Page 24 of Saved from Obsession

“What are you talking about?” Confusion bleeds into her voice. “I thought… nevermind. But G, why would you say that? It’snot true.”

I feel like a kid instead of a full-grown adult, about to cry to my best friend about being rejected. But my defenses are so beaten down, I can’t stop my voice from wobbling. “I kissed Leo.”

“Oh.” There’s a pause, then Hayden says, “Okay. That’s not what I was expecting you to say, but… Leo is a good guy. What’s the problem?”

“I kissed him, and he kissed me back, and then he pulled away like I was contagious.” Now Ireallysound like I’m in high school.

“Hmm. Did he say anything? What made you decide to kiss him?”

I’m not going to mention the package. “I was upset, and Leo was hugging me, and I thought there was something between us. He’s been so nice, and sometimes when he would look at me, I thought…”

Taking a deep sigh, I continue, “Well, I thought he felt something for me. But obviously I was wrong, and now I’m hiding upstairs in the bedroom feeling like the worst kind of fool.”

“You’re not a fool, G.” She pauses, “I’m sure of that. What did he say after he pulled away?”

“He said he shouldn’t have done it. And that I was a client—”

“Georgia.“ Hayden’s voice goes stern. “That means he’s trying to be professional. It doesn’t mean he’s not interested. You said he kissed you back, right?”

“Yes.” My voice is small.

“And he was into it?”

I think about the obvious erection pressing into my belly and the way his eyes had darkened to a burnished bronze. “Yes.”

“Okay, then.” There’s some rustling, a murmured voice in the background, then Hayden says, “Sorry. Boone was asking a question. Anyway, I think I know exactly what’s going on.”

“Leo is a protector, and he takes his job very seriously. He’s spent years in the military dedicating his life to keeping people safe. And he’s worried about doing anything that could compromise your safety. It doesn’t mean he’s not interested in you.”

“But—”

Hayden shushes me. “If he kissed you, he has feelings for you. He’s probably conflicted—torn between exploring things with you or doing what he thinks is the best way to protect you. But if you feel something for him, G, talk to him.Doyou feel something?”

“Yes.” That’s why the rejection hurt so much. “Leo is… he’s special. He makes me feel hopeful. Safe. He’s just—yeah, Hayden. I really like him.”

Suddenly restless, I get out of bed and head over to the window. It looks out to the house next door, and I catch a glimpse of a teenage girl dancing in her room, giant headphones over her head. She looks carefree, flinging her body around with abandon, and a stab of envy jabs straight into my chest.

“So talk to him. But Georgia,” she pauses, taking a breath. “If you don’t feel comfortable being with these guys, with Leo, you know you can come here. We have lots of security, and the guys at the station, all my friends, we’ll keep you safe. So you have options, okay?”

“I know.” But there’sno wayI’m putting Hayden and her new husband in danger.

There’s some more murmuring in the background, and Hayden’s voice goes distant as she says, “I know, I’ll be right there.” Coming back on the line, her tone turns apologetic. “Sorry, it’s later than I thought. We’re supposed to be meeting Quint and Corrie for dinner. But if you want to keep talking, I can cancel.”

“No, it’s fine. Go enjoy your dinner. Tell everyone I said hi.”

“Okay, G.” A little sigh huffs out. “Call me soon. Let me know how everything is going.”

I cross back to the bed and fall backwards onto it. “I will. Love you.”

“Love you too, G. Stay strong. And remember,” she pauses. “Youarebeautiful. You’re the only one who doesn’t see it.”

“Thanks, Hayden.” My throat gets thick for a moment. “Have fun tonight. Talk to you later.”

As I end the call, I feel hopeful for a second before the heavy weight of my reality wraps back around me. I’m still alone in my room, which isn’t really my room, and downstairs is a man I like more than I should, and I’m only a job to him.

It’s not that I don’t believe Hayden, but I can’t stop thinking if I had met Leo before that night in the stairwell, maybe he wouldn’t have pushed me away.

As I lay on the bed and search for the spider on the ceiling again, my stomach rumbles, a reminder that I skipped dinner. Maybe once Cole comes over for his shift, I can get some food… but that’ll be after midnight, and he’ll wonder why I didn’t eat earlier with Leo like I usually do. It’s ten P.M. right now, so I might as well just go to bed and eat something in the morning.

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