Page 33 of Daddy's Bodyguard

It’s a risk going out on a date and leaving her all alone, but she’s right. We haven’t had any activity all week. What are the odds of an attack while I’m out? The house will be secured anyway.

“Ok, fine. I’ll ask her out.”

A coolness slips into her eyes, but then she looks down at my side. “And try not to do much on your first date. Have fun with Carissa. She likes flowers. Pink ones.”

“Of course.”

“And make sure you compliment her outfit. It will matter to her,” she lists.

She continues telling me all about Carissa’s likes and dislikes as she cleans up around the bedroom, but there’s an edge to her voice.

She’s frustrated but trying not to show it. I don’t understand why. She’s getting what she wants twice over. She gets some time to herself, and I’m leaving her alone.

“Is something wrong?” I ask, sitting up in bed.

“No.” She shakes her head while adjusting the duvet over my lower half, her lips pursed.

I grip her wrist, pulling her towards me. “If you don’t want me to go out with Carissa, just say it. You want all my attention on keeping you safe and alive? You want me to focus on you, sweet cheeks?”

“No. Take her out. You’ve been flirting with her, and it’s the right thing to do. You’re both interested in each other.”

“That’s not what I asked,” I argue.

Again, she purses her lips, her eyes searching my face. I can smell her scent, feel the heat coming off her body in waves. Is she burning for me? Is her racing pulse a sign that she wants me? Her lips slowly part, and she leans in, I almost think she’s going to kiss me, but she just gives me a retail smile. “I want you to go out with Carissa.”

“Okay.” I nod, quickly releasing her wrist.

“Good.” She picks up the trash can and sails from the room, her hair bouncing against her shoulders. I drop back to the pillows with a disappointed sigh.

It’s official. Sofia does not want to be with me. It’s a blow to my ego and a strike at my heart, but I’m man enough to handle rejection. There’s a first time for everything, anyway.

Chapter 11

Sofia

My eyes flick over to Jasper and Carissa. I can tell he’s asked her out since she’s glowing and can’t stop smiling. My best friend filled with butterflies and all the damn sweet things a girl feels when a hunk shows he’s into her. This is what I wanted, Jasper focused on Carissa, done with teasing me.

Then why do I feel so… weird?

Jasper pushes Carissa’s hair back behind her ear, and something pulls at my stomach. I take a deep breath and look away.

I need to focus on work. It’s right in front of me, the proposal for an emergency meeting I need to prepare for. There are five company representatives coming in for a discussion about a gala we’re hosting later this month to help raise funds for a new shelter we want to build by the end of the year. It’s the only reason Jasper backed down when I told him I had to come in today.

But I can’t focus on the proposal I’ve been trying to memorize for the last twenty minutes. My eyes keep flicking to Carissa and Jasper. She’s touching his chest now, her smile more illuminating than a fricking Christmas tree. And he’s clearly enjoying the attention. They didn’t even notice when Robbie from accounts faceplanted on the floor a few feet away. They are so into each other; it makes me sick. I swear I’m half insane by the time Jasper returns to my desk. But it’s not jealousy. It can’t be. Because I don’t like him. I’m just …

“So, tomorrow night, Carissa and I are going out.” He flashes a smile as he leans back in the chair.

“Sounds nice,” I reply, swallowing whatever frustration is eating at me.

“I think you should come with us,” he says, surprising me.

Oh, hell no. Seeing them just now almost drove me crazy. Sitting through a date with Jasper and Carissa sounds like the worst torture ever. “No, thanks. I’m not interested in being your third wheel. I’ll stay home, that way you can focus on Carissa,” I say. “Besides, I have work I can do and-”

“You know what? I’m going to postpone, just until I’m sure the coast is clear.”

“Don’t you dare. Carissa will be crushed, Jasper,” she hissed. “You can’t do that to her. If you postpone, I swear to God, I’ll give you hell.”

“Sofia …” He trails off and rubs his chin. “This is a bad idea. What if someone breaks in? What if something happens, and I’m not there?”

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