Ryan breathed out hard on my neck. I could smell the whiskey and beer mixed in with his anxiety.

While Ryan and I made our plates of food, thoughts of Mike’s dedicated service to Ryan filled my mind. “Ryan, who does Mike work for?”

Ryan piled some shrimp on his plate. “He works for a company called PSG. I think it stands for Protection Services Group or something like

that. The studio hired them. Why do you ask?”

“Is this the first time he’s working for you?”

“Yeah. He was assigned to me when we got here. It’s the same company Kyle works for. I guess they are global or something.”

We sat down at the table to eat. He looked at me, waiting for me to continue.

“He is just really dedicated to you. And you seem to have a great relationship with him. I was just wondering how long he’s been protecting you.”

“It’s funny you mention that. I’ve already talked to Mike about working for me.” Ryan patted me on my thigh and shrugged. “Everywhere I go I get

new people hovering around me. It’s hard to feel safe when you don’t know or trust the people who are supposed to protect you. I wish I didn’t need

it.” He rubbed his forehead.

“Well, I like the way Mike takes care of you. It would make me feel better to know someone like that was guarding you full time.”

“Yeah, I agree.” Ryan stroked my hair. “I’ll see what I can do about it.”

Frank and the rest of the “Being Frank” band started their first set on the stage. I had the volume on the sound system turned down so the music

would still rock but we wouldn’t need to yell at each other to hold a conversation.

“You even hired a band?” Ryan asked in between taking bites of food. He kept shaking his head.

I smiled at him while I was still chewing. “Happy Birthday, Honey!”

“And you gave me shit when I bought you earrings.” He pursed his lips. “And then you go and do something like this.” He looked at me with a

serious expression, even though I knew he was teasing. “I’m gonna buy you really big freaking diamonds now, just to piss you off.”

His absurd comment made me roll my eyes. I placed my hand on his cheek and gave him a quick kiss. “Don’t you dare! I don’t want big freaking

diamonds. I just want you.”

Ryan abruptly pulled my chair closer and straddled his legs around it. He was gazing at me intently, so I put my fork down and gave him my full

attention. He slid his hand across my back and took my chin in his fingers. His eyes flashed to look at my lips before he kissed me.

“I love you,” he murmured. “Never doubt that.”

“Happy Birthday, Ryan,” Suzanne shouted, rudely interrupting our moment. She was slurring her words while she tried to awkwardly hug him.

“We weren’t sure if we were going to make it here tonight.”

Ryan barely turned around to thank them for coming. He nicely suggested they get some food instead of drinking.

“Hey, who’s the hot blonde?” Scott asked Ryan in passing.

“You like that?” Ryan teased him. “Go, have at it. Best of luck to ya.” Scott eagerly ran off in Suzanne’s direction.

I laughed, watching Scott follow Suzanne like a desperate dog. I was still mulling over Scott’s reaction towards Suzanne when I noticed Kyle

standing by the door. He was talking to Mike and he already had a beer in his hand. I was surprised that I missed his arrival. I hadn’t expected him

to show up.

Ryan did a double take when he turned to see what I was looking at.

“What’s Kyle doing here?” The way Ryan said it, I knew he was irritated by Kyle’s presence.

“I invited him,” I informed. My words sounded more like a confession.

Ryan glared at me.

“I’ve been planning your party for a few weeks, hun,” I admitted. “I invited him when he was still working for us.”

“Hey Ryan, Happy Birthday!” Kyle held out his hand. I could see the hint of a challenge by his gesture.

“Kyle,” Ryan said flatly and shook his hand. I watched as both of them put extra effort into how hard they squeezed each other’s hand.

“Taryn, do you think I could talk to you for a sec?” Kyle motioned for me to follow.

“Where are you going?” Ryan asked, glowering at me.

“I don’t know. He wants to talk to me. I’m going over there,” I replied, wondering what his new biting tone was all about.

“Hey!” Kyle breathed out. “So, how are you?”

“I’m good, thanks!” I tried to be friendly without appearing overly excited to see him. “How are you?”

“I’m fine. I’ve just been thinking about you. I’ve been a little worried about you, actually. We really didn’t get to talk much after the court hearing.”

Kyle’s eyes flashed over to Ryan, who was leaning on the bar staring at us.

“I was hoping that the incident and the court proceedings didn’t shake you up too much. So, you’ve been doing all right since then?” he asked,

focusing all of his attention back to me.

Kyle was ignoring Ryan’s glare. I, however, could feel Ryan’s eyes burning holes in my back. I knew Ryan was a little intimidated by Kyle, but still

he had no reason to be so jealous.

“I’m fine,” I said casually. “It was quite a traumatic experience, but I’m glad to say that I haven’t had any nightmares from it. Thanks again for

being there. I felt very safe when you were around,” I said, trying to give him a compliment. “I appreciate you protecting Ryan and me.”

“Yeah, sure. It’s my job,” he said with a dismissive tone. “Any other fans causing problems for you?”

“No, but the bar business has surely picked up,” I willingly admitted. “I have a doorman on post every night now.”

Kyle laughed. “Yeah, the sidewalk out there is filled with disappointment. The fans are heartbroken that you’re closed to the public tonight.”

“Are there a lot out there?” I craned my neck to see if bodies were visible on the other side of my front window.

“Pretty many. They’re holding their Obsession Club group meeting,” he snorted.

“Great! Next thing you know they’ll be organizing fund raisers and selling raffle tickets.”

“I wonder if they’ll be selling cookies?” Kyle joked. “I really like those chocolate mint ones. They’re good to dip in milk.”

“I guess they can count on your support then, huh?” I teased. “You’re probably good for two or three boxes, right?”

“Sure! Why not? I mean it seems like a worthwhile cause.” He grinned.

I smirked at his tiny dig on Ryan.

“That band up there is really rocking!” Kyle stated enthusiastically. He was tapping his fingers on his beer bottle. “This is a really nice party you

put together.”

“Thanks! It was a little tricky, but I guess I pulled it off.” I glanced around at the large gathering. My pub was packed; everyone seemed to be

having a good time.

“You know, my birthday is in April. Feel free to throw me a party like this.” Kyle bumped me with his elbow as he took a sip of his beer.

“So are you here with a date?” I asked, looking around for a stray woman.

“No,” he stated uncomfortably. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I was just wondering why someone, like you, doesn’t have a girlfriend, that’s all.”

He looked at me like my question was ridiculous.

“Don’t make that face at me!” I teased. “So?”

“I don’t know,” Kyle groaned. “Maybe I’m too shy?”

I scoffed. “Yeah right! I don’t think that’s a problem for you.”

“Maybe I’m too picky,” he added, taking another sip of his beer. “It’s hard to find the complete package these days.”

“Well, write down your list of requirements; I’m sure there is a girl or two out there on the sidewalk that comes close,” I jeered.

“Nah. I don’t have to walk that far to find what I’ve been looking for,” he stated directly as he looked me in the eyes.

I was just about to make a witty comeback when Kyle’s smile vanished.

I felt a hand slip around my elbow; Ryan was reclaiming me.