Changing Roles

Shelby tugged on my hand, distracting me.

She nodded reassuringly at me and silently glanced to where our hands were entwined. I looked down and sighed, releasing some tension. Our hands were so tightly clasped, I couldn’t tell where her hand ended and mine began. It made me feel better.

“Everett and Mark are here. I’m with you, Liam,” she murmured soothingly.

I didn’t care if I sounded like a child. I needed to hear her say it. “You won’t let go?”

“I promise. I won’t let go.”

I kissed her hand. “Let’s do this.”The screaming increased vociferously when I stepped out of the car. Everett helped Shelby out first, and she turned, holding her hand out for me as I stepped into the line of vision. I hesitated before grabbing her hand and dragging her to my side. Her hand wasn’t enough. I needed to feel her as close to me as possible. I wrapped my arm around her waist, holding her tightly as we made our way down the carpet, refusing to release my hold on her even when I stopped to speak to a few reporters. Everett and Mark trailed close, making sure I didn’t stop long, and we made it to the door in record time. I managed to avoid the big question of who the beautiful brunette was I was holding to my side, and Shelby avoided the camera by turning her head, allowing her hair to hide most of her face. Everett told me what to say, but I was still overwhelmed by her and I forgot. I simply winked, saying I wasn’t ready to share that yet. I thought I was brilliant. Everett smacked my head when we got in the door, and I growled at him. The git messed with the hair. You never messed with the hair. Took me forever to make it look like I didn’t give a fuck about it. Luckily, Shelby smoothed it back in place before she smacked him for me. I liked that.

“You okay?” she asked anxiously, her bewitching eyes scanning my face.

I blinked again.

Bewitching eyes?

What the hell was wrong with me?

I wondered if I had accidentally doubled up on my Xanax. My head was certainly not reacting properly. Especially toward Shelby.

But the red carpet had been easy. With Shelby tucked into my side, I had been calm and not once had I felt the usual panic.

It had to be Shelby.

Or the Xanax.

I looked down at her.

No. It was her. It was definitely her. I beamed at her and brushed a kiss on her forehead, ignoring the flashes I could see from outside.

“Thanks to you, yes. I’m good.”

She beamed at me, those lovely eyes glinting with relief.

Crap.

There went a few more icebergs.“Is this almost over?” I mumbled to Everett. It had been a long night. We’d done dinner, the speeches, the auction, and all the bloody press and fan stuff I had been told to do. And true to her promise, Shelby was beside me the whole time, a constant balm for my frazzled nerves. She made it almost fun. Her droll comments as we walked around the room kept me distracted, and I was grateful Carly had canceled. She was nowhere near as entertaining as Shelby. Or as lovely.

He chuckled dryly. “This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t been so, ah, difficult the last few weeks, Liam. The studio…” His voice trailed off.

“The studio can kiss my arse,” I muttered.

“Oscar,” Shelby admonished.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her. Instead, I deflected. “Did I tell you how beautiful you are tonight?”

Now, she rolled her eyes at me. “Nice one. But the diversion didn’t work. Behave.”

I laughed. She’d made me happy all night with her smiles and teasing. Not an iceberg in sight.

“Liam.”

I looked up and grinned, the first genuine one of the night for someone other than Shelby. I stood and extended my hand. “Douglas! You’re back!”

He smiled in return, shaking my hand. “Finally. What a shoot.”

“You’ve been gone for almost five months.” I indicated the empty chair beside Shelby. “Join us.”

He sat, introducing himself after he greeted Everett.

I laughed, slightly embarrassed. “Sorry, Shelby. I’ve told you about him, but you haven’t met Douglas. You hadn’t been with me long when he left on an extended shoot. This is my cousin, Douglas Wright. He’s a producer. We grew up together in England.”

Douglas chuckled. “And he does mean that literally. After my parents died, I lived with Liam and his family. I was twelve, and this little bugger was five and refused to leave me alone.” He grinned. “But we were good mates and got on really well. As he grew up, we became friends. I actually missed him when I came here to make my fortune, and I have to admit I was glad when he came over as well. He’s like a brother.” He smirked. “A younger, not so good-looking brother.”