Page 12 of Dreaming About Forever

Had he caught her looking at his lips? She’d known the guy for less than a minute, and she already wanted to melt into a puddle and slide underneath the couch.

How ridiculous. She associated with the top celebrities of her time–many of whom were only famous because of their looks. Yet, her new bodyguard was off-limits eye candy, and her cheeks were warming from their first meeting.

If he saw her blunder, he didn’t let on. “Should I grab your bags, Miss?”

Miss. So many people had demeaning nicknames for her because of her age and size. She was well into her twenties, but her rounded face made her look at least five years younger. Even the media still looked at her like she was the same kid fromFamily First. Most reporters and journalists still called her a girl instead of a woman.

But Jordan’s “Miss” didn’t have an underhanded jab hidden within it. It sounded polite.

Lillian tapped on her phone. “The bellhop will be here any second to get the bags. You two can head downstairs. I’ll wait for him.”

Alicia turned and scurried off to her bedroom. “I’ll just grab my phone.” Hiding from Jordan’s intense stare was a must, but she could feel the tingle of his gaze on the back of her neck as she slid into the safe space. Grabbing her phone from the bed beside her open suitcase, she let out a long breath through her rounded lips.

“It’s not a big deal. He’s cute. Just ignore him.”

Right. Like that was possible. He’d be with her constantly in the upcoming weeks, and the man had a magnetic way about him. He had a presence that filled up a room—even her large common room.

Alicia walked back into the grand room with purpose as the bellhop arrived with a cart to load her luggage, but she couldn’t focus on the man when Jordan drew her attention.

Jordan nodded to her as she approached. It was a very reverent gesture–one she wasn’t used to, since most people thought her private life was theirs to rifle through.

“Are you ready, Miss?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Ugh. Why did that one, stupid word come out sounding so weak? She was used to using her big girl voice–something Stacy had taught her when they were in their teens and constantly got pushed around by the top dogs in the industry.

Why did this guy make her flustered? “Yes. I’m ready.”

Jordan gestured for her to lead, but he quickly found his place beside her.

Right beside her. As in, she could sway her hip on one of her steps and their hands would probably touch.

Nope. No touching. None at all.

They entered the elevator, and all of the air in the small space disappeared as the doors closed. Jordan stood close enough that a side glance gave her an eye-level view of his thick biceps. Seriously, his upper arm was as big around as her thigh.

No peeking!

The numbers lit up one after the other as they descended to the main floor. It was like waiting for her cue to enter the stage–a torturous test of patience.

“Relax,” Jordan said beside her. His deep voice reverberated in the small space. “You’re safe as long as I’m around.”

5

ALICIA

Oddly enough, she wasn’t afraid of the crowds of people waiting outside. They were either screaming her innocence and defending her name or coloring her with the same guilty red as her parents.

Alicia hated confrontation. She’d pursued approval her entire life, and she had an enormous fan following because of it.

Now, there were just as many people who wanted to cut her down as there were people who remained loyal to her. Ashton was the most beloved actor in the world. He was at the height of his career, and he had an equally powerful fan base who wanted to blot Alicia out of his record.

She hadn’t thought about her parents or Ashton in the last quarter of an hour, and that was major progress. Until now.

The elevator doors opened, and Jordan put his arm behind her. His hand barely touched her shoulder blade as he ushered her toward the private exit.

Alicia always used the private entrance, but Jordan knew where he was going. Apparently, he was quite familiar with the building she called home.

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