Page 19 of Trust My Bodyguard

“Have to work early tomorrow.” He laces up. “I hope I can make it back in time to sleep six hours.” He checks his watch and curses.

I frown. “You went out of your way for the ladies.”

He shrugs. “Someone had to do it. Can’t have them at the mercy of some psycho fan.”

“Is that the only reason?” I raise an eyebrow.

Callum smirks. “What are you implying?”

“Come on. Tell me. Which one of the Ross sisters do you have a thing for?”

His face turns a deep shade of crimson for a second but it’s enough for me to catch. He stands and stomps his feet.

“Neither. I’m just trying to keep both safe and I can’t do that while working. We’re swamped with cases at the office and theirs is not a priority to the city. Threats to celebrities are a dime in a dozen. Even break-ins. These big-time folks just hire bodyguards and hope for the best.”

“But you didn’t leave them to their own devices.”

He narrows his gaze, getting defensive now. “They’re both in over their heads with it. Iris never handled her own business, which was her parents’ responsibility. I doubt she’d develop the smarts for it out of nowhere. Ivy’s heart is in the right place, but she’s no expert on dealing with shit like this. That’s why I brought them to you.” He looks me in the eye. “Keep them safe.”

“You know I will.”

“Try not to fight with Ivy while you’re at it.”

It’s my turn to scowl. “I won’t.” I plan to be ready for her if she starts something, but I’m never admitting it.

He takes my hand and grips it tightly. “I trust you. Keep me updated with your findings. If you need my help, I’m always available.”

“Of course.” I draw him in and tap my hand on his back. “Drive safe.”

The room plunges into silence as Callum exits. The sisters are probably already asleep by now. It’d do me a world of good to get some shuteye too.

First, I need to make sure everything’s secure here. I’m sure Callum already did so, but there’s no harm in double-checking. I exit the house through the front door and catch the taillights of his car leaving.

I cast my gaze left and right into the night, farther than the perimeter of the security lights. Then I walk around to the back. Nothing’s out of place here either.

Back inside, I kick off my boots, take off my coat, and peel off my gloves. There’s a flame burning in the fireplace, warming up the room. I sit in front of it for a moment before returning to lie on the couch.

My legs hang over the edge and it takes a bit of trying to get my back in a position that won’t cause it to knot while I sleep. With nothing to do but wait for peaceful oblivion, I grab my phone to call my mom.

I haven’t told her yet what Nick, Zane, and I are up to, but this is as good a time as any. She answers immediately and her face pops up on the screen.

Nick wasn’t wrong when he said my mom is beautiful. But to me, she’s more than just that. She’s hope and love all wrapped up into one bright smile that melts my heart.

“Brody darling,” she coos. “How are you? Haven’t heard from you in a minute.”

“I’m fine, Mom. Just a bit busy.”

“With what? I hope it’s something fun. You should be having fun up there.”

“Yes, Mom. But more than that, I’m working.”

A curious look pulls her eyebrows together. “Working? What kind of work? Has Cliff got you cleaning again?”

I chuckle. “Of course not. Remember I told you I was meeting up with Nick and Zane?”

“You did. How’s Zane?” She has a fond smile on her face. “And how is Nick?

She’s thought the world of Nick since we were boys. Probably because he has the unique ability to charm anyone into loving him. While Zane and I were being bad when we messed up, Nick was only being silly. Everyone fell for his shtick. Everyone but Nancy that is. I really should arrange that meeting.

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