Page 99 of Burning for You

“Are you sure he’s trustworthy? He used to work for your ex.”

“He couldn’t stand Josh, Dad. He’s good, he’s experienced.”

“A pro fighter isn’t the same as a bodyguard. He’s too young,” Albert insists.

“He’s good. I’m sure your guy—what was his name? I’m sure he’s good too, but Sam is fine.”

What is she talking about?

Perhaps realizing she hasn’t filled me in on the details about Albert’s proposed security arrangements, Carolyn says to me, “Dad thought I should hire another bodyguard. Apparently he specializes in protecting prominent daughters.”

Albert says, “Wolf is the best. But he’s been hired to guard Vicky Katsanos.”

“That oil tycoon’s daughter? She’s just a kid!” Carolyn then looks at me. “Levi will protect me, better than any other man. Bodyguard or not.”

Albert nods, glancing toward where Leah has disappeared to. “So, Bright is laying low at the moment,” he says.

“He’ll probably devise an attack of some sort. He’s too broke to do anything with Brilliance, but I don’t really know what he’s thinking.”

“And our old friend Rupert is still on the run from the IRS,” Albert says.

“Please, can we not talk about those two?” Carolyn complains.

“Of course. Let’s talk about you and Mr. Holt, then,” Albert says.

“Come on, Dad, call him Levi,” Carolyn says.

“So, Levi, you’re a builder?” Albert says.

Of course, Daddy is interested in what I do for a living. “Yes.”

Just in time, Leah joins us.

Easing into the silence, Carolyn restarts the conversation. “Levi has an awesome plan for a plot of land by the lake in Montana. You should see his drawings,” she says.

I’m not sure if I can impress her dad with those sketches, but I appreciate her attempt to let me shine. Still, my mission tonight is to put the spotlight on Carolyn’s happiness, and I want her parents to realize I’m the reason.

And it seems that Leah notices. She says, “Someone looks excited.”

“It’s a stunning plan, Mom. You would want to live there too, once you see it.”

“I’m actually surprised she’s survived living in New York City, our Caro. She wanted to live… hey!” Leah casts excited eyes on me. “She wanted to live by the lake. Didn’t you say that, love? When you were little.”

Carolyn smiles. “Yes, actually. We’d just come back from Switzerland, I think. I remembered Lake Lucerne was magnificent. But you know I love New York.”

Albert then asks me, “So, your heart is in Montana?”

“I’ve lived in New York for a while now. I’m willing to live anywhere, as long as I’m with Carolyn.”

Albert Meyer nods.

“I will move to Montana,” Carolyn says. “As long as it’s in that house you drew.” She gives me a peck on the cheek.

This time a grin paints Albert’s face. Carolyn’s excitement seems to have caught on—exactly what I aimed to draw out of him. But his face is still hiding a lot. “I would really love to see those drawings, Levi.”

There’s another long pause. This time, Leah jumps in. “Caro says you’re a great cook.”

“Oh… you can thank my mom for that.”

---