“You are one quarter of the up-and-coming indie band, Fallen Angel. You have a multi-million dollar recording contract waiting to be signed. You’ll be an instant millionaire. And then there’s your upcoming tour. If you so much as get a hangnail, that might mess up your contract. So why would you feel emasculated for having security willing to protect your body and soul?”
Damn, he was good.
I turned away and looked back out the side window. “I guess I hadn’t thought about it that way.”
His big, warm hand found my thigh, startling me. “It’s okay to be upset about it, Adam. All you need to know is I’ve got your back.”
I looked down at my thigh where his hand was burning a hole through my jeans. He patted my leg, then pulled it back.
I cleared my throat while trying to get my elevated pulse to settle down. “As much as I think this is unnecessary, I appreciate it. I’ll try not to be too much of a pain in your ass.”
Phantom’s deep chuckle made me smirk. Though I was expecting all kinds of flirty comments, he let it go. But I could tell his smile was back as he pulled up in front of a renovated building in downtown Portland.
“Is this your place?”
“For now,” he said, cutting the engine. “GQ leased it for us. Wait for me to come around.”
Was he serious?
Before I could put up an argument, Phantom was around the SUV and opening my door. He smirked as I rolled my eyes at him.
“Just doing my job, Rockstar.”
After I got out, he closed the door, then pressed the key FOB to lock the car. His right hand found my lower back, sending tingles up my spine as he guided me forward. I could smell hisCool Wateraftershave, and I wanted to bury my nose in the space between his neck and shoulder. But I had to control myself. “There aren’t any paparazzi out here, He-Man.”
“Maybe not,” he muttered where only I could hear him, “but thereisan asshole out there somewhere who’d like to hurt you.”
He unlocked the door and ushered me in. Once it closed behind him, we took the eight stairs to the condominium. I went along willingly, kinda glad he was here for several reasons. I really liked him as a person, and he was fun to joke with.
I leaned my shoulder against the doorframe. “Why do you call me Rockstar?”
He smirked without missing a beat as he unlocked the door. “For the same reason you call me He-Man. It fits.”
Phantom winked at me, and escorted me into the condo.
“I’ll be right back. Make yourself at home while I pack a bag.”
Nodding, I looked around and was drawn to the floor to ceiling windows that had a view of the street below. I watched as people walked by, some obviously going to lunch, others strolling along the wide, tree-lined sidewalk. This neighborhood was new to me, but it was fascinating to watch people going about a normal day.
A woman pushing a stroller caught my eye. She was talking to the child inside and smiling lovingly at them. It was obvious to anyone looking that the kid was hers. The love and affection on her face made me wonder if my mother had ever looked at me that way.
I was lost in thought when Phantom put his hand on my shoulder and scared the fuck out of me.
“Oh, fuck!” I said, jumping. “You scared the shit out of me.”
He laughed and squeezed my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I seem to do that a lot.”
My pulse was attempting to slow as his hazel eyes assessed me. Phantom looked down at me, my six-foot-two frame pressed to the window.
“You okay now, Rockstar?” he asked playfully.
I put my hand on his chest and pushed him back. “Yes, asshole. I’m fine.”
Phantom took a couple of steps back, giving me a moment to clear my head of his intoxicating scent. Damn, it smelled so good on him.
“I’m ready when you are,” he said, smiling at me.
My eyes swept down the body that looked more Greek god than human to the bag he carried over his shoulder. The small green canvas duffle didn’t appear to contain many items. I furrowed my brow and looked up at him. Phantom answered my question before I even asked it.
