“You can do this,” I said to my reflection. “Makeup doesn’t change who you are. You’re not playing a role. Just be you.”

The bathroom door opened, and I spared a smile for the woman who stumbled in, then tossed aside my cloth and left. I headed directly for the kitchen, hoping to catch Tabitha, but a man stepped into my path.

I stopped an instant before running into him. “Whoa.”

He grabbed my arms to steady me. “Hey, Kennedy.”

I resisted the urge to groan.

“Hi, Aiden.” I glanced past him, wondering if I’d be able to make a quick escape.

“I haven’t seen you in a few days,” he said. “And you didn’t look so great last time we spoke. Is everything all right?”

“Fine.” My tone was brusque, and he frowned. “Sorry.” I felt a pang of guilt. I shouldn’t be taking my frustration out on anyone else. “I’m just not in the mood for a party.”

“Ah.” Understanding spread over his face. “Still haven’t kicked whatever had you down? Do you have a ride home?”

“I’m the designated driver for my brother and his friend, so I can’t exactly bail.” Although I was beginning to think I shouldn’t have come in the first place. I just hadn’t wanted to cause a fuss and have them cancel their plans.

“Hmm.” He looked thoughtful. “Listen, if you’d like, you’re welcome to lie down in my room for a while. It’s a private suite, so nobody will bother you, including me. I’ll be out here until after midnight.”

If he’d been someone else, I might have accepted, but there was something that unsettled me about Aiden. I didn’t want to be alone with him because I couldn’t be sure he wouldn’t try something on.

“Thanks, but I think I’m going to find a quiet spot out the back.”

“Want company? I wouldn’t mind escaping the noise for a while.”

“No, thanks.” I gave him a thin smile, and this time, he got the message.

“Okay.” He backed away. “But if you change your mind, the offer stands.”

With a nod, I hurried to the kitchen before he had a chance to decide to follow me after all. Hopefully Tabitha needed an extra set of hands. I’d prefer to make myself useful in the kitchen than spend another moment among the party guests.

As I closed the kitchen door behind me, my phone vibrated in my clutch. I checked it, and my blood ran cold.

Private number: Countdown to midnight, sweetheart. No kisses for us today, but soon. I promise.

Chapter Thirty-Two

LIAM

Sometimes I wonder if you’ve replaced me with one of your leading men, but I can’t bring myself to Google you and find out. - Unsent message from Liam to Kennedy