His lips quirk with a deeper smile that has my toes curling. "Wanted to see for myself what the hype was all about." Chuckling in his deep, rolling voice, he closes the distance between us, wrapping me in his warm arms and delicious scent. "Good to see you, Ang. It's been way too damn long."
The sincerity behind his words brings tears to my eyes. Inside the warmth of his solid embrace, I'm surprised that I don't melt to the floor.
Everything about this moment, being around loved ones, reminds me of how blessed I was growing up. I was surrounded by friends and family who actually gave a shit about me as a person, and weren't merely interested what I could do to boost their career. They're the type that would do anything for each other. I used to think "Minnesota nice" was a disease. Now I have a deep appreciation for that way of life.
I rapidly blink the moisture back into my eyes before he draws away.
"How long are you staying in Miami?" I ask, my fingers lingering on his thick bicep like they have a mind of their own. I'm so drawn to him that I couldn't step away if I tried. "I have to work tomorrow, but I'd have time to show you around on Saturday."
"Aaaaactually," Evelyn drawls out, "we hired him as your bodyguard."
"You what?" I shuffle away from Asher, eyes darting between Charlie and my sister. A sudden need to bolt seizes my legs. How could they betray me like this? "I can't believe you guys! You asked him to babysit me without even bothering to ask how I felt about it?"
Asher grumbles something under his breath while shooting a stern stare Evelyn's way like he agrees with my objection. So why would he agree to this fucked-up idea?
"I'm sorry, but you agreed you should have a bodyguard." Evelyn throws her hands up at her sides. "Would you rather we hire some random guy you know nothing about? We asked Ash to come down here because we knew you'd feel safe with him around."
I stop to take a deep breath, knowing I can't argue with her logic. For a stuttering heartbeat, I'm even thrilled with the thought of Asher sticking around. I wouldn't have to worry about anyone messing with me, or showing up uninvited at my apartment.
It's just the idea of hiring a bodyguard now seems like a setup-like Charlie and Evelyn were merely looking for a way to make certain I don't do anything stupid. Next thing you know they're going to find an excuse to send me to rehab for something that was prescribed to me.
"If this has something to do with what happened the other night-"
Charlie cuts me off with, "You mean the part where a fan groped you and you were violated by a security guard, or the part where you came home to find someone in your apartment? You were in the room when your agent said this was only the beginning, right? Whacked-out fans who are ready to do whatever it takes to get a piece of you will become a constant in your daily routine. And I swear they're getting a little crazier all the time. Your sister was purposely tripped once while she was pregnant with Mia. That woman was lucky Dante held me back before security had a chance to kick her out. This isn't something you wanna take lightly."
Although my stomach surges with the story of Evelyn I hadn't heard before, now's not the time to show any weakness. He thinks he can bully me into this with his horror stories, he's wrong. I throw my hands on my hips, glaring him down. "If it's such a big deal, why aren't you running around with a bodyguard?"
"Dante's with either me or Ev ninety percent of the time," he snaps back. "He's outside as we speak, making sure no one got wind that we're here. Wherever there's a crowd, there's bound to be chaos. If your sister and I go somewhere they're not expecting me to be, or we're back in Brooklyn, I can fend for myself."
"Why do you think Charlie's wearing a hoodie and I'm in a baseball hat when it's a thousand degrees out?" Evelyn tugs on the brim of her black Nike cap where her designer shades rest. "It makes my head disgustingly hot, and it's not at all my style."
"This shit's new to you," Charlie continues with the kind of low growling noise I've noticed him making whenever Evelyn's being stubborn. "I've been doing this for years, and I can physically take on any prick who gets out of hand. I don't have to worry about someone bigger throwing me over their shoulder and locking me in the trunk of their car."
"Wanna bet?" Asher prods with a chuckle.
I'd laugh along with him if I weren't so irritated by Charlie and Evelyn's insistence. Who exactly does my baby sister think she is? I appreciate that she's had more experience with overzealous fans, but my success isn't anything near the level of Charlie's at this point. This is different.
