Page 56 of Guarding the Singer

Selene pulled back slightly. "Mandy?"

They both turned to look where the assistant had been, but she was gone. They all turned to look down the hallway where they'd come from and saw Mandy walking down the hall.

Selene reached out and touched Cooper's arm. "She's got soft bottomed shoes, Cooper. Can you make sure she didn't get cut when she was in my dressing room?"

Cooper moved after her.

At first Mandy kept walking with her face turned toward her shoulder, but when Cooper jogged after her she stopped and put her back to the wall.

William tucked Selene into his side as they watched Cooper talk to Mandy.

They were far enough away that William couldn't hear the conversation.

A quick look at the hallway said there weren't any cameras covering the area.

"I hope she's okay. Cooper doesn't want to lose her."

William and Selene turned toward the director.

He caught their curious looks and explained. "Mandy's been working with Cooper for a few years. This is the first picture that she's on the production side of things. He's really trying to make sure that she sticks around."

Selene leaned into him, and he rubbed her lower back gently.

"I hope that she won't be too upset by what she saw."

Cooper rejoined them in the hall. "I told Mandy she could take the rest of the day and tomorrow if she needed to, but she's a trooper. She wouldn't hear of leaving us."

Selene looked up at Cooper and bit her lip for a moment. "If she'd like to talk to someone. Someone who can help if she does get upset? I'd be happy to pay for it."

Cooper shook his head. "She'll be happy to hear that, but our employees have full medical coverage during our productions. And those who sign up forthe next movie under the production company are kept on the insurance in between productions."

William saw the other man look at him. "I do everything I can to help my people. We make sure they're taken care of and that way we never have an issue keeping employees coming back."

William nodded, thinking that it was a generous set up with the production company. It was the same with Big Sky Bodyguards. Between large assignments, they were kept on staff and the insurance that comes along with it. It kept workers loyal to have a company that cares about them.

Cooper moved on and poked his head into the dressing room, when he turned back around, he looked like he'd been socked in the gut.

He blew out a breath and smiled at Selene. "I need to talk to Mitchel about how we're going to revamp the shooting schedule for today."

William saw Selene's expression change.

He saw hints of panic in her features.

"I'm good." She grinned at both men. "I can film. I can just change in the wardrobe trailer and get make up in the make-up trailer. We're all good."

William saw the knowing looks that passed between the two men. Concern. Worry. Relief.

Mitchel stepped closer and Selene stepped forward to meet him. "Are you sure? I wouldn't have an issue if you wanted to take the day. Or two."

Selene didn't surprise William when she reachedout and touched Mitchel's hand. "I'm fine. I'm ready to go as soon as you are. This is going to be great."

Mitchel smiled at her, covering her hand with his. "If you're sure."

She nodded immediately. "I'm ready. The crew is ready. Everything is coming together and I'm just another excited cog in the wheel. We're so close to the finish line." She hesitated for a moment. "Unless you have a doubt about where I am."

William heard the unusual sound of fear in her voice.

Not a physical fear.

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