Page 35 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

“How did your meeting with Elias go?” Zoe asked us point blank.

“We’re not making a decision about the marriage yet,” Lennie replied. “A lot has happened in two days and it’s overwhelming.”

Zoe nodded. “Okay, so for now, we run with the story that this is a love match?”

“Do we need to say anything further?” I asked. “Can’t we ignore the comments? Or maybe I should delete my posts?”

Jesse leaned forward. “I wouldn’t delete anything. There’s been a huge amount of interest in your story from Wayward Lane fans. One of your wedding posts had over three million likes.”

“Not to sound crass, but we can’t buy publicity like that. Especially right before a world tour,” Zoe added. “We’re trying to create the biggest buzz possible as a lead-in and even though this may not be one of the ways we usually do it, it’s newsworthy. Fans love following the guys and their relationships, and insights about stuff that goes on behind the scenes. And a romance between one of the band’s security, and their hairstylist? It’s PR gold.”

“I agree,” Jesse nodded. “Musicisstorytelling, after all. The wedding is driving engagement. And, if you haven’t made up your minds yet, I suggest you keep posting. Little teasers that will keep fans hungry for more.”

“So, you want us to act like this is a real relationship?” I asked.

Lennie made a sound that was very similar to a growl.

I slowly turned to him. “Do you have something to say?”

Lennie leaned forward, his blue eyes full of fire.

“I’m gonna give you all the space you need, Angel, but let’s get one thing clear. You and me? It’s fucking real!” he barked.

“Lennie—”

“Don’t start denying it. Not after last night.”

My heart was about to fly right out of my chest.

Until I noticed Jesse and Zoe following our conversation with rapt attention, their eyes ping-ponging between the two of us.

“Not here,” I hissed. “Not now.”

“If not now, then when?” Lennie snapped. “Are you saying you feel nothing for me? After everything that’s happened? And I’m not talking about the past two days, but all year.”

I’d never seen Lennie so worked up before. Was it possible that he was feeling all the things I was?

“Okay, I’m sorry,” I admitted. “You’re right.”

“Say that again?”

“I said, you’re right.”

He looked marginally calmer, but the flush on his face told me that this discussion was not over. But the knot that had lodged in my belly all morning? It finally loosened.

I turned back to face Zoe and Jesse, and the two of them were staring at us with their mouths wide open.

“What?” I stated. “Haven’t you been around any married couples before?”

CHAPTER 12

PAYTON

“If you’ll excuse us, we’ve had a long couple of days,” Lennie announced, standing up and motioning to the door.

“That’s fine. We’re done with this for now,” Zoe added. “I’ve got calls to return.”

“Me too.” Jesse stood up and beat us to the door. “Keep us updated on whatever’s happening between you two, okay?”

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