Page 95 of Daddy's Bodyguard

“And have him trying to dance and all that? No. He could probably use a night without me looking over his shoulder.”

Carissa laughs, and just like that I get my old friend back.

When I get home, I find Jasper asleep on the couch with an office comedy playing on the TV. I hurry through a shower and get dressed in a mid-thigh black dress that clings to my body. I let my hair down and apply light makeup and a blood-red lipstick. I grab a pair of stilettos, then crouch down next to Jasper, kissing across his neck.

He squirms in his sleep. I grin and nip him softly. He sighs. “I like waking up to you, gorgeous.”

I lean back as he looks me over, his long eyelashes fluttering. “Are we going somewhere?”

“I’mgoing out with Carissa.”

“Fishing for a boyfriend?”

“Well, with all these medical bills, I need a sugar daddy,” I say as seriously as I can, then giggle at his incredulous face. I kiss him quickly. “Try not to throw a wild party … or burn the apartment down.”

“It’ll be hard.” He hums in his throat. “So tempting.”

I squeeze his hand. “I’ll be home around midnight. We’re just catching up … maybe dancing.”

He groans. “I’m up. I’ll get dressed.”

“Youare not invited. Girls’ night.”

“But I want to see you dance.” He pouts.

“Carissa will send you a video … or I’ll come dance for you after,” I promise, kissing him again. “Text me if anything goes wrong.”

“So you’ll be checking your phone all night? Worrying about me?”

“Distance makes the heart grow fonder.” I wink and head out.

Carissa and I meet at our favorite bar and order margaritas. We catch up about work and everything else, then she bites her bottom lip. I lean my head to the side. “What is it?”

“There’s something I need to tell you. But I don’t want you to judge me or anything, okay?”

“Okay…”

I’m dating Nick.” She covers her face. “Oh, my God, it’s been hell not telling you.”

“Nick, as in our boss, Nick? I didn’t know he was your type.”

“I didn’t either!” She shakes her head. “Not until that day when the gunmen stormed in. Oh, my God, Sofia, you should see how Nick took charge. You know I’m a sucker for guys who are in control.”

I nod, thinking of Jasper. It’s obvious Carissa has a type. But I’m not perturbed about it. I’m relieved, happy for my best friend. I rub her shoulder and tell her so.

“Thanks, Sofia. He’s just so … soft and sweet and deep,” she gushes. “He says what he means and follows through. He’s beautiful. It just kind of happened. We went on a date, then he invited me in for a nightcap. We were watching a movie and when they kissed on screen, I just couldn’t not kiss him, and he kissed me back and … Oh, my god. Fireworks.”

I laugh and squeeze her hand. “I’m so happy for you.”

“You don’t think it’s weird or wrong? I mean, he is our boss.”

“No!” I shake my head. “Dios mio. Nick is amazing, and he’s lucky to have you.”

Carissa scoots closer. “Honestly, girl… best sexever. I can’t believe how good it is. How good everything is. The janitor almost caught us in the supply closet last Tuesday.”

“Oh, my God. You’re scandalous!”

We talk about all the fun she’s having, then she looks at our hands. “How are you, though?”

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