Page 88 of Trust My Bodyguard

I turn around and resume walking.

“Or, in your case,” his voice is closer, “a nice day for a walk without the guard that’s meant to protect you.”

“I didn’t know where you were.” I keep my eyes on my feet, counting my steps.

“Because you didn’t look, right?”

He’s right. I didn’t because I don’t want a lecture on safety. I tuck my chin and ignore him. Maybe like the thoughts I’m trying to escape, if I don’t reply the both of them, they’ll float away on the breeze together.

“I understand you loathe my company.” Brody comes up on my shoulder, walking alongside me. Our footsteps sync up but his strides are longer with more reach. “I don’t think you’re a burst of color for our dreary world either. But since it’s my job to keep you out of harm’s way, I have to be by your side. I can’t do that if you’re sneaking out now, can I?”

“I didn’t sneak out.”

“Oh? Then why did I see you through the window of the conference room hiding your face?”

I pause and turn to him. “I…”

He lifts his eyebrows, urging me to speak.

“I wasn’t hiding. I was simply looking down.”

Something sneaks into his eyes. Something akin to confusion. What’s there to be confused about?

I don’t look for much longer to find out. I keep walking. I don’t know where I’m going but I hope I can find peace along the way.

Footsteps pad behind me, sounding quicker as Brody catches up.

“Hey.” He grabs my arm, pulling me to a stop. He stands before me, gray eyes… not mad or hard or angry. They’re warm and, dare I say, kind.

I look over my shoulder. Did he leave himself behind?

“I’m taking you out to dinner tonight.”

My eyes widen. Dinner? With Brody?

“Wear something nice for it.”

Is he pulling my leg? I wait for thepsych,but it never comes.

“Why?” My voice comes out as a throaty whisper.

Brody’s eyes run over my features and weariness sneaks into his gaze. “You’ve been through a lot. You deserve a break.”

“Oh.” I tuck a loose strand of hair that flies around my face, unsure what to feel. Or do. I’m used to going from a fight to getting hot and heavy with him.

This new Brody, the one that looks at me with a gentle—seriously, what?—gaze is unnerving me. Or maybe that’s justbutterflies from getting seen by the man that makes my body sing.

Whatever it is, it lifts my spirits for the first time today.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Brody

I’m seated in the room’s sitting area, waiting for Ivy. Thirty minutes ago, she stole into the bathroom under the pretext of getting ready. I know she already showered, so what’s the holdup?

I rein in my desire to knock and ask why she’s been there so long. It’s a date, not a drill.

Adate. I still can’t believe she agreed. She’d looked wary when I asked. Maybe she thought I was playing a game or making an elaborate joke.

---