Talia caught up with him before he could get away. “Are you all right?”
“We shouldn’t have done this.”
“Of course we should. Do you have any idea who some of these people are?”
“I don’t give a—！”
“What is the matter with you tonight?”
“Just tell everyone I’m a temperamental artist.”
“They can see that already. You should be happy, Roman. You’ve already made a hundred thousand dollars, and the party isn’t even in full swing.”
Happy. Yeah, right. He felt hot all over. His heart hammered.
Roman went into the bathroom and locked the door. Raking his hands through his hair, he tried to relax. He forced himself to breathe slowly. The familiar wave of weakness came. He closed his eyes and swore softly. Squatting, he put his head between his knees, hoping he wouldn’t pass out. Not now. Not here. Was it the champagne? He’d only had two glasses.
The weakness passed. He gave himself another minute before he stood, and another before he opened the door.
Grace stood in the dimly lit hallway. “Are you all right, Roman?” Her brown eyes were so full of concern.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Are you perspiring?” She reached up.
Roman pulled his head back as though her touch would burn him. She closed her hand and lowered it. The lighting was too dim to see her blush, but he knew he’d embarrassed her. Again. He’d been taking potshots at her all day.
They stood close, staring at each other. He was having a hard time breathing normally. He wanted to step closer. Was she trembling?
She inhaled a soft breath. “I didn’t mean to treat you like a mother hen. Do you need anything?”
You.
Movement caught his attention. Prince Charming stood at the doorway to the main room. What would the guy do if Roman pulled Grace into his arms right now and kissed her? Roman looked at her again. What would she do? Her expression altered just enough to let him know she sensed something dangerous going on inside his head. She took a step back, and Roman knew what she’d do. She’d slap his face, quit her job, move out of the cottage, and he’d never see her again.
It might be worth it. She’d be gone, and he’d be safe.
“Roman.” Jasper Hawley appeared out of nowhere, and Roman let out his breath. Until that second, he hadn’t known he was holding it. Grace touched his arm before she turned away. Reassurance? She walked down the hall. Brian Henley slipped his hand around her waist and guided her away.
Jasper tilted his head, studying Roman. “This is something new for you.”
“I’m not sure I’ll agree to any more of Talia’s ideas.” Roman rubbed the back of his neck. His head was beginning to pound.
“I wasn’t talking about the show.”
“What then?” He wasn’t in the mood for Jasper’s cryptic remarks.
“You can’t keep your eyes off Grace.”
“She’s supposed to be working!”
“Are you looking for an excuse to fire her?”
Roman glared at him. “You said you liked her.”
“I like her a lot, but it doesn’t matter what I feel. She’s gotten under your skin. You’re not comfortable with the working relationship, are you? Maybe you ought to play it safe and get rid of her.”
Roman knew what Jasper was doing, but he was in no mood to play the game. “Leave it alone.”
Jasper stepped in front of him. “What are you afraid of, Bobby Ray?”
“Don’t call me that.”
“There’s nothing wrong with who you are.”
“And who is that?”
“You have a real opportunity here, son. A chance for friendship, affection, maybe love. What’re you going to do with it?”
Roman went hot. “You’ve misread the situation.”
“Anger. Your favorite hiding place.”
“Are you done yet?”
Jasper shook his head, his expression filled with compassion. “Do me a favor. Try not to stamp Grace into the ground so you can put out the fire.” He sighed. “Let it burn, Bobby Ray. Get closer. Get to know her. See what happens.”
“She doesn’t know what I am.”
Jasper looked perplexed. “What are you?”
“You know better than anyone else where I come from. What do I have in common with a girl like her?”
Jasper let out his breath. “Lord, have mercy. We’re finally getting somewhere.” He stepped closer. “You don’t know Grace any better than she knows you. Take it easy. Listen. Learn. See what happens.”