Page 16 of Her Prince in Disguise
Laith grunted, scowling at the space in front of him. “That guy is too efficient for his own good sometimes,” he muttered, then sighed. “So, what’s the verdict? What kind offood would you like to try tonight? I know you and the team have been sampling the local cuisine. Anything stand out as a favorite?”
Andi thought about it for a moment, then shrugged. “I would love a burger, actually. I haven’t had a burger in a long time.”
He grinned. “A burger it is,” he announced as the doors opened.
He led her towards the group of men that she’d seen hanging out around the building over the past month.
“We have theorized that these guys are your bodyguards,” she said, then looked up at him for confirmation or denial.
He chuckled. “Is that so?”
“Yeah,” she replied. “Are we right?” She paused, standing beside the open backseat of the SUV.
“And if you are?” he asked, moving closer. “Would that be a problem?”
Andi glanced over at the men, one standing behind Laith, the other standing beside the open door. “Not really,” she replied.
They seemed so serious! And it would make sense if these men were a security team. The world could be a dangerous place for wealthy people. There were always kidnapping threats or the possibility of violence. It was a horrible way to live and Andi was relieved that she didn’t have to suffer under that kind of constant threat.
“Not a problem, but it’s kinda weird,” she blurted before ducking into the backseat and scooting over to make room for him.
“Why that face?” he asked, settling into the back of the SUV next to her.
Andi gave him an apologetic glance, then explained, “I was just thinking that it would be horrible to live with the constant threat of being kidnapped. Is it really annoying?”
He shrugged as they secured their seat belts. The SUV started moving and Andi caught the driver’s glance in the rear-view mirror.
“It’s not so bad. Besides, I’ve never known anything else. I grew up in this kind of world.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said softly, genuinely concerned. “It must have been awful never being able to run around on a playground or lay on the beach without worrying about who might be lurking around the corner.”
“It wasn’t so bad,” he replied. “I have a brother and lots of cousins. We grew up conspiring together.” He grunted. “Maybe too many cousins.”
Andi angled her body towards him, fascinated by this discovery. “How can you have too many cousins?” she laughed. “Being part of a large family sounds wonderful!”
“I’m really close with my brother and two of my cousins. One of them used to walk around with a green nose.” He shook his head at the memory. “Angela always wanted to be Fiona,a character in one of those cartoon movies. She constantly explained that Fiona was strong and confident.”
Andi laughed, delighted with the memory. “I always wanted to be Belle and live in a room filled with books.”
He looked at her, one dark eyebrow lifted in surprise. “Why did you become a financial analyst instead of a writer if you love books so much?”
“Alas,” she teased, “I’m appreciative of stories and the messages in the words, but I’m not creative enough to write my own. Plus, I love sitting with a good book and reading, not having to think for myself. If I were to try to write something, it would probably read like a stream of consciousness ramble.”
“Makes sense,” he replied with a nod of his head.
They chatted about childhood memories until the driver pulled up in front of a small restaurant. This wasn’t a fancy place with a doorman and sommelier. This was just a regular burger joint with casual seating. They even had to go up to the cashier to put in their order instead of a waiter coming to their table. It was perfect!
Andi glanced up at him with admiration, truly appreciative of the casual night instead of a formal dining experience.
Then something sad occurred to her. He was always taking care of everyone on the team. But who took care of him? He had numerous employees who cared for his physical needs. That was obvious enough. But who thought about his personal needs and altered plans for him? Who did he talk to when he was worried or anxious?
For some reason, the possibility that this incredible man was alone in the world, made her heart ache. She wanted to do something for him, something that protected him and cared for who he was underneath the tailored suits and bodyguards.
“What do you want to eat?” he asked, standing next to her, but with his body at an angle as if he were…sort of a part of her. Anyone looking at them would assume that they were “together”. Only Andi knew the truth; that he was her boss and she just a lowly employee. Still, she liked the thought of people assuming that she was with Laith in a romantic way, so she didn’t step away as she would have if any of the obnoxious frat-boys back in Philly had cornered her like this.
And wasn’t that an interesting term to use? Why did other men who stood next to her like this make her feel cornered but when Laith did it, she felt protected and cherished?
A question for another time, she told herself when Laith looked down at her curiously. “I’ve got this,” she replied, stepping forward and pulling out her wallet. At the cashier, she ordered a cheeseburger, fries, and a soft drink, then she turned to allow Laith to put in his order, her credit card ready to slid into the machine.
