Falling for Sarah by Cate Beauman Page B

A-listers. As a result, premieres and red carpet events were part of the job description. She loathed that aspect of her career. Being home with Kylee would always beat the circus of Tinsel Town.
    Tatiana laughed. “You’re a terrible liar, Sarah.”
    Sarah smiled. “I’ll be there.” She glanced at her watch. “I really have to get back to the hotel. The limo will be by to pick us up in a couple of hours.”
    Tatiana stood as Sarah did. “Make sure you bring Kylee next time.”
    “She and Hailey are playing at the indoor water park. It’s quite impressive. I won’t be shocked if I have to go down and drag her up to our room myself.” She hugged Tatiana. “Enjoy your precious boy.” She stroked a finger over Ryan’s cheek.
    “I certainly will. I’ll see you next week.”
    Sarah grimaced
    Tatiana laughed. “If I have to suffer, so do you.”

    In the week since the photo shoot, Celebrity Magazine flew off the shelves faster than it could be printed. Sarah’s usually hectic schedule turned chaotic shortly thereafter. She juggled her time between shoots, proofing, and Kylee, which left barely a moment for anything else. It was only when she lay in bed, before exhaustion took her under, that she thought of Ethan. He’d never called her back. She hadn’t seen him since the morning of their argument.
    Sarah stood in front of her bathroom mirror, securing the last pin into the shiny, loose curls piled on her head. Wispy trendles, pulled at random, framed her face.
    “Sarah, you look amazing,” Hailey said as she bent forward, applying clear gloss to Kylee’s puckered lips.
    Sarah met Hailey’s gaze in the mirror and smiled. “Thanks.” She turned from side to side, examining the full effect of her hair and makeup. “I’m ready for my dress. Will you help me so I don’t mess up my curls?”
    “Of course.” Hailey plucked Kylee from the bathroom counter and set her on her feet.
    Sarah took the black spaghetti strap evening dress from the bag. She pulled it over her head with Hailey’s help. As she smoothed the fitted satin against her waist, both Kylee and Hailey stared in silence.
    She stood before the three-way, full-length mirror, turning. “Do you think it’s too much? My entire back is exposed.”
    “Mama, you so pretty.”
    She brushed a hand over Kylee’s pigtail. “Thank you, honey.”
    “Seriously, Sarah, Tatiana Myers has nothing on you tonight. You’re stunning.” Hailey fixed a wisp of Sarah’s hair as she spoke.
    “That’s very kind of you. Hopefully people will ask where I got this dress so I can plug my mother’s shop. I have to go.” She walked over to her jewelry box, selected the square-cut diamond earrings her parents gave her for Christmas. After fastening them in place, she misted perfume into the air, stepped into it.
    “Me too, Mama.”
    “Okay, but close your eyes and hold your breath.” Sarah sprayed the wildflower scent again.
    Kylee walked into the mist, giggling.
    Sarah knelt down to Kylee’s level and nuzzled her neck, making Kylee laugh. “You smell beautiful. You be a good girl for Hailey tonight.” She kissed Kylee’s slippery lips and stood, looking at Hailey. “I’ll be back as soon as humanly possible, I promise. Arm the system when I leave and don’t open the door for anyone. Austin’s working the premiere tonight but another one of Ethan’s men, Jackson, will be in the area. He’ll be doing drive-bys every twenty minutes or so. If you even think you need him, hit the panic button on the panel and call the police.”
    “You’re freaking me out, Sarah.”
    Sarah touched Hailey’s arm. “I’m sorry. The crime going on around here is pretty scary. The last ra—” She stopped herself, glancing at Kylee. “The last couple of incidents happened three blocks away. That’s worth freaking out about. Do you want me to call my mother? You can take the car and go to Malibu. Dad is doing rounds at the hospital tonight. You know my mom would love