Bennett: an m/m bodyguard romance (Hunter Security), page 12
“Here is fine. We don’t need privacy from the guys. They know what’s going on and will support us in whatever we decide to do,” I tell her.
She yawns as she stands, and I pray we catch this stalker as soon as possible because seeing my sister tired and worried like this is killing me.
Chapter Twenty-One
Bennett
It’s kind of surreal listening to Archer’s PR team rattle off ideas and tell us what to do. I’m normally the person coming up with the plan of action, so to be on the receiving end is a bit of a mind fuck. But they are the experts, and Archer trusts them, so I’m inclined to do the same.
“The first thing we should do is post a teaser picture to your social media pages,” Hillary suggests.
Aria nods. “Maybe a selfie of Bennett kissing Archer’s forehead, but most of his face cropped out to be mysterious,” she adds.
“I love that,” Hillary exclaims gleefully.
“I’m on board with that,” I reply.
“Maybe the caption could read Traveling is the hardest part of touring, but some things make the time pass quicker,” Archer states.
Aria’s eyes light up with delight, and her head bobbles up and down. “That’s perfect.”
“After that post, everyone will be dying to figure out who your new man is, and it won’t take them long to start digging around,” Hillary says through the phone sitting on the coffee table. “If you really want to give them something to talk about, you could go out to a restaurant or bar after the show, and we can tip off the paparazzi. All Bennett would have to do is place his hand on Archer’s back, and the internet will blow up with gossip. Then you can wait a few days while the rumor mill works and make another social media post with Bennett’s full face.”
“Sounds like a solid plan to me,” I note, and Rip dips his chin in agreement.
“Could you give me a heads-up of the restaurant? I want to make sure we get the layout and communicate with management that we’ll be there,” Rip requests, and I can’t help but smile for thinking exactly as I would if I were running lead.
“I’ll get that to you shortly,” Aria tells him. “Are you okay with the plan?” she checks with Archer.
“Yup, seems easy enough,” he replies.
With everything settled, I text Nixon fill him in on the plan, and Archer leans into me. “Ready for a selfie?” he asks with a waggle of his brows.
I chuckle. “Get your phone out.”
After he does, I press my lips to his forehead as he angles his cell to cut most of my face out of the picture.
“What do you think?” he questions, both of us staring at the image.
“It’s perfect,” I assure him.
Archer beams at me, then creates a post in an app that allows him to post on all his social media accounts at once.
“I’ve got you reservations at a high-end steak house tonight after the show,” Aria tells us after the post goes live. “I’ve also sent the information on the restaurant to both of you,” she informs Rip and me.
I smirk. “Thanks for realizing I’d want the details too.”
She giggles. “I might not have known you long, but even someone without eyes can see that you’re a control freak. Obviously, you trust your team, but there is no way you are going to take Archer out tonight without being involved in every step of the safety measures.”
I shrug. No sense denying the truth.
“Is this your first time having security yourself?” Archer asks.
“I’m not having security tonight,” I argue.
“You kind of are.” Rip steps in, and I narrow my eyes. “What?” He lifts his hands in defense. “You won’t be the head of security tonight when you go out for dinner. The team is going to be there to protect Archer and you, whether you like it or not. The stalker is not a fan of yours, which means in a situation like this, you are the client too.”
I huff out a breath and cross my arms, possibly acting like a petulant child but not really caring.
“It’s okay to let people take care of you,” Archer whispers.
“You’re one to talk,” I counter, making Archer laugh.
“Okay, you’re not wrong. I hate the idea of needing protection, but I get it now. I don’t know what I’d do if you got hurt because of some crazed fan.”
“It’s my job, babe,” I remind him. “I’d take a bullet for you.” I stare intensely into his eyes, trying to show him how serious I am. “But if things go according to plan, I won’t have to. While I think the idea of me needing protection is absurd, I’m also not going to push my team away. That’s why they are here… to help. And when we are out for dinner tonight, I’ll try to put away my bodyguard hat and be present on our date.”
Archer’s face lights up at my promise, and it makes my heart beat a little faster. This man is so much more than a client. He’s my boyfriend, and he deserves my full attention tonight. Thankfully, my team is amazing, and I fully trust them.
“Are you ready to start planning for tonight?” I ask Rip, who smirks at me.
I may trust them, but I will make sure we are as prepared as possible.
Archer struts across the stage, singing to his fans and reaching his hand out to high-five people. He looks so in his element right now, and I wonder if his face hurts from smiling so much.
“Check-in time,” I say into my radio as the song ends and Archer talks to the crowd.
“All clear near the dressing rooms,” Henley replies.
Michael, Carter, and Cole echo the same response for their areas.
“Everything looks good over here,” Rip states last from the other side of the stage.
“Michael, would you please come to the stage?” I request. “Archer has been doing more crowd work tonight, and I want one of our guys in that area now.” The stadium-hired security is set up there currently and seems to be doing an excellent job, but they aren’t a part of my team. Therefore, I can’t trust them as much. “Carter, you can cover Michael’s hall and yours now.”
