The four hours Ellie was scheduled to sign blew by, and she stayed later because there was still a line. She met some great young men and women, as well as a lot of kids. There were a few young men who made her feel uncomfortable because they told her how hot they thought she sounded as Nyx Cox, and that she was just as hot in person.
She managed to overcome the awkward moments and thought she did well overall. Some kids were painfully shy, and she did her best to make them feel comfortable with her, making some of them smile.
Desi cut off the line at one point. “Our next voice actor will be here shortly, so we need to get ready for him.”
“Great.” Ellie stood and stretched. “I’m exhausted.”
Desi took the cash out of the pouch and handed it to Ellie. “It's all yours. Corporate will cut a check for the credit card payments.”
Ellie took the cash, surprised that she didn’t have to split it with the company. She slipped it into her purse. “Thank you.”
“Stay for the awards.” Desi grinned and handed Ellie the day’s program. “You, my lady, are up for a newcomer award.”
Ellie’s eyes widened as she took the folded sheet. “I am?”
“Yep.” Desi glanced at her watch. “Gives you a couple of hours to walk around before the presentations start. You’re probably hungry, so you can grab a bite and take in some sights.”
Ellie turned to face Tucker. “Are you up for hanging around a little longer?”
“To see if you win an award?” Tucker smiled. “For you, I’d wait all night.”
* * *
Tucker held Ellie’s hand as they walked through the convention center. It amazed him that many adults and kids wore costumes of their favorite game characters, superheroes, villains, and even furry creatures.
He felt like a fish out of water in an alien landscape, but he didn’t mind. He enjoyed being with Ellie and watching her dive into something new. She made it look easy—how she talked with fans, engaged them, and made them feel at ease with her. She had a natural sparkle that drew people in.
However, a few of the men, young and older, had set him on edge. They had become almost stalker-like, and he’d seen Ellie's discomfort in those situations. He’d moved just behind her the few times she had faced men who leered and spoke suggestively to her. The men had backed off as soon as they saw the hard look on his face.
Ellie had looked at him those few times with appreciation in her gaze. But it made him wonder what she would do if he weren’t by her side. Would men come up to her when she walked around on her own?
The protective urge he felt for her was nearly overwhelming. He’d never been overprotective, and it wasn’t jealousy by a long shot, but with Ellie, he wanted to shield her from anything that could harm her and anyone who might try to hurt her.
“I’m starving.” Ellie’s sweet voice took him out of his concerned thoughts as she tugged on his hand and drew him to a food court inside the convention center. She pointed straight ahead. “A sandwich sounds perfect. How about you?”
He nodded. “Works for me.”
Tucker purchased two sub sandwiches with kettle chips, sodas, and chocolate chip cookies. They found a table and dug into their late lunch.
“I can’t believe I’m up for a newcomer award.” Ellie shook her head. “The game has only been out for a short time.”
“I bought it in the booth while you talked with fans.” Tucker raised the bag he’d been holding. “I’m going to play the game when I get home.”
“I’ll have to play it with you.” Her smile brightened the room. “I don’t have a game system in my townhouse.”
“Why don’t you spend tonight at my ranch?” He smiled at her as she nodded. “We can have a light dinner and play Myth Hunter.”
She ran her finger lightly over the back of his hand. “I hope that’s not all we’re going to play.”
“Oh, honey.” He put his hand over hers and grasped it. “Not by a long shot.”
He loved how her eyes sparkled when she was excited and the enthusiasm that came out when she was raring to go, whatever she wanted to do.
“I’m so there.” She tipped her head and kissed him softly on his lips before drawing back. He loved how she didn’t wait for him and took the initiative whenever she felt like it. “We could pick up some fast food.”
“Great idea.” He kissed her in return, then gathered their wrappers and other trash and carried them to the waste can.
They returned to the convention and wandered through the vendors. Darth Vader, accompanied by a pair of Stormtroopers, passed them, followed by someone dressed as a cross between an elf and a chipmunk.
