4
Khalil
As the final notes of the musical rang throughout the theater, the audience leaped to its feet. The cheers and clapping went on for almost five minutes. The cast took several bows, and Trevor took several more before they finally left the stage. I heard Rory in my earpiece. “He’s really good.”
“Yes, he is,“
I agreed as I made my way from in front of the stage to the wings.
I’d seen parts of the rehearsals all week, but not the full production until the dress rehearsal the night before opening. Even so, it was nothing like seeing him in front of a live audience. Trevor’s performance was electric. He seemed to feed off the audience, getting better and better as the show went on.
He was captivating. And that was a problem for me. Because he was also smart, funny, snarky, and sexy. It was a good thing I was his bodyguard because it gave me an excuse to stare at him for long periods of time.
Trevor came hurrying toward my position, a huge smile on his face. His hair was damp with sweat and his cheeks were flushed. I couldn’t help myself. I held my arms out for a hug, which he walked right into. “You were amazing.”
He grinned up at me. “Thank you. And thank you for making this a stress-free opening.”
“Hey, what about me?“
Rory’s voice came from behind us. “Don’t I get a hug?”
I metaphorically patted myself on the back for not growling at him. Trevor stepped away and held out his arms. “Of course you do.“
My asshole teammate winked at me as he returned Trevor’s hug.
We stepped aside to let the other cast members get past us, waiting until the last one was out in the hallway before we escorted Trevor to his dressing room, where Maggie was waiting for us.
“I’m here to collect the suit,“
she said with a slight grimace.
I didn’t envy her that. It would no doubt reek of sweat.
Trevor nodded. “I’ll have it for you in a few minutes.”
I stepped into the room to check for unwanted guests, then held the door for Trevor to enter. As I turned to leave, he said, “Would you mind staying for a moment while I get this suit off? I’d greatly appreciate it if you could take it to Maggie.”
I closed the door behind us. Well shit. “Sure. No problem.”
I straightened my spine. I was a professional, I reminded myself. I could be in my client’s dressing room while he got undressed and not rut against him like a horny teenager.
I turned away to give Trevor some semblance of privacy. I heard the rustle of fabric and Trevor’s sigh of relief as he shed the heavy costume. Finally, he tapped my shoulder. I turned and almost swallowed my tongue. He was wearing nothing but a pair of tight black briefs.
“Thank you, Khalil,“
he said as he passed the garments to me.
I cleared my throat and took the clothing. My voice was hoarse when I replied. “You’re welcome. I’m happy to help.“
Gesturing with my head toward the door, I said, “I’ll be outside waiting when you’re ready to go up to the meet-and-greet.”
He nodded. “I’ll be ready in about fifteen minutes. I’m going to shower.”
“Got it.“
I hurried out of the room before I could give in to my baser instincts.
I handed the costume to Maggie, who thanked me and hurried away. Rory was staring at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. “What?“
I asked curtly.
“You’re blushing,“
he crowed.
“I am not,“
I objected.
“Uh-huh.“
He shook his head. “Just admit it. You have the hots for Trevor.”
“He’s a client,“
I whisper-hissed.
“Doesn’t mean he’s not hot. Hell, I’m straight, and I think he’s hot.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re not as straight as you think you are if you think the man is hot.”
He just laughed and waved me off. “He likes you. I catch him staring at you all the time.”
I sighed. “Let it go. Simon Davies will be at the press conference. I don’t want to be distracted.”
He mumbled something under his breath that I didn’t catch. Whatever he saw between Trevor and me didn’t matter. Trevor was off-limits.
My phone vibrated with a call. I pulled it out of the inside pocket of my suit jacket and saw it was Tony. “Hey, boss. What’s up?”
“I had Hunter come in. He’ll meet you upstairs.”
“Copy that. Does he have an earpiece?”
“Yes,“
Tony replied. “Michael’s just finishing the setup now.”
“Are you staying for the VIP event?” I asked.
“Of course,“
he replied. “Greg is dying to meet Trevor.”
“He should be up soon. He’s getting changed. I’ll let Hunter know when we’re on our way.”
“Got it. See you soon.”
“Who’s here?“
Rory asked.
“Hunter. They set him up with an earpiece. He should be checking in soon.”
Just then, Hunter’s voice came through my earpiece. “I’m on.”
“Hey, Hunter. Thanks for joining us.”
“No problem at all,“
he said. “Tony got Charlie and me tickets to tonight’s show. Charlie was practically jumping up and down. He was so happy. He won’t mind hanging out with Greg while I work a little because he’ll get to meet Trevor.”
I chuckled. “He’s a popular guy.”
“Who’s popular?“
Trevor asked from behind me.
I turned to answer him. “You…are.“
My mouth went dry. Trevor was wearing a cobalt-blue button-down silk shirt, cream-colored silk trousers, and a matching silk jacket. He looked delectable. I wanted to run my hands all over the soft material covering his body.
He smirked at me with a raised brow. “Something wrong?”
I blinked. Words. I knew how to make words. “No. You look amazing.“
Shit. I probably wasn’t supposed to sound like a lovesick fool.
Trevor took a shallow bow. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”
“We should probably get upstairs,“
Rory said, amusement evident in his voice. Asshole.
Taking the lead, I started toward the stairs that led up to the first floor, with Rory following behind Trevor. Even just walking up the stairs, I could feel the actor’s magnetic presence behind me. How was I going to get through three months without giving in?