Page 19 of Selling Innocence

“In that case, pick whatever you want to use. Vance probably has something fancy, but…”

I snickered at his meaning and completed the thought for him. “But I probably don’t want to get naked in his bathroom?”

“Exactly.” Hayden walked down the shampoo aisle with me, saying nothing as I picked out shampoo, conditioner and lotion.

Lines between his eyebrows made me pause. “What?”

“I thought you’d complain about shopping at a supermarket. I’ve protected a few celebrities, and they’re usually far pickier about the products they use and where they get them.”

“I’m not that picky. I could have even made do with the six-in-one nonsense if I had to, but I prefer to have something that works. Plus, I don’t really want to smell like sandalwood or motorcycle grease or whatever men smell like.”

Hayden’s lips spread into a smile, but as quickly as it appeared, he wiped it away. It made me laugh, reminded me of the times when Bray had done the same. Sometimes, there was nothing more fun than amusing someone who really didn’t want to be amused.It surprised me, too, how comfortable I felt with him.

I’d already picked out clothing, underwear, a new purse, lotions and washes and all that necessary stuff. I’d picked up some strips and a regular glucose reader as a back-up, along with a few snacks that could be tucked into my purse.

Which left one last thing.

I headed down two aisles, Hayden remaining to my left, his gaze moving smoothly around the store, taking note of any threat. His competence calmed me enough that I didn’t feel the need to do it as well.

I peered at the boxes on the shelves, searching for what I needed.

When Hayden noticed where we were, at the products on the shelf, his eyes widened.

“I can go wait over there.” He gestured toward the end of the aisle.

I put on my most innocent expression. “Why? Someone could attack me here.”

“I think you can handle this part on your own, don’t you?”

“They’re tampons, Hayden, not assassins. You don’t need to run away.”

He snorted softly as he rubbed the back of his neck. His tan skin hid it, but I’d bet if he were paler, his ears would have been red. “I’m not running. I’m just offering you some privacy.”

“I didn’t ask for privacy, and I don’t think it’s for me at all. You’re supposed to be some tough bodyguard, right? Periods can’t make you that nervous. How will you protect me during one whole week a month?”

“You’re enjoying yourself far too much right now.” He’d dropped his tone as if to threaten me, to remind me of my place, but it only made me giggle.

It felt impossible to fear someone this freaked out by some rolled cotton.

“You really don’t have much experience with women, do you?”

“I already told you I didn’t. Now, can you get what you need so we can go? People are staring.”

I glanced to the opposite end of the aisle to find that he was right. Two women kept glancing our way.

Why? Did we look like we were dating? Or maybe because of the age difference, they thought him an older relative? Did it really matter?

“Fine,” I said and reached toward the top shelf for what I needed. I went to my tiptoes, but even still, it was too far.

A hand appeared by mine, brushing against me, as Hayden grabbed the box for me. Impressive. I thought he’d be worried they might bite if he got too close. He tossed the box into the basket, then held his arm out toward the register. “If humiliation hour is over, are you finished?”

Even though he was clearly finished, he waited. I got the sense that if I wanted or needed anything else, he’d have suffered through the trip. However, I’d gathered all the necessary things for around a month.

I just had to hope that we could wrap this all up by then, because I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life getting bossed around by these four.

Chapter Five

Kenz

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