It'll Be An Adventure (Masters of the Shadowlands #15)(92)
Author: Cherise Sinclair

 

“Make it John, please. And may I call you Murphy?”

 

“Sure, but…” It hurt to set aside such a wonderful dream, but she shook her head firmly. “No. I’m sorry, but I can’t take you up on your offer.”

 

“No?” His eyebrows flew up. “Oh, of course. You’ve already accepted an offer. I assure you that I—”

 

She held up her hand. “No, I haven’t, but I won’t do this to Saxon.”

 

“My dear, my son isn’t the type of man to compete with his partner. He would cheer on your success.”

 

The man hadn’t a clue. Anger for what he’d unwittingly done to Saxon flickered to life. “Mr. Halvorson. John. Do you realize how difficult your success has made it for your son?”

 

He stiffened. “He’s had anything I could give him.”

 

“I’m not talking about money.” Sharing how Saxon felt wasn’t right; yet his father needed to know just how problematic his offer was. “Apparently, people feel that being his friend or girlfriend will pave the way to… Well, to you.”

 

“What?” John looked puzzled, then his eyes narrowed. “Did someone use my son in that way?”

 

Oh honey. “Far, far too many someones.”

 

Halvorson closed his eyes for a moment. “His mother did the same. I know how much being used can hurt. Damn.”

 

As he scrubbed his face to erase the painful memories, she looked away to give him privacy.

 

And saw her father near the table, obviously eavesdropping. Probably awaiting an opening to break in; he’d jump at the chance to charm a film producer.

 

To her surprise, he turned and walked away.

 

Huh. Dad hadn’t even smiled at her or anything. The hurt of being irrelevant to his life stung over her nerves as if she’d blundered into a stand of nettles.

 

He is who he is. No point in being sad about it.

 

Across from her, Saxon’s father shook his head, then smiled at her. “So, read any good books recently?”

 

She laughed and settled in to talk books.

 

 

 

 

 

After discussing the revised orders with the vet tech, Saxon pocketed his phone and took a deep breath of the cool night air. Time to jump back into chaos.

 

At least he had Murphy with him. He smiled—because she made everything better. Cinderella, indeed.

 

As he headed toward the building, Ross came down the steps with a tall, slim blonde in a low-cut dress. Spotting Saxon, he sneered. “If it isn’t the fancy-ass dog handler who’s dating my worthless ex.”

 

Saxon smirked. “Thanks for behaving so badly she dumped you. I appreciate it.”

 

Ross’s face turned red. “She fucking did not dump me. Nobody dumps me.”

 

“You keep telling yourself that, buddy.” Saxon sidestepped and headed past them.

 

“Guess you get off on boring sex and sloppy seconds.”

 

Saxon felt his shoulder muscles tighten. Don’t hit him.

 

Ross said even louder, “You know, Murphy’s such a funking cunt that—”

 

Hell with it.

 

Saxon swung. His fist in the bastard’s belly silenced the insults, folded the loser in half, and left him vomiting his guts out on the sidewalk.

 

Trotting up the steps, Saxon straightened his tux.

 

Well, that felt good.

 

Real good.

 

He high fived the chuckling security guard at the door and crossed into the ballroom.

 

The first person he ran into was Everly, and his jovial mood died.

 

She looked beautiful, of course, with the polished and perfect facial features that screamed plastic surgery—and had layered on enough makeup to eliminate any pores, freckles, or imperfections.

 

It was a shame that a person’s inner defects—like dishonesty—were often concealed just as easily.

 

“Saxon! I’m so glad I found you.”

 

“Everly.” He nodded coldly and kept moving.

 

Her mouth dropped open in shock. Unfortunately, she caught up to him. “I’m having such a wonderful time.” Her voice was loud enough to reach any fans within hearing. “This is such a splendid effort for worthy charities. I’m so glad to have been invited to participate. I just love cats and dogs.”

 

Sure she did. How often had she bitched about dog hair on her clothes, let alone about sharing film time with the C-Guard explosion detecting dogs.

 

He kept his tone polite. “I’m sure the charities are grateful for your efforts on their part.”

 

“It’s totally my pleasure.” She moved closer.

 

He halted. “What do you want, Everly?”

 

She lowered her voice. “Did you know your father is here? He never goes to events, but he’s here tonight.”

 

“And?” He frowned. She was already starring in the TV series.

 

“He’s going to make a new action movie in the Z-Universe, but I haven’t been able to talk to him about it. I want the lead role.”

 

And here he’d thought she’d be safe to date since she already had a TV series role.

 

Saxon felt his jaw clench. His father avoided spending any time with actresses. Once burned, twice shy. I should have followed his example. “So?”

 

Her eyes went hard for a moment before she gazed appealingly up at him. “Please take me with you to go talk with him.” She put her hands on his chest, leaning in. “I’ll be so very happy to show my appreciation.”

 

Yeah, she totally went there. “No.” Disgust was a bitter taste in his mouth as he walked away, not even paying attention to where he was going. Conned again.

 

Jesus, I’m sick of this crap.

 

About halfway through the room, he stopped. He’d better text Murphy and see where she was.

 

“Saxon.” Jake held up a hand. Rainie was with him.

 

“Yo.” Saxon pulled out his phone. “Have either of you seen Murphy?”

 

“No. Did you lose your date, bro?” Jake grinned.

 

“So it seems. She must—”