Page 69 of The Bodyguard

I thought we were best friends. I thought we were as close as two friends should be. But life has been so busy, and I employed her.

I messed it up.

And I need to fix it.

But now I’m not sure we are friends, and my heart just feels sad about it.

“I suppose she just works for me now.” I smile sadly.

“Not everyone is a best friend for life. People come and go,” Nick says, straightening his utensils. “I’m your friend and fellow nominee, so focus on those who do care about you.”

I smile, but it feels fake.

Not because he isn’t being a friend, but because he kind of missed the point. There are people in my life I love who don’t seem to love me.

It hurts.

It really hurts.

And, as my eyes dart over to Ryder, I realize that he’s doing the same thing. Closing me out.

He shouldn’t matter.

But he does.

God, I slept with him once and he won’t even kiss me. Am I that desperate to be loved and accepted?

The guy is my bodyguard. A hot bodyguard, yes, but seriously, he’s just a guy who wanted to fuck Savannah Sinclair.

I’m such a fool.

“Come on. Let’s celebrate in style like the fucking rich movie stars we are.” Nick waves out and our server appears immediately. “Oysters. Your best champagne. Lobster.”

I giggle.

“Make that two bottles. And every other stupidly priced thing on your menu,” Nick adds.

“What are you doing?” I keep laughing.

“Enjoying our success. We should have choppered here.”

“I’m staying two blocks away.” I choke on my wine and cough.

“Exactly. Golden Globe nominees do not drive. We helicopter everywhere from now on!” He winks at me.

I almost reach over and kiss him. This is what I need. Not because we’re spending an insane amount of money—we are—but because we are celebrating.

Celebrating our amazing achievement despite what my family has said or thought or judged.

Nick has given me something tonight no one else in my life has: a place to celebrate and not feel guilty.

Even more importantly, I let myself.

Over the next few hours, plate after plate, bottle after bottle arrives at our table. Nick makes me laugh all evening and I even force myself to ignore Ryder, who is watching from the shadows.

I know he’s unhappy, but I can’t do anything about it if he won’t talk to me.

So fuck him too.

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