Page 68 of The Bodyguard

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THE SERVER PULLS my chair out, and I thank her. Then slide into my seat as she places the napkin over my lap and waits.

“I ordered us a bottle of wine.” Nick says, as Ryder moves into the shadow, looking every bit the badass bodyguard he is in his gorgeous black suit and dark glasses.

Can he even see in those things?

I figure he must be able to.

But I can’t see his eyes and I hate it.

He said about three words to me on the way to Jean-Georges Restaurant in Manhattan and then made a call back to the Black Hawke security office.

They’ve made no headway on the stalker notes. The paper and pen used were standard materials, and the handwriting is not on any police databases.

“You told the police?” I asked Ryder.

“No.”

He gave no more information. I’m not sure how that works, but I do know the stalker is still out there and I have no idea when I’ll receive another one.

It’s unnerving.

I’m trying not to worry about it, but it’s easier when Ryder is not so cold. I’m thankful to have his protection. I just wish he’d tell me what has upset him.

Or if he regrets what we did.

“Babe?” Nick prompts.

“Oh, sorry. Thank you.” I glance up and smile, then the server fills my glass.

“The Lucien Crochet 2021 vintage, madam,” the server says. “Would you like to order?”

“Excellent choice.” I say, sipping the Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and then rest my arm on the table, relaxing.

“Give us a few minutes.” Nick says, tipping his head. “You look tired.”

I sip my wine again. “I am. Aren’t you?”

He shrugs and sips his own glass. “I’m used to the circus during a media tour and thrive on it, if I’m honest.”

“I noticed.” I smile.

“I remind myself how blessed I am, and that it might be the last time.” Nick says, taking a long sip of his wine.

“You’re right.” I sigh. “It’s not all of this”—I wave my hand out indicating the invisible celebrity status we both hold—“that’s draining me, it’s more the personal side of things.”

“Your dad still telling you that you have no talent?” Nick asks, surprised. When I nod, he adds, “Did he not see the Golden Globe nomination announcement this morning?”

I sigh and lift the glass to my lips, taking a long sip.

“No idea. Not one person outside this new world of mine has said congratulations. Not one.”

“That’s fucked up. What about your mom and sister, Ivy?”

I shake my head. Then I add, “No, not even Gina.”

Nick sips his drink thoughtfully, watching me. “How close are you?”

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