Chapter 480
A slow smile played on her lips as she turned back to face him, extending her hand. “Deal.”
What was that? Did she think this was some kind of business arrangement?
Eric let out a quiet, breathless laugh, shaking his head in exasperation. Still, he took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against her skin.
With a sigh, he murmured, “Hadley…”
She didn’t trust him—not yet. But that was fine. Time would prove everything. For now, at least, she was his.
That night, after the performance wrapped up, it was no surprise to find Eric waiting outside the studio.
He had been there for a while, leaning against his car, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. The streetlights cast long shadows, and when he caught sight of Hadley stepping out, he lifted a hand in a casual wave.
She hesitated for a beat before walking over, her brows knitting together as she lifted a hand to block the drifting smoke.
Eric noticed and, without a word, pressed the cigarette against a nearby trash can, extinguishing it. “Not a fan of smoke?”
“I don’t like the smell,” she replied bluntly.
“Got it.” He exhaled to the side, as if expelling the last traces of nicotine from his system. “I won’t smoke around you anymore.”
With that, he pulled open the car door. “Hop in.”
Hadley eyed him, wary but intrigued. “Where are we going? You know I don’t eat this late.”
She had to maintain her figure for work—strict discipline was non-negotiable.
“I know.” Eric rested a hand on the roof of the car, smirking. “Relax. I promise you’ll like this.”
Hadley considered her options.
Given the nature of their arrangement, playing coy felt pointless. Besides, she preferred when things moved forward rather than idling in uncertainty. Without another word, she slid into the passenger seat. The drive was quiet, and soon, the urban glow faded, replaced by the open expanse of the sea.
“We’re here.”
Eric stepped out first, circling around to open the door for her. “After you.”
Hadley frowned slightly as she took in the view. Were they going out to sea?
“Come on,” he said easily.
Eric took her hand, leading her down the dock toward a sleek yacht bobbing under the moonlight. “They’re all waiting for us.”
Once on board, Hadley spotted two familiar faces—Marshall and Barrie—already lounging on the deck, drinks in hand.
“Wow!” Barrie whistled, eyeing her with playful intrigue.
“Who’s this? Aren’t you going to introduce us to your friend here?”
Clearly, they hadn’t expected Eric to show up with company. And naturally, men loved to tease.
“Relax,” Eric muttered, though the smirk tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement. He threw a glance at Hadley before making the introduction. “You all know her. This is Hadley.” And then, with deliberate ease, he added, “My girlfriend.”
That was the part that mattered.
A beat of silence.