Page 15 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

I reached for his hand, holding it tight. “I’m sorry.”

Lennie shrugged, taking a deep breath, blinking fast.

“At least I came home. So many of my friends didn’t. With time and therapy, I did okay,” Lennie sighed and turned to me. “And what about you? How’d you start working for a rock band?”

“Didn’t you read about my background in your security check?”

“Before my time,” he whispered. “And I’d rather hear it from you.”

Lennie looked at me with those big blue eyes of his and I let myself get lost in them.

“I was born and raised in Atlanta, an only child, raised by a single mom. I studied hair styling right after high school. Mom was sick at the time with a rare form of brain cancer, and I supported both of us, working a full time job while I was studying. She passed shortly after I got my first big gig, doing hair and makeup for a movie production.”

“Oh Payton, I’m so sorry for your loss.”

I blinked away the tears that threatened. “At least she got to see me find success. I take comfort in that. And the fact I was able to get her the best care.”

I tried to take a deep inhale, but my chest was tight.

“After she passed, I moved to New York,” I continued. “And I traveled to LA for private clients and movie productions. A friend of mine was doing hair and makeup in Nashville and when he had to cancel a job for Wayward Lane, I stepped in. And that was it. I liked being in Nashville so much, I made it my home base.”

“Do you still have private clients?”

“Yes, but mainly in the Nashville area. I gave up on the monthly trips to LA. But I have several clients that fly to me.”

“You’re incredibly talented, so no wonder.”

I squeezed his hand. “You have to stop complimenting me, Len. You know I’m a diva. My ego doesn’t need any more stroking.”

Lennie’s face flushed. “You’re sonota diva.”

“That’s not what I’ve been told.”

Lennie stared at me. “I’ve watched you at work. You put in long hours and you never complain. And you’ve got a knack for people, always making them feel at home. You’re sexy, smart, funny, sexy?—”

“You said ‘sexy’ twice,” I countered.

“It needed to be said twice. For Christ’s sake, people turn their heads when you walk by.”

“Yeah, and they usually have something judgmental to say.”

He shook his head. “Then they’re fuckheads. You’re gorgeous. With makeup, without. With heels, without. With clothes, without?—”

“Okay,” I burst out laughing. I couldn’t believe the words coming out of Lennie’s mouth. The people in the aisle next to us turned to stare, but whatever. “I get it.”

Lennie nodded, his expression suddenly serious. “I hope so. You’re an amazing person. Special. Which is why, most of the time, I’m tongue-tied around you. That’s not my normal, Angel. That’s all you.”

“Stop it. You’re gonna make me blush,” I teased him. “And what’s with the nickname?”

He leaned in, his lips so fucking close. So tempting.

“I’m not a believer, but watching you walk into a room is definitely a religious experience,” he confessed.

Nowmycheeks were on fire.

“And why hasn’t an incredible man snatchedyouup yet?” I asked him.

“He already has,” Lennie replied with a wink.

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