Page 24 of Protector

“It’s no big deal. I just noticed you look just as beautiful without makeup as you do completely done up.”

We crest the hill, and Shay stops to do some stretches. “You really think so?”

“I do.”

“Thank you. I think.”

“Itisa compliment.”

“Yeah, I know, but it’s my job to look better in makeup.” I’m about to disagree when she says, “Well, I suppose that’s not totally true.” She rests a hand on my shoulder as if she needs me to balance while lifting a leg behind her to stretch. “More wisdom from Uncle Todd.”

I pretend her touch doesn’t affect me and say, “That’s what old people do. Sit around and share their wisdom.”

“Except you’re doing so much more than that. You’re keeping me safe.” She teeters and puts her other hand on my forearm to balance herself while my arms go to her trim waist.

Without her heels, she has to look up to see my face. And though she’s wearing an awkward smile, she’s breathless. “See…”

Our gazes stay locked, hers wide and sparkling blue under the bright sky. Any man would happily die if this was the last sight he’d ever see. There’s something about Shay; I can’t put my finger on it—the combination of sweet and alluring is so magnetic it’s scary. Holding her in my large hands makes me ache for something I shouldn’t even be considering. As our chests rise and fall far too deeply, I fight to come to my senses.

What the hell am I doing?

I take her hands in mine and remove them from my body. “Yes, I do see, Shay. It’s my job,” I say firmly and definitively.

Her lips pull tightly. I know she understands. Then she nods. “We better get moving.”

The rest of the run is short and filled with silence. At the gym, Shay introduces me to her trainer, Michael. I stick close by as she works out both alone and with his guidance.

At one point, I see her look down at her phone resting beside her. She frowns, then throws a fake smile Michael’s way. I know we’re still getting familiar with each other, but I’m certain she’s upset. So, I wait for him to step away and approach her.

“What is it?”

Staring up at me, she tilts her head, her gaze narrowed. “How’d you know?”

“I just did.” I gesture to her phone. “It was him?”

She grabs the cell and holds it in her lap. “Good morning, my beautiful princess.That’s all. Unknown caller.”

“Just leave it for now. We’ll deal with it when we get back.” I nod. “Try not to worry.”

She nods, and when Michael walks back up, she’s once again, throwing on that dazzling smile. I’m sure this trainer thought he hit the jackpot when he got this assignment. But the thought that pushes to the front of my mind is how often Shay has to appear happy when she’s not. That doesn’t sit well with me.

* * *

Once Shay’s done with her workout, we take an Uber back to her mom’s house, and after we’ve both showered and dressed, she spends the next few hours answering my questions and giving me all the information I’ve been asking for since I agreed to this job. We work on compiling any correspondence she’s saved from the perp so I can forward it to my IT person at the security company as well as connect our IT person with hers.

“Let’s talk about this Rio guy. Any chance he’s the guy?”

“No.” She leans her elbows on the table. “No way. He’s a friend. I’ve known him a few years. It wouldn’t make any sense.”

I wait a beat to find the best way to word this. “You’re probably right, but if it comes to it, we’ll have to look into everyone you come in contact with. We can’t afford to rule anyone out.”

Looking solemn, she nods.

I know what she’s thinking. I’ve done this enough times to see the obvious guilt. “This is not your fault, and anyone who cares about you has nothing to hide and won’t mind me checking them out.”

“I guess you’re right. I just hate feeling like people are inconvenienced because of me.” She looks thoughtful a moment before pressing on. “Plus…I’m paying you as a bodyguard, but you’re doing so much more.”

I smile because it’s not something I always do, but I have at times. The fact that they’re not ready to go to the police is reason enough for me to stay on top of this. And I won’t press her just yet. “What can I say. I’m a Jack of all trades.”

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