“On my way,” Michael responds, and Carter lets me know he heard the new order.
With the new plan in place, I bump my elbow into Aria’s arm. “He’s killing it tonight,” I tell her, and her smile grows wider.
“I know,” she replies. “They’re always on their A-game, but tonight it’s like something is different. Maybe it’s you.” She winks at me, and I chuckle.
“I was here for last night’s show,” I remind her.
She shrugs. “Maybe he’s extra excited for the date. Or he’s happy that the response to his social media post is so positive.”
Saying the post is performing well is almost an understatement. It’s blown up in the few hours it’s been live, and everyone is talking about it. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, so there is a chance that’s why Archer is extra energetic tonight.
Almost every gossip website already has posts about who Archer’s new lover could be and saying how they are so happy for him. I’ll be shocked if they don’t connect the dots that I’m the boyfriend before dinner tonight. Hillary and her team are watching the websites like hawks, ready to give us any new information we might need.
“What do you think the fans are going to name your relationship?” Aria asks randomly, and I lift a brow, completely confused at her out-of-nowhere question.
“What are you talking about?”
She rolls her eyes as if I’m an idiot, and who knows, maybe I am. What’s safe to say for sure is I’m not as caught up on internet trends as the average person.
“Quite often, when celebrities get into relationships, their fans will create a cute name for them, just like they create names for themselves. Country Skies fans are called Sky Watchers.”
Knowing that information already, I nod, but why does our relationship need a name?
“I think they might call you Arnett or Bencher,” she continues, and I shake my head.
“Both of those are stupid,” I grumble, realizing where she’s going with this. It reminds me of Brangelina, which was also a stupid couple’s name, but all of them are if I’m being honest. However, people are going to do what they want to do, and it isn’t hurting anyone, so I’ll go with whatever they come up with.
Archer says goodbye to the crowd a few songs later, and the band walks off stage. The second my man is within arm’s reach, he launches himself at me, and I laugh as I catch him, holding him tight.
“You’re killing it tonight,” I tell him, setting him on his feet again and kissing his lips.
“I know,” he responds with wide, vibrant eyes and pure, unfiltered joy written all over his face. “The crowd tonight is feeding my soul like never before.”
The fans are still cheering loudly, and Archer and his bandmates quickly down a water bottle each before heading out for their encore. My sexy man gives me a quick peck, then rushes away, and it gives me a lightheaded feeling. I’m so happy we aren’t keeping this relationship a secret anymore because I’m already addicted to side-stage kisses and being able to touch my man whenever I want.
Hopefully, my mind won’t change after I’m fully thrust into the limelight later tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Archer
My heart is racing as Rip drives us to the restaurant in the rental SUV he picked up when we got into town. I’m so eager for this dinner but also nervous as hell.
The internet sleuths have already figured out that Bennett is my boyfriend and are more than a little excited about it. There is a massive debate currently over what our couple’s name is going to be, and it makes me giggle every time I show Bennett the suggestions because he thinks it’s the dumbest thing ever. I, however, find it endearing.
As we pull up to the restaurant, paparazzi are waiting for us, and I take a deep breath.
“We don’t have to do this,” Bennett says, looking at me with pinched brows, concern evident on his handsome face.
“I want to do this, but I’m worried this is going to scare you off,” I mumble.
Bennett places his hand under my chin and tips my face to his. “Nothing. Could. Ever. Scare. Me. Off,” he assures me, punctuating each word so I know how serious he is.
My breath catches in my lungs at his words. This is a huge statement for him to make, considering he wasn’t even sure he was ready for a relationship only a few weeks ago.
“I’m sure this is going to take some getting used to as I’ve never been the one people are taking pictures of, but it will be worth it in the end because I get to be with you. If I didn’t want to be in the limelight ever, I wouldn’t have allowed what we are building to start.”
His words put me at ease. “Okay, let’s do this.”
“We’re ready,” Bennett says into the radio he’s still wearing. There was no point in arguing for him to remove it because it gives him more of a sense of peace, and he needs that right now.
Henley opens the door to the SUV for us, and I gasp at what feels like hundreds of cameras flashing at me. People are yelling, but with so many talking at the same time, I can’t actually make out anything being said. Michael clears a path for us, and Bennett escorts me into the restaurant with a hand on my back, which helps calm me.
“There are more paparazzi here than I thought there would be,” I whisper as we follow a waiter to our table in a corner near the back of the restaurant, away from prying eyes.
“I’m not surprised,” Bennett notes as we take our seats. “Hillary told us she was going to leak the location, and with how crazy people seem to be about our relationship, I honestly thought there would be more.”
When he puts it like that, it totally makes sense. I guess I’m just not used to it. Obviously, I’m used to the lack of privacy, but I’m also not the most sought-after celebrity, and I’m thankful for that. Right now, our relationship will be a hot commodity, but hopefully, that will die down soon. I don’t want to get used to that many people always following me.
