Maybe if he'd had more than four hours of sleep last night, he would have been more alert. Maybe if he hadn't been at work since five in the morning, he'd be less desperate to get out of the building. Maybe if he wasn't already planning his take-out dinner, he would've realized what was going on.

Or maybe if she wasn't looking back at the group of people screaming her name, she would have seen him. Maybe is she didn't insist her two bodyguards give her space they would have stopped her. Or maybe if she decided to take a cab instead of walk, this all could have been avoided.

However, it was too late for maybes as she finally turned her head around as she collided with a hard body. She shut her eye in anticipation of the pain from being knocked to the unforgiving sidewalk, but it never came. Instead, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her and pull her close. Grabbing her savior's biceps out of instinct she's met with the most beautiful pair of blue eyes she's ever seen. For a moment she forgot she had somewhere to be, forgot the crowd behind her wanting her attention, forgot she had two large men waiting for her to continue her journey, because at that moment the only thing she could focus on was the blue of this stranger's eyes.

The only thing that brought her back to reality was the worried voice of the man who still had his arms around her "Are you alright?" he asked, still not releasing her from his firm grip. Those were the only words he could get out because at that moment he realized who exactly he was holding. Currently in his arms was Erin Voight, America's sweetheart, pop-sensation, movie star, and influential activist. Erin Voight was one of, if not the most, loved celebrities in the world because of her talent, good looks, charm, and heart of gold. Men wanted her, women wanted to be her, and she was currently wrapped up in the arms of a Chicago detective.

Jay Halstead, former army ranger, current detective couldn't remember the last time he was intimidated, he'd been to hell and back, but being in the presence of this walking goddess changed that real fast. He felt his mouth dry and he lost the ability to form words because he could only focus on the beautiful women in his grasp. It was his turn to be snapped out of his thoughts when he heard an angelic voice he never would hear in person "I'm fine, thanks for catching me." Jay felt his heart skip a beat as she flashed him a grateful smile, complete with her famous dimples.

It was at that moment they both realized she was still pressed up against him with his muscular arms holding her tight. Jay awkwardly dropped his arms as Erin reluctantly took as small step out of his embrace. Nervously scratching the back of his neck, he gave her a shy smile in return, instantly missing the feeling of her soft body pressed against him. Not wanting the moment to end he stuck his hand out "Jay. Jay Halstead," his name being the only words he could form in the moment.

Erin smiled at the clearly nervous man in front of her and returned the handshake, intrigued by the way his hand was both hard and smooth. Only after she say the sheepish smile on his face after she gave a simple "Erin" in reply did she remember that he probably already knew who she was. As the pair just stared at one another, one of her guards, Kevin Atwater, took it upon himself to get her back on schedule. Clearing his throat to get their attention and reminds, "Erin your running late for your meeting."

With a sigh Erin released the hand she just realized she was still holding and checked her phone, seeing two messages from her mother wondering where she was. Erin nods in agreement and sighs "I have to get going, but it was nice meeting you Jay. Thanks again," Noticing the flashing of cameras around her she sends one more smile in the direction of the handsome stranger as she side-steps him and walks away quickly.

She's gone before Jay even registers what's happening and he's left alone whispering "It was nice meeting you too" to the back of a girl's head that he desperately wanted to keep talking to but would probably never get the chance to again. He instantly hated himself for not thinking to exchange numbers or anything, he just stood there like an idiot. Jay just ley out a deep sigh, muttered "moron" and continued his walk home.

xx

Erin presses the buzzer on the gate and hands her ID to the guard in charge of the booth. He smiles at her and presses the button to unlock the small pedestrian gate leading to the lavish gated community on the outskirts of Chicago. Her guards close the gate firmly behind them ensuring no overeager fans were allowed to enter after them. She makes the short trek to her parents' house and pulls the key out of her purse. She purchased this house for her parents when she first became famous as a thank you for all their love, support, and sacrifices. She smiles as she's hit with the comforting smells of her mother cooking in the kitchen and the natural scent of home. She nods to her guards who walk towards the office in the front of the house where they usually reside when she visits her parents.

