Her Soldier Protector

He shrugged and pointed ahead. “We’re going to a place called Jimmy’s and they have the best seafood in Sydney. Plus they’re right on the water.”

Candace started walking even slower, a smile spreading over her face that he couldn’t miss as they passed a couple who didn’t even look at them.

“You have no idea what it feels like to just walk along the street and not be noticed. I’ve missed this for so long now.”

Logan looked up, taking comfort in the bright stars twinkling in the dark sky—the same stars he’d looked at every night when he was on tour even though he’d been on the other side of the world. When he was at home in the Outback, they always seemed brighter, but they were still just as pretty to look at in the city.

“When I was on my first couple of tours, white soldiers were pretty easy to notice. I remember the first time we went through a village, and the women were screaming out to us, begging us to help them. I couldn’t understand what they were saying, but the pleading, desperate looks they were giving us told me that I was their last chance. That that’s how they thought of us.” Logan took a deep breath, wondering why he was even telling Candace all this. He hardly ever spoke about his tours, except with Brett, but for some reason he just needed her to know. “These little children were hanging on to us, grabbing us as we walked through on patrol, and we gave them all the food we had. It wasn’t until the next day that we found out all the men had been killed by local insurgents, and the women were left to fend on their own, terrified that they’d be next, and with no way to provide for their children.”

Candace had almost stopped walking now, her eyes like saucers, filled with tears as she stared at him. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides.

“What happened to them?”

Logan shook his head. “I don’t know. But I can tell you how awful it was to be recognized, as someone who those people thought could save them, when in reality all I could offer was some dried snacks and a candy bar. And it happened to us over and over again.”

“So, what you’re saying is that I need to stop caring about being recognized for who I am?” she asked, her voice soft.

“No, what I’m saying is that sometimes being recognized for the right reasons is okay. The people who want to see you just want a smile and an autograph, and they’re things you can give them. It’s when you’re powerless that being recognized is something to be scared of.”

Candace shook her head, a sad look on her face. “I sound like a selfish, self-centered idiot for even saying all that, when you compare it to what you went through. But I guess it’s just that I struggle with the whole fame thing. I’m a singer and I love what I do. It’s just the publicity that I find really difficult.” She sighed. “Unfortunately one doesn’t come without the other in this industry.”

“No, Candace, that’s not what I meant,” he said as they started to walk again. “I guess I just want you to know that I probably understand some of what you go through on a daily basis, even though our worlds are light-years apart.”

They walked in silence for a minute, almost at the restaurant. She knew what he meant, but she still felt stupid for moaning aloud about being recognized. She was lucky and she knew it, but lately being surrounded by fans had turned from flattering to downright scary.

“Have you ever tried Morton Bay bugs?” Logan asked, changing the subject.

Candace gave him a look like she was trying to figure out if he was joking. “I have no idea what you’re even talking about, but they sound revolting.”

He laughed. “Definitely not revolting, I promise you. They’re kind of like lobster, but different. Better.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” she groaned as he opened the door. “You’re actually going to make me eat something called a bug as punishment for the sashimi.”

“It’s a stupid name for what they are, but yeah, you’re definitely going to be eating them.” Logan chuckled as they stood and waited to be greeted. “Grilled with garlic butter, fresh bread on the side and...”

“Logan?”

He spun around, taking his eyes off Candace and her cute smile. “Hey, Jimmy.”

His old friend raised his eyebrows, looking from him to Candace, before his eyes widened. Logan gave him a look that he hoped he understood, not wanting their night ruined before it even started.

“The kitchen’s closing soon, but I can squeeze you two in if you order quick,” Jimmy said, grabbing two menus. “How you been, anyway? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

Logan motioned for Candace to follow, touching his hand to her lower back and guiding her forward.

“I’ve been okay, can’t complain. Especially since I’m back for good now.”

Jimmy walked them through the restaurant and waved toward an alfresco table, complete with low candles on the table and a view out over the water. Even though it was dark, the water was twinkling under the lights from all the restaurants and the luxury yachts moored nearby. The night air was warm, slightly muggy still after the hot day.

“Do you even need these?” Jimmy asked with a grin, gesturing at the menus.

Logan grinned straight back at him, pulling out a seat for Candace. Jimmy obviously knew exactly who she was—maybe he was just too starstruck to remember his manners, or his job.

“Let’s start with two buckets of prawns and sourdough bread, then Morton Bay bugs for two, and maybe a Caesar salad.”

Jimmy was nodding, but he was also spending most of his time glancing at Candace, who was looking out at the water, her body turned away from them.

Logan leaned in closer to his childhood friend, giving him a playful whack across the back of the head.

“Don’t you breathe a word of this to anyone until we’re gone. No tipping the media off, no telling your girlfriend.”

Jimmy made a face like his head hurt, but he was still grinning. “Can I at least get an autograph before you leave?”

“Keep everyone else away from us and I’ll make sure you get one. Deal?”

Jimmy’s smile grew wider. “And a big tip, too, right?”

“You do know I have a dog that could eat you in a few mouthfuls, don’t you?” Logan said in a low voice, smiling as Candace turned to face them.

Jimmy just laughed. “I’ll get your order in and bring you some drinks. Champagne?”

Logan sat down and glanced at Candace. “Bubbly or beer?”

She made a thoughtful face before one side of her mouth tilted up into a smile. “Let’s have a beer. Why not?”

Logan didn’t let the surprise show on his face, even though he’d never have picked her choosing beer over champagne in a million years. “You heard the lady. Two beers, bottles not glasses.”

Jimmy shook his head and walked off, leaving Logan to burst out laughing. Candace seemed to be finding the entire thing as hilarious as he was.

“He knew who I was the moment we walked in, didn’t he?” she asked in a soft voice, like she wasn’t in the least bit surprised.

Logan wasn’t going to lie to her. “Yeah, he did. But there’s no way he’s going to make a fuss or say anything, okay?”

She nodded. “So you don’t think it’ll be in the papers that I was spotted out with a mystery man, knocking back beers? Knowing the paps, they’ll probably say I was out of control and ready for rehab.”

“You missed the part about us digging into two massive buckets filled with prawns, that we’ll be eating with our fingers like barbarians instead of fine dining.”

Candace dipped her head when she laughed, looking up at him like she wasn’t entirely sure whether he was ever being serious or always joking. “And here I was thinking you’d brought me to a classy restaurant.”

“Believe me, nothing in the world is better than fresh seafood eaten with your fingers, washed down by an ice-cold beer. We don’t need five forks and silver service to eat incredible food.”

“Well, I’ll have to reserve judgment until I’ve experienced it, but I’m guessing you’re probably right.”

He leaned back in his chair. “See the beautiful super yachts out there?”

She nodded, following his gaze.

“When you come here earlier in the evening, there are waiters running back and forth from the restaurant to the boats, carrying silver trays of seafood and champagne. It’s crazy, but a lot of fun to watch.”

“I was right going with my gut feeling on promoting Australia to the world,” she said with a laugh. “Next time I’m ready for a vacation, I’m heading straight back here.”

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