Page 109 of The Bodyguard Situation

“Don’t stop on our account,” Asher adds, eyes sparkling with amusement as he cleans up the broken wineglass. “This is better than cable.”

Before I can fire off a comeback, heavy footsteps echo in the hall, and Nick bursts through the open doorway, breathless and grinning widely as he takes in the scene. “Damn! Did I miss the big reunion?”

“Yes,” Billie announces firmly, quickly stepping forward with a laugh. She grabs Nick by the arm, steering him back to where he came from. “Time to go, Bankses. Both of you.”

Nick tries to protest, but it’s playful.

“See you tomorrow,” Asher says as Billie loops her free hand around his arm, too, determinedly guiding both of them out of the room. Asher barely resists, flashing me a teasing grin as Billie pushes him through the doorway.

The door clicks shut firmly behind them, leaving Harper and me alone. Silence settles around us, and Harper lifts her face to mine again, eyes sparkling with laughter and relief.

“I thought they’d never leave,” she whispers, warmth radiating from her gaze as her fingers brush my cheek.

“Me neither.” My voice is thick with gratitude as I lean into her touch. “Everything is finally right in the world.”

“Yes, it is.” Harper pulls me into another perfect kiss, chasing away the fears that followed me back to the city.

“Are you okay?” she whispers, searching my face and arms, making sure I’m unscathed.

“I love you,” I say, the words falling freely from the deepest corner of my soul. “I love you so goddamn much, Harper.”

Her voice trembles, broken and beautiful. “I love you too, Brody. I always have.”

27

HARPER

Brody tips my chin upward so our gazes lock. My heart squeezes when I see the unguarded emotion swirling in his eyes, like a storm finally calmed. His thumb brushes across my lower lip, sending warmth cascading through me.

“I missed you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. My fingers curl into his shirt, holding on to him, afraid he might vanish if I let go. “I was terrified I’d lost you.”

“I’m so fucking sorry,” he offers. He leans down, pressing a kiss against the corner of my mouth. “You’re stuck with me.”

A quiet laugh escapes me, mixing with a sob that catches in my chest. The relief of having him here, safe, nearly undoes me. His arm tightens around my waist, holding me closer even if it doesn’t feel close enough.

“You must be exhausted,” I say, noticing the dark circles under his eyes. I’m full of both guilt and gratitude. “Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Brody nods, eyes never leaving mine as I lead him toward the bathroom, our hands intertwined. His grip grounds me in the present, and all the worries I had hours earlier vanish. The silence between us is filled with unspoken words and reassurances that are louder than any words we could exchange.

My heart is still pounding hard, but with each beat, I remind myself that Brody is here with me and safe. I lean into him, savoring his familiar scent, mixing faintly with lingering sweat, as I help undress him then I do the same.

The heavy, relentless fear begins to ease away as we step under the warm stream together. I grab a loofah and wash him meticulously, memorizing every curve of his muscle, every deep line of his tattoos. I was so worried I’d never get to be with him again that I don’t want to take a single second for granted. I tilt my head back, looking up at him through damp lashes, my gaze tracing every familiar line of his face. The deep crease between his brows, the faint stubble shadowing his jaw, the tired circles beneath his eyes, reminding me of the day he’s had.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to sleep without you by my side,” I whisper, my fingers brushing his cheek, needing the physical proof that he’s whole, unhurt.

His eyes soften, warmth flooding through the exhaustion. “I already told you once, I don’t ever want to wake up without you by my side again. If that means driving through the night, then so be it.”

A lump rises in my throat, and I pull him closer, pressing my lips urgently to his again, the kiss deepening instantly, fueled by desperate relief and overwhelming love. His hands slide over my back, holding me flush against him, our bodies molded perfectly together.

“I was so scared,” I confess against his lips, my voice trembling slightly, vulnerable and raw.

“And I’m so fucking sorry for that.” Brody pulls back just enough to meet my eyes.

Something powerful and comforting fills me at his quiet certainty, steadying my pulse, calming the storm of lingering anxiety. I finally breathe deeply, the air no longer tasting of panic.

I brush my fingers along his jaw, noticing how tension still lingers in his shoulders. “Relax.”

His mouth curves upward, and relief meets his eyes. “You read me so well.”

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