Page 34 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

“If we can’t ask for it, we’re probably not ready.”

Payton covered his face with his hands.

“Whoa, what a ring,” Elias commented. “Lennie, you went all out.”

“It’s Payton. He deserves the best.”

“Lennie,” Payton sighed. “What are we doing?”

“We’re taking our time,” I replied. “Making sure we’re doing the right thing.”

“But shouldn’t we just file? I mean, this is crazy. It’s not like we’re going to actually stay married, right?”

I’m not gonna lie. His words hurt. Because, yes, it was crazy. But yes, I wanted to stay married to Payton. Holy fucking shit. I loved him. I was in love with Payton…

There’s nothing like the shock of realizing you’re in love with the man you’re about to divorce. I wanted to protest his statement, but I called on all my training to stay calm. To do what was best for Payton. He was my only concern. His happiness before mine.

“If you’re ready to move forward, then I’ll respect your wishes,” I bit out, my hands digging into the arms of the chair. I’m surprised I didn’t break the damn thing into pieces.

“Payton?” Elias looked at him. “We can start with the basic information since I assume this will be a no-contest divorce. As I said, it will take three to four weeks to finalize, maybe less. I’ll need your?—”

Payton shot up out of the chair. “I can’t do this.”

“What? But you just said?—”

“I know, but I need more time.” Payton looked at me and sat down again. “Is that okay?”

I nodded. Of course, it was okay. I was relieved and concerned all at once. It meant I had time to convince him this marriage wasn’t the worst thing that had ever happened to us, but the best. But as tohowI was going to do that, I had no idea.

Elias leaned back in his chair and studied us. “Take a week or two, do what you need to, and then get back to me. Sound good?”

Payton nodded. “Thank you, Elias.”

“You can call me El. And no worries. I hope you guys can work it out.”

Man, I hoped so too.

Payton

“You ready to speak to Zoe?” Lennie asked. “We can walk to headquarters if you want. It’s only five minutes from here.”

Was I ready? I didn’t know anything anymore.

“Payton? Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine.”

I was sonotfine. But I was sure that once I was back at my place, and then back to work, everything would be. Then I’d be ready to file for divorce. From Lennie. God, saying or thinking the word ‘divorce’ made me feel nauseous. I thought I was going to throw up in Elias’s office. All over his desk, his laptop, and his designer outfit.

I stepped out of the building and onto the street, my legs shaky, almost losing my balance. Of course, Lennie offered his arm, and I couldn’t resist.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “It must be the lack of sleep.”

“Hold on tight. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I glanced up at his profile. The strong jawline, the slightly crooked nose. I so wanted to lean up and kiss him, to believe that what he said was true, but I held back. That would only confuse things. Not that things could get any more confused. Or complicated.

Until we got to the music label’s head office. Not only was Zoe there, but Jesse, the band’s manager. And his presence got me wondering. And worrying. Did the label have an issue withall the social media stuff about the wedding? I hoped to fuck that Lennie and I weren’t about to get fired.

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