Page 73 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

Cassidy met me beyond the curtain.

I handed off the microphone and pulled out one in-ear monitor.

“You gave several thousand people an unsupported conclusion.”

“I called you the best bodyguard in Florida.”

“You still have no supporting data.”

“I have a stalker in custody and an uninterrupted concert.”

“You also have an entire security team.”

“Then you’re the best bodyguard on the best team in Florida.”

Crew members passed behind us, clearing equipment and moving toward the next cue. Cassidy guided me farther into the corridor before she let me stop.

She checked my face and torso.

“Are you hurt?”

“No.”

“Dizzy?”

“No.”

“Any chest pain?”

“Only emotional.”

She exhaled through her nose. “That answer isn’t useful.”

“I’m excellent. Sweaty, exhausted, and in love with my bodyguard, but medically excellent.”

Cassidy went still.

She searched my face.

“You’re still full of adrenaline,” she said softly.

“I was full of adrenaline when I admitted I wanted you yesterday. That didn’t make it less true.”

“This is different.”

“Yes.”

A cart rolled through the far junction. Rafi redirected it before it reached us.

Cassidy glanced toward the crew, the agents, and the open artist-suite door.

“We can’t do this here.”

“We can talk after.”

Her fingers closed around mine anyway.

“After the assignment,” she said.