Bon gave me another warm smile while Ziggy frowned at his brother. Interesting. This conversation had the air of a territorial pissing competition. Only it was hard to figure out if it was due to competitive business stuff, general sibling rivalry, or what. His brother sure could make him react, however.
“Not to kill the mood,” said Bon, “but I’m sorry to hear about your situation. There are some assholes out there.”
“Language,” hissed his brother.
“It’s fine.” I looked away for a moment. “And yes, there are.”
“Glad my brother’s got your back through this trying time. You couldn’t ask for anyone more capable.” At this, he gave said brother another of those evil back slaps.
“Thanks,” said Ziggy, somewhat drily.
“Though if he ever needs a day off, I’d be happy to step in and watch you, Miss Cooper.”
Ziggy’s jaw firmed. “She doesn’t need you watching her.”
“Just offering.”
“You’re being unprofessional.”
“How am I being unprofessional, ensuring that our client’s needs are being met?”
“Thanks anyway, brother. You’ve got enough on your plate. Luke or Adelaide can cover if necessary.” If Ziggy’s eyes had shot out laser beams, I would not have been surprised. Well, I would have, but not by much. This interaction was nothing less than fascinating.
“There’s a female bodyguard on staff?” I asked.
“She’s busy.” And that was it. That was all Ziggy said. He and his big blank handsome face.
Shit. “Oh, no. I didn’t mean to imply…you’re doing a wonderful job. There’s no need to bring anyone else in.”
Bon smirked, but tried to hide it. That was about enough for me.
“Lovely to meet you,” I said.
Ziggy nodded. “Miss.”
“Miss Cooper,” his brother added.
I got my butt back to the couch and retrieved my drink. But I could feel his eyes on me. All damn night, Ziggy continued to watch.
CHAPTER SIX
“Nice bodyguard.”
I frowned. “Why is everyone always commenting on my bodyguard?”
“Because he’s hot,” said Abigael, the hair stylist and make-up artist.
“Yeah, but we’re around hot people all the time. It’s basically kind of the point of our industry.”
At this, the petite blonde stopped and pondered.
The man himself stood at the other end of the large room, out of the way near the coffee and pastries table. Not that he was indulging. I’d have to steal an extra almond croissant to eat later to make up for his lack of pastry love. Once more, his face seemed set in stone. His big body remained still while his gaze constantly wandered the area. We hadn’t talked much on the drive over to the studio, even though it was on the other side of town. After last night’s weirdness with his brother, and the renewed attention of the paparazzi, and more lack of sleep, I didn’t feel like chatting. Truth was, the man set me on edge. This entire situation set me on edge. And today, I needed to focus on work.
So I’d guzzled caffeine while Abigael fixed the bags and dark shadows beneath my eyes with eye masks and various other tricks. Lucky for me, the woman was magic with a messy face. She’d spent years living in Los Angeles fixing party people the day after, getting them ready to face the world and the camera. Her skills were legendary.
“I think it’s all the big dick energy he’s giving off,” she finally announced.
“Huh.”