Page 61 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

At my silence, he clears his throat.

“You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to, but I wanted to give you an option in case you want to. I know your old publisher was traditional and only did face-to-face interactions, but this one has online services. The family’s here at the moment in case you want to discuss it with them now, but they also have a small branch in San Diego in case you’re not ready to discuss it or decide yet…”

He sounds nervous by the time he’s done talking, as if dreading my reaction. I can only look him in the eye as I’m overcome with emotion.

“You know what?”

He swallows. “What?”

I kiss his cheek, then his lips. Then I hug him tightly.

“This is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.”

He relaxes and kisses me back.

“It’s not romantic. It’s just me trying to help someone out.”

My mind gets on board with that. But my heart?

It’s already trying not to burst out of my chest while I’m trying hard not to read too much into it.

Chapter 19

Christian

“So, you own a security company? That’s impressive.”

The words are friendly, but I’ve never felt more awkward trying not to reveal more information about my agency, particularly its connection to Raven. Raven’s trying not to say anything, too, while we navigate dinner with her parents and try to convince them that no, I’m not dating their daughter, and yes, we’re nothing but platonic friends who definitely aren’t hooking up.

“Yes. Thank you. But my team of agents is the heart of the company. All I do is give them assignments and their competence and skills handle the rest.”

Mr. Jones is intrigued by my answer, while Mrs. Jones is surprised. Raven frowns at me.

“Don’t sell yourself short. A company like that takes hard work and you deserve the credit.”

My heart warms at her defense, and I can only nod. Mrs. Jones watches our exchange, then clears her throat.

“It all sounds fascinating.”

I take a forkful of the spaghetti on my plate and nod. “It is. Your food is so delicious, Mrs. Jones. The last time I had spaghetti this good was in this fancy restaurant, but yours is so much better.”

“Thanks. It’s a family recipe.”

I know I’m laying it on too thick, but it’s the truth. Raven’s mother looks pleased at the compliment, her cheeks turning pink. She and Raven look so much alike except for her eyes, which she got from her dad.

Speaking of…

Mr. Jones leans forward.

“Where did you guys say you met again?”

I open my mouth, but Raven beats me to it. “He lives in Honey Lee’s town. I became friends with him, his sister, and her husband when I stayed there. Then I found out he was headed here for business, so we decided to just come here together. I get to be his tour guide, too.”

It’s the truth, only edited a bit, but it sounds so innocent that I almost laugh. Thankfully, her parents buy it, relaxing more in my presence and opening up about their life in the city. They’re pretty laid back, enjoying their retired life, so I talk about my parents, too, and how they’re spending their retirement traveling the world.

“That’s great. I bet your parents are having fun.”

“They are. They’re having the best time.”

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