She was working. She had a job to do.
Be normal.
“Good evening,” Olivia said, all casual and friendly.
“Olivia,” Fletcher said in greeting, his eyes darting to Dakota, who gave Olivia a small smile of acknowledgment. They had met at a previous event. Clearly, she was of little interest as the woman immediately turned to chat to the person next to her.
“The place looks great.New York Postand NYDN are looking for some photos once Hunter arrives,” Olivia said, looking down at her phone as if referencing notes, which she wasn’t. “So I’ll send Katy over when he gets here.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Emma and Simon moving closer. Emma had a professional long lens camera in her hands, as many of the media photographers did, and it was pointing in their direction.
Olivia quickly turned away, grimacing before she could stop herself.
“What’s going on?” Fletcher growled quietly.
“Nothing.” She replied quickly and took a step away. “I’ll—”
“Olivia.” He reached discreetly for her elbow, but there was no such thing as discretion when you were watched like an eagle by those looking for proof to destroy you.
Her eyes shot to his. “Don’t,” she warned.
Fuck.
She had to get away.
Fletcher’s hand dropped and his eyes moved around the room like a tiger seeking its prey.
“Excuse me,” she said, putting on a professional fake smile. “I need to use the bathroom.”
Before he could reply, she walked away.
––––––––
OLIVIA DRIED HER HANDSon the plush hand towel and threw it in the basket provided. She glanced in the mirror and pressed the clips holding her unruly red curls in place.
She reached into her purse and added some red lip gloss, then took a deep breath.
She’d done nothing wrong.
All she’d done was walk over to her boss and talk business. They’d barely seen each other for days.
She was being paranoid.
Emma and Simon were simply doing their jobs. In all likelihood they were just trying to get a photo of Dakota and Fletcher together. Not her.
She was overreacting.
Typing a quick text to the babysitter, she relaxed when the reply came through a few seconds later to say Sammy had just fallen asleep.
Olivia closed her purse and stepped out into the hallway.
“Hello, Olivia.”
The hair lifted on the back of her neck as she came face to face with Simon. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, his eyes running over her body from the ground up before meeting hers.
“Nice dress. Someone is hoping to get lucky tonight.” He laughed, pressing away from the wall.
“What do you want?” She pushed past him, but he caught her arm.