Page 24 of Reputation (Tempt)

“It’s a new assignment from the Hartwell Agency. I’m actually pretty jealous.”

“Would you want to move to Paris?” I asked, desperately trying to quell the panic that arose at the idea of losing Emerson.

“I mean, maybe.” She gave a little shrug. “But what I want is something money can’t buy,” she said with a wistful sigh.

What did that mean?

Before I could ask, the doorbell rang. Emerson went to answer the front door, welcoming Preston and Sophia in.

It wasn’t long before all the girls had arrived, and we loaded into the limo and headed over to the Huxley Grand. After that, it was a blur of manicures and pedicures, silly games, pizza, and more. My event planner—Juliana Wright—had done a great job, as always. She’d transformed the living room of the Presidential Suite into a cozy-looking sleep space for all the girls. And Brooklyn was loving her party, which was all I really cared about.

There was a knock at the door. “Room service.”

Emerson went to answer it. The man rolled in the cart, and I returned my attention to the girls.

“What are you doing?” Emerson asked, drawing my attention. She was frowning at the hotel employee. “Are you taking pictures?”

I stood and straightened. Rage flowing through my blood. But before I could confront him, the man turned and ran. Emerson took off, and I followed them out into the hall, my hand still on the door to the suite.

“Hey!” she shouted.

Jackson opened the door of the suite next to ours and peered into the hall, while I stared on in shock. Jackson and the team from Hudson had set up a temporary command center next door, but we’d decided not to post anyone outside the girls’ room since we didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention. Besides, we’d rented out the entire floor, and it could only be accessed by a key card.

The guy was fast, but Emerson was faster. And I watched as she quickly caught up and tackled him.Holy shit.

“Did Emerson just tackle that guy?” Jackson asked from beside me.

“Yeah. She did.” I tried not to laugh.

I was both in awe of her and…just wow.

Jackson jogged over to them while I texted my cousin Graham, who ran the hotel. It wasn’t long before Graham exited the elevator along with hotel security. The intruder was escorted away.

“What happened?” Graham asked, his scowl even deeper than usual.

“Fucking paparazzi,” I said, dragging a hand down my face. I’d just wanted Brooklyn to enjoy a normal birthday party.Was that too much to ask?

“But everyone’s okay?” Graham asked.

“Yes. At least—” I glanced at Emerson. “I think so. Are you okay?”

Her cheeks were flushed, but she was barely winded.Damn.“I’m livid, but yes. I’m fine.”

“If you ever want a career change, I’d hire you in a heartbeat,” Jackson said, appraising her with a keen interest I didn’t appreciate.

Emerson laughed. “Not sure I’m cut out for executive protection. I do better with kids.”

“Many of our clients act like children,” Jackson said, then his attention went to me as if remembering that I was standing there. “Present company excluded, of course.” He straightened.

“Of course,” I mused in a wry tone. Jackson and I had always gotten on just fine. Mostly because he didn’t try to tell me what to do too often, and I let him do his job.

“Speaking of children—” Emerson hooked her thumb toward the hotel suite. “I should check on the girls.”

“Thank you,” I said, grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze.

She nodded but seemed distracted. I watched her go, but I wasn’t the only one. I didn’t like the way Jackson’s eyes lingered on her ass. If he weren’t so damn good at his job, I would’ve fired him on the spot.

As soon as the door to the suite closed, Jackson apologized and assured me that his team would redouble their efforts.

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