Page 75 of Close Protection

As soon as Jake sits down I can feel Daphne relax, and I know I should be happy about that but I’m not. Why does she feel better now he’s showed up? Who the hell even is he?

‘Jacob, hello!’ The older lady beams. ‘How are you, dear?’

‘Well, I was great until I heard you disrespecting healthcare professionals,’ he says, apparently not caring how he sounds or who hears him.

‘Oh, well…’ The older woman gets flustered, turning a deep shade of red. ‘I wasn’t disrespecting them, I was just pointing out that Daphne is a Green. She shouldn’t be concerning herself with things like that. I mean, surely you understand?’

‘I hear what you’re saying,’ Jake replies diplomatically, ‘but I think you’re wrong. Just because Daphne comes from a certain family doesn’t mean she has to follow what they do. I just so happen to be following in my father’s footsteps because I like it. Not because I have to.’ He turns to Daphne. ‘Do whatever makes you happy, Daph. The rest will sort itself out.’

She smiles at him and looks relatively pleased when the older woman excuses herself to ‘freshen up’.

‘Thank you,’ Daphne breathes when she’s gone. ‘If I had to explain to one more person why I’m choosing midwiferyover working with my father I would’ve been charged for murder.’

Jake laughs lightly. ‘Don’t worry, I get it.’

They continue to converse but I tune out.

I’ve only recently accepted that I have feelings for Daphne, and since then I’ve been whirling the idea around in my head seeing how it could work. But ever since I handed the keys to the valet this evening, that idea has been on pause. After seeing and hearing from Daphne about the kinds of money these people possess, it put everything into perspective. She fits into this world like a glove, as she rightfully should, accustomed to this kind of lifestyle. A lifestyle I can’t provide.

Yes, I know we’re young, but I wasn’t lying when I told Camilla I want to love her the way she deserves to be loved. She deserves to be showered with gifts, live in a big house and have everything her heart desires. But on a military salary I can’t do that.

Really, she belongs with someone like Jake. Handsome, smart, affluent. They even look perfect sitting next to each other. It’s easy to imagine them married with kids, a big house and a great life. But I don’t have to accept that.

I don’t have to be one of those guys who complain about their situation and don’t do anything about it. I can build a life for me and Daphne. A life she deserves, if she’s willing.

I’ll do whatever I need to do to make it work.

Then there’s the fact she’s not just anybody, she’s literally a job.

I’ve always remained professional, but from the moment I walked into the Greens’ house and sat next to her, I knew that was gonna be a problem. What will happen once I’ve finished the task force project? Will I be able to see her? The only reason I’m in this country is for a job, but as soon as it’s finished I move back to the States.

I hate thinking about this, but it needs to be done. I can’t run into a real relationship with her with no plan. But right now is not the time to have deep meaningful conversations with myself, so with an effort of will I tune back into the conversation between Jake and Daphne. I can think about all of this later.

‘You look beautiful, by the way,’ Jake states, his eyes respectfully skimming over her. ‘Milosh, you’re one lucky man and I think I’m gonna need your game card because you’re the first one to lock her down.’

‘Oh, please,’ Daphne scoffs. ‘You had your chance, you just blew it.’

‘That’s why I asked Milosh for his game card. He definitely did not blow it.’

All right. That’s enough of Jake for today.

‘I think it’s time for a dance,’ I state as I rise to my feet, holding out my hand to Daphne. The meal has long beenserved and eaten, and now people are either floating from table to table, catching up, or dancing to the slow song that the band is playing.

Daphne looks a little startled at my abruptness, but that quickly fades and she takes my hand, excusing herself to Jake.

She wraps her fingers around my forearm and we make our way into the crowd of couples wrapped up in each other.

‘Explain something to me,’ I say as I spin her into me, the jazz band transitioning into ‘That Old Feeling’ by Frank Sinatra. She drops her head to rest on my chest as we move together. Slow and rhythmic. ‘Why do you want to be a midwife?’

She doesn’t answer for a moment, letting the music float around us. ‘I want to help people, women especially.’ She melts further into me and just like that all my concerns about the future disappear as I hold her firmly against me, one hand on her back and the other wrapped around hers. ‘Birth is such a scary yet wonderful thing, and I want to be the person that helps families through it. I want every woman and baby that leaves my care to have a positive birth story. As calm and peaceful as possible, surrounded by a loving team.’

‘Well, I have no doubt you’ll be a fantastic midwife,’ I murmur into her hair. ‘You’re the most caring, loving personI’ve met, and I know you’ll give these mothers the best care they could possibly receive.’ She lifts her head off my chest, her mesmerizing chocolate eyes boring into mine.

‘You really think so?’

I let go of her hand and tuck a stray hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her neck for a split second before I look back into her eyes and nod. ‘I do.’

Bringing my hand back to hers we continue dancing, our bodies moving together in perfect harmony as I take the lead.

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