Page 13 of Divine

“I love old sitcoms.”

“Me too,” he stated flatly.

“What kind of cookies are you making?” I asked, leaning against the counter to watch him.

“You’re supposed to be leaving that up to me. Remember?”

“Vaguely.” I grinned.

“You don’t have any allergies do you?” he asked, looking up from his task to wait for my response.

“No.” I shook my head.

“Well, that’s all you need to worry about for now.”

“Are you always this bossy?”

“How am I being bossy for doing something to make you feel better?”

“Good question, boss man. I’m not even sure how I feel about you yet. I just know you’re fitting right in with the rest of the men in my life trying to give me orders. I’m sure the woman in your life is used to that. Are you married?”

“Nope,” he said, holding up his left hand to show me his empty ring finger.

“Well, I probably should rephrase that to the women in your life.”

“Don’t let the soup get cold, Cookie.”

“Stop calling me that.” I laughed.

“OK, Miss Divine,” he said with a devilish smirk.

Why the hell did hearing this man say my name turn me on? This had to be a test. I was sure that Syre was going to burst in at any moment and tell me that I had failed the temptation test and would be sequestered to my home until further notice. There was no reason that this fine, unmarried man should be standing in my kitchen baking me cookies.

“Are you single?” I asked.

I saw his chest rise and fall as he chuckled inaudibly. I didn’t find anything about my question funny. I genuinely wanted to know why Syre felt comfortable sending him here. Not that I was promiscuous by a long shot. Syre probably didn’t even consider him as someone that I would be drawn to, but damn. This was just odd to me.

Every one of the security guys that worked close with me in the past were some combination of old, ugly, or fat. Liam didn’t fall into any of those categories. Maybe there was more to him than met the eye. There had to be more to the story. I felt like I had a pretty good gay-dar, and he wasn’t giving off that vibe. I could have been wrong. As his wheels appeared to turn, I started to consider that I was on to something.

“What does that matter?” he asked instead of giving a direct answer.

“I didn’t mean to offend you. I just figured I should know things about you seeing how you’re going to be in and around my house.”

“You’re right. Let’s just get this out of the way off top. Yes, I’m single. I’ve been that way for a while. If you’re wondering if I find you attractive, the short answer is yes. I think you’re fine as fuck. With all due respect, you are hands down the baddest, sexiest, and most beautiful woman I’ve ever encountered. I’m not just saying that because I’m being paid to be here either. I mean that shit. Under any other circumstances, I might be led to try to do something with that information. Unfortunately, this job came with explicit instructions to keep my hands to myself unless I’m protecting you.

“I figure a gig this easy must be vacant because the person who was in this position before me didn’t know how to follow directions. I don’t have that problem, Cookie. Although I can’t think of a man walking the planet that gives me fear, I respect your family’s desire to keep you away from harm. It doesn’t matter if I want you or not. Even if I did, I’m not sure if it’s worth the risk yet. Seeing how I like to live, eat, and pay my bills so that I have a place to live, I’m not really prepared to find out. Now, I don’t have a problem with trying to be your friend. That’s what I’m on right now.”

“Good to know.” I nodded.

“Any other questions can be asked over what I hope is still hot soup.”

“Trust me there will be more questions.”

“I’m counting on it.” He winked.

I smiled before picking up the platter and traveling to my living room. I placed the platter on the coffee table before turning to head back to the kitchen. As I stood up, Liam’s presence startled me, causing me to jump.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.”

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