Page 52 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

“No, he’s not.”

He’s gorgeous from head to toe, but that’s an admission I’ll keep to myself.

“I had the biggest crush on him in high school. You should have seen how he and Nick were back then. They had girls mooning over them left, right, and center.”

My amusement grows bigger, remembering Christian’s embarrassing story. I open my mouth, wanting to ask Honey Lee if any feelings lingered after high school, but I change my mind as soon as we spot Aaron.

Yeah, no one lights up like that at the sight of their husband if they’re not completely in love with the person.

“Hey, girls. Why don’t I see shopping bags in those hands?”

Honey Lee rolls her eyes and giggles. “Because we haven’t gotten around to it yet, sweetheart. Can you give us some time?”

“How long is some time?”

“I don’t know…the whole day?”

Aaron rolls his eyes, too, but there’s so much affection in his features when he kisses her cheek and leaves the clothing boutique to do his errands. Honey Lee takes my hand and tugs me in the other direction, her excitement contagious.

“Come on. I think I see a blouse that would look good on you.”

* * *

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay the night here? There’s plenty of room.”

I back the car in the garage and close the garage door immediately before I leave through the side door. Home sweet home is the feeling I get the moment I step into the living room, which is bizarre since it’s not even my home. But I’ll take that nice, cozy sense it gives me.

“Honey Lee, we’ve already talked about this. I’m sure. I took up so much of your time today, and now it’s Aaron’s turn to spend time with you.”

“But he doesn’t mind you staying here, too.” I can almost hear her pout through the phone. “We can cook you dinner. Talk all night. Besides, I’m worried.”

“About?”

“You being alone there.”

Her worry is sweet, but over the past few weeks, I’ve come to the point where I don’t want my fears to dictate my actions. Staying at my cousin’s while there’s a perfectly nice, safe house here is just a step back in my mind, and I want to fight it.

“Don’t worry about me, Honey Lee. I won’t be alone for long since Christian’s coming back tonight. In fact, I’m sure he’s on his way. And we can have dinner another time, okay? When we’re not too exhausted after hours of shopping.”

At the last part, she groans. “We did shop too much. But it was worth it.”

“It was. So much fun.”

“Seriously, though, are you sure he’s coming back soon?”

“Yes, he texted me. He’s driving already. And I promise I’m all locked up and safe here.”

“But…”

“You’re fretting. Please don’t.”

“I suppose I am. And I suppose there’s no safer place than Christian’s house.” She sighs. “Fine. But will you promise to call me if something comes up?”

“Of course.”

When we hang up, I carry my shopping bags into my bedroom, excited since I also got some stuff for Jazzy and Jared. Then I head to the kitchen and start up a pot of stew, adding ingredients along the way until the place smells heavenly. I’m in a good mood, and I know a lot of it has to do with the text message I got from Christian earlier.

False alarm. There’s no trafficking here. But I’m glad I checked and I’m excited to go home.

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