Page 43 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

I rummaged through Payton’s cupboards and located a box of pasta and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes. He also had parmesan cheese, one onion, and a head of garlic. And not much else, except a few frozen meals, three containers of ice cream, and yogurt.

“We’ve got enough here to make dinner,” I announced. “You got a big pot and a frypan?”

Payton pulled open his pantry door and pulled out the necessary equipment.

“Can you get the water going?” I asked. “I’ll make the sauce.”

“You’re going to spoil me,” Payton commented.

“And?”

“Don’t stop.” Payton smiled. “But I’m going to ask again. How come some wonderful man hasn’t snatched you up?”

“I was waiting for you.”

I confirmed my statement by leaning down and giving him a fierce kiss.

“So, there are no crazy ex-boyfriends I have to worry about?”

I shook my head. “My only attempt at a relationship was three years ago. I dated a guy I met at the gym. We were together for five months. But he didn’t like the fact that I was working late nights, or that I was away for weeks at a time. Or the fact I’d be so tired after a tour run that I didn’t want to go out. And it made me think that maybe a relationship wasn’t to happen for me. Since then, I’ve done the casual thing. When I needed sex, I hit a bar or a club. What about you? Don’t tell me you don’t have boyfriend stories.”

“I do, but I’d rather forget about them.”

“That bad?”

I slid my arm around Payton’s waist and drew him in tight, kissing his curls. Knowing anyone had hurt him, hurt me. He was so much more than beautiful. My man had a sensitive heart. And he had a lot of love to give. I’d watched him at work, how welcoming he was with everyone in the crew. Always making people laugh and wanting them to be a part of the conversation.

“I always ended up falling for the wrong guys,” he confessed. “Being wanted behind closed doors but not out in the open does a number on you. I always play off like I’m super confident andnothing ever gets to me. But when the person you love, orthinkyou love, is ashamed to be seen with you, it hurts.”

I squeezed him tighter.

“A lot of people aren’t comfortable in their sexuality, their identity. Either accepting it or expressing it. Whatever the case, it’s their problem, not yours. The right person will step out into the spotlight with you and show you off to the world.”

Payton glanced at me, his eyes welling up. He blinked away the tears before they fell, but I saw them. My heart ached for him.

“Will you?” he whispered.

My heart was pounding wildly.

“Yes.”

His luminous smile hit me hard.

“You know what?” he asked.

“What?”

“I’ve decided that I’m keeping this gorgeous ring you bought me. And, more importantly, I’m keeping you.”

I was happy with that.

CHAPTER 15

LENNIE

Payton and I were finishing up our dinner when my phone rang.

It was Regan. I tapped my phone.

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