Behind Closed Doors (26 page)

Chapter 25

I let out a gasp as we entered the ballroom. I couldn’t recall ever attending an event quite so extravagant. It definitely triumphed over all the weddings I’d ever been to. The furnishings were all white and the whole room had been decorated with red floral arrangements. White and blue lights illuminated the room and gave the space a mystical feel.

A waitress approached us as soon as we entered, artfully carrying a tray of champagne flutes with one arm. I took one cordially and strolled to the center of the room.

“Who are all these people?” Emily whispered.

“I have no idea.” I didn’t recognize anyone in the room and there would have been fifty people there already. All of the eliminated contestants would be attending, but I couldn’t spot any of them and Jayce was nowhere in sight.

“Cheers,” Emily clinked her champagne flute with mine and we both took a sip of our champagne. As I swallowed, my taste buds came to life and it was clear that I was drinking actual champagne and not a cheap imposter that I had grown accustomed to drinking.

“Mmmm,” Emily pronounced before taking in another mouthful of the pale liquid.  

“O. M. G. Look up there,” Emily pointed to the wall on our right.

Hung against the wall were huge posters of myself, Yuri and Marc hanging side by side. Underneath a sign read, 
Congratulations to our finalists.

“Thank goodness you look hot in that photo,” Emily commented, a look of relief on her face.

Marc pulled up at my side. “Look at that, Kyla, we’re hanging next to each other,” he commented.

Before I could respond, a lady I didn’t recognize approached us and asked that we pose for some photos for the press. I handed my glass to Emily as Marc, Yuri and I stood in front of our posters, smiling for the cameras.

That was when I saw him. Jayce was walking toward us and he looked amazing. He was wearing black pants with a black shirt that was rolled up at the sleeves. His hair was styled, but messy and overgrown stubble lined his jaw. Compared to the other men in the room, he looked more casual than formal, but that was part of his appeal. He didn’t do things to appease others.

As he approached, I could sense that he was looking me up and down, and I felt naked as his eyes took me in. I had been so distracted by Jayce that I didn’t even realize that Pixie and Dion were walking on either side of him. The same lady had asked them to pose for some photos with the final three contenders.

Dion stood between myself and Marc and Jayce looked slightly annoyed as he stood at the end of the line, next to Yuri. Once the photographers had enough photos, we dispersed in different directions. Dion and Pixie were being interviewed for an entertainment site. I made my way back to Emily’s side and she handed me my drink. I let out a gasp when I felt a hand touch my back and slowly wrap around my middle. I turned at the waist expecting to see Jayce, but was surprised to see Marc looking down at me. He kept his hand at the small of my back, which I didn’t notice at first, but when Jayce approached us, he eyed Marc warily.

“How is my favorite star going?” he clinked glasses with me and looked at me with a familiar warmth that almost made me melt.

“Fine, thank you.” I smiled at him, hoping the encounter didn’t seem awkward to the others. I realized Marc still had his hand territorially placed on my back and I took a step sideways, standing uncomfortably close to Emily.

“Dude, let’s get another drink.” Yuri said to Marc and they walked off together. I felt my shoulders relax as they walked away.

“You look great,” Emily directed to Jayce and a smile graced his lips. Before he could respond, Emily continued in her usual nonchalant way, “but your wife looks amazing!”

My eyes widened instantly and I had to blink a couple of times to focus on who Emily was referring to. Talking to an older man just a few feet away from us was Jayce’s wife. I recognized her from the photos I’d seen on the internet.

Jayce responded to Emily, but his eyes were locked on mine.

“Yeah, you should tell her that, she loves to hear it.” He laughed in an attempt to sound less terse.

I knew it was written all over my face. I was upset. More than upset, I was devastated. I looked at the beautiful woman, who stood so close that I could hear her throaty laugh. She was wearing an incredibly short, backless gold dress. Her long brown hair was swept into a tight ponytail at the nape of her neck. Her lips were painted a deep red that framed her teeth perfectly when she smiled. I had no idea what Jayce saw in me if she was his type of woman. I was the total opposite of the tall, dark haired, skeletal woman he married.

