Just doing my Job

“While I enjoy the look of manly chest hair, I think you need to start off the night with the bow tie. It makes the look complete. You can take it off later on.” The pop star smirked. “I guess you’re right.” Her attention was drawn away by a loud conversation in the hallway. Stalking through the room, she found the cause of the commotion. Jenson had arrived to escort them to the event and the stylist was having a fit over his hairstyle. “Whoa, calm down. What’s wrong?” “Look love, I get that he’s a security guard or whatever but this just looks weird.” Jenson cut his eyes to her with an annoyed look. “Wait with Niall. I’ll be a moment.” Her companion smirked and mumbled, “Have fun with that one”.

“Hey kid, ready to go?” “I guess. It feels off. Tonight. Not being with the boys. Usually we’re all together doing this sort of thing. This tie is gonna be the death of me.” Jenson chuckled. “Remember, we’ve got you. Listen to Leslie or myself. The team knows you’ll be with us. I sense the apprehension and you need to try to let it go. You need to act like nothing is wrong. Smile that goofy smile of yours, play up your Irish charm and have fun. She’s pretty good at adapting to these types of things. She’ll have you fooled at one point. But whatever you do, don’t doubt her intentions. She’s saved my ass quite a few times. Even when it seemed like she didn’t care. Oh, heads up. Here she comes now.” The two men looked in her direction.

“Wow boss, you look like a girl for once.” She smirked at her compadre. “Gee thanks. Was that an attempt at a compliment? You’re still trying to get that raise aren’t you?” “Can’t blame a guy for trying. But in all seriousness, you look amazing. Where are your weapons? I know you. You always have at least three on your person somewhere.” She laughed. “You know me so well, Jenson. Yes, I am armed. No, I will not tell you. Pretty boy is well cared for tonight.” “No doubt, no doubt. Guess I need to go get the cars ready. See you in a few.” She nodded at him and continued to stare at herself in the mirror. She almost didn’t recognize the woman she saw. The emerald of her gown was stunning against her skin. Her hair was delicately drawn back with strategically placed bobby pins. Her makeup, though more than she was used to, was simple but elegant. Pulling the tail of the dress up she second guessed the stilettos that adorned her feet. “God, I hope I don’t have to run tonight.” With her clutch in hand, she turned to her charge.

He stood at the kitchen counter fidgeting with the bowtie. He hated them with a passion. “Just another stuffy event. At least it’s for a good cause. Maybe we’ll have fun. Who knows?” Grunting and groaning, the tie would not cooperate. “Need some help handsome?” he heard. He nodded without looking at the voice. Feminine hands had the tie fixed in seconds. “Just a hidden talent of mine. You looked frustrated. Ready to go?” He nodded. She walked out. He closed his eyes and took in a calming breath. He caught a scent that stuck out. It smelled heavenly. He followed his nose to the kitchen. There stood Leslie. Her back was to him and exposed in the beautiful dress she was wearing. He cleared his throat and she turned. He was floored. She looked phenomenal. “Close your mouth sweets, you’ll catch flies.” Promptly, she put her fingers under his chin and pushed up. “Shall we?” She held her hand out for his and led the way. “Oh, here.” She handed him a set of keys. A devilish grin graced her face.

“What am I driving?” “You’ll see in a moment.” Once the door opened, he felt her fingers wipe around his lips. “You’re drooling.” He shrugged away and continued to stare at the car. It was not her classic car but it was an amazing machine. “This is the newest Lambo, isn’t it?” “I have a friend who owed me. You’re on a date with a new woman tonight. Had to make the most of it, you know?” “You are awesome.” “I know. Shall we?” She was opening her door when he shut it from behind her. “If we’re on a date, so to speak, then let me do the right thing, yea? It’ll look better.” She raised an eyebrow but conceded. Once settled inside and her dress clear of the door, he shut her in and raced to the driver’s seat. “Try not to get turned on when you crank it.” He rolled his eyes. “Was that a moan I heard?” He laughed. The car idled for a bit while he checked the interior.

“Ok, Niall. I’m still Leslie. But my last name is Stapleton. We met at your charity event two months ago and haven’t stopped talking since. We’re taking it slow but we’re ready to show the world that we’re interested in each other. Guiding touches, simple kisses, and other normal chivalrous gestures are perfect and add to the cover. Other than that, just go with it.” “Gotcha. You need to tell me some about you or your cover so if anyone asks questions it’ll be legit. Wait, what if the boys are there? What do I tell them?” “We’re dating and you kind of like me. I won’t leave your side too much tonight so I can answer most of these questions so there shouldn’t be any problem. This will be our cover until the threat against you is gone. By the way, you look great. Then again, you always manage to look good.” Her eyes widened and she blushed as soon as the words came out of her mouth.

He chuckled with a sly smirk. “Thanks. You look stunning. You also look like you’re enjoying this.” Her eyes narrowed. “Not really. This is an open opportunity for someone to make an attempt on your life. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I’m armed to the teeth. Well as much as I can be given this dress which doesn’t leave much to the imagination. Let me repeat my number one rule. Listen to what I say and do it. When I say run, run. When I say hide, hide. When I say jump, jump. Clear?” He nodded and mockingly saluted. She opened the glove compartment and took a small pistol in a holster into her hands. “When you stop, I’m going to set this up on you. Remember that random pocket on your suit? This is what that is for. I also brought a shoulder holster. You won’t be incapable should you find yourself alone, God forbid. My guys are working the security check in so they will pass up through with no problems. Feel comfortable enough to use it if you need to? Remember, if this gun comes out, be ready to use it.” He noted the seriousness in her eyes and remembered how real the situation actually was.

Finding a place to pull over, he removed his jacket and held his arms out. “Suit me up.” She came around to stand against his back. The shoulder holster slid on easily but strained slightly once it was in place. “Roll your arms around. Make sure you have full range of motion. Then I want you to pull your weapon like we practiced. A few times without the jacket, then with it on. Once we arrive, make sure to button up. This shouldn’t show too bad but I’ll be on this side of you anyway. If your arm is around me holding me close, it won’t be noticed at all.” He nodded, taking all the information in. “Look at me Niall. I’ve got you. No worries, no hesitation. Just trust me ok?” Again, he nodded. They got back into the idling sports car and headed to the gala.

After driving for a few minutes, he kept checking the rearview mirror noticing the random suv following them still. “I hate to be that guy but I think we’re being followed.” She kept looking forward and asked, “SUV? Dark tint? Three cars back?” He nodded. “It’s Jenson.” “Um why? Shouldn’t he be right with us, in front or in back?” “No. The point to this is to not stand out. Jenson knows how to drive rather well and would be with us in less than a second.” He let out a small sigh of relief. Traffic was getting heavy, signaling the closeness of their destination. She flipped down the visor to check her makeup and reapply lipstick. “You aren’t against public displays of affection are you?” “What did you have in mind?” “Just wait and see. I won’t embarrass you, I promise.” She sent a quick text to Jenson and he quickly maneuvered around the couple going ahead. “I hope you’re ready. The cameras can be a bit much. The press isn’t so bad. It’s the paps who really get to you. You have to hold your tongue no matter how horrible their comments are.” “I get it and I’m good. I’d give myself away if I had to back kick a jackass with a camera. Don’t you worry. I’ll be the perfect arm candy.”

Notes

So, I apologize in advance. I'm at work and I may get interrupted trying to make my daily posts. Here's one. I'm hoping for at least two more before my shift is up in the morning.