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He’s right. “I’ll need to call David, too. He can do damage control with the press.”
“You up to that?”
If that’s what it takes to spend my life with Rand? “Yeah.”
And while I’ve got David on the phone, I’ll also tell him that I’m downshifting my career to enjoy some life with the handsome hunk of bodyguard who turned out to be the man of my dreams. I can’t wait to get started on my forever with him.
New Year’s Eve
Bartonville, Texas
“You ready, honey?” Rand cups my arm and drops a soft kiss onto my shoulder.
I can’t believe it’s been almost six months since we met. To say we’ve been inseparable is an understatement.
After the police descended on the cottage in Granbury that horrible night, they thankfully agreed that Rand shot Dorinda in my defense, ending one nightmare. But the press became another, printing every detail of our Fourth of July they could dig up—our escape from the parade, a photo of me wearing Rand’s shirt as we crossed the street hand-in-hand, him kissing me in the buggy. Instantly, rumors of our romance began to buzz. Poor Rand couldn’t get a moment’s peace after that.
I turn to him solemnly. “More than ready. What about you? Are you sure? I’ve made your life hell since we met.”
“No, the press has made my life hell. You’ve been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
His words melt my heart. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m thrilled we’ve made it work, despite the challenges.”
“Me, too.” He kisses me softly.
God, I love this man. We’ve learned to communicate and compromise. Rand has had to swallow his pride more than once. But he’s been supportive and understanding, no matter what.
The first month of his employment in Bartonville was hell with press and my fans stalking him in and around the police headquarters. He had to sell the place he’d bought before he ever moved in. I know that annoyed him, just like I know it chafed to take refuge in a house behind a gate and a guard. The five million for its purchase came mostly from my bank account. Rand wanted to object…but we both agreed that safety had to come before pride.
Our first month in the house was rough. Going from an eight-hundred-square-foot apartment to an eight-thousand-square-foot house took a lot of adjusting for Rand. He questioned what the hell we were going to do with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms…until we christened them all. We also found out that we still had a lot to learn about each other. He didn’t count on me being a neat freak. I didn’t know he likes to play video games when he suffers from insomnia. But we’ve adjusted to one another’s quirks. He showed me the joys of skinny-dipping at midnight. I tried to teach him to cook, which we both decided is a lost cause. But it’s fine since I love being in the kitchen. And he loves eating…then having me for dessert.
For me, it’s been unusual to be in one place for weeks on end. Not bad, just different—especially after the new album dropped. I did far fewer public appearances in support, and those I did, I found myself flanked by Rand or Rob, sometimes both. The success of the album exceeded my wildest expectations, and the pressure to tour and do the late-night circuit was enormous. But I finally sat David down and told him this album would be my last for a while, maybe even forever.
“So…” I look up at Rand, trying to tamp down my nerves. “We’re really doing this?”
“We really are,” he assures. “Unless you’re having second thoughts?”
“Never.”
The doorbell rings, and he glances at his watch. “Right on time. I’ll get the door.”
“I’ll meet you in the dining room in a few. I love you.”
“I love you, too. I can’t wait.” He kisses me one more time, then leaves our bedroom, looking incredibly swoon-worthy in his black suit. I can’t wipe the smile off my face as I turn and shimmy into my dress.
As I’m struggling with the fastening at the back, David walks in. “Wow. You look incredible. Do you need help with that?”
“Please.”
With a smile, he walks behind me. “You’re lucky I’m good with a corset.”
This tidbit somehow escaped me until now. “Because?”
His low laugh is familiar and warm as I feel him thread and tug on the silk ribbons at my back. “Let’s just say I led a colorful life before Allen.” He tightens the strings and ties them off. “There. Now turn.”
I comply. “Good?”
“Perfect.” His smile is almost fatherly. “Thank you for asking me to be with you tonight. It’s an honor.”