She kissed each cheek of whomever she was talking to and sauntered in our direction. She pulled up at Jayce’s side, wrapping her arm around his middle. Witnessing the gesture was like being stabbed in the heart repeatedly, while everyone watched on with smiles on their faces, totally oblivious to the unrelenting pain in my chest.

“Kyla, isn’t it?” she held out her hand and I took it. I forced a smile as I blinked back the tears that threatened to fall at any moment. I could feel Jayce watching my every move and I wondered if he was worried. Concerned that I would reveal our dirty little secret to his wife. Samantha studied my face as her bony hand grasped mine. She was looking at me as if she was waiting for me to say something, but words escaped me.

“Hi, I’m Emily,” Emily filled the awkward silence and I could have hugged her for coming to my rescue. “I was just telling Jayce that you look gorgeous tonight.”

Samantha acted embarrassed by the comment, but her acting skills needed work.

“Thank you, Emily. You look amazing also,” she said as if it were a line she had rehearsed. “Where did you find that gorgeous little dress?”

“It’s Stella McCartney,” Emily said, giving a twirl.

Emily and Samantha continued chatting and I stood completely mute next to them. I couldn’t believe Jayce brought his wife to the event and didn’t even warn me. He stood across from me, his stance stiff as Samantha’s arm remained wrapped around his waist. He was more withdrawn than usual and I knew he was eager to talk to me. Too bad, I didn’t feel like talking. I was about to walk away when Samantha brought her attention back to me.

“Kyla, I loved your performance with Marc this week. Are you a couple?” I was shocked by her question and my cheeks flamed, even more so when I realized Jayce was staring at me, waiting for my response.

“No. We’re just good friends,” I locked eyes with Jayce.

“Well, he’s very good looking. You should make your move now, he’s going to be popular with the girls after the show,” Samantha laughed.

I hated the way she talked. The way her British accent over-pronounced every word. I usually found foreign accents charming, but coming from her mouth, it sounded pretentious. I didn’t respond to her comments about Marc. I just forced a smile as I took another swig of my champagne.

“Jay, I’m going up to the room to check my messages. I’ll be back in a bit.” She didn’t wait for Jayce’s response before sauntering toward the room exit.

Their room?
 I repeated her words in my head. They were staying in the hotel. Together. I suddenly felt ill.

As if reading my mind, Jayce came to my side and grabbed my elbow, steering me away from Emily.

“Just give us a sec,” he smiled at Emily. He gave her his usual seductive smile that no woman could resist.

“Don’t do this,” he ran his hand through his hair. “Don’t read into this.”

“It’s fine,” I said, but it was clear I was not fine.

“Come outside with me,” Jayce pleaded, tightening his grasp on my elbow.

I breathed a heavy sigh. “I’m going to go have fun with my friends.”

I turned my back on him, jerking my elbow out of his grasp as I walked to the other side of the room. I found Emily speaking with Rosa and Laura near the bar.

“Hey you,” I said, taking Rosa into a warm embrace.

“Congratulations, Kyla! I knew you’d make it to the end,” she said, her words warming my heart instantly.

“Hey Laura, good to see you,” I said before I turned my attention to Emily who was waiting for a chance to question me.

“What was that about?” she asked. 

“What?”

“Jayce dragging you away from me?”

“Oh that,” I said as evenly as possible. “He wanted to congratulate me on tonight.”

“Really?” Emily asked skeptically, but she let my sketchy story slide for the time being.

“Can you believe Samantha freakin” Pryer is here?” Emily said to our small group.

I pressed my lips together, not trusting the words that threatened to come out.

“She’s flawless, isn’t she?” Emily continued, not sensing my discomfort. “And she is so much skinnier in real life.”

“She’s hot,” Laura agreed and that was when I zoned out of the conversation.

I tried distracting myself by talking to the eliminated contestants. It was nice to catch up with everyone, but I found myself continually searching the room for Jayce and his wife. She was working the room like a true superstar. Men would kiss her hand and stare at her intently, while the women watched her walk by, their expressions envious.

