Heartbeats and Hashtags: A Bodyguard Romance by Lola Lockhart

Author:Lola Lockhart [Lockhart, Lola]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LapisLibraryRomance
Published: 2024-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

Professionalism prevents me from complimenting how the delicate sundress caresses Everly’s frame, showing off her curves in all the right places. I sense her nerves the instant she steps onto the bustling beach, a megawatt smile firmly in place but slender hands twisting anxiously at her waist. It's her first major branded shoot, and I know this is a big deal to her. She fidgets with the hem of her sundress as more crew members gather.

My vigilance spikes as the creative director saunters over, and I immediately dislike the man. He's has an air of superiority about him, an arrogant thirty-something who eyes Everly's curves too freely. Introducing himself as John, he proceeds to air-kiss both her cheeks with a presumptuous familiarity that makes me glower at him.

As more crew focus the spotlights and camera, I sink into the shadows. Keeping my gaze half fixed on Everly and half on the busy area around us. Despite jittery hands, she looks effortlessly beautiful while greeting wardrobe and makeup, her smile infecting those around her. A territorial pride sparks in me as other men stare. Then I smooth my stormy expression before she glimpses anything but calm capability in my gaze.

Eyes narrowing, I scan perimeter defenses and evacuation routes should any trouble arise. Thankfully, the primary concern here is unwanted paparazzi. We’re far enough away from Miami that it’s unlikely the stalker will have followed her here.

“Welcome, everyone!” John greets with an oily grin, shaking hands. “Great to finally meet the famous Everly Ford.” His eyes trail her lingeringly and his tone is a little patronizing. Everly’s smile falters, and I clench my fists.

“We're so thrilled you could make it on short notice,” a woman chimes far too eagerly. “This is going to be amazing!”

I scrutinize the group. They seem harmless enough. But if one of them so much as touches a hair on her head, they will regret ever being born.

John's gaze finds me, lip curling dismissively. “So you drew bodyguard duty, huh? Don't let us important talent distract you from the whole...lurking menacingly thing.” He flashes a smug wink at me.

“Pleasure,” I greet him, my voice ice cold. I'll be glad once this whole shoot is over.

Pleasantries quickly give way to the shoot preparations, and Everly moves into position before the cameras, blinking wildly under the scrutiny of so many calculating gazes.

I ache to intervene somehow, provide a reprieve from the spotlight that followed her here. But this test IS inevitable with the life she's chosen, for better or worse. Now we see if she can truly own the responsibility of “celebrity” thrust upon her. It's interesting that she is so comfortable when she is the one holding the camera, but she is clearly not used to taking instructions or being watched by anyone else.

I clench my jaw as the creative director, John, bellows yet another petty criticism. I force myself to resist storming over and informing him exactly where he can stick his patronizing tone as he continues berating Everly to contort herself ever more unnaturally.

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