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“No, ma’am,” Ronan said firmly. “If the guys weren’t giving him hell about the video, they’d find something else. And he’d be the first to return fire, so to speak.”
“Boys will be boys and SEALs will be SEALs,” she said. “Or something like that.”
Ronan nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Still, I owe him an apology.” Perhaps a naked apology.
“He’ll be on duty later,” Ronan said. “If it’s all right with you, I’ve asked him to cover the overnight shift. He’ll stay out of your space. In the hall.”
“He’s planning to stand guard outside my room all night?” she said as they reached her dressing room. “That can’t be good for his knee.”
“He’ll be fine,” Ronan assured her. “The hotel won’t have the extra security in place for you to sign autographs tonight, so—”
“I always do autographs after a concert,” she protested, her focus returning to her job.
“I’m sorry,” he said firmly. “But the hotel doesn’t want to risk it without the added muscle. They’re nervous, too, after the incident in Phoenix. And I can’t say I disagree.”
“There are going to be a lot of disappointed fans,” she muttered as they reached her dressing room.
“That’s why I’ve asked Dante to keep a close eye on you for a few hours after the show,” he said. “If you want to go out, he’ll need to stay with you.”
“I’m not going anywhere tonight,” she said as Ronan opened the door and walked into her dressing room.
“You friend Mason said you wanted to hit up the Vegas shops,” Ronan called as he searched the small room, which contained a makeup table, loveseat, and her wardrobe for the show.
“He’s my manager, not my friend,” she corrected, still waiting in the doorway. They’d gone through this routine earlier in the day, and she remembered the protocol. “And yes, I’m planning to shop. But I’ll call the stores now and have them send a few things up. I know what I want.”
Disguises that might catch the eye of his teammate. She had about zero experience with seduction. But she knew how to put on a show. She could only hope it was enough to tempt Dante away from his post in the hall and into her bed for the night.
One night and then tomorrow, I’ll set him free.
“I’ll let Raske know.” He returned to the door. “Your dressing room is all clear.”
“Dante Raske? Doesn’t sound very Italian.”
“His mom’s side is from Italy. But his dad was Scandinavian, I think. I met Mr. Raske once. Big guy,” said the six-foot-something wall of muscle in her doorway. “I’ll step outside and call my teammate while you change, Ms. Tate.”
She reached for her earring and began removing the back. “Tell Dante if he wants to stand guard, he can sit inside my suite. I won’t have an injured SEAL collapsing in pain outside my room.”
Ronan let out a bark of laughter. “I’ll let him know.”
“I’ll be fine out here.” Dante stood in the hall. If he walked into the country star’s hotel room, if he sat on her couch during his shift, Ronan would give him hell. And yeah, the rest of the team would hear about it.
Dante couldn’t manage an hour on his feet in a Vegas hotel. Or, if you’re heading out for a recon mission, bring a couch for Dante.
“I need you to come inside,” Chrissie said.
Dante mentally added a “me” to the end of her sentence. And no, he couldn’t walk into her hotel room. It was like walking into a battle he knew he’d lose. Hell, one he wanted to lose. Because even though he’d sworn off Vegas flings, he was pretty damn close to tossing that rule aside for a woman who should be off-limits—the star he needed to protect.
“Ma’am—”
“Call me Chrissie.” She took his hand. And even the promise of endless teasing from his fellow SEALs didn’t make him pull free from her hold. He followed her inside like a freaking lap dog. Because dammit, he wanted the chance to prove he could offer her a helluva lot more than perfect kisses.
She released him and walked over to the loveseat in the sitting area. “Make yourself comfortable. Since you’re here, you can help me with my disguises. Sit down, and I’ll be right back.”
Dante followed her request as if she’d issued an order. He sat and watched as she headed off to the bedroom. The door closed behind her.
What the hell am I doing here?
