Page 2 of Faking it with the Billionaire
But it’s not the fact I’m soaked from the rain that sends a tingle through my core.
He stares at me as though I were naked, seeing right through me, pinning me with those dark eyes and long thick lashes. He’s every girl’s wet dream.
“I hadn’t noticed,” I say with a smirk.
“Can I help you?” he asks, glancing me up and down. He folds his arms across his chest, allowing me inside but blocking me from entering beyond the front entrance.
“I’m the new bodyguard,” I say. I suck in a sharp breath. “Did no one inform you that I was coming? I’m Emerson Ryan.” I hold out my hand to introduce myself. “I’ve been hired by Eagle Tactical to protect Mr. Greyson’s daughter, Bristol.”
He scoffs and steps back as if I’ve burned him. “The hell you are. There’s no way you’re capable of protectingmydaughter. I was told that Mr. Ryan would be here to protect Bristol.”
“Ms. Ryan,” I correct him. “And I’m plenty capable of protecting your daughter.”
His gaze moves over my body, lingering a little too long on my breasts.
I sweep my foot out and knock him onto his ass, staring down at him on the wooden floorboards. “See, plenty capable. You don’t have to worry. I trained at Quantico.”
I offer him my hand to stand, but he doesn’t take it. He dusts his jeans off, although he seems fine, except for his ego getting a bit bruised.
I remove my wet coat and find myself an empty space to hang it by the door, making myself at home.
“Why don’t you work for the FBI anymore?” He turns and walks away from the front entrance. “Are you coming?” he asks flippantly, waiting for me to fall in line with him.
I hurry to catch up to him. He’s nearly a foot taller than I am, and his strides are huge. It’s no wonder he’s an athlete. The man is built for it.
“I resigned from the FBI,” I say. I don’t want to delve any further into that topic.
“Resigned or were fired?” He spins around to face me as we stand in the hallway a little too close.
I feel that sizzle between us and do everything I can to push that feeling away. Bury it. He doesn’t get to hold my heart.
“I’m waiting,” he snaps.
I refuse to cower to him, even if he stands a foot above me. I stare up at him, unwavering. “I quit after my boss was sexually harassing me.” There’s more to the story, but it’s not a path down memory lane that I want to travel.
“You didn’t take it up the chain of command?” His brow tightens, and his bottom lip frowns. There’s a softness to his features, a warmth that he exudes when he shows concern. Although, I’m not sure if it’s for me or the fact he’s disappointed.
“I did, and it was his word against mine,” I say, shifting uncomfortably. “Since I’ll be spending time with your daughter, I don’t imagine that will be an issue.”
“You have nothing to worry about,” Kyler says.
“Of course.” I force a smile. The tension between us makes the room feel several degrees warmer. Or maybe it’s the fact that his gaze hasn’t left mine, and I’m not used to having such attention cast on me.
It won’t last. He’s one-hundred percent off-limits.
And I swore I wouldn’t get involved with a married man.
I glance down at Kyler’s left hand. There’s no wedding ring.
Not that it should matter. He’s still the client. My boss. And nothing can happen between us, nor should it. As far as I’m concerned, I’d be happy never dating again. Men, sex. It’s all highly overrated.
And if that isn’t reason enough, he has to be a playboy. The man is a star athlete on an NHL team. He can have any girl he wants. What makes me think he’d even look twice at me?
“Good,” I say, and clear my throat when he’s standing a little too close and staring too long at me.
“I’m still not convinced you’re the best person for the job,” he says, leaning against the wall.
Is he waiting for me to convince him?
