Enchanted by Judith Leger

husky and low.
    His eyes widened, and he jerked his hands away with a grin, shifting away from her. “Sorry. I didn’t realize.”
    “It’s okay,” she muttered as heated blood rushed to her face.
    His eyes narrowed. “I know you. You’re the news reporter, Caitlyn Reiley.”
    Caitlyn tried to smile, but felt cornered. She looked past his handsome face and saw Marcy. Her friend stood a couple of feet behind him, her face expressionless.
    Marcy’s gaze met hers and a chill raced up Caitlyn’s spine. Gleaming with a strange internal fire, Marcy’s eyes glowed bright. Malice aimed at her through the look sent an unexpected stab of fear lancing through her. From the edge of her line of vision, Evers turned toward her. The pale blond stranger, who’d been standing by, observing in silence, shifted closer to her. Did she imagine the instant protective wall emanating from the two men?
    Caitlyn blinked, and when she raised her eyelids and focused, Marcy stood at ease, smiling at her. Had she imagined what had happened?
    “Forgive Catey. It’s not every day she meets a famous person.” Marcy stared pointedly at him. “Hey, listen, can you kind of keep an eye on her? I want to talk to a guy over there. He’s your music tech, isn’t he? If I can’t have you, then he’s next on my list. Catey, let me know when you want to leave, okay?”
    Still unsure of what she’d just witnessed, Caitlyn nodded while Marcy pivoted and melted into the crowd. She’d known Marcy since junior high. There wasn’t a mean bone in her body, yet what Caitlyn sensed and saw coming from her friend frightened her. Was Marcy jealous of her? No, she would never leave Caitlyn with him if that were true.
    “Are you all right?” The question came from the stranger. He had remained silent, concern lining his features.
    Caitlyn smiled and nodded. “Yes and thanks.”
    Shay frowned. “Did Lance send you a pass for tonight?”
    “No.” Her hair fluttered across her cheek as she shook her head. “I came with Marcy Richards.”
    The frown deepened. He looked even more handsome wearing such a dark expression.
    “Marcy?” He repeated curiosity evident in his gaze.
    Caitlyn kept her tone even, but on the inside, she cringed with embarrassment. “The blonde. The one who asked you to keep an eye on me.”
    His right brow rose, and he glanced in the direction where Marcy had disappeared. “You’re not like her, are you?”
    Caitlyn’s back stiffened. “And what exactly does that mean? Marcy may be a little forward, but she’s a great friend, and no, she and I are complete opposites. She’s one of a kind.”
    “I meant no offense.” He faced her, a wide grin spreading across his lips. He leaned close, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. “Are you spying on me? A little undercover work before the interview?”
    Guilt rushed through her and heated her cheeks. She hoped he wouldn’t notice the added tint to her face. “No, I’m not. I wanted to observe you unobserved. That’s all.” Her tone came out rigid and formal.
    “Ah.” He straightened and clasped his hands behind his back, staring at her. “I see you’ve met Rhys. He’s my gardener.”
    Surprised, she looked at the tall blond man. “You’re a gardener?”
    “I have a magical thumb.” Rhys held up his right thumb. His eyes lit with flashing blue glints. She relaxed and smiled at him.
    “Do you always bring your gardener with you on tour?” she asked Shay.
    Before he answered, Rhys spoke up, “No. I came to search for a rare and exquisite flower. Shay was kind enough to offer me a way home.”
    “Did you find it?” Caitlyn wondered, her curiosity piqued.
    “Yes. As a matter of fact, I did, with a little help from Shay.”
    Glancing at Evers, she remarked, “My, what a paragon of kindness.”
    “Paragon.” Shay slowly repeated the word, as though savoring the feel of it on his tongue. “I like it. Did you hear her, Rhys? I’m a paragon of kindness.” He