Page 11 of Burning for the Bodyguard

Yeah. Xander invited me to lunch. The dark-haired, bronzed god pulled me aside as Shelby and I left the breakfast room and asked me to lunch.

He’s… gorgeous. A little uptight, but who cares when he’s twenty-four carat sin all wrapped up in a muscular bow?

I was instantly drawn to him. Something in his eyes spoke of past hurts, and I wanted to ease the pain I saw in his dark brown eyes. And then there was the way my body lit up when he touched me. I’ve never experienced anything like it. My core throbbed, and my nipples beaded beneath my dress.

I groan as I remember my boob almost popping free of my bodice. Swear to God, my puppies have a life of their own. But unless I was mistaken, he liked what he saw. There was fire in his eyes as they roamed over me, and I wanted to throw myself headfirst into the flames.

Why not? Why shouldn’t I allow myself a little pleasure on this trip? I’ll never get an opportunity like this again.

I smile at Dani’s enthusiasm. “His name is Xander, and he’s in charge of security. He saved me from face-planting the floor when I tripped over my own feet at the after-show get-together last night. And, um, I may have flashed a boob in the process.”

Dani rolls her eyes. “Of course you did. You never could keep those fantastic boobs under control. So, tell me about him.”

“Tall, dark, and brooding. Beautiful brown eyes I could lose myself in. He looks Mediterranean.” I shrug. “Maybe he has Greek or Spanish ancestry. And did I mention his muscles? Pretty sure he could pick me up and pin me to the wall without breaking a sweat.”

Dani smirks. “So, had a few dirty dreams last night, did you?”

I blush at my friend’s keen gaze. “I don’t have dirty dreams.”

“Uh-huh. I see that flush on your cheeks and the naughty sparkle in your eyes. “So, where is he taking you?”

“He said somewhere simple and laid back.”

Dani smiles. “Sounds like he’s got the measure of you already.”

My heart stutters at the knock on the door. “He’s here. I have to go.”

“Go get ‘em, tiger.” She claws the air and makes a weird, growling noise.

I laugh. “Never do that again.”

She winks. “Call me later with all the dirty date details.”

“I will.” I end the call, take a deep breath, and open the door.

Xander looks edible in jeans that hug his solid thighs, a button-down top that stretches over his wide chest, and a casual jacket.

“You look great,” he says as his gaze wanders over me.

Is it possible to catch fire from a look?

“You too,” I squeak, ungluing my tongue from the roof of my mouth.

“You ready to go and get some food?”

“Always ready for food,” I say enthusiastically and then cringe. Jeez, I’m so bad at this.

Xander’s deep chuckle sends warmth through my lower stomach. “I like a woman with a good appetite.”

“Then I’m the girl for you,” I announce cheerfully as I close the hotel room door. “As you can see,” I add, patting my stomach.

Shit. Why did I do that? Now he’s looking at my pooch.

But the disgust I expect to see is absent. In fact, his gaze skims over me like he wants to devour me.

Holy shit. He likes big girls?

His eyes slam into mine. “How do you feel about pizza?”

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