Page 42 of Guarding the Singer

She turned her head to look at him and saw concern in his eyes.

He had enough to worry about. Keeping her safe.

He shouldn't have to worry about her... feelings. Her... emotions.

Before she could think of something quippy to say, the car was pulling to a stop.

Relieved, more than she could say, she reached for the door handle and heard Evander clear his throat.

She looked up and into the rear-view mirror.

"Please, Miss." His tone and his eyes held more than a spark of humor. "If you would allow me to do my job?"

Selene laughed and sighed. "Thank you, Evander."

She couldn't hope to put on a passable British accent, but she had a feeling that she'd end up doing a passably bad version of it very soon.

Evander shook his head as he opened his door and stepped out. He looked across the front seat into the back. "We'll be exiting through the driver's side back door, please. The car will give us cover, Miss."

He raised a brow at her, his English accent clipping lightly as he spoke.

The back door opened up and she could see Evander's smile as he addressed William. "Sir? Would you like my assistance in alighting from the automobile?"

William had removed his hand from her arm, and he used that hand to flip off his friend. "Take a step back before I step on your foot."

Evander bowed from the waist. "Sir."

He took a few steps back and held the door open.

William moved out of the car with a grace that made her grind her teeth together.

She'd practiced over and over again just to be able to step out of a car without flashing her underwear at the paparazzi.

William?

It was like he stepped out as if he'd been born to the life.

If she was lucky, she wouldn't completely embarrass herself and fall flat on her face.

Scooting across the seat, she extended one leg out of the car and braced her hand on the frame.

"Here."

She looked up and saw William's hand reaching out to her.

"Let me help."

She smiled and felt warmth building inside of her. It wasn't something she was used to feeling, but it came easily with William.

Too easily.

Scooting closer to the edge of the back seat, she reached her hand out.

William wrapped his hand around hers and gave her a little pull.

She stepped out of the car, her foot touching the sidewalk in front of her rented house and felt William gently set her on her feet, balancing her.

Grounding her.

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