Page 41 of Daddy's Bodyguard

“Something like that.”

He reaches over and rubs my knee after hesitating once. For someone who doesn’t think of physical relationships, he certainly doesn’t have a problem touching me. Maybe it’s being touched that’s harder for him.

I’ve seen that in some of the kids we help out. They hate hugs, flinch when someone reaches out, they don’t think about giving hugs or high fives or anything else. But here he is, touching me like he’s done it a hundred times.

“It’ll be fine, Sofia. My sister knows what I do, so I’ll spare you another excellent backstory.”

“The same one you told me last time?”

“Oh no. A brand new one.”

“Dios mio.” I shake my head.

“How we bumped into each other at the bookstore while reaching for the last copy of Twilight. And then we got to arguing about who Bella should be with. After that, I realized that I wanted to see what would happen if we were on the same page. So I asked you out by buying you the book, and you said yes.”

I stare at him. He laughs at my face and puts both hands back on the wheel. “Speechless just like you were when I kissed your cheek and told you I was a better bet than Edward, huh?”

“You’ve read the books?”

“That’s what you’re taking from the story?”

“It’s what I asked.”

“Yes,” he answers. “My sister really liked the books, so I read them with her. Edward’s a creepy fucker by the way. Watching someone sleep? When you haven’t even taken them on a date?”

“Oh, but after the date it’s fine.”

“Well obviously, you have to look through the window to see if they’re actually laughing when they type LOL.”

I smirk and shake my head. “You’re severely fucked up.”

When he finally stops, we’re in the driveway of a beautiful town house. I glance at him, and he pulls the keys out. “Ready to drop the pretenses?”

“Beyond ready.”

He knocks on the door, and I hear a squeal inside. The door flies open, and a little girl stands there, bouncing with a wide smile. “Jazzy!”

“Hey, Ellie!” He offers her a high five that she has to jump to get. “Where’s Mommy?”

“What did I tell you about answering the door?” A woman comes rushing in to claim the child.

The woman has thick brown hair and wears sweatpants and a t-shirt. I don’t miss the bags under her blue eyes that are just like Jasper’s. She looks Jasper over, then hugs him tightly, the little one smooshed between them.

“You’re alive.”

“I still have seven lives left.” He sighs, patting her back twice. “Like a cat.”

“Cats have nine lives.” I correct.

“Yeah, and he’s down two now.” The woman huffs, slugging Jasper.

The little girl clings to him, and he takes her despite the wince. The woman looks at me, to Jasper, then smiles. “You must be the assignment.”

I nod. “Sofia.”

“Daisy.” She takes my hand, shakes it, then motions to the house. “Come in. Please don’t mind the mess.”

“Oh, she’ll mind.” Jasper chuckles.

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