Page 3 of Covert Affair

I thought about it for a moment. “Nope.” I wouldn’t have a clue who Cody is if he walked up to me on the street.

“Exactly. I called in a favor. Cole Security sent him in to be your date. He’s highly trained. He knows how to blend in. One of the best of the best, but a new face to anyone who’s been watching you. Cody will be waiting outside with the limo when it arrives. Your driver is also a member of their staff and your usual bodyguard will be with you both all night too.”

“I didn’t realize the security firm we contracted with is also an escort service. Not sure I want to see the bill for this either,” I muse.

“Oh, please tell Cody that one. I’m sure he’d love to hear it,” she chuckles. “No sex with this guy though, okay? An escort he is not.”

I snort. “Right, because I’m all about mixing business with pleasure.” Which is exactly why I turned Grady down when he asked me to hook-up with him the second time, and I knew he was still hung up on someone else.

Jane runs through our cover story and what I should say if people ask about my date, which they will. Especially with how hard we’ve denied the rumors about Grady and me. This poor guy, they’re going to make him out to be so much more than what he actually is. I hope he’s ready.

Traffic’s light today and I arrive back at the hotel in record time. Deciding I could use a little sun, I change into my favorite bikini and head to the pool.

I’m lounging poolside half an hour later, trying to enjoy what’s left of my late afternoon/early evening when my phone dings with a text from Jane.

Jane: Change of plans. THIS should be walking toward you in any minute. I know he’s super early and was just supposed to meet you right before the show tomorrow but, go with it.

Attached is a picture of a guy my age, brunette, blue eyes, some scruff, and a charming smile. Looks like the perfect fake dating profile photo.

Stacey: Am I supposed to complain about this? Aww, Jane, are you setting me up on a blind date?

Someone clears their throat, and I look up, coming face to face with the hottie whose face is still plastered on my phone.

“Oh! Hi…” I quickly toss my phone face down onto the lounge chair.

Hot Stuff holds out his hand, “Stace! I’ve missed you, babe.” And, if the timbre of his voice wasn’t enough to make me weak in the knees, he winks.

Quickly following his cue, I take his hand as he pulls me to my feet and wraps me in a warm hug. Did I mention he’s got a killer six pack and the rest of his body is just as hard? He’s laying it on thick too. I wonder if he’s taken acting classes.

“Cody. Jane said she let you know of my early arrival,” he whispers in my ear, setting my skin on fire.

If he notices his effect on me, he doesn’t let on.

“You’re early! I wasn’t expecting to see you until tomorrow. I thought you had to…work, Cody. But, I’m SO glad you’re here. Plenty of time to catch up.”

My phone dings again. I reach for it only to find myself pulled between Cody’s legs as he sits down on my lounge chair. His semi hard-on presses against me and damn near distracts me from the message waiting.

Jane: I’m going to kill Grady. You’ve got to sell this relationship.

I let out a nervous laugh and showed the last text to Cody. “I’m guessing you know about this?”

Cody flashes me his stunning smile then kisses my cheek. “I couldn’t very well let some Nashville hot shot try to steal my girl, now could I?”

Oh. This guy is good. I could see myself falling for him in a heartbeat. Guess it’s a good thing I’ve sworn off men and that this is all for pretend. Not to mention the fact that he probably loves to give orders.

And well…I listen to no one.

He leans a little closer and whispers in my ear again. “We’re being watched. Let me take you back to your room.”

I’m not sure if it’s Cody or the threat of being watched that gives me goosebumps. But the thrill of him taking me back to my room leads my mind down a very dirty path, enough to distract me from the worry of having eyes on us.

For show, he places a hand on my cheek and kisses the tip of my nose. “Shall we?”

“Lead the way,” my voice comes out far more sultry than I intended.

2

CODY

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