Page 87 of The Road Less Traveled By

My sister called me after I burst into Bree’s room, thinking there was someone inside. I heard the two of them screaming, and I sprinted up the stairs, only to find them laughing when I opened the door.

I swear, those two together could cause a heart attack, but I was glad to hear Bree’s laugh back. Even if they scared the shit out of me, hearing that was like music to my ears.

And then Aria called me, and I blabbed about the kiss. I didn't mean for it to slip out, but I’ve been slowly freaking out the past few days.

I broke my rules. I broke the rules I put in place because without them, I wouldn't be as good at my job. Bree and I broke my rules on our trip up the mountain.

That’s not even the part I’m freaking out about. It’s that I don't care that I broke my rules for her.

I’d do it again, too. Except I’d kiss her first. I wouldn't pull away, and I’d prove to her that I’d choose her again and again. Bree possessed me with that kiss, and I’m terrified of how that made me feel. I’ve never been in a serious relationship because all I’ve done since I became a bodyguard was move from place to place. It was easier that way, but I’m thirty-four now, and I’m tired of all the traveling.

For the first time in my life, I want to plant roots. I want to stay, and the only reason I want to stay is so I can be by Bree’s side. I want to choose her because it’s what my gut is telling me to do.

And God help me, I want it. I want her. I don't want to be just her bodyguard anymore. I want to wake up next to her every morning, andI want to show her that I don't give a fuck about anything the media has to say.

I can handle it. I know I can, and if she can't, then I’ll handle it enough for the both of us.

“Okay, but you kissed her, right?” Aria questions, wanting to get the full story, so I tell her every detail. By the end of it, I’m practically out of breath. “So what’s the problem, Vince?”

“The problem is that I’m terrified of fucking this up! I’ve never done relationships, sis. I don't know how to fucking do this.”

“Vincey, you’re so adorable,” she says as she laughs across the line.

“I’m going to hang up on you, Aria. I swear to—”

“Chill out, baby brother. All I’m saying is that you have to talk to her about it, plain and simple. I don't know why people always think it’s such a complicated thing. Have a conversation with her and go from there. Lay it all out on the table—your feelings, where you want to go from here, everything.”

“But what if—”

“Stop. It’s okay that you care about her, Vince. It’s okay to fall for someone, even if she’s technically your client. You’re not breaking any rules—your own, maybe—but you yourself just told me you didn't care about that.”

“I don't. I’d break every rule of mine again if it meant I could have her.”

“So tell her that, you idiot.”

“Okay, there’s no need to name-call, Aria. We’re thirty years old.”

I hear her scoff. “And you’re acting like some sort of lovesick teenager. It’s rather cute, actually. I’ve never seen you like this before.”

I roll my eyes at her, even though she can't see me. “Why didI tell you all this again?”

“Because I give great advice. Listen, I have to go. Max needs me for something, but let me know what happens. I’m on the edge of my damn seat over here. Love you, brother.”

“I love you too, sis.”

I hang up the phone and toss it onto the stack of papers on my desk.

I hate that Aria always seems to be right, but I do think a conversation with Bree would help.

Maybe after her event is done, I’ll ask her to have a talk with me.

Yeah, I think to myself. I like that plan. She’ll have one less thing on her plate, and I already know it’s going to be a successful event, since she’s the one who planned it all. Bree never does anything without her full attention, and I’m excited to see it flourish and hopefully bring her real smile back to her face.

The one thing I’m absolutely sure of is that I’m completely fucked in the head over Bree Hart.

And so help me, I never want to be cured.

Chapter twenty-seven

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