Page 45 of Forced Proximity

This is excessive, but I’m not calling that out and disrespecting her process. Besides, those sharp, dark eyes all intense and concentrated while absolutely rocking the hell out of that dress, are doing something fierce to my insides. My jeans are way tighter than they should be.

I need to calm down before I stand up.

‘Yes, boss.’ Conner winks. ‘I like a woman in charge.’

Well, that did the trick.

After tonight, I’m having a serious talk with Conner about leaving Doc the hell alone. Not that she can’t handle Conner. She can. But I can’t handle watching Conner flirt with her anymore.

The crowd doesn’t seem too bad, at least from what I can see from inside the car. Maybe a few dozen people scattered behind a velvet rope. It’s still early for a clubbing night, but as I start to step outside the vehicle, Doc’s body stiffens. Several moments pass before she motions us out. ‘We’re good. You ready? Stay close.’

I exhale a quick breath and exit. Outside, Doc inches forward and puts a firm palm on my upper torso until the rest of the group exits. Damn. Her palm melts into me with this single touch.

‘JUSTIN!’

The shouts come from behind the rope, followed by rapid camera shutters, flashes and a small crowd rushing me holding their cell phones. As Doc surveys the crowd, everything inside me goes tight. I’ve never gotten used to screaming fans on a sidewalk. It feels different when someone asks for a selfie, and totally different to being on the football field when the energy is for the entire team.

‘Over here! Justin, we love you!’

The yells rush in like a wave, gaining speed. A group of people duck under the velvet rope, security guards bark orders, people yell and wave. Doc firms her posture, drops her hand from my torso and grabs my hand. I interlace my fingers in hers, and she accepts without hesitation.

It’s nothing. Really. A hand hold. I’ve done this a thousand times before, while filming a scene, with girlfriends, since I was ten for Christ’s sake. And yet, it feels totally new, fresh, invigorating somehow, and I never want to walk with Doc any other way.

Tonight, I’m doing something about it.

Chapter 21

Lexi

What the hell am I doing? The moment the house security surrounds us, I drop Justin’s hand. Did I grab his hand like that? Did he? The pressure of his palm against mine leaves an imprint, and I hate that I want more.

But, apparently, I’m not his type.

In the VIP area, far enough away from the speakers where I don’t need to wear earplugs, with the all-white leather furniture, crystal glasses, mirrored walls and glass coffee tables, Justin makes his rounds. His smile is wide, he shakes hands, gives some hugs. A mix of ’80s and ’90s music with a club beat that for once isn’t splitting my eardrums fills the space. I stand in the corner, survey the crowd, monitor the drinks being served and study Justin’s body language.

Yes, his body language. And absolutely nothing else. Not the way he looks with the deep navy button-down rolled at his forearms. Not the way his smile reaches his eyes. Not the way he’s making people around him feel comfortable. Obviously.

A broad-shouldered, good-looking man approaches Justin and shakes his hand. It only takes me a second to recognize him as Gavin Hudson, a fellow actor. After chatting for a moment, they both turn to look at me and my face heats. A few more hushed whispers, and they approach. Jesus, they look alike. Minus the full beard and slightly longer hair, he could be Justin’s stunt double.

‘Doc. This is Gavin.’ Justin motions to his friend. ‘Gavin, this is my security, Doc.’

For Christ’s sake. I’m supposed to be discreet. Justin may as well have a bullhorn and announce my status to the world. ‘Nice to meet you.’ I shake his hand, then stand back. ‘Are you two related?’

‘No, but sometimes we read for the same parts,’ Gavin says.

Justin leans forward and twists his mouth. ‘And sometimes we both lose those parts.’

‘Fucking Gosling.’ Gavin laughs. ‘Everyone loses to him.’

‘Well, even I can admit he’s pretty unbeatable,’ I say, grinning.

‘Whoa, Doc. I love this inside information on you.’ Justin lifts a brow. ‘Do you have a crush? I could probably arrange a meeting.’

Gavin clanks the ice in his drink. ‘You might be popular, Justin, but pretty sure neither of us can arrange a meeting with Gosling.’ He turns his focus to me. ‘So, you’re Justin’s bodyguard, huh?’

I nod and wait for any change in his demeanor. Either he’s a better actor than Justin when we first met or my gender doesn’t affect him. ‘Yes.’

‘Nice. So, I’m dealing with a … sensitive issue and might need to chat with someone on your team. Justin’s going to have his assistant send my assistant the contact info for your company.’ Gavin grins into his drink. ‘Christ, when did I become the person who has assistants contact other assistants? Embarrassing. Dude, can you just text me the info?’