Page 93 of If Our Hearts Collide

“Same to you, Penny. Oh, I saw your new desk. I love your choices. Where did you get the sand tray? I feel like I need one of those in my life for when Nic drives me crazy with worry over this”—she points down to her small bump—“sweet potato.”

We all laugh.

And it feels so good that I know accepting the offer to work here was one of the best decisions of my life.

18

COLLINS

When I signed up to be Penny’s bodyguard, I honestly didn’t expect to work this hard at trying to keep her safe.

While Graham and Nic initially hired me for periodically checking in on their little sister, it easily morphed into needing to keep a closer eye on her.

That’s because no matter where Penny goes, she seems to attract some type of unwanted attention. Granted, she’s oblivious to it most of the time, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying.

The girl didn’t even realize I followed her to the office the other day, through security, and managed to clear the hall of any men prior to her arriving at Plus None. The last time she was there, someone spooked her, and I didn’t want that to be a repeat situation.

Maybe I should be glad that she doesn’t see me when I’m running surveillance on her.

Regardless, I would feel more comfortable if Penny was equipped to handle some basic self-defense moves in case I’m not there to knock some teeth out or crush some fingers for her honor.

It’s been days since I’ve been graced with Penny’s snarky and defiant attitude.

And oddly enough, I miss it.

I have several people on my payroll to monitor her entering and exiting our building, and just a few days ago there was an incident where she arrived at the lobby basically in a panic.

While nothing checked out as being out of the norm, I decided right when I was reading the update report that Penny needs to work on her confidence in case a problem were to arise.

Maybe if she had some type of defense if someone were to get handsy with her, she wouldn’t spiral every time a nonthreatening encounter occurred.

While this wouldn’t replace the benefit of having actual self-preservation skills, maybe it would be a step in the right direction to assimilate back into society.

And that’s the hope—that Penny can learn to function outside of Soulful Mind and develop the coping skills needed to live a full life.

“You know I don’t take kindly to being summoned,” her melodic voice sounds behind me.

I reserved the matted room in the apartment building’s gym to conduct my private lesson with Penny.

I turn around and am faced head-on with Penny’s eclectic wardrobe choices.

We are going to the gym, not the club.

Sure, she’s wearing gym attire, but this isn’t what I had in mind.

Her booty shorts and halter top reveal too many square inches of butt cheeks and belly.

Fuck.

“I’m glad to see you respond to my texts.”

Why can’t I divert my eyes?

It’s like I’m staring straight into the sun and am oblivious to the burn.

“I was afraid that if I didn’t show up, I’d find myself kidnapped in the back of your SUV.”

“The day’s still young,” I deadpan. Although I’d have to use the discreet exit in the back of the building because there’s no way Penny’s going to be seen on the streets in this attire.

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