Page 111 of If Our Hearts Collide

“Huh,” Chris says with a hum, “is that what went wrong?”

Part of our military training was anticipating events happening before they happened. I’m not surprised that Chris’s intuition is kicking in. He’s an insightful kind of guy.

“I’m not going to get into details. I can set up a discreet meeting with Penny for you to officially meet her and see what you think from afar.”

“Okay…”

“I still will have to check out a few things and, of course, consult my boss about the potential change in assignment if I move forward with hiring you. I’m sure he’ll want to meet with you, as well as his younger brother, Nic.”

Chris nods, absorbing all of the information I’m giving him. “Sounds good.”

“I’ll be in touch, but don’t worry. I’ll cover all the living expenses leading up to the final decision. I have to do what will make the most sense for the Hoffmans.”

“Understood. You need to be thorough. No hard feelings either way.”

We smack hands again and then get into our vehicles. When I start the engine, a feeling of dread consumes me, as if I’m making a poor decision.

Am I?

Is this what’s best for Penny, or is this what’s best for me? I’ve spent the past forty-eight hours vetting potential candidates. While Chris was an add-on to the list, I think he’s the best fit for his qualifications. I doubt he’ll put up with Penny’s stubbornness either. His no-nonsense personality might be exactly what she needs to keep her in line.

My phone buzzes from the cupholder and I see Nic’s name, followed by Graham’s, appear on the notifications list in a group text asking me if I am up for some sparring at the gym. The guys have been known to take their lunch break at the gym and blow off some steam, but this is very early for them to want the adrenaline rush. Right now, I feel pretty tense. I need to work through my aggression if I’m going to be mentally clear to make hard decisions. I text back with confirmation, backing out of the parking spot.

With Penny resisting my guidance, I’m trying my best not to smother her but still keep tabs—at least until I can get an official replacement figured out. When a final decision has been made, I’ll fill her in. There’s no need to cause her any more stress than I already have.

Penny is living life in a bit of a limbo right now, with the big transition into her new place and the start of her new job at Plus None. The other night was her first official time sleeping at her apartment, and I’m sure the moment was a bit bittersweet.

I know how much Penny loves her parents. Being away from them and not having any real friends in the city has to have her feeling the pangs of loneliness.

And now I’ll be deserting her.

I am pawning her off to another qualified bodyguard who won’t blur the lines and flirt with her.

When I get back into the city, I park in front of Ground Floor—the same coffee shop where Rex helped Penny carry a box of pastries out to my vehicle. It seems like a lifetime ago when she had her first Plus None meeting with the girls.

I exit the car and walk into the corner cafe, smelling the fresh aroma of ground coffee beans. When it’s my turn in line, I order a nitro cold brew with foam and a cream cheese bagel. Plastered on the bulletin board, I see the speed dating event’s information. I take a picture of the flyer, texting myself a reminder to add itto my calendar. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll find Penny there, and based on the date of the event, Chris may be officially on duty.

I should be relieved that I won’t have to run surveillance at an event with a bunch of eager dickheads who are just wanting to get laid. Except I’m not.

Every time I think of someone other than myself watching Penny, I get this uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach, screaming at me that this is not the best option—even though logically I don’t have much choice. I either sever the entire relationship with the Hoffmans by overstepping an unspoken boundary, or humble myself to let them know that I’m not the best man for this job.

A glance at my watch lets me know that I need to get moving. Taking a sip of my drink, I exit the shop.

“You’re getting weak,” Graham says, jabbing me in my ribs. It isn’t hard, but it’s a sign that I’m distracted.

I duck as his other gloved fist comes barreling past my head. Grabbing both of his legs, I pull him down on his back. “At least my reflexes are still good.”

I bounce back up on my heels. It feels great to get out some of my frustration, in a modified way. Graham is up and ready to fight again, as we circle each other. With Nic cheering from the sidelines, we go a few more rounds before rotating who’s in the ring.

“Well, that was fun,” Graham says, patting me on the back.

“It was,” I agree with a nod. I catch the towel Nic throws at me, wiping the sweat from my face and neck. I sure got heated during the sparring.

“So, how does it feel having less drama in your life?” Nic asks.

Ha. If he’s referring to his little sister, then he has her completely wrong. My life has been nothing but drama since I signed my name on the contract. “Like a vacation,” I joke.

My leave hasn’t been made official yet, and there’s no point even saying anything until I fully vet Chris. I need to be certain that this is what’s best for Penny before I make some rash decision.

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