Zoe tried to jerk her hand away but he held on to her. “Oh,” she chuckled sarcastically, “I believe you picked the person you wanted to pick.”
“Zoe, I looked for everything you taught me over the past few days.” He let go of her hand and ticked off on his fingers the things he’d learned. “She even had the glittery mixed-matched lipstick thing you’ve been doing.”
“That was from Ravens Cosmetics,” Zoe grunted. “I thought you gave that to us on purpose. The products were great for women, but not the group of young girls I was assigned.”
Will shook his head. “How in the hell was I supposed to do that? I wasn’t allowed to see you all day.”
“It was in the beauty box from your company,” she gritted through her teeth. Realizing this wasn’t going anywhere, Zoe took a step backward. “You know what? It doesn’t even matter anymore. Titus won and your frat brother won. That’s why you knew all along I wasn’t going to get the position.”
Will stood back as well and held his hands in the air in surrender. “Hold up. I had no idea Titus and Waverly would be paired up or that Dominic decided to sponsor a beauty queen. The whole point of the separation from the contestants was so that we didn’t fraternize.”
“Funny you mentioned frats. That’s not the vibe I got from Dominic.”
“Wait, when did you talk to Dom?” Will rushed to Zoe’s side. “Did he say something that bothered you?”
“He didn’t have to.” Zoe avoided Will’s touch. “He alluded to it enough. I just wish you would have told me.”
Will didn’t take her attempt to brush him off well. He stepped even closer. So close, she backed up against the archway leading into the living room. Using the back of his knuckles he caressed her cheek. “I’m not sure what’s going on here. I didn’t know Dom was sponsoring anyone until after the pageant. Talk to me.”
Zoe hated herself for melting. There were plenty of jobs she had gotten in the past and she didn’t need anyone to comfort her like this. But being here with him was different. If what he said was true, then there was no moment of conspiring against her or favoritism. Zoe’s eyes stung from the overwhelming sensation of feeling foolish. “Look, I get not getting the job. I can handle it. It just stings that it’s to someone like Titus. I’m bitter.”
“You’re not mad at me?” Warm breath brushed against her nose when Will chuckled. “But bitter over Titus?”
Not appreciating his laughter, Zoe pushed his chest away. “You’re laughing at my pain?”
“No. Just your honesty.”
Zoe moved toward the living room, all too aware of Will hot on her tail. She tried to focus on the bookshelves across the room on the wall, but only thought strangely of future photographs of the two of them, like at Lexi’s from her and Stephen’s wedding. “Something I figured you would appreciate.”
Will wrapped his arms around her from behind. The bitterness slowly thawed. His forearms were cradled beneath her breasts and lifted the stress of their weight and her emotions. Zoe leaned into him, willingly allowing him to lead her to the sleet-gray couch. Chills ran down her spine from the feathery touch of his fingertips. “What can I do to make it up to you?”
Zoe turned in to him. “Hire anyone else but Titus.”
“What is the deal with you and Titus?”
“Nothing other than the man not having an original thought in his brain.” Zoe wrapped her arm around Will’s shoulders. Her fingers splayed against the curly hairs at the nape of his neck. She pushed out an irritated sigh. “You say a lot of the contestants had the same winged eyeliner and the glitter lips, right?”
“Yes.”
“Titus has been stealing every design I do. That’s why my designs on certain celebrities are so elaborate. I make them impossible for Titus to copy without getting caught, but as you know, no everyday woman walks around with a couture face.”
“Why didn’t you tell me any of this before?” Will stroked Zoe’s thigh.
“And sound like I’m a complainer?” Zoe shook her head, letting it rest on his shoulder. The beat of his heart comforted her pain. “I respect your decision. I’m resilient. I’ll make other plans.”