Page 6 of Burning for the Bodyguard

I look around but don’t see anyone suspicious. No obvious freak with stalker stamped across his forehead. Just regular people going about their business.

I blow out a shaky breath, cursing my overactive imagination. I’m three hours from home, for God’s sake. Pretty sure whoever is leaving me unwanted gifts and scary notes wouldn’t follow me this far.

I think back to the note I found this morning.

You looked amazing in that green dress yesterday. Makes me want to rip it off your body while I fuck you until you scream.

I shiver. God, I hope no notes are left while I’m away. I don’t want Miss Carter subjected to my little problem.

A horn blares, making me jump. I suddenly realize I’m standing in the middle of the gas station, blocking another car from the pump. I lift a hand in a lame apology and scurry to my car.

I try to regulate my breathing as I start the engine and get back on the road. Checking my rearview mirror, I don’t see anyone following me and relax a little. I turn the music up again, letting the smooth harmonies of “Girl, You Shine” soothe my frazzled nerves.

I’m not prepared for the lavishness of my hotel suite. The receptionist said something about a mix-up and giving me an upgrade, but I wasn’t expecting this.

I drop my bags and pull out my phone to FaceTime Dani.

“Hey, Chastity. What’s up? Have you arrived?” Dani answers, a grin splitting her face.

“Uh, yeah. Just got to my room. This is a very big, very lavish room for little ol’ me,” I say, pointing the camera phone around the suite.

“Holy crap, you got an upgrade,” Dani exclaims. “One of the perks of being an honored guest.”

“I feel like a princess,” I say, walking around the huge bed and into the enormous bathroom. “The bathroom looks like something from a luxury interior design magazine, and there’s even a sitting room with the biggest TV I’ve ever seen.”

“Enjoy it, babe. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us all.”

“You’re right,” I reply, turning the camera back to face me. “I’m going to soak up every detail.”

“Did you pack the dress I told you to buy? The green one that brings out your eyes and makes you look like Jessica Rabbit?”

I nod. “Yeah, but I may need a drink or ten before I have the courage to wear it.”

“Rubbish! Put it on now so I can see.”

“Now? But I just got here, and?—”

“No buts. Show me the goods,” Dani instructs, her face set in stubborn lines.

I sigh, knowing she won’t let this go. “Okay, bear with…”

“I can wait,” Dani says, sinking onto the sofa behind her and crossing her arms.

I prop the phone on a pillow on the bed and quickly retrieve my case by the door. Pulling out the dress in its garment bag, I head to the bathroom and change.

“There’s no way I can wear something with a slit this high,” I grumble, tugging the fabric over my exposed thigh as I return to the bedroom.

“Holy shit, you look amazing,” Dani gasps as I twist and turn in front of the phone.

“Really?” I ask doubtfully. “I never thought I could pull off something like this.”

“Honey, you’re not simply pulling it off, you’re owning it,” Dani says, leaning forward. “Take your hair down.”

I pull my hair out of the clip so my copper locks fall in waves to my waist. I adjust my necklace perfectly and stare at my reflection in the bedroom mirror. The woman staring back at me looks so different from the practical caregiver I’ve allowed myself to be.

“You look stunning, Chastity,” Dani says softly. “I know you’ve always tried to be confident about your curves, but I see through you. All the teasing and insults in high school aren’t easy to forget, and I’m damned proud of you.”

I should’ve known Dani would see through my façade. I learned to shrug off the nasty comments and pretend I didn’t care. My peers even picked apart my name along with my appearance, calling me Chas-titty, among other things.

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