Page 60 of I've Got Your Number

Callan groaned. “Shit. I forgot about her. The girl who posted the original photo linked back to Barks and Recreation. I’ll call her right now. What?” He went silent for a moment while James was speaking. “I’m putting you on speaker, Red.”

James said, “Catie, I’ve contacted Asher Matthews. He’ll have a protective detail parked in front of your house within thirty minutes.”

“That isn’t necessary—”

“It is, Catie.” James talked over me. “Even if the paps don’t try to ferret you out, Callan’s rather rabid lady fans will not rest until they know who you are and every single detail of your life.”

A frisson of worry slithered through me. “Oh. I hadn’t thought about that.” The last thing I needed was a legion of jealous fans following me, or worse, considering me fair game.

James continued, “Once the detail arrives, they will knock at the front door and identify themselves as being with the Matthews agency. Other than them, do not let anyone in the house. Don’t open the door for anyone but these guys. Understand?”

I nodded, then said., “Got it. No one in or out. No answering the door.”

Eyes wide, Naomi leaped up and raced around the room, shutting curtains, closing blinds, and double-checking locks on all the windows and doors. She did all this while James kept spewing safety tips.

James finished with his litany of do’s and don’ts. “You can decide if you want one of them inside the house. Otherwise, they’ll just stay in the parked car.”

I remained frozen and mute.

“Catie-belle? You still there?”

I answered Callan, “Yeah. This is just… So wild.”

“You’re off speaker. Catie, I really am sorry.”

“Callan—”

“Listen, I promise I’ll make it up to you. Once we get past this damn hurdle. I promise I’ll be telling everyone about you…about us. I can’t wait to share it with the world. But I can’t do that until I know I can keep you safe.”

“I’ll wait,” I parroted the line from his song back to him.

The line was silent for a while, then he said, “Thank you.”

His voice was soft and humbled, and my belly rolled sweetly as emotion climbed my throat. Unable to get much in the way of words out, I just murmured a nonsense sound.

“James is getting everything sorted out now. We’ll make arrangements to get you here to my place. It will be a safer spot for you, since my property is gated. Just have to figure out the best way to get you here. Leave that with me.”

“I trust you.” And I did. I knew to the depths of my soul that this man would watch over me. Make sure I was safe.

“For now, you’re okay. The detail Asher is sending is just a few minutes away. I’m going to talk to Asher and work out the safest way to get you here and keep your identity a secret.” He paused and cleared his throat. “I really am sorry.”

Again, I reassured him I was fine, this wasn’t his fault, and I’d wait to hear back from him.

When I disconnected the call, I looked at Naomi. “What a mess!”

An odd look passed over Naomi’s face. “Catie, I…”

“What?”

“Sweetie, I hate to tell you that it could get worse, but it’s possible it will.”

“Sorry?” I scrubbed between Frank’s ears.

Naomi’s brows drew together. “The internet is forever. It’s probably only a matter of time before that video of you and Steve resurfaces.”

21

CALLAN

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