She was forced to get a couple of bodyguards two years ago when she experienced multiple over eager fans try to physically force her into giving them the attention, they thought they deserved. Since then she hired Atwater and Rixton to protect her. They accompany her most places, assess threats she receives, and make sure no fans get too eager or too close.

As Erin ventures further into the large yet cozy house, she finds her mother pulling a tray out of the stove and her father sitting at the table reading the paper. "Hey kid, you're right on time," her father greets as he stands and comes to bring her into a tight hug. Hank Voight personified intimidation.

A former police Sargent turned stockbroker Hank Voight has made a name for himself too. He took the small amount of money his daughter had given him and built his empire quickly. He was powerful, protective, and stubborn. The most important thing in his life was his family, and because he knew just how dangerous and dark the world could be, he did everything in his power to protect them at all times.

As Erin pulls out of her fathers embrace, she is met with her mothers' arms next. Camille Voight possessed all the warmth, compassion, and innocence that Hank lacked. A retired teacher, she was every bit the doting mother anyone could ask for. "Sit down sweetheart I just pulled the chicken out of the oven," her mother says in way of greeting.

Family dinner was something the Voights tried to do as often as possible. Whenever Erin and her father were in town and off of work at the same time Camille made sure to cook a nice meal. It was moments like these that reminded Erin just how much her family meant to her and allowed herself to relax in the safety of her family.

"Where's Justin?" Erin asked when her brother didn't come to greet her.

"He said her had to study for an exam, he sent his love."

A nod of her head in acknowledgement was Erin's answer as she reminded herself to make a lunch date with her brother before she left.

Justin Voight- her hot-headed little brother was currently finishing his master's degree in finance at Northwestern. Justin was expected to follow in their father's footsteps despite his wishes. His rebellious streak was a constant source of worry for their parents. Despite his rough exterior, Justin was one of Erin's favorite people and a perfect confidant when she couldn't talk to her parents.

As Erin settled down to enjoy her family dinner, she couldn't help but let her thoughts drift off to the blue eyes and strong arms that had been plaguing her mind since she bumped into him. Too bad I'll never see him again was the last thought Erin had before she shook her head and refocused on her family.

xx

Jay threw his keys onto the table by the door and set his bag of Chinese food down before peeling off his jacket and hanging it on the stand and lining his boots up in their proper spot by the door. He locked his gun and badge away and sighed as the events of the day caught up to him. He grabbed a beer from his fridge and set it on the coffee table with his food before collapsing on the couch.

Finding a game on TV he was finally able to relax until he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He prayed it wasn't about work when he saw the name Mouse flashing across the screen. As much as he loved his job, he couldn't handle going back to the district right now.

"Please tell me we didn't catch a crime scene," he practically begged when he answered his best friend's call. When he heard the light-hearted chuckle of his friend he exhaled and relaxed again.

"So, I was watching some celebrity gossip show and-"

"Wait wait wait, you were doing what?" Jay questioned through his laughter.

"Shut up it was on the channel I was watching last night and when I turn on my TV after work, guess who is gracing my screen?" Not knowing where his best friend was going with this, Jay just grunts and waits for him to continue.

"Were you going to tell me you literally ran into Erin Voight today?" Mouse questioned playfully. Without even answering the question Halstead turned his TV to the gossip channel and was surprised to see pictures of him with Erin on the screen and the headline Mystery hottie saves Erin from a Fall. Why was this even news?

He didn't even realize he said that out loud until Mouse laughs and jokes, "At least they think you're hot. I mean I think that's being a little generous, but to each their own I guess," releasing a chuckle Jay rolls his eyes, "but seriously how did this happen?"

As he recounts the events of his meeting to Mouse, he listens to the hosts of the show speculate on who he is and more importantly how he knows Erin Voight. There's even speculation that they're secretly dating. Who comes up with that stuff?

However, what surprised him even more than the speculation of him dating Erin Voight, was the warm feeling he got just by thinking of the idea.