Page 29 of Regards, Mia

I shut the door behind me and walk over to the window, which is slightly cracked, allowing a chilly mountain breeze to drift inside. There are telltale ashes in the window sash, giving away Jordan’s secret. Hehasbeen smoking in here.

“Care to tell me what you’re up to?” Jordan asks.

I spin to face him, my hands raised in an innocent gesture. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He cocks his head at me, giving me the look he’s perfected with hostile witnesses. “You can’t hide things from me in my own office.”

I shake my head, wondering how he found out about my meeting with Elena. I didn’t say anything to anyone or write it down in my calendar. And then I realize that Jordan is bluffing. He doesn’t have anything on me, he’s just trying to get me to spill.

“I’m not hiding anything.” I force a smile, checking the time again. Chelsea is going to flip if I’m late.

Jordan gives me one long look before nodding tersely. “Good. That’s good, Mia. We need to trust each other, right?”

I nod in agreement. Jordan has definitely been at his desk too long. “Right.”

Jordan rises from behind his desk and crosses to the window to stand next to me. “I have to come clean with you.”

My lips twitch as I suppress a smile. He’s going to admit he’s smoking in his office. But why call me in here for that? Jordan has been working too hard. He’s losing it. “What?”

“There have been more threats,” he says.

I cock my head at him, noticing the new gray hair at his temples. Jordan isn’t a day over forty, but the job has aged him. “What kind of threats?”

He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “Some pretty nasty stuff online. Pretty specific.” He winces. “All directed at you.”

A shiver runs down my spine.Fucking Mattson.I know it’s him. Dirty bastard is trying to get under my skin. “Thanks for the heads up.”

“It’s time to bring in outside help,” Jordan says.

“What?” My thoughts scramble as I try to catch up. “I told you I don’t want that.” I force a laugh. “Internet threats don’tscare me.” And if Mattson bothers me again, I’ll be ready for him. I won’t react like a scared puppy, cowering in the shadows.

Jordan touches my shoulder, and I jump at the contact.

He squeezes gently, his expression softer than usual and filled with concern. “You’re shaking.”

I shrug his hand off my shoulder and blink back a sudden torrent of tears. “I’m fine. It’s just cold in here.” I gesture at the window. “You left the window open.”

“I can’t have you in danger. You’re too important to…” He pauses and swallows hard before continuing. “To this office.”

A flush of genuine pride fills my body. Jordan has never given me more than the cursory compliment. He’s always been a good boss, but he’s never been kind.

Jordan holds my gaze for a long moment before striding back to his desk. He opens a folder and takes out a business card, handing it to me with a concerned expression. “This guy is good. He’s local and discreet.”

I glance at the black business card with gold embossed lettering. “I don’t need someone following me around.” The humiliation is almost too much to bear. “I can take care of myself.”

Jordan clamps his mouth shut and rubs the back of his neck. I feel almost sorry for him, but I still don’t want a bodyguard getting into my business.

“Just promise me you will think about it,” Jordan says.

I nod briskly, eager to be finished with this conversation. “Will do, Boss. Anything else?”

He holds up his coffee mug. “Can you start a new pot on your way out?”

“Sure.” I escape before he can add anything else, and pour a hefty helping of decaffeinated beans into the brew I fix for him. He’s had enough caffeine for one day if he thinks there’s any way I’m getting a bodyguard.

CHAPTER 12

Worth Your While

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