Page 31 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

Just sex, my ass.

With one last look, I gathered up my stuff and headed back into the bedroom. I packed away my lace pants and then realized I’d left the top in Lennie’s bedroom. It was ripped anyway, so it’s not like I could use it again. Pushing the image of Lennie desperately trying to get me naked out of my head, I grabbed my suitcase and headed down the stairs.

Walking down the hallway to the kitchen, I spotted Lennie at the stove. In slim-fit jeans, a navy crewneck sweater, and bare feet, he was humming a tune and cooking. His hair was still wet, sticking up on end, and he had a tea towel slung over one shoulder.

My heart literally ached looking at him. Too late, he glanced up and caught me staring.

“Morning,” he smiled and turned off the burner.

“Morning.”

I sauntered into the kitchen but hesitated at the last moment. It was not like me at all.

“Espresso?” Lennie asked.

“Please and thanks,” I replied and walked over to the stove. “Anything I can help with?”

“The gravy’s done. Biscuits are in the oven. Hungry?”

Oh darling, not for food.

“Lennie, I?—”

“Don’t, Payton. It’s fine. You’re entitled to change your mind, all right?”

Lennie was back in brisk work mode. And I hadn’t changed my mind; I freaked out. But I was too scared to tell him.

He turned away and started making our espressos, then placed them on the breakfast counter. I stared into the pot of gravy and absently reached for the spoon, stirring it. The smell was wonderful, but my stomach was clenched so tight there was no way I was going to be able to eat.

When a timer pinged, I glanced around for his potholders. Until Lennie placed his hands on my hips and gently moved me out aside so he could pull the biscuits from the oven.

“Can you grab two plates?” he asked me.

Now that I’d cooked in his kitchen, with his Nonna, I had familiarity with where everything was located. I opened the cupboard door near the fridge and grabbed two large plates, then passed them over to Len.

“Thanks. Go have a seat and I’ll plate this up,” he replied. “I hope you enjoy this. To be honest, I buy the frozen biscuits, but I made the gravy from scratch.”

God, how could he make normal conversation after last night? But this was what I wanted, right? Back to normal. After all, flirting with a man I worked with was one thing. A relationship was a whole other story.

Like a zombie, I shuffled over to the breakfast bar and slowly sat on one of the stools.

“How did you sleep?” Lennie asked. “Do you want juice? Water? I’ve got?—”

“Okay, stop,” I blurted out. “Can we talk about what happened last night instead of acting like it never did?”

Lennie placed a hot biscuit on each plate, cut them in half, and then spooned over the gravy. When he picked up the plates, I noticed the slight tremble in his hands. He set them down slowly and took the seat beside me.

“I thought you wanted space,” he replied quietly. “And that meant not talking about it.”

I stared at the food in front of me. “I can’t do this.”

“Look, as soon as we’re done with Elias and Zoe, I’ll drive you home.”

“Not that! The food smells delicious, but I can’t eat. My stomach’s tied up in knots. And it’s all your fault.”

“My fault?”

“Yes, you, Leonardo!” I stared at him. “Why did you have to kiss me like that?”

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