“How are you doing with all of this?” I ask Bennett after a beat.
“So far, it’s fine. I’m used to protecting celebrities with big followings, so the paparazzi doesn’t bother me, but it’s a little strange already reading the stories about us. I didn’t realize how fast things would snowball.”
I sip my water and then say, “I didn’t either. I’m not often the center of gossip magazines, so this is going to take getting used to even for me. I haven’t experienced anything like this since my coming out,” I admit. “Thankfully, the response this time is more positive overall.”
Bennett reaches across the table and places his hand on mine, bringing a smile to my lips. “I’m sorry that anyone reacted poorly when you came out. You didn’t deserve that. But I’m also glad people are in your corner this time.”
“So, which couple’s name do you think is going to win?” I question, changing the subject. He groans, and we both laugh. When he doesn’t respond, knowing I was trying to lighten the mood, I note, “This place is really nice.”
“I’ve definitely never had a first date at a place like this before,” Bennett replies. “Well, a first public date.”
“So far, this is the best date of my life. Period,” I tell him.
He quirks a brow at me in response. “Have your previous dates been that bad?”
“Not really. They were okay, I guess. But nobody has made me feel like you do,” I admit.
Bennett’s smile is soft, and his eyes are filled with adoration that has me melting. “I feel the same way,” he replies. “I’m so lucky to have found you.”
My heart beats faster at his words, and emotion fills my chest. I’m so fucking lucky to have found Bennett. Not only do I trust that he’s going to keep me safe against the stalker, but I’m also pretty positive my heart is safe with him too. This is a good thing because, at this moment, I’m certain it already belongs to this handsome man.
“If you could be any animal, what would it be?” Bennett blurts out, making me snort as I laugh.
“I think an Australian Cattle Dog because they have lots of energy like me, but what’s with the random question?”
“It’s our first date, so we’re supposed to get to know each other better,” he explains with an easy grin, and I fall a little more for him.
“Okay, so what animal would you be?”
“Totally a pigeon,” he replies deadpan. “I would shit on anyone who’s pissed me off.”
His answer pulls a full-on belly laugh out of me, and a few people turn to look at us, but I don’t care. I tune everyone else out, keeping my sole focus on the sexy man in front of me, who has me smiling so big my face hurts a little.
Humor has always been something I found important in a partner. I don’t want to live my days with someone who can’t make me laugh.
Every moment I spend with Bennett shows me that he’s exactly the type of guy I’ve been looking for. I only wish it hadn’t taken a crazed stalker to bring the two of us together.
We continue asking each other ridiculous questions and spend the rest of the evening laughing together as we get to know each other on a different level. Every new thing I learn about Bennett makes me fall for him a little more.
I’ve been nervous about giving my heart away after my ex smashed it, but I trust Bennett not to break it. He knows what it’s like to have a broken heart, and he never would have agreed to a relationship if he planned on hurting me. He’s different than anyone I’ve ever been with, and I can’t wait to see how things progress with us.
I was hoping that by the time we finished our meal and paid our bill, the paparazzi would have moved on, but of course, that would be like wishing for a unicorn. It’s not going to happen.
When we walk out, Bennett has his arm around my waist, keeping me as close as possible as his coworkers clear a path for us. Even though I hate the invasion of privacy, nothing could wipe my smile off my face. I’m so happy to be with Bennett, and there isn’t anything that could bring me down from cloud nine.
“Tonight has been perfect,” I tell my man once we are in the privacy of the SUV.
Bennett’s face lights up, and he leans in for a kiss. It’s passionate but simple since Rip is driving and there isn’t a privacy screen. As much as I want to jump into my boyfriend’s lap, I also don’t want to give his coworker a show.
“The restaurant was fantastic, but the night isn’t over yet,” Bennett tells me, his voice lower and more gravelly than normal. His eyes are filled with want, and it has my body heating, ready to be alone and naked.
“Oh?” I question, playing coy. “What more is there to do?”
When Bennett growls and leans in to nip at my ear, my cock is instantly hard as steel, and a shiver of anticipation runs down my spine as he licks my neck. His tongue is wet and warm, but my skin is cold and exhilarating when he blows on the trail.
“When we get to our room, I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll be feeling me for days,” he whispers into my ear.
My dick throbs in my pants and leaks like a fucking sieve. Breathing becomes a little harder, and my heart races as I envision us together.
Would it be wrong to ask Rip to speed?
Chapter Twenty-Three
Bennett
The instant the hotel door shuts, I grab Archer, pull him to me, then spin us around, slamming him up against it and smashing my lips to his. He gasps at my sudden movements, and I use the opportunity to thrust my tongue into his mouth, lapping at his and grinding our pelvises together.
I swallow his mewls from the exquisite friction our bodies are making but become frustrated by all the clothing barring his skin from mine.
“Need you… naked… now,” I say between our kisses, unwilling to let my lips leave his completely while wrestling with the button of his pants.
