Page 2 of One Hot Deal

"What else is there?I am the job, that's why you hired me.I'm a workaholic, which means I can devote all my time to managing your protection detail."

"Hmm."She rests a hand on her knee and taps one finger on it."You are strong and virile, healthy too.I know because I required you to have a physical before signing a contract with me."

What on earth is she getting at?If Diana thought I wasn't doing my job well enough, she would tell me outright.No beating around an invisible bush.She'd rip a branch off and whap me on the head with it.

My gaze wanders to her legs, and my dick jerks.Stop looking, jackass.I tear my focus away from her shapely calves and give myself a mental slap to the face.

Since I know Diana likes to get straight to the point, I give her the courtesy of doing the same."Is something bothering you?If anyone on my team has done something you don't like, you know you can tell me.If I'm the one you're not happy with, the same applies."

"Oh, I'm very satisfied with the work you do, Mr.Hahn."

"Good.But there's clearly something on your mind."

She turns toward the front, gazing straight at the back of the driver's head."Nothing urgent."

When Diana Sangster turns away, it means the conversation is over.Might as well let her shut it down, since I have no clue what she was trying to say.

Neither of us speaks again on the twenty-minute drive to her swanky flat along the River Thames.Ellie and Tim, our driver, wait while Diana and I get out of the car.I opened the door for her this time, and her lips curl into a full-on smirk.Tim and Ellie take the car into the parking garage while I escort Diana to the elevator, or as Brits call it, the lift.I kind of like that word.It saves a few syllables.

Once the lift doors close, Diana speaks."I will be going for a walk this evening."

"You know, Geoffrey could escort you on the walk.Anybody could, actually."But I know she wants me and only me to accompany her.She always does.Once in a while, though, I like to prod her in the hopes she'll finally tell me why she insists on having me with her during those walks along the river.

"I don't want Geoffrey, or anyone else.You know that."

"Just checking.Thought you might like to switch things up for a change."

She moves only her eyes to glance at me sideways."I do not switch things up."

Yeah, I know that about her too.Never hurts to try, though.

Once we walk into Diana's flat, she heads for the upstairs bedroom to change clothes.Since I have nothing else to do while I wait, I survey the flat.I've been here more times than I can count, and I know every inch of this place.It doesn't suit Diana.The spare, modern design seems more appropriate for an office space, not an apartment.This doesn't feel like a home.Diana might be tough as nails at work, but I've seen other sides of her since she hired me to protect her.Well, my company, that is.But I think it was really Hugh Parrish's recommendation that got me the job.He and Diana became business partners, and he's marrying my sister.So Diana got two recommendations.

Yeah, Avery tells everyone I'm amazing.It's kind of embarrassing.

Diana trots back down the stairs, now wearing designer sweats and a matching hoodie.She has designer sneakers too.When she goes for walks, she always pulls her brown hair back in a ponytail.I love that.It makes me want to kiss her.But I will never, never do that.I'm her bodyguard, not her lover.

Maybe I do sometimes fantasize about rolling around in the sheets with her.But it's only a fantasy.Just like my dreams.A woman of Diana's caliber would never get involved with a man like me.

Diana leads the way as we head out of her flat and exit the building, jogging across the street to the path that skirts the River Thames.She always likes to go for walks just as the sun is setting, then go back to the flat for a quiet dinner.I stay a discreet distance behind her as she ambles along the riverbank.As usual, she stops at one specific spot, though I can't see anything special about it.She gazes across the river, smiling slightly, and shuts her eyes for a moment.

God, she is so beautiful.And she seems younger this way too.I want to march over there, pull her into my arms, and just hold her.

Diana starts walking again.

And I follow.It's my job, that's all.

Our evening stroll takes forty-five minutes, out and back, then we're in the lift again, on our way up to Diana's flat.As the elevator doors shut, Diana glances at me sideways.

"Thank you for always wearing a suit," she says."I appreciate the professionalism your team always shows."

"It's our job.And my team likes getting the chance to dress up.Most of our clients these days want their protection detail to blend into the background, which means wearing everyday casual clothing."

"Men look quite sexy in suits."

Did she just hit on me?She does do that sometimes, but I don't think she meant to flirt this time.Diana was stating an opinion that could apply to any man.

"I'd love to see you in a designer suit," she says."Your physique would perfectly fit Armani's style."

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