Page 109 of Unguarded

I chose not to confront her right before the CMAs. Partly because my mother is here, clutching my hand and oohingand aahing over every A-list celebrity who walks by, but also because I need time to process my emotions before that conversation.

Cash is still at the forefront of my mind. I want to reach out to him to talk more than anything. He suddenly feels like the only person in the world I can trust and depend on. He and his family are the only people I feel like wouldn’t spread this juicy gossip all over the place.

The announcer onstage is presenting an award, and I really need to pay attention. I rise to my feet, clapping as the winner is announced. She’s an up-and-coming artist who deserves it with her soulful voice and rising popularity.

After her award speech, the next award is announced. I look around, trying to see where Zade might be. I know he’s supposed to be presenting the Entertainer of the Year award, but I haven’t seen him at all tonight.

As I’m peering around the room at various familiar faces, a deep, sexy voice I’d recognize anywhere filters through the speakers and sends a shiver up my exposed skin.

“I hope you folks don’t mind me as a last-minute replacement to present the Entertainer of the Year award.”

My breathing slows as I turn to face the stage. There’s a tall, broad-shouldered cowboy standing in front of the mic in all black with a cowboy hat on. I blink to make sure I’m not dreaming.

He flashes a devilish grin at the crowd. “No one seems to be able to find the guy who was supposed to do this, so they just gave it to me and told me to wing it.” He holds up the award.

The crowd chuckles as whispers flow throughthe room.

“The nominees for tonight’s award are Taylor Maroon, Chance Brooms, Jesse Ryder, and Monroe Blue.”

The crowd claps at the names. I see a cameraman inching closer to me, and I know my face is one of the four blasted for millions of viewers watching at home. I school my features into a neutral expression, attempting to mask the level of shock and confusion I’m feeling.

What is he doing here? Where is Zade?

A million questions fly through my brain. My heart hurts as I look up at him. I want him to come to me, to hold me close and tell me he wants to be with me forever because he’s desperately in love with me.

As if reading my mind, he clears his throat and lifts the mic. “Before I open this envelope, I’ve got something important I need to say to one of the nominees.”

He looks up, staring directly at me. My heart is in my throat as his words wash over me.

“You already know how I feel about you. But what you don’t know is what I want to give you. I’ve traveled all over the planet as your bodyguard, and as much as I really don’t like being in the spotlight or speaking in front of millions of people, I’m standing here tonight for one reason.

“I need you to know that this isn’t even a fraction of how far I’m willing to go to be everything you need and want. I’ve seen you at your worst, and I’ve witnessed you at your best. I want them both. I want the hidden side of you that this crowd will never see. There isn’t a corner on this planet that I wouldn’t go for you. And as much as I love my little slice of Texas that I’ve always called home … it feels as empty as a fallen, hollow tree without you there. If you’ll have me, Miss Monroe Blue, I’d very much like to take you out on a real date sometime, not as your bodyguard, but as your boyfriend.”

The crowd lets out a satisfied sigh, followed by a few exclamations of approval. My body is frozen in place like an ice sculpture. Heat spreads over me with the intensity of his gaze on my face.

“And I love you. I love you so fucking much.” He sighs, shaking his head.

It’s so quiet that you could hear a fly buzzing in the auditorium.

“And you look like a damn vision of heaven in that dress. Doesn’t she?”

The silence erupts into applause and cheers as people stare at me, grinning from ear to ear and leaning in close to whisper to each other. My heart is racing like a herd of wild horses. My pulse jumps against my throat.

“And without further delay, the winner of tonight’s Entertainer of the Year award goes to …” He pulls a paper out of the envelope. “Miss Monroe Blue.”

The crowd loses its mind. People start hugging me as I stand, still in a daze.

My mom wraps her arms around me, whispering in my ear, “I’m so proud of you! Go get that man.”

My legs feel wooden as I make my way to the stage. Someone grabs my arm and leads me up the stairs. I nearly trip forward, and when I look down I see that the buckle from my heel has come loose and nearly slipped off. Cash is waiting with an outstretched hand at the top of the stairs, but when he sees me pause he comes down the remaining steps to meet me. Without a word, he drops down to oneknee beside me. The entire auditorium is as silent as a church, watching our interaction. His calloused fingers grasp my ankle, and he lifts my foot to rest on his thigh. He tenderly fixes the buckle, every eye focused on us and subtle gasps start to filter through the crowd. I watch him with parted lips, my pulse jumping in my throat.

Once he’s finished, he gently places my foot back on the step and stands to his full height.

My fingers grasp his warm, rough hand, and my entire body seems to exhale in relief. He leads me to the center of the stage before handing me the trophy.

He leans in, his warm lips brushing my ear. “I peeked to make sure you were the winner before ruining someone else’s night with that speech.”

I laugh, feeling the tears wet my cheeks as the raw emotions roll over me.

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