Page 39 of Bad For A Weekend

“I don’t want her to wake up alone.”

“I can sit with her for a while,” I offer, hoping it doesn’t sound intrusive.

“Have you slept?”

“No, but I’m not tired. The adrenaline still has a hold on me.” Truth is, I am exhausted. But the pull to watch Baylor sleep is too strong.

He debates my offer, taking in his daughter. Eventually, he stands and places a kiss on her temple before coming back to me.

“Maybe just for an hour or so,” he says.

“However long you need.”

“Thank you, Owen. I know you feel bad this happened but imagine how things would’ve ended if you weren’t there. I can’t thank you enough for bringing her back to me.”

His words should ease my guilt, but they only intensify the deep sting of regret I feel. I gave her too much space because I was in my own head about what had happened minutes before. I swore I’d never let my own emotions put someone else at risk, but I allowed it to happen. Again.

I give him a tight-lipped smile and take his place in the chair next to Baylor’s bed. The door shuts with a quietsnick,and then we’re alone. The full moon illuminates her just enough that I can see her peaceful features as she sleeps.

She’s beautiful, even with a white bandage wrapped around her head. It’s a miracle she walked away with only a mild concussion, four staples in the back of her head, and a whole lot of bruising. Corey may thank me for keeping her alive, but I feel wholly responsible for each and every injury to her body.

I should follow through with my plan after I crossed the line and kissed her. I should follow Corey out of the room and tell him I quit and walk away now. That would be the most responsible thing to do. Yet, I can’t. I won’t even allow myself to think about it because the thought of someone else being here in my place makes me physically ill.

I’m a selfish fuck.

Leaning forward, I rest my forearms on her bed, unable to look away from her angelic face. My feelings for her go so far beyond what a bodyguard should feel toward their client.

The line between right and wrong is so blurred, I can’t even make it out anymore, and even though I won’t allow myself to go there with her again, I also can’t turn my back on her.

Eventually, the silence in the room calms my racing thoughts, and I allow myself to lean forward and rest my head on her bed.

“Owen.”

The sound of someone calling my name brings me back to consciousness. I bolt upright, sucking in a sharp breath and scanning the room to get my bearings. I’m in Baylor’s gold and teal decorated bedroom. Shit. I must’ve passed out.

“I didn’t know if I should wake you up,” she says, pushing herself to sitting, her features pained. She smiles. “But I knew you wouldn’t want someone to walk in and catch you sleeping on the job.”

“I’m sorry. I told your dad I would stay while you slept in case you needed anything.” I roll my head, my neck aching from the position I was in.

“Don’t apologize. It was a nice surprise to wake up to you.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Good. Probably better than I deserve. Whatever the doctor gave me to sleep was good stuff.”

“I’m glad.” I glance down at my watch, doing the math until I realize I slept for six hours. That’s a lot for me, even on a good day.

There’s a knock at the door before Brandy walks in, carrying a tray of coffee and breakfast foods.

“Good morning, sunshines.” She doesn’t look surprised to see me here, making me think she probably checked in before now.

“Hey. Corey’s getting some sleep, so I took night watch,” I explain.

“He told me already. He’s been awake for about an hour.” She’s careful not to look at me, which makes me feel like she doesn’t approve.

“Okay, well, I should go.” I stand and slide my cell into my pocket.

“I brought you this.” Brandy holds up a travel mug. “Thought you might need it.”

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