Begin Again novel Chapter 153

Even though Eden was running way behind schedule, her friends made her try all the outfits anyway, and for a good ten minutes, she strutted up and down her living room like she was on the runway as she showed off the clothes.

She eventually settled on a red power suit and a white cami underneath, pairing it up with monochrome stilettos and an oversized black clutch big enough to hold the custody agreement.

Lydia made a huge deal of taking tons of lookbook photos for her vlog, arguing Eden would have to get used to being in front of the cameras tonight. The paparazzi would be out in full force, ready to snap her pics since it was also Liam's Fashion Week debut. The whole of Rock Castle was waiting with bated breath to see his date.

By the time the two black Porsche Cayennes pulled up outside her house, Eden was hyperventilating so much that her friends had to quickly make her a makeshift sick bag just in case she threw up on her way to the venue.

She kissed Aiden goodnight and gulped down her wine before she set off, wobbling a little as she made her way to the car, her friends' catcalls following her shaky progress. She didn't know if her unsteady feet were due to the wine or sheer anxiety, but she quickly chalked it down to nerves as she shoved a mint chewing gum in her mouth.

Dressed in a black Dunhill suit and a white button-down shirt, Liam was already waiting outside the venue when they pulled up. He held the door for her and helped her out of the car.

"Red is now my favourite colour," he announced with a hint of approval in his voice as his gaze travelled up and down her slowly. "Are you wearing the matching lingerie set?"

Eden averted her gaze as she felt a hot flush creep up her neck and cheeks.

"Behave yourself," she warned him softly. "We are in public."

"Like the thought of me fucking you in public doesn't excite you!" He smirked, leaning down to kiss her, but she artfully dodged his smooch.

They were in plain view of a hoard of reporters, not to mention his sisters and mom were up ahead, hovering near the entrance. The last thing she wanted was to spend the whole night fielding questions from his family, or worse, end up on the front page of Dirt or Scandal.

"What was that?" Liam demanded, clasping her hand in his, all the humour gone from his voice.

"What?" She shrugged, feigning ignorance.

"You avoided my kiss," he accused. "Is something wrong?"

Eden shook her head, dropping her gaze to her shoes.

They spent a few minutes with his mom and sisters before they joined Kayla and Vic Randolph.

Eden was in fashion heaven for the next two hours and forgot about Liam—even though he was sitting beside her—as she and Kayla fangirled over almost every outfit showcased onstage.

Once or twice, when she turned to check on Liam and caught him looking at her, she blushed and reminded herself to act refined. Something she forgot as soon as more outfits were brought out.

Halfway through the set, she excused herself to dash to the ladies. Liam offered to come with her, but she declined, promising she'd be quick.

She hurried to the restrooms and did her business as quickly as possible because she didn't want to miss a moment of the show.

She was still singing under her breath—one of the tunes they'd played earlier on stage—when she ran into Laura and a member of her entourage.