take you years to work up the ranks to senior editor. If you work close with me at events like this, I can help you advance quickly.” He slid his fingers up her arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  She yanked her shoulder back, breaking away from his touch. “Chase, enough. You’re making me feel uncomfortable.”

  He ignored her. “Please don’t be like that. Alexandra, you’re a talented woman. I have the power to fast-track your career. I know you want that promotion.”

  “We can talk about it in the office, with HR present, thank you.” She went to step around him, but he blocked her escape again.

  “That won’t be necessary.” He edged forward, no more than a foot of space between them. “I’ve seen the way you look at me. We could both benefit from this situation.”

  Anger scalded her veins. Bastard. “You’re married,” she hissed through gritted teeth. “With three kids. What the hell? I’m not interested. Never have been. Never will be. There is no ‘look.’”

  “Think of your career.” He licked his lips like a salivating serpent. One hand slid around her waist and clutched onto her ass. The other hand groped her breast. He dipped his head and tried to kiss her.

  He didn’t get the chance.

  “Stop!” She slapped him across the face so hard her palm stung, then she kneed him in the groin.

  “You bitch.” He bent over, clutching his balls.

  Her eyes prickled; her heart slammed against her ribs. “Don’t touch me, ASSHOLE.”

  People near the entrance turned. One man and woman rushed to her side. “Are you okay? Do you need help?” the man asked. A few other people gathered around her.

  “Yes, please.” She shook all over—hands, legs, breath. “My boss made a pass at me.”

  The man hollered down security and they dragged Chase back inside the tent. The lady wrapped her shawl around Lexi’s shoulders, and they followed the men to the security section by the coat check.

  The next hour was a cloudy haze. Security called the police, she filed a report, and four witnesses gave statements. Shaken by what had happened with Chase, Lexi shivered all over. Was this why the other girls at work had quit? She’d had her suspicions. What was she going to do? Leave? How could she work in the office with Chase there? It was inconceivable. But there was no way she’d let him get away with what he’d done.

  Swallowing down the nausea bubbling in her belly, she didn’t know where to start. Where was Hayden when she needed him?

  Oh . . . Hayden.

  Without him she was lost. Missed his comfort.

  The female police officer offered to drive her home. Taking up her kind gesture, Lexi grabbed her coat, and they drove to her apartment.

  As she fell through her front door, the shock of the evening took hold of Lexi. Her breath seesawed in her lungs. She slammed the door shut.

  Shit.

  Dumping her purse and keys onto the tiny dining table, tears spilled from her eyes.

  “Lex?” Hayden came out of his bedroom wearing his long navy pajamas and rubbed his bedhead hair.

  She sobbed and he rushed to her side.

  “Lex, what’s happened? You’re home early.”

  She shook her head and fell against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Stroking her hair, he let her cry. Her tears soaked into the fabric of his soft shirt.

  “You’re scaring me, Lex. What’s happened? Are you hurt?”

  She struggled to draw breath. “Ch-Ch-Chase,” she stuttered. “He cornered me by the restrooms, and . . . and tried to kiss me. Tried to touch me. Tried to . . .” She didn’t want to think about Chase’s hands on her ass or on any part of her body. Oh God, she was going to be sick.

  Hayden stiffened, sucking in a hard breath. “Did he hurt you?”

  “No.” She sniffed. “I’ve never flirted with him, never bantered with him, never given him cause or reason to make a pass at me.”

  “I’ll kill him.” His voice growled like he was a hound ready to hunt.

  She clutched onto him tighter and shook her head. “No. Don’t go near him. He’s a jerk.”

  “You call HR first thing on Monday. You report this son of a bitch.”

  “I’ve done that. I sent a message to A
melia.” She rested her chin on his shoulder. “Security called the police, and I’ve filed a report. There were witnesses too.”

  “Good.” His voice was clipped. “Take that bastard down. The board should fire him.”

  “I don’t want to be there anymore. It won’t ever be the same.”

  He rubbed and warmed her back. Why was it that the only place in the world she’d ever felt safe was with Hayden? He always looked out for her, protected her. Never questioned her when she needed his comfort, and often gave it without hesitation.

  “Quit and come to Boston with me.”

  She clutched onto a handful of his shirt, squeezed her eyes shut. “Please, don’t. I don’t want to think about anything right now.”

  “Shh. Okay. I’m sorry.” He kneaded the back of her neck, soothing out the tension. “You want a coffee? Hot chocolate? Something to eat?”

  “No. I’m fine.” She slumped and slid out of his embrace. “I need a shower.” Her skin still crawled with Chase’s touch. She needed to be rid of it.

  Blue fire blazed in his steel-gray eyes; his jaw tensed. “You swear he didn’t hurt you?”

  “No, he didn’t.” She hugged her arms around herself. “I hurt him though. I kneed him in the groin. What if this backfires on me and he accuses me of assault?”

  “Prick deserved it. You have witnesses, and I’ll testify for you. This isn’t the first time something’s happened.”

  She tried not to remember the office Halloween party. “Hayds, I was so scared.” She swayed on her feet, exhaustion making her head woozy.

  “Oh, angel.” He caught her shoulders. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve been there with you tonight.”

  “No. It’s not your fault.”

  He cupped the side of her neck. “I’m always here for you. You know that, right?”

  She nodded, flicking the tears from her cheeks. Here for now, but not forever. She’d leaned on him for support for so long, and now he was leaving. The tiny opening to her heart snapped shut. Sealed tight.