Page 81 of Guarding the Singer

Even better, she walked off the stage into William's arms.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him close and when he wrapped himself around her and lifted her off of her feet, she was truly lifted off of the ground. "Oh my God! That was amazing!"

He held her tighter, and she was almost lightheaded with joy.

"Did you see it?"

His laughter was full and beautiful in her ears, it sent shivers all over her body.

"I saw it. I've never been so amazed by anything before."

"I'm so glad you were here." She felt her whole heart trying to burst out of her chest. "Thank you, Will. Thank you for everything."

His hands framed her face, and he kissed her.

Her heart was pounding, the blood coursing through her veins was roaring in her ears.

Or so she thought.

As she stepped back from William, she heard whistling and saw flashes of light.

Selene turned her head and saw the audience was still more than half full and some had cameras out and flashing photographs.

Selene waved at the audience to more cheers and whistles and William walked her into the wings.

He was laughing softly at her side. "I didn't expect photos from actual cameras."

"Me neither," she agreed. “The extras usually sign waivers that they won't share photos of the film or spoilers, but I think those photos were of us. Are you," she hesitated, some of her worries breaking free, "are you okay if they post pictures of us?"

"Of us? Of us kissing?" He shook his head. "I'm okay. I'm just a guy. Areyouokay?"

"First," she shook her head, "you are not just 'a guy.' You are amazing! A certified hero with medals and all of that. And I'm proud of you and proud to be with you." She beamed at him. "You're playing a role anyway. You're playing my boyfriend on set."

She saw a muscle tighten in his jaw and she was afraid that she'd said something wrong, so she pushed on before he could stop her.

"Is it wrong that I'm hoping someone will post a picture of us? At least until I can get a copy of it to keep?"

She looked at him, hoping to see more of his reaction.

She hoped that he wasn't upset about the photos.

He leaned in, moving her back until she bumped up against the wall, feeling his hand behind her head so that she didn't bump her head against the wall.

"I'm sure we can get you a copy of it." His eyeswere intense, the strength of his body as he crowded her made her feel protected and as his shadow fell over her, she felt as if they were the only two people in the world. "I think... I think we need to talk when we get back to the house."

She pressed back against the wall, her breath catching in her throat. "Talk?" She licked her lips when they suddenly went dry. "Is there something wrong?"

The door beside them opened up and Jessica emerged. She drew up short when she saw them.

One look. She looked from William to Selene and then she smiled. "Uh... I was just coming to take Selene to the wardrobe truck to get her out of her gown so she could go home."

Selene held her breath, she felt her skin heated and tingling all over.

Her stomach was in knots.

Jessica turned to look at William and Selene could see an almost impish look in the designer's eyes. "You know... I have to make sure that the other pieces that I lent out are returned before the extras leave. Would you be able to help Selene?"

Selene looked at William, wondering what he would say.

---