Page 20 of Daddy's Bodyguard

I need to redirect his attention elsewhere. I’m sure my attraction will go away if he stops flirting with me.

Turning on my side, I make a clear plan to push Jasper onto Carissa, and when I’m done, my mind feels at peace. Mostly. As long as I don’t think about the distraction sleeping on the couch. I should have offered the bed, but he didn’t even ask. He just started preparing the couch to sleep, and I let him deal with it.

***

Jasper and I get through half of the day at work, but it’s not as pleasant as yesterday. By noon, I’m ready to kill him. He’s stepped in between me and three different clients, not trusting their approach to me at all. I’ve lost count of the ‘I’m sorrys’ I had to give to keep them to stay.

Relief floods me when the elevator opens, and Carissa steps out, back from her dental appointment. Taking Jasper’s hand, I lead him over to her desk.

“Carissa, do you mind showing Jasper how you create the spreadsheet for our deliveries each week?”

“She might not, but I do mind,” Jasper mumbles. “I’m not leaving your side, Sofia.”

Carissa’s mouth gapes a bit as she looks between us. The questions are clear as day on her face.

Jasper treats her to a charming smile. “It’s not you, Carissa, I promise.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” Carissa says with a scoff. She tugs me to the side and palms her hips. “Spill. Is there something going on between you and Jasper?”

I shake my head. “Of course not!” My response comes out louder than I intend. Jasper frowns at me from his place at Carissa’s desk, and I cut my eyes at him. “He’s driving me up the wall all day, and I need a break. Besides, I think you two would be really good together. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to get to know him.”

She laughs and looks him over slowly. “Well… heisdreamy and funny.”

“Cocky, frustrating, and pushy,” I grumble.

Carissa looks between us again. “You sure? Because honestly … I’m sensing some vibes here.”

“That’s my frustration.” I give her a pout. “Please. Take him off my hands.”

“Fine. Good looking out, by the way.”

“Don’t mention it,” I reply.

Carissa walks over to Jasper, shy but determined, and Jasper is almost immediately won over. Carissa has that effect on people. Even when she doesn’t recognize it, people soften around her. They adore her, and it’s because of who she is. Smart, funny, so genuinely sweet. If I could trade personalities with anyone for ten minutes, it would be her – hands down.

I manage to get a solid hour and a half of work done before Jasper sits his ass on my desk. I take a sobering breath. He doesn’t get to throw me off my game. I can get around him. Once he’s off-limits per Carissa, the curiosity will begone,and soon enough, Dad will bribe whoever he has to bribe to remove the hit. And Jasper will be a thing of the past.

I’ll give it a few more days. I made it through college – frat boys and all – and I made it through high school, Mom and Dad’s divorce, practically raising my little brother. I can handle a few days of Jasper and his tempting body.

“I missed you, baby,” Jasper says, coming up beside me, giving me a start.

“Jasper, seriously. Stop,” I hiss at him. “Not while I’m at work. Actually, how about notever.”

“Don’t say that. You’re breaking my heart.” He glances out the window. “Also, I noticed the same car parked in the same spot as yesterday.”

“You’re paranoid.”

“I’m observant. That’s why I’m a specialized hire, Sofia. Don’t try to distract me with Carissa. That’s not what I’m here for.”

“You sure?” I narrow my eyes. “Because you seem to need an outlet for all your … frustration or flirting or your shit.”

Jasper blinks at me a few times, then sighs. “We’re going straight home.”

I glance around quickly, but Carissa is out of earshot. “Don’t say that so loudly.”

“Look, Carissa’s nice, but that’s not my speed.”

“Then what is your speed, Jasper? Believe me, I have plenty of friends.”

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