I tried not to stare at her, but I couldn’t help myself. I preoccupied myself by talking to Katerina. She was telling me how she would get recognized around San Diego and she had been busy with local press appearances.

“Come dance with me?” Marc appeared out of nowhere, interrupting our conversation.

“No,” I dismissed him instantly.

“Come on, Ky,” Marc said, cocking his head to one side. He was drunk. His breath smelled of whiskey and his eyes were slightly bloodshot.

“Please, no,” I pleaded.

He wrapped his arm around my waist and I turned to knock it away. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jayce watching us. As always, he was aware of Marc’s every move. His jaw was clenched as he eyed us both. Between Marc touching me and Jayce eyeballing me, I began to feel claustrophobic. I needed to escape. I needed air.

I excused myself and walked in search of the powder room. I found my way, but I knew he was following me. I could hear his footsteps, slowly gaining ground. He grabbed my arm and pulled me into him. We were standing in a corridor that led to the lobby, it was a public walkway and anyone could have seen us if they happened to walk by.

“Come with me, we need to talk,” he said, his tone the most demanding he’d ever used with me.

“I can’t, Jayce. This isn’t appropriate.”

“Please, just follow me.”

He grabbed my hand, which was risky, but we were walking so fast that the chances of being spotted were slim. He led me to a room that I assumed was the hotel business center. We stood in the far corner of the empty room, wedged between two computer desks. I was pressed against the wall with Jayce’s hands gently resting on my hips.

“I’m sorry I brought her. She was supposed to be at an event New York tonight, but it was canceled at the last minute and she wanted to come to this.”

I studied Jayce’s face and couldn’t deny that he looked truly miserable.

“You could have told me,” I bit out, harsher than I’d intended.

“I sent you a text before we left the house. She flew in while we were filming today.  I didn’t even find out she was back until I got home,” he looked honestly remorseful. “I texted you as soon as I could,” he said. “Didn’t you check your phone?”

I held up my clutch. “No room for my cell,” I said by way of explanation.

He let out a sigh and I instantly regretted leaving my phone behind. I would have still seen Samantha, but at least I would have felt somewhat prepared for the introduction. And the torture that followed.

I smiled and wondered if it looked as forced as it felt. “It’s fine, Jayce.”

“Don’t lie to me.” His tone was harsh. “I can tell you’re upset and I’m sorry.” He swept his fingers through his hair. “I hate seeing you like this,” he softened.

He brought his hand between us and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, letting his fingertips linger on my skin.

“You look gorgeous tonight,” he dropped his hand to my waist and pulled me into him. I should have fought it, but I didn’t.

He smiled, a sincere smile, but his eyes looked sad. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m having a horrible time.”

“Yes, that makes me feel so much better,” I responded sarcastically.

He cupped his hand to the side of my face and gently kissed my lips. I stood motionless and didn’t return the kiss. He noticed and drew his face back to look at me.

“You’re sleeping with her.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

I heard his sharp intake of breath before he dropped his hands to his side.

“The network provided the judges with a room each,” he paused briefly. “I wasn’t going to use the room, but Sam insisted on staying here.”

I nodded knowingly and attempted to hold my composure for a while longer. I wanted to ask about the divorce, if he had been lying about it or if he’d had second thoughts, but I couldn’t. It wasn’t the right time and as strong as my feelings were for Jayce, he had to deal with his own issues first.

“I have to get back inside,” I said quietly.

“Don’t leave like this, Kyla,” he lifted my chin and met my eyes. “What do you want me to do?”

I started to move away from him, but he grabbed me by my waist and pulled me snug against his body.

“Just so you know, I wish it were you on my arm tonight.”

I took a step back, out of his reach, but my gaze still held his, silently pleading with him to let me walk away. I turned my back and walked out of the room, my balance a little unsteady from the alcohol or the confrontation, I wasn’t sure which. I breathed a sigh of relief that I was out of his clutches. It was dangerous to give in to him tonight, especially with his wife present.

I made my way to the powder room to freshen up. I was relieved that Jayce hadn’t followed me and I was immediately grateful for the alone time. When I pushed through the bathroom door, I found Pixie at the basin, washing her hands while staring at her reflection in the mirror.