Page 121 of Trust My Bodyguard

Outside the circle of light enveloping the table for two, the glass dome is dark showing off the night. It feels like being outside underneath the wan moon, gently falling snow, and thousands of stars without a chance of freezing to death. Despite being comfortably warm, a sweet thrill travels up my back and I shiver.

I walk forward until I’m standing within the glow of fairy lights, before the man who owns my heart. “You went all out.”

“Not nearly enough for you.” He steps over to me.

The three strides it takes him is enough time for me to drink in his tall, imposing length. He’s in dress shoes, a pressed shirt, and matching pants.

But it’s his eyes that hold me captive. Usually a cold gray that tells the world to back off, they’re soft and warm on me now, like a cozy blanket I want to fall into with no hope of getting out.

He takes my hand and kisses it while looking into my eyes. Based on how my body tingles from head to toe, it’s as though she doesn’t remember having this same man tangled around her just this morning.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, love.”

He’s taken to calling me that after we admitted to truly wanting each other. It’s been two weeks, and with every day that comes, my heart finds more space to fill up with more affection for him.

“Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, handsome.” I peck his cheek, my heels making it a lot easier to reach him. “Oops.” I make to wipe off the lip-shaped lipstick stain, but he catches my fingers in his.

“Don’t take it off.”

“Why not?”

“I want everyone to know who I belong to.”

My stomach swims, and my head spins. He says shit like this so matter-of-factly with almost no emotion that it’s crazy how much it melts me from the inside out.

“I like that. So, how would we show everyone I’m yours?”

“That’s only for you to know.” His eyes shine with dark intentions.

My core quivers. We’ve been treated to a steady dose of his promises and follow-throughs. I don’t know how else to live without having him by my side every day.

“Come on.” He leads me back to the table and pulls my chair out.

I take my seat, as does he.

“Who helped you set this up?”

“If you can believe it, Zane did.”

“What?” I bark a laugh.

“Yeah, and Sera, too.”

“And Nick?”

“He’ll be told after. I didn’t trust him to keep it from you.”

I giggle. “Well, I’m pleasantly surprised by all of it.” I take in the sight once more.

“I’m glad you are.” He picks up his menu. “I have all your favorite dishes lined up.”

“You know all my favorite dishes?”

“I had help from Iris.”

My heart warms. “You really put in the work.” I flip open the menu, and laughter belts out of me. “Mac and cheese?”

His face falls. “That’s what she said.”

---