Stars Over Alaska (Wild River #4) - Jennifer Snow Page 0,102

things a million times worse because it was really all on her. She knew where he stood and despite him not reaching out to her, she didn’t doubt for a second that he wanted to, but she had no idea what she wanted.

“This dress is not for me.” Selena turned to grin at her and Leslie’s head was shaking.

“Absolutely not. I’m your security detail. Not your date.”

“Look, I’m still freaked out by the whole experience and I’d like you to stay close.”

Lies. The star had bounced back after the incident faster than a wrongly addressed email. “I can do that better not in a dress.” The last dress she’d worn had been to her grandmother’s wedding months ago and that had been under extreme duress and she loved her grandmother and just barely, recently started tolerating Selena.

“They only let stars on the red carpet,” Selena said, reaching toward her belt. “And their plus one.”

Leslie sighed, slapping her hands away. “I can take my own clothes off,” she mumbled. “And he has to leave.”

Selena smiled warmly at Antonio. “Thank you again,” she said, tipping him and seeing him out. He kissed both of her cheeks and wished her luck at her premiere. Then she turned back to Leslie. “Okay, well, hurry. We’re going to be late.”

This was insane. She had to be crazy for agreeing to this. But before she knew it, she was out of her pants and shirt and sliding into the long, simple black gown. Which cost more than she made in a year.

“It’s on loan. So be careful,” Selena said, helping her zip it up.

Her pulse raced. Wonderful, so not only was she going to be uncomfortable all evening, but she needed to make sure she didn’t spill anything on it or rip it?

“Wow. You look amazing. Who knew this curvy body was hidden under all those unflattering clothes you wear?” Selena said, turning her toward the full-length mirror.

The dress fit her perfectly. Actually suited her as well. Nothing too flashy or over-the-top. No sequins or bows or revealing cut-outs. She ran a hand along the soft fabric as she stared at her reflection.

What would Levi think if he saw her in it? Would it be silly to snap a selfie and send it to him with the message Help, I’ve been abducted?

Yes, it would and also, it would open up the lines of communication again and she wasn’t sure she was ready for that. Unfortunately, the more time that passed, the less ready she was.

“Some makeup and a few curls and you might actually steal some attention away from me,” Selena said.

“Yeah. Right.” It would take more than a dress for that to happen. Leslie picked up her gun and scanned the available places on her body. Where the hell could she put it?

Selena handed her a leg holster. She’d actually thought this through, meaning this hadn’t been the last-minute thing she tried to make it appear. “Strap it in here, like Angelina Jolie in...”

“Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Leslie couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, I know.” Taking the holster, she wrapped it around her right leg through the slit in the dress and secured the gun out of sight.

“Nothing wrong with being sexy and lethal,” Selena said with a wink.

Damn, if it wasn’t actually the most empowering feeling ever.

* * *

WHAT’S SAFER THAN bringing your bodyguard as a date?

Selena’s caption on the photo had Levi smiling, while his chest tightened. Leslie looked drop-dead gorgeous in an elegant, simple tight-fitting black evening gown, despite looking completely terrified and uncomfortable standing next to the star on the red carpet. Her blond hair was hanging loose in waves around her sexy bare shoulders and she was wearing slightly more makeup than he’d ever seen her wear. She looked like she could be on the movie screen herself.

Damn she was beautiful.

And obviously staying in LA to continue working as Selena’s security.

What had he expected? That his confession of love and their time together would have been enough to make her want to come back here? Be with him?

They’d had a connection. She couldn’t deny it, but for Leslie, that would be all the more reason to stay away. Running away from the guilt and conflict that opening her heart to him would definitely cause was her self-preservation method.

He’d go to her if he thought she wanted him to. If there wasn’t a certainty that she’d push him away. He’d move halfway across the world for her—no question. His career meant