Sophia audibly gulped. “Well, I imagine once Roman and I leave to go to dinner, the whole pack will follow us. That’s why they’re there after all.”
“I can’t ask you to do that for us. You were terrified when you showed up here. The last thing you need is to face those fu—uh, fellows right now.” King pushed away from the counter and headed for the sink to rinse Zoe’s bottle with his daughter in his other arm. “I knew what I was getting into when I picked this life.”
I seriously doubted anyone could say that. You thought you knew, but nobodyreallyknew what it was like, especially when your own mother sold you out for an interview and media attention. It was impossible to trust anyone.
Sophia crossed the kitchen and held her hands out toward Zoe, addressing King. “May I?”
He nodded. “Sure. She’s an easy baby. Loves everyone.”
Sophia grinned and pulled Zoe into her arms. “Let me do this for you. For her.” She smiled at Zoe and got a smile back from the baby. Turning back to King, Sophia swayed with Zoe in her arms. “If I’m going to be dating Roman, I’ve got to get used to the circus. Today was a rude awakening, but it’ll be so much easier with Roman at my side. He’ll protect me. And we’ll all protect her.”
King winced at thehe’ll protect mepart then tried to cover it up by turning to me with a raised eyebrow. “She calls you Roman? Really?”
“It’s better than the full name.” I shrugged. “Took her forever to stop calling me Roman Grier.”
Sophia rolled her eyes at me then made goofy faces at Zoe.
“So what do you think?” I asked my brother.
King sighed. “I guess Zoe and I will be staying for a couple more hours.”
Euphoria sang through my bloodstream. It was working. My plan was working.
Damn, that sounded like something a supervillain would think.
Still, I exchanged smiles with Sophia. It felt good to do something—anything—to help my brother through this horrible mess.
“Great. I’m gonna make some calls—book a restaurant and get some stuff here for Sophia. Anything the two of you need?”
“Nah, I think me and Zoe are gonna go take a nap in a spare room and give the two of you a little space. Let me know when you’ve got a plan.”
I nodded. “Will do.”
Chapter Seven
Sophia
I had no idea what to pick. A rack of designer clothes sat in front of me with selections I never would’ve thought of—a sweater dress, a two piece wide-legged jumpsuit, gravity defying dresses, casual tops and jeans. I wished I could’ve called Molly for some advice. She was the best when it came to picking the outfit for an occasion, and she would totally squeal over my options. But given the way today had gone, I really doubted she’d even answer.
Everything about this was overwhelming.
My first date as Roman Grier’s—Rome, dang it, I had to remember that—fake girlfriend, and I was so afraid of making the wrong decision. Too casual and I’d look like a schlub. Too fancy and I’d look like I was trying too hard, and let’s face it, that would be true. I wasn’t Roman—Rome’s—girlfriend. And I wasn’t an actor. I was a fraud.
This thing had disaster written all over it.
Turning away from the rack of clothes Jeff had made magically appear in Rome’s master bedroom, I took in the rest of the space. The king-sized bed facing the huge windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The mix of white and gray driftwood everywhere that made the space so calm and relaxing. Or it would’ve if I wasn’t so amped up. I swear it felt like every inch of my skin was twitching. I had to go somewhere. Do something. But I couldn’t. I was stuck here in a movie star’s bedroom.
My fingers itched to open doors and look around, but I couldn’t. I’d probably get caught the second I opened one.
Knock, knock, knock.
See?
I turned just as the bedroom door cracked open.
“Need a hand?” Rome’s voice came through the crack.
“Yes. Please!”