Page 11 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

“I’m sorry. It’s a long story, and?—”

“A long story, but a fast wedding. Don’t give me excuses,” she interrupted. “You didn’t even tell me you had a boyfriend. Then I get a text that you’re married? What’s going on?”

“Ma, here’s the thing?—”

Payton suddenly appeared beside me, and when I looked into his eyes, I forgot all about what I was going to say.

“Leonardo!” Mom yelled. “I want answers.”

‘Leonardo’? Payton mouthed, then bit back a laugh. I offered a rude gesture in return.

“Hello Mrs. Rizzoli, it’s Payton. A pleasure to meet you!” Payton yelled back.

People in the lobby stopped and stared at us. Jesus. Before my mom could respond with God knows what, I intervened.

“Ma, Payton and I have stuff to do today before we fly back to Nashville. I’ll call you when we get in, okay? Bye.”

I quickly tappedEndand turned off the call notifications. Then I opened my rideshare app and got our trip booked.

“You’re really in for it now,” Payton quipped.

I ignored his teasing.

“We’ve got rings to return. Let’s go,” I said as I stood up, holding my hand out to him.

“What are you doing?” he asked, looking at my hand like it was gonna bite him.

“I’m being polite. Now take my hand already,” I grumbled.

I’ve no idea why I insisted, but it felt right.

“Yes, sir.” He smirked as he slid his hand into mine, jumpstarting my heart.

Funny how once I touched Payton, I didn’t want to let go.

“I appreciate your manners,” he continued as he stood up. “But you don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do,” I insisted. “You’re my husband, even if it’s temporary. But more important than that, you’re my friend. And this is who I am.”

Payton stared at me with an expression on his pretty face I couldn’t quite read.

“Payton?” I asked, suddenly concerned.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

My phone pinged with the familiar rideshare notification. Reaching down with my other hand, I grabbed my bag, and we headed out of the lobby. The concierge held the door open, and I guided Payton to the edge of the sidewalk, the hit of dry desert air making my lungs seize.

Our car pulled up, and we hopped in. The drive to the jewelry store sparked more memories. Payton singing ‘Lover’ at the top of his lungs. And, surprisingly, my joining in. The poor driver…

We headed to the outskirts of Vegas, and yeah, the area was run down, full of abandoned buildings and old lots. Dazzle was a nondescript storefront stuck between a nail salon and a paydayloan place. It didn’t look like they sold high-end jewelry, but appearances in this town were deceiving.

We headed inside and were greeted by an older man with white hair who beamed when he spotted Payton.

“Welcome back!” The man gushed and motioned for us to come closer to the display case.

There were so many rows of glittering diamonds, it was blinding.

“You recognize us from last night?” I asked. I had no memory of this salesperson at all.

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