"Most of them, anyway," she replied, thinking about the new concerns that had emerged about James Kellerman's blog posts.
"We'll figure it out," Casper said with quiet confidence. "All of it."
As the city lights blurred past the tinted windows, Willow believed him. Whatever threats were circling her life, whatever challenges lay ahead, she wouldn't be facing them alone anymore.
And that realization was both comforting and terrifying in equal measure.
17
By the time they returned to their hotel suite, Casper's head was spinning from the sheer number of people in Willow's orbit and the growing list of individuals with varying degrees of access to her personal information and potential motives to disrupt her life.
The evening had been professionally illuminating in ways he hadn't anticipated. Watching Willow navigate her social and business relationships had given him valuable insight into her world, but it had also significantly expanded his suspect pool. Trevor Ashworth lurking in the lobby, Max Sterling making legal threats, and now this blogger James Kellerman, who seemed to know far too much about her current activities. The coincidences were piling up in ways that set off his military-trained instincts.
"I'm going to change into something more comfortable," Willow said, slipping off her heels with obvious relief. "These shoes are beautiful, but they're instruments of torture after a few hours."
"Take your time," he replied, already pulling out his tablet to make notes while the evening's conversations were still fresh in his memory. "I'll order some dinner. What sounds good?"
"Something simple and comforting," she called over her shoulder as she headed toward her bedroom. "I've had enough rich hors d'oeuvres to last a week."
Casper grinned as he scanned the room service menu, finding exactly what would hit the spot after an evening of pretentious party food. He ordered grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, a simple green salad, and chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries for dessert. They both needed comfort food that would remind them that not everything had to be complicated or sophisticated.
After changing into dark jeans and a comfortable T-shirt, he felt more like himself again. The formal suit had served its purpose for the evening, but he was always more comfortable in casual clothes that didn't restrict his movement or make him feel like he was playing a role.
When Willow emerged from her room wearing soft leggings and an oversized cashmere sweater that made her look younger and more vulnerable, he felt that familiar tightening in his chest that had nothing to do with professional protective instincts.
"Better?" he asked, noting how she'd pulled her hair back in a loose ponytail and scrubbed off most of her makeup.
"Much," she said with a grateful sigh. "I love seeing people and staying connected, but parties like that remind me why I prefer my quiet existence away from this part of the world."
She clapped in delight, giving a little hop when the meal was rolled in and the dome covers were removed. “Oh my God! This is exactly what I would fix at home when I need comfort food!”
Casper felt the air rush out on a relieved exhale. He walked over and pulled out her chair. They settled at the small dining table by the window overlooking the glittering expanse of Los Angeles. The city lights spread before them, almost alien after the vast simplicity of prairie horizons.
As they ate, Casper studied Willow's face in the soft lamplight, noting the way her shoulders had finally relaxed now that they were away from the scrutiny and expectations of her professional world. But he could also see the lingering tension around her eyes, the subtle signs that the evening's revelations about the blogger had unsettled her more than she was letting on.
The conversation he needed to have with her wasn't going to be easy, but it was necessary. The web of potential threats was becoming more complex by the hour, and she deserved to understand exactly what they might be dealing with.
Casper had spent most of the drive back to the hotel analyzing the evening's events, his mind cataloging details and connections with the methodical precision ingrained by years of military service and investigative training. He was continually impressed by Willow's intelligence, competency, and natural warmth. The way she managed to remain genuinely connected to people while maintaining careful boundaries was impressive. She'd somehow found a way to be part of the entertainment establishment while keeping herself separate from its more toxic elements, and he wondered how she'd developed such a delicate balance.
Now, as they finished their meal, his gaze lingered on the woman who leaned back in her chair while sighing in relief. The contrast between the polished professional he'd watched work the party and this relaxed, natural version of herself fascinated him in ways that had nothing to do with security protocols.
"You've got something on your mind," she said, interrupting his contemplation.
His attention snapped back to her face, noting the perceptive look in her blue eyes. "I was thinking about how you navigate so gracefully between all the different people in your life. Youseem to maintain authenticity while adapting to whatever the situation requires."
She shrugged. "I grew up in this business. I think that actually makes it easier rather than harder. I learned early how to read people and situations." She tilted her head, studying him with the same intensity he'd directed at her. "I know you must have a dossier on me. At least, I assume you researched me before taking this assignment. Since you're investigating other people in my life, I'm curious what you actually know about me."
Her directness caught him off guard, and he ran his tongue over his top teeth as he considered how to respond. Finally, he decided on simple honesty.
"We handle extensive security system installations for many clients, but we don't typically provide ongoing personal protection services. When Leo referred you to us, my boss decided we'd do whatever was necessary to keep you safe. Before I knew anything else about you, I knew that you had earned another LSI employee's complete trust."
She looked down at the teacup cradled in her hands, then lifted her gaze to meet his again.
He'd wanted to learn more about her since their first conversation in her Nebraska kitchen, but not from background reports or internet searches. He knew the basic facts from her file, but as a man increasingly drawn to the woman behind the public persona, he wanted to understand who she really was beneath all the carefully constructed layers.
"Tell me about yourself," he said, leaning forward with genuine interest. "I'd rather hear about you fromyou." His gaze held hers steadily. "Please, Willow. I really want to know."
She studied his face for a long moment, seeming to weigh his sincerity, then nodded as she stood. “For this conversation, let’s get comfortable.” She moved to the sofa with her teacup sittingnearby as he moved to the overstuffed chair directly in front of her.
