When Dreams Come True (The Star Series Book 1) by M. Stratton

team, I can certainly choose my own. Hell, I have Betty Boxer in the house. I’ll just take her out with me all the time.”
    Will’s voice calmed down; he was changing tactics. “Yes, well, that’s all fine and good. And while I know you are perfectly capable of choosing your own protection, do you not think it might be better to allow me to help since I have more experience in this than you do?”
    “And you don’t know Tucson. Things like this normally don’t happen. Do you know how much time big celebrities spend here? Sir Paul and Linda McCartney had a house here and spent time here, Oprah has been here. This was not normal.”
    “That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have help. In fact, I’m thinking you need more help than just Hannah.”
    “What? Where the hell is that coming from?”
    His eyes narrowed and he moved closer to the screen. “You, my darling, have been very clever in the past month or so, using lighting, or lack thereof, and certain camera angles when we’ve been chatting. Today, you forgot about that and I can see you clearer than I have in weeks. You need someone to take care of you.”
    “I’m fine.”
    “No, you aren’t. Hannah told me how much you’ve been working, and not sleeping or eating. There is only so much you’ll allow her to do. I know you have a whole team who helps you with your business, so you need to start allowing them to do more of the work they are capable of. You need to allow Hannah to make sure you are eating right. Then you are going to allow the security team to make sure you’re safe when you’re out, which you’ll be doing more of.”
    Lissa sat back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. “Is that all? Or are there more things I’m going to have to allow ?”
    “Yes, you are going to have to allow for the fact I care deeply for you, which means I’m going to want to make sure you’re safe and cared for. You don’t have to like it, but just give me the privilege of taking care of you. Don’t you understand it kills me I’m not there with you every single day? That I’m not there to hold you when you need me to? My being was created to take care of you. It has nothing to do with the fact you are perfectly capable of doing it yourself. My soul screams out to cherish you.” His voice shook with emotion.
    There was nothing she could do; she melted at his words. “Will… I don’t like to impose…”
    “I know you don’t, but you’ve got to learn to let people help you. It’s okay to ask for help.”
    Everything Lissa had been feeling, along with pushing her physical and emotion well-being to the brink for the past three months, crashed in on her. Almost immediately, the tears she’d always held back, especially while talking to him, started to fall from her eyes.
    “Darling, please don’t.” Through hazy tears she saw him lean closer to the camera, as if he wanted to reach out and touch her.
    Shaking her head, she held up a hand. Giving herself a moment to try to stop the tears, she took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. It’s just everything. I’ll be okay.”
    “Lissa—” There was a knock on his door and he turned away from her. “Yes?”
    “They’re ready for you on set, Will.”
    He sighed. “I have to go. We’ll chat again, as soon as I’m free.”
    With eyes full of tears, she nodded. “I’m sorry.”
    “Darling, you have nothing to be sorry for, except for being stubborn.” He smiled. “Please, let me help. I’ll make sure everything goes through Hannah so you won’t have to worry about anything.”
    After they said good-bye, she looked up and saw Hannah standing there.
    “Damnit, do you know how hard it is to chew you out when you’re sitting there crying?” She walked over to her and put her arms around her. “Come on. I’ll yell at you later but for now, let’s get you to bed. You need some sleep.”
    Lissa allowed Hannah to help her up, get her to her room and into bed. “Thank you. I don’t