Page 8 of Stalking His Target

“Open relationship? What’s that mean?” I frown.

Taylor gives me a look like I’m just the sweetest little thing in the world, and that’s it–I’m blushing again. “It means that we’d still be together, but we could have sex with whoever we wanted.”

I quickly put a hand to my mouth to stop myself from gasping.

“What? Why would she suggest that?”

Taylor raises his eyebrows. I’m forcing him back into memories he’s clearly put behind him. This is making him uncomfortable.

“She thought it would keep me around,” he replies. “Figured if I was ‘satisfied’ that she and I would work out.”

I shouldn’t ask anymore.

I should stop now.

But I have to know.

“So…did you?”

Taylor scoffs. “Hell naw. Relationships don’t work like that for me. If I’m with a woman, I’m with her. She’s my one and only.”

Yeah, my panties are melting for sure now. I thought Taylor couldn’t get any more perfect, and I was wrong.

“That’s very noble of you.” I nod. “Most guys would take advantage of an offer like that.”

“Well, I’m not most guys.”

That’s the truth.

I’m finding it hard to breathe. Moments ago I was waking up nice and relaxed. Now, after only a few minutes with Taylor, I’m jittery and filled with fire.

I take a bite of my toast and stand. “I should get going. I’ve got work later, and I have to shower–”

“I’ll walk you,” Taylor says, standing. His eyes are truly brilliant as he fixes them on me, and I’m reminded of how small I am compared to him as I look up at his fierce, protective gaze.

Why is he being so nice to me?

He clearly has no issues getting women, and he didn’t even try to make a move on me last night. And why would he? I’m justsome awkward virgin, and he’s a leading Hollywood man just waiting to make his big break.

“You don’t have to.”

“I insist.” There’s that accent again. Some girls might dismiss him as just another cowboy, but it’s just right to me. “I wouldn’t feel right if I let you go and those men came back and I wasn’t there.”

The tingling between my thighs is back, and I’m starting to overheat. I take a deep breath, but that only serves to send more of his mouth-watering scent back into my lungs.

I do want him to take me. So why protest?

“Okay.” I smile. “You can be my bodyguard.”

“I got no problem with that, dear.”

Taylor brings our dishes to the sink while I go to the bedroom to get my things. It’s odd wearing heels with sweatpants and a T-shirt as he escorts me back to my building, but what do I care? Anyone wants to make fun of me can just look at the gorgeous man walking beside me.

When we reach my door, I look up at my window and feel a sense of dread. “Would you mind…just coming up with me?” I ask Taylor. “To make sure no one is there?”

I’m sort of playing the helpless-female card but I am also actually worried. If my uncle’s rivals failed to kidnap me, there’s no reason they wouldn’t also break into my apartment to try again.

“Not a problem, sweetheart,” Taylor says. “Lead the way.”

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