Page 135 of If Our Hearts Collide

One glance in the mirror has me cringing. I don’t look bad per se. I actually think the outfit complements what I’ve got. It’sjust that I’m basically highlighting the fact that I’m looking for fun.

Collins’s disapproving voice cuts through my thoughts. Too bad he’s not my keeper for tonight. And honestly, his opinion doesn’t matter.

I am angry that he pushed down his walls enough to kiss me, but then erected them back into place—and with stronger material—before I could offer one back.

He’s a good kisser.

That’s another reason I’m pissed off.

It’s as if the universe is playing one big prank on me by dangling the perfect man in front of me and then snatching him away with his conscientiousness to do the right thing.

And if his words were true, then he will soon no longer be my bodyguard, and that probably ticks me off the most.

Just when I was getting used to him and accepting his role, he is going to bolt.

Figures…

I move into the attached bathroom, pulling out items and setting them onto the vanity. My hair is still wet from my previous shower, so I comb through it with some leave-in conditioner. I plug in my dryer and turn it on to max, allowing the heated air to whip through my hair.

When I decided to go blonde, it was more of an impulse. I wanted to reinvent myself, and doing something as simple as dying it seemed like a symbolic moment for me. Now that I’ve had time to get used to it, I think I want to keep it.

Using a curling iron, I curl the ends of my hair, making spiral ringlets. Taking my brush, I gather my locks into a high ponytail, securing it into place.

Glancing in the mirror, I frown. I think I look more “cute” than “sexy.” If I want guys to even consider talking to me, I think I need to work on the latter, although Luke did teach me thatbeing flirty means being friendly. And I at least look friendly—approachable.

Grabbing my makeup palette, I line my eyes with black eyeliner. I dust on metallic shadow, blending it into place. Mascara finishes my look, causing my eyes to pop.

Taking down my hair, I fluff it over my shoulders. I then take half into my fingers, and then pile only that portion high on my head with a tie.

I can’t leave the room looking like this and risk sending red flags out to whoever Collins has potentially watching me in the building, so I throw on a white wrap dress. I don’t need my plans for tonight derailed before they even start.

Now that my blisters have mainly healed, wearing high heels is no longer painful. I settle on the three-inch, white satin ones that have ties that wrap up around my calves and cute little bows on the sides.

When I exit my room, I nearly knock into Luke who is coming out of his room looking like he just spent eight hours at the gym.

“Sorry, Penny. Didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No problem. Are you okay? You seem”—I gesture with my hand in a circle—“worn out?”

Luke runs his hands through his hair. “As much as I enjoy being man candy, it does get exhausting. I actually just got up from a nap. I start my shift in an hour.”

“Wow. What time will you be home tonight?” I knew he was working but never can remember his schedule, as it constantly changes.

“Not tonight,” he chuckles. “I’m there until closing at three in the morning tomorrow.”

“Sheesh.”

His eyes trail down my body. “You look nice. Where are you headed? Not-the-boyfriend’s room?”

“Definitely not going to be hanging out with not-the-boyfriend.” Because he basically declared himself never-gonna-be-my-boyfriend.

And once he finds a replacement, he’ll really be able to go through life with the title of Not My Bodyguard.

“And why is that? He seemed pretty angry that you like me more. I volunteer to help you make him jealous if you want to poke the bear to see if he’ll pounce.”

Laughter bubbles out from my throat. “Thanks for the offer. But I’ll pass.” The last thing I need is Collins to interfere more than what he already is doing.

He already told me he would be gone today but that I’ll be watched. Too bad for whoever is in charge of the bodyguard duties for the day… I’m good at sneaking away.

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