“The store isn’t in an area of the city known that celebs frequent. And it’s still relatively early. No one will even pay us any attention.”
He squeezes my hand reassuringly, and my heart melts.
“I’ll wear my hat if that makes you feel better.”
When he turns onto the street where the new vintage store is located, I watch the people on the sidewalks as we drive past. He’s right. Compared to the middle of the day, there’s not a lot of people out and about.
And it’s not like there’re paparazzi or anything like that in the area.
“I just don’t like being on camera,” I admit in a low voice.
He parks in one of the spaces in front of the store. “That’s a shame.” He tugs my hand still in his grasp, encouraging me to look over at him. “Your face was made to be on camera.”
His tone is so full of sweetness and sincerity, that I don’t bother to explain to him my feelings aren’t a result of believing I’m ugly or anything like that.
“I prefer to be the one helping you guys look your best while in front of the camera,” I say, injecting cheer into my voice. “Or, more accurately, telling the story you want to tell while on camera.”
He gives me a curious look, and my heart twists. Every expression on this man is freaking adorable.
“We should go inside.”
I don’t wait for him as I open the passenger side door, pull my hand from his, and hop out of the SUV.
Andreas glares at me as he rounds the front of the car to my side. “What are you doing?”
Frowning, I look around, confused.
“You’re supposed to wait until I open the door for you.”
“I am?”
He nods. “I should make you get back in the car to wait until I open the door.”
“That’s ridiculous. We’re both already out of the car. How about we go inside?”
He narrows his eyes, his jaw flexing slightly. I have to ignore that expression because of the tingling I start to feel in my nipples. The last thing I need is for him to see them peeking through the sports bra I have on.
I sidestep Andreas and head for the store’s entrance, but he uses his long legs to keep up with my stride and is the one to pull the door open for me. I shake my head when the idea of getting used to having someone open doors comes to mind.
Surely this isn’t a long-term serious thing for him. In fact, I don’t know what this is for him. Nor do I plan on asking either.
“Welcome, how can I— Oh my god!” the young woman who works at the store suddenly screeches, her eyes ballooning. “Are you … Are you Andreas Knight?”
I give him a sideways look. So much for not being recognized.
Andreas gives her an easy smile. “That is a compliment of the highest order,” he says easily. “I hear he’s kind of a big deal around here.”
The woman looks mortified for a second before she realizes he’s joking. Then she lets out a laugh and snort that’s actually adorable.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” she asks, looking between the both of us.
“Well, my?—”
“Stylist,” I quickly say and ignore Andreas’ look my way. “Assistant to the stylist, actually,” I clarify. “We’re looking for a couple of pieces for some upcoming, uh, shoots.”
“Oh, that shouldn’t be a problem. What’s the look you’re going for? I didn’t realize the stars themselves actually come in to browse with the stylists.”
“Assistant to the stylist,” I correct. “And we’ll just look around for a while, if that’s okay.”
