Page 20 of Just a Bit Guarded

“You can’t fire me for telling the truth.”

“I can, if I don’t like the truth,” Gadiel said.

Will glanced at him in the mirror. His eyes were smiling.

Warmth filled Gadiel’s chest. He’d started leaning forward again when Scott cut in, “It’s not the truth anyway. You weren’t a horrible date.I’myour date, so I think my opinion is the one that counts.”

Blinking, Gadiel laughed a little. “See?” he told Will smugly.

Will scoffed, but there was still some amusement in his eyes. “Get out.”

“What?” Gadiel said in confusion, blinking.

“We’ve arrived at your place. I’ll drop Scott off after you.”

Looking out the window, Gadiel realized that he was right: they were already at the underground parking lot.

“Um,” Scott said, glancing at Gadiel hopefully. “Any chance I could come up for a cup of coffee?”

Gadiel hesitated. But before he could say anything, Will cut in.“That isn’t a good idea. A movie is one thing, but coming up to his apartment after that would be too much. His brother wouldn’t understand. He has eyes everywhere.”

“Will is right,” Gadiel said. Leaning in, he kissed Scott on the cheek. He smelled great but unremarkable. An expensive cologne many men seemed to prefer, if the way it smelled so familiar was any indication. “I’ll text you.” He turned to Will and met his eyes in the mirror. “You’re coming back after that, right? I can get us pizza if you’re hungry.”

“Don’t wait for me,” Will said after a moment. “But of course I’ll come back. It’s my job.”

Something about his words rubbed Gadiel the wrong way. He leaned forward to murmur into his ear, “You aren’t supposed to leave me alone at all. Why did you even offer him a ride? You aren’t a chauffeur. You’re my bodyguard. He could have taken a taxi.”

Will shot him a look over his shoulder, his brows furrowed. “It seemed polite,” he said. The scent of his aftershave drifted into Gadiel’s nostrils, and Gadiel inhaled deeply, his fingers itching to trace the five o’clock shadow darkening Will’s angular jaw.Will’s frown deepened. “And I’m not leaving you alone.” He gestured to the substitute bodyguard stationed by the private elevator. “This is still my day off. Technically, I’m not your bodyguard until midnight.”

Gadiel wanted to pout, but he knew Will was right.

“What are you two whispering about?” Scott said with a small laugh.

“Obviously we’re badmouthing you,” Will said wryly.

Smiling, Gadiel straightened up and cleared his throat.

“Good night,” he said.

As the men murmured their goodbyes, Gadiel left the car and headed to the bodyguard who was waiting for him by the elevator.

All in all, the night felt like a success, though Will was right: he’d been a horrible date. He and Scott had barely talked or touched...He’d have to do better next time.

Gadiel glanced at his phone.

How long would it take for Will to come back?

Chapter 11

“What the hell was that?”

Will kept his eyes on the road. “What are you talking about?”

Scott huffed. “I’m talking about the fact that you cockblocked me, man! And you were a shitty wingman tonight. Gadiel spent half of the evening clinging to you like a baby koala, and then you cockblocked me! You’re supposed to help me, not make things harder for me!”

Will didn’t look away from the road. “I was doing my job, Scott. I may have agreed to take this job for your sake, but it’s still my job, not a game. I take my responsibilities seriously.”

“Oh come on! You can find another job—”

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