Page 6 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

Fuck, his lips were so close and so tempting.

“Of course, I did. You’re my husband,” Payton replied with a flirty grin.

My heart raced out of control.

“For the next week, at least,” he continued.

“A week?” I repeated.

“While you were in the shower, I googled how long it would take to get a divorce here. A week minimum. Usually, three tofour weeks. And the chapel where we got married? They file the license the next day, so yes, the marriage is legal.”

“So, we’re looking at being married for a month?”

Payton nodded, biting his lower lip.

Why did that news make me feel calmer? Shouldn’t I be stressed about being married at all, never mind like this?

Taking a deep breath, I reached for my shirt, slipped it on, and motioned to the door. “You ready to face the music, Mr. DeLaine?”

“I sure am,” Payton replied, picking up his designer handbag. “But remember, it’s Mr. Rizzoli now.”

Like always, Payton strutted out of the room and left me speechless.

CHAPTER 3

PAYTON

“Hold up!” Lennie called after me.

I was halfway down the hallway when I stopped short. It wasn’t like me to be rude and walk away, but I needed distance. For once, I was running from Lennie, not the other way around.

Being in close contact with him this morning was playing havoc with my head, my hormones, and strangely enough, my heart. It started racing the moment I realized he was in my bed, and it hadn’t calmed since.

When he finally caught up to me, he slid one arm around my waist, and I startled. Never mind racing. I was about to have a literal heart attack.

“What are you doing?” I asked, staring up into his eyes.

I couldn’t breathe, never mind walk another step.

“I’m, uh—” He paused, his face reddening. He pulled his arm away. “I guess I’m back in bodyguard mode. I don’t know. Sorry. Those stilettos are beautiful, but I don’t want you to trip or anything.”

Was this man for real? I thought for sure when Lennie saw me in my heels, with makeup on, he’d have scampered out of my hotel room, and I’d never see him again. Most of the men I’dslept with loved my look in private, but in public? Forget it. They didn’t like the attention I got, and most of them didn’t want to be seen with me.

You’re not sleeping with Lennie, remember? And he sees you in makeup and heels all the time.

“That’s very kind, Len, but you know I’m a pro when it comes to high heels,” I replied. “I manage fine on my own.”

I’d been doing everything that way since I was eighteen. After high school, I studied hair and makeup while working a full-time job, and I supported my mom when she got sick, taking care of her until her passing. With only a handful of family left, I was used to being independent. I didn’t need anyone.

Least of all this sweet, handsome bodyguard who was immune to my flirting.

“I know that, but you were walking so fast,” he added. “Be careful.”

“Careful? We blew that out of the water last night.”

Lennie chuckled and offered his arm to me like a gentleman. And me? Well, I figured I might as well enjoy his attention while I had it, right? I placed my hand on his forearm, and we walked to the elevator.

I should be freaking out like I was first thing this morning. Then again, it was a silly drunken wedding. There was nothing to worry about. We’d be divorced before I knew it. Back to normal.

---