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“Not much to tell. It’s that production assistant we met at the TV station in Chicago. Kennedy. Turns out we’re both obsessed with the same K-drama. They do some amazing fan art for the fandom. So we’ve been talking, and maybe there’s something there…”
“But you’ve only met the one time?” I frowned. “Should I be worried? Maybe I should send Duncan with you instead.”
“Send Duncan where?” He strode in through the door Kate had left open. He’d been off meeting with the venue security, and I couldn’t help my smile. Even a couple of hours apart felt like too much some days.
“Oh, we were just discussing our Ohio break,” Kate said smoothly. “You’re going with Ezra to his parents in suburban heaven after the Cincinnati show. Small town, but rabid fans. Security risks up the wazoo. You’ll need to be alert.”
“Kate.” I shook my head.
“What? I’m just explaining how much more he’s needed with you than tagging along with me.”
“She has a date,” I explained to Duncan. “Which she’d rather not discuss, but she barely knows this person. I’m gonna need you to vet them.”
“Ezra. You are not asking your bodyguard to run a background check on my date.”
“He’s simply being smart,” Duncan interrupted our squabbling.
“Thank you.” I shot him a grateful smile.
“But you don’t need to tell him more than you’re comfortable with,” he said to Kate, turning so he was speaking directly to her. “You could tell me the meeting details so I can keep tabs on you if things go south, and I’ll keep the information to myself unless you end up in a jam.”
“Hey!” I was torn between impressed and indignant.
“Things aren’t going to go south,” Kate assured us, holding her hands up. “But thank you. Everyone knows Ezra can’t keep a secret.”
I suppressed a laugh because I was keeping a couple of giant ones, including the six-foot one standing next to me. But I’d let my reputation as a gossip work as a cover for my own secrets. And soon enough, Kate was called away to more pre-concert business, leaving me alone with Duncan. Shutting the door, I sauntered back to where he’d found a seat on an old leather loveseat in the corner. I squished myself in next to him and risked a fast kiss.
“Hi.” I grinned at him.
“Hello.” Eyes crinkling, he held my gaze in a way that felt even more intimate than another kiss. “What’s this about me staying with your parents?”
“You’re my bodyguard. Someone has to protect me from the onslaught of casseroles and dessert options.” I laughed, but when he didn’t, I added, “And Kate was right—they always want to drag me out to eat or to the golf club. Might as well have protection for the autograph requests.”
His mouth quirked. “You don’t think they’ll guess…”
“Nah. I bring friends around a lot. I’ll say Kate insisted I bring you, but honestly, if they guess, it’s no biggie.” I waved a hand, deliberately brushing his chest. “Neither ever talks to the media.” Duncan made a sour face, but I plowed ahead. “It will be okay. And they’ll love you either way.”
“You think so? I’m not really a meet-the-parents kind of guy.”
I burst out laughing loud enough to startle whoever was in the hall. “You’re a gorgeous, rich SEAL officer. I’m surprised would-be in-laws aren’t hunting you down daily.”
“Ha.” He was turning the cutest shade of pink. “I’m no catch.”
But he was. And not for the obvious reasons I’d listed. In the days since Chicago, he’d done dozens of little things for me. Finding me amazing coconut cream pie in Milwaukee, making me the most relaxing bath in Indianapolis, and taking me for perfectly-timed runs. Plus, he was so damn appreciative of everything I did for him, soaking up every touch and compliment. The only thing missing was being able to brag about his awesomeness to others. The need for secrecy sucked, more so because Duncan was so much more than some guilty pleasure.
“Trust me. You’d make a fabulous boyfriend.” I put a hand on his knee, but he didn’t lean into my touch like usual.
“Eh. Maybe.” Continuing to act like we were discussing the particulars of a colonoscopy, he shifted against the couch. “Anyway, I was trying to catch you before the show. Restless?”
“You know it.” I wriggled against him. “You got a cure?”
“Don’t look at me like that. You know we can’t fuck around in here.”
“Can’t is a strong word. I’d put good money on this old sofa having seen plenty of action.”
“That’s hardly an incentive.” He laughed, though, which was a small win. I didn’t like him all uncomfortable about my upcoming visit home. This would be fun, and I needed him to see it.
“Bummer.” I fake-pouted as he stood and held out a hand.
“Found something you’ll think is cool. Come with me.”
