Page 42 of Guarded from Danger

“Oh, the usual.” She sighs, her breath huffing loudly in my ear. I switch the phone to speaker and set it in front of me as she continues, “Work is okay. Although I got passed up for that promotion to account manager, so that kind of stinks. But it’s probably a good thing, really. Less pressure, you know?”

“Definitely.” Kali works for an advertising agency, and she’s been trying for a promotion for ages. She claims it’s because her boss is a misogynist, so like I’ve done many times before, I gently ask, “Have you thought about looking for another job? There are some great female-run companies in San Antonio.”

Another industrial strength sigh. “I’ve thought about it. But the idea of going on interviews, starting over… And if I meet someone and we decide to have kids, I won’t need to work anymore.”

Kali’s been talking about getting married and having kids since we were in high school, but she’s had terrible luck with guys. Either they decide they’re not ready to commit, end up cheating on her, or, like her most recent boyfriend, move across the world to live in Japan.

“True,” I agree. “Have you met anyone new?”

“Well, there was one guy at this speed dating event I went to last week. We made plans to meet for a drink, but he’s been traveling for work. So hopefully soon…”

“I’m sure it’ll be great.”

“If only I could meet someone like Xavier,” she says wistfully. “He’s like the ideal boyfriend. Sweet, generous, handsome, protective…”

Smiling to myself, I say, “He’s really great.”

“Oh!” Kali makes an apologetic sound. “I’m sorry, Lucy. I should have asked right away. Are you doing okay? Are you still at that security place?”

I’ve only told her it’s called Blade and Arrow about twenty times, but she never remembers. But that’s Kali. She’s a nice person, and I’ve known her for nearly twenty years, but she can be a bit self-absorbed at times. “It’s Blade and Arrow Security,” I tell her patiently, “and yes, I’m still here.”

“Oh.” Disappointment tinges her voice. “I was hoping you’d be able to come home by now.”

“Yes, well, Xavier and his team think it’s still too dangerous. Since the person who abducted me hasn’t been caught yet.”

“That sucks. Do they think you’ll be able to leave soon?”

“They hope so.” But do Iwantto leave is another question. I love being here with Xavier. And I’ve grown to really enjoy living at the ranch with all his friends around. But he hasn’t brought up the topic of plans for after and I haven’t asked.

“Well. Once you get home, we need to get together. Have dinner or maybe hit that new martini bar near my place. You could stay over, and it’ll be like the sleepovers we had in high school.”

“Maybe,” I say noncommittally. Dinner, yes. But going out to a bar with Kali, where she’ll be trying to hit on half a dozen guys while I sit next to her, trying to send offdon’t talk to mevibes and wishing Xavier was there? I don’t think so.

As the conversation continues, returning to more talk about Kali’s job and her quest to find a future husband, I think about how our lives have diverged. How I’ll always stay friendswith Kali because of our shared history, but that we want dramatically different things.

I don’t want to go out in San Antonio to the upscale bars where bankers and attorneys gather to pick up immaculately-groomed women. I don’t want to marry a man who cares more about money than anything else. I’m not interested in extravagant vacations around the world and living in a gigantic mansion.

I like taking hikes with Xavier around the B and A property and having picnics in the woods. I like quiet nights watching TV and learning how to play poker and getting together with Xavier’s friends. And I don’t need a giant house with furniture too nice to sit on and rooms that never get used.

If I’m honest with myself, I’ve found everything I want right here.

“Well, I should get going,” Kali announces. “I have a yoga class in an hour, and I want to look extra nice for it. The instructor is hot.” She laughs. “If the speed dating guy doesn’t work out, maybe this one will.”

I smile at her optimism. “Okay. Have a good time. Let me know how your date goes.”

Once the call ends, I toss my phone to the side and let myself slip back into my fantasy. Living with Xavier for real, making this apartment our home, taking trips around the country to visit his old Army friends… and then, one day, getting engaged. Married. Maybe even having kids.

I can see a life with Xavier stretching out in front of me, weeks and months and years of it. Holidays and triumphs and sticking together when things get tough. Growing old with him.

“Lucy?” The door opens and Xavier appears in the doorway, a hesitant smile tugging at his lips. “Are you off the phone?”

“Yes.” I jump up from the bed and walk towards him. “I’ve been off for a few minutes. Is it safe to come out now?”

Uncertainty flickers in his eyes for a moment, but he quickly masks it. “It’s safe.” Taking my hand, he gives it a light squeeze. “I have a surprise for you, not that you hadn’t figured that out already.”

“Maybe,” I admit. “But I didn’t peek. So I have no idea what it is.”

“Good.” He tugs me out of the bedroom and down the hall. It’s just a short distance before we get to the closed guest room door, where he stops and turns to face me. “I hope you like this. But if there’s anything you want me to change, just tell me. It’s okay. Or if you hate all of it?—”

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