"I don't. Need. A babysitter," I insist, throwing a glare my stubborn brother-in-law's way. "I'm with Theo ninety percent of the time. Problem solved."
I swear I hear a noise of irritation coming from Asher, but when I look his way, he's feigning indifference. Mentioning Theo was supposed to be a dig toward Charlie. In reality, it makes me physically ill to imagine Asher tagging along when I'm with Theo.
Having Asher around could ruin everything, mostly because I find him so damn attractive, and I already know he's not as shallow as my costar. He'd be an unwanted temptation. I'm only with Theo because my agent claims that our "relationship" helped to generate interest among new fans, knowing we're involved off-screen. How would they react if I moved on with someone else? It's not uncommon for fandoms to turn on their favorite celebrities because of something that makes them unhappy.
They were ready to crucify Charlie just a few days before he asked my sister to marry him, based on a rumor that he was cheating on her. The whole thing started because he was seen having dinner with his new publicist, who just happens to be a hot blonde.
"I'm supposed to feel better because of Theo?" Charlie holds my glare, rubbing at the back of his neck. "Are we talking about the same jackass who wasn't man enough to stand up for you at the premiere?" He shakes his head slowly. "This isn't up for discussion, Ang. You need a bodyguard, and you won't find anyone better than Asher."
"That's funny, because who I choose to hire isn't up for you to decide," I retort, digging my fingernails into the palms of my hands.
My brother-in-law doesn't budge from his firm stance. "He'd be one of my employees. I could use the extra tax write-off."
Stubborn SOB. He's clearly not going to cave.
Too bad for him, neither am I.
Letting out a heavy sigh, I shift my gaze over to my little sister. I'm still grateful they came for the premiere, but I don't need them micromanaging my life. "Sorry, Ev, but that tour will have to wait for another time. I should get back on set in case they're ready for me earlier than expected."
Asher takes a step closer, cautiously licking his lips as his eyes search mine. "Can I have a minute alone with you before you go? You might think these two tricked you into the idea, but I want you to hear my take on it before I head back home."
I meet his dark green eyes, shining bright with hope, and drop a blunt sigh. Not sure how I could stay mad at someone who makes my stomach flutter the way he does. Besides, my sister and Charlie dragged him all the way down here, and now all he'll get is a little sweat and sand. I can't help feeling a little sorry for the guy.
"Fine," I decide, crossing my arms. "We can talk in my dressing room."
Evelyn bounces on her feet, not even attempting to contain her excitement. "We'll wait here!"
"Come on," I grumble, tugging on the sleeve of Asher's t-shirt. Charlie's not as obvious about it, but I can tell by the smirk he's fighting to hide that he's pleased, and already thinks he won.
I lead Asher down the hallway, all too aware of the constant thrill from his body being in close proximity to mine. It's a valid reminder why I can't let this happen. He's an added complication that I can't afford.
"What, no star?" Asher asks as I'm nudging the door open.
I glance at the piece of paper with my name scribbled in pen that's barely sticking to the door anymore, and shrug. "It's a reminder I'm expendable in this business."
"That's a load of shit," he mutters to himself as we step inside.
Until we're alone in the stark room behind a closed door, I hadn't stopped to think how bringing him back here could lead to temptation. He takes up so much of the room that it seems half its usual size. My body wants to gravitate toward him like he's the sun, and I'm the earth. Even when I move over to the couch, there's not enough space between us.
"Are you happy?" he blurts before my rear has connected with the cushion.
I press my lips together, lifting my chin to meet his curious stare. "I thought we came in here to discuss your side of the why-you'd-make-a-good-bodyguard argument."
"We did." He stands with his arms crossed over his chest, looking as intimidating as hell. He'd definitely be cut out for the job if I weren't so set against getting involved with him on any level. "And I want to know if you're happy. Last time I saw you in Brooklyn, you weren't doing so well. I get the feeling that hasn't changed."