Derek sighs, turning to look at me for the first time in minutes. Under the brunt of his imposing stare, I feel a jolt of intimidation, which I immediately don’t like. The same defense mechanism as before sparks back to life inside me, and I’ll have to watch my tongue to avoid any more psycho commands. “Explain it one more time,” he practically orders.
The only reason I do what he tells me is because I want to escape as much as he does. I came in here to leave some of Red Earth’s business cards with him in the hopes of drumming up more business for Spencer, and then the Riley fans descended, sparking to life a panic I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m going to have to be careful about what I say, knowing how I tend to react in situations like this.
“Chuck is going to pretend to be you,” I tell Derek slowly. “He can grab a jacket and pull the collar over his head if he’s really worried about not looking like you, but I think the shirt and hat will be enough when he’s got Malibu Barbie and The Hulk with him.”
The bodyguard snorts, but it’s clear Janie doesn’t appreciate my assessment of her as she scowls at me.
“You and I are going to close up the shop after they leave through the back door. You’re going to buy the most expensive thing in here, and then we’re going to walk out the front door with no one the wiser.”
Derek clenches his jaw, glancing at the others in the room. “You’re underestimating my fans.”
“Or maybe you’re overestimating their interest.”
Though his eye twitches, he doesn’t have a response for that one.
“I’m not okay with this, D,” the bodyguard says. “There are too many variables, and Janie has the right idea.”
Personally, I’d be fine with the cops showing up to clear an escape path, and it would get me out of here sooner. But one look at the flash of panic in Derek’s eyes tells me that’s the last thing he wants. I get it. If I were in his position right now, I wouldn’t want to bring any more attention to myself than I already had.
“Your choice,” I tell him, suppressing a shudder at the thought of being in Derek’s shoes. “Leave with fanfare or slide under the radar.”
He doesn’t seem to like either option as he looks from me to the bodyguard, like he’s waiting for an alternative.
I’m happy to offer one. “Or we wait here for who knows how long and get extremely comfortable with one another. Could be days until people give up.”
With a sigh, Derek turns to his bodyguard. “She’s right, Hunter.” I wonder how hard it was for him to admit that.
The bodyguard—Hunter—shakes his head. “I don’t let you out of my sight,” he says gruffly.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll take care of him,” I offer with a bright smile that only partially masks the panic that starts rising again. My plan is the best one we’ve got, but if it doesn’t work… The last thing I need is to be chased down by movie lovers. Derek Riley is in no way someone I want to be associated with, and the consequences if we’re caught…
Grunting, Hunter narrows his eyes at me. “Not good enough.”
“Chuck needs his store back,” I remind the room, Chuck included. He’s barely said a word since recognizing Derek, and he’s too nice to stand up for himself and his livelihood.
“We’re only two blocks from the hotel,” Derek adds.
“A lot can happen in two blocks,” Hunter argues.
“We’re doing it,” Derek says with finality, then turns to Chuck. “If you’re up for the challenge.”
Chuck straightens his spine. “Count on me, boss.”
I groan. “Don’t call him that,” I say, shaking my head. “He’s—”
“Just a regular guy.” Derek beats me to the punch. Surprising me, he adds, “Donovan’s the boss right now anyway.” He looks at me at the same time I look at him, one of his eyebrows dipping lower than the other. “Is Donovan your last name or your first name?”
Another rush of panic hits me, and my response comes out sharper than I’d like. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I stride forward and grab Chuck’s arm, pulling him to the back door so we can get this over with. I don’t need someone like Derek trying to figure out who I am. “Head around Old Man Clancy’s and toward the grocery store. That should give me enough time to get Wonder Hair back to his hotel without anyone else recognizing him.”
“Wonder Hair? Are you…” Derek trails off when I look at him. “…talking about me?” he finishes in a mumble. That one seems to have bothered him, even though I meant it as a backward compliment. He gestures to his outfit. “I don’t think this is enough to disguise me.”
He’s right, and I grab one of the wide-brimmed hats Chuck sells, stuffing it onto his head to cover his impressively luscious locks. I pull the drawstring tight under his chin and can’t hold back a smirk when he narrows his eyes, silently asking me if the chin strap is necessary.
Yes, I silently tell him in return, then realize how thoroughly I just invaded his personal space. What iswrongwith me?
“I still don’t like leaving you here,” Hunter says as his eyes dart from me to his boss.
