Dropping The Ball - A New Year’s Billionaire Romance - Weston Parker Page 0,104

with intensity when she looked at me, and the cameras broadcast it across the nation and even across the globe.

“As you can see, I’m standing right in front of you. I’ve never spent weeks in hospital, although there were a fair amount of doctors’ visits at the beginning. After my last attack, I spent two nights in total in the hospital and that was enough to last me a lifetime.” She paused. “One of the reasons why I’m standing here in front of you tonight is because of Carter. Without him, I’m not sure if I’d have had the courage to be here.”

Her eyes sparkled with moisture but she kept them on me. “He’s not abusive. In fact, he’s my biggest protector. Literally and figuratively. He would never hurt me. I’m sure a lot of you saw the photograph Nathan published of Carter hitting him, and he did, but it was to defend my honor after a horrible comment Nathan made about me.”

The reporter himself stepped forward but Rylee didn’t give him a chance to say anything. “Should he have punched him? No. Violence is never the answer, but if you knew what he’d said to provoke Carter, I don’t doubt that most of you would’ve reacted the same way if it was said about you or someone you care about. I know I would’ve. In fact, I still just might if the opportunity ever presents itself.”

Chapter 36

RYLEE

Laughter traveled through the audience. I managed another small smile and shrugged. “Well, he wanted the truth.”

More laughter rang out and I waited for it to die down before searching out Carter’s gaze again. I hadn’t planned on coming up here and spilling my guts to millions of people, but I’d heard what utter shit Nathan was spinning during his interview, and I hadn’t been able to stop myself.

It was about time to shine the spotlight on my MS and to share about my struggles anyway. I had zero doubts that every reporter I spoke to after tonight—and there would be a lot of them—would ask me about it in excruciating detail.

Speaking about it here, tonight, before I even made my comeback, allowed me to tell my story the way I wanted to. I didn’t have to wonder if a reporter would edit a video clip or if an article written would convey the right tone. I was stripping myself bare for these people, but I was doing it on my own terms.

Sort of. Nathan had forced my hand with what he’d been saying, but I was ready to come clean. If they hated me after tonight or thought I was the one lying, then so be it. At least I was getting to tell my side of my own story.

A five-minute warning popped up on the teleprompter set up in front of the stage. Shit.

I had to get this out before it was time for my performance. Time didn’t ever wait for anyone, and while me flaying myself open for all to see probably made for compelling television, this was Times Square on New Year’s Eve. There was a schedule and the times on it weren’t changing for anyone, not even for some good old-fashioned soul-baring.

Movement caught the corner of my eye and I realized Phil was pulling Nathan off the stage. Their time was nearly up and it was clear that their interview was over.

I did it. I’ve actually done it. My heart raced and my palms were clammy, but I pulled my shoulders back and owned the last few minutes of confession time on the stage.

I could only just make out Carter’s face. He was right up against the stage in the ring of space before the lights blinded me to what was beyond them. I spoke to him then, even if there were a few million or so people eavesdropping on our conversation.

“Carter, thank you for throwing that punch for me. I’m sorry you had to stand down there tonight and hear how terrible you are when the truth is the you’re the most incredible man I’ve ever known.”

There was a chorus of awws that I acknowledged with a smile before looking back at him. “Let me tell you a little bit about the man who owns every inch of my heart. You’ve read so many lies about him in the last few days that I need to set the record straight.”

Billy was going to have heart palpitations about this next part. “I’ve known Carter since we were kids.