Page 37 of My Bodyguard Neighbor
"I can do that."
"I'm serious, Dad.The first time you violate my boundaries, we're done.No second chances.No explanations.I'll cut you out of my life and you'll never hear from me again."
Her father's face tightened."I understand."
"Do you?Because I spent three years building a life without you, and I was doing fine.I don't need you in my life.I'm choosing to let you be part of it.But that choice can be revoked."
"I understand," her father repeated."And I'll respect your boundaries.I swear it."
Holly wanted to push harder, to make sure he really understood.But exhaustion was creeping in, making her bones feel heavy."Okay."
"Okay?"
"We can try.Slowly.See if you can actually be the person you're claiming you want to be."
Her father's shoulders sagged with relief."Thank you.That's more than I deserve."
"Yeah, it is."
They sat in awkward silence for a moment.Finally, her father stood."I should go.I'm sure you're tired."
"I am."
He moved toward the door, then paused."For what it's worth, I think Mr.Bauer is good for you.He looks at you the way a man should look at a woman he loves."
Holly's throat closed."Thanks."
When her father left, Jonah came back inside.Holly collapsed back on the bed, staring at the water-stained ceiling.
"That looked intense," Jonah said.
"It was."Holly turned her head to look at him."He apologized.Actually apologized."
"You believe him?"
"I don't know.Maybe?He seemed genuine."She sat up."But I set boundaries.Made it clear I'm done if he violates them."
"Good."
Jonah sat beside her on the bed.Holly leaned against him.
"We can go home," she said."Back to our apartments.Back to normal life."
"Yeah."
"You don't sound excited."
“I’m worried that normal life won't include us.That you'll realize you don't need me when you're not running for your life."
Holly pulled back to look at him."Is that really what you think?"
"I think we fell in love in extreme circumstances.And I think you're smart to want to take things slow and see if this is real.For me, though, it is real.You're real.And I'll be here whether it takes a month or a year for you to believe that."
Holly kissed him deep, slow and full of everything she felt but didn't have words for yet.When she pulled back, Jonah's eyes were dark with desire.
"Show me," she said.
"Show you what?"
