Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 102394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
That did not change the fact that the last thing I wanted was one of my dad’s people following me around, so when I got out to the main road, I made a sharp U-turn and hit the gas instead of taking my usual left. I weaved in and out of side streets with my heart racing until Wes’s car was no longer behind me.
I felt a little high at having lost him, at least until I pulled up in front of my house and found the jerk blocking my driveway with his car. He leaned against the driver’s side door, tossing his keys into the air and catching them. He smirked again when he saw me, and I decided I officially hated him—especially because he looked annoyingly hot, and my body reacted.
I rolled down my window and growled at him, not noticing his broad shoulders. “Move!”
“Say please.”
“I am not saying please.”
He tossed the keys into the air and caught them again. “Then looks like you’re going to have to park somewhere else.”
I slammed the car into reverse and nailed the gas, causing the tires to chirp. Steam practically billowed from my nose as I parked in front of the house and got out. Wes had his truck open now and was unloading a suitcase.
“Uh… What do you think you’re doing?” I asked.
“Moving in with you.”
“Like hell you are!”
***
Maybe I shouldn’t have made him sleep in the car. It was a little bit chilly last night—for me at least. But even if he wasn’t cold out there, he had to have been uncomfortable.
My father had some nerve sending this guy here, but I knew it wasn’t Wes’s fault. He’d just been doing his job. I realized how demanding Dad was, and this guy likely had no choice but to go along with all of this. His life could literally depend on it.
I should go outside and tell him to come in.
But first, coffee. I couldn’t deal with him—or anything else, for that matter—until I was properly caffeinated.
I was just about to pour myself a cup when there was a knock at the door. Assuming it was Wes, I cinched my silk robe tighter. When I opened, Wes was indeed standing there, but next to a cop.
My heart dropped. “What’s going on here?” This had to have something to do with my father.
“Your neighbor called to report a suspicious car parked in front of your place, ma’am,” the officer said. He pointed to Wes. “I just spoke to the occupant. This gentleman here says he’s your boyfriend, and the two of you got into an argument last night, so you made him sleep in the car…”
Oh my goodness. But relief washed over me that this had nothing to do with my father causing trouble.
Having no good options, I cleared my throat. “Yes, that’s right. We got into a bit of a tiff, so I kicked him out for the night so I could have some space.”
The cop arched a brow. “Just to confirm, no one laid a hand on the other person, correct?”
I shook my head. “No, no. He would never.”
I glanced over at Wes, who grinned at me smugly. “Just a little lover’s spat,” he said.
“Been there,” the officer said, patting Wes on the shoulder. “Okay, as long as everything is copacetic now. I’m gonna head out and let you two sort out your issues.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Officer. I appreciate you checking in.”
“Well, thank your neighbor. She was looking out for you. Rare to find people who care these days.”
I managed a smile. Actually, I wished Pam and the other neighbors would mind their own damn business, considering the circumstances of my life. Pam was my book club buddy and friend, but she was damn nosy—always after more details than I wanted to give her. All I needed was for someone to find out what was really going on. Why didn’t my father realize that assigning a bodyguard would only draw more attention to me?
After the police officer left, Wes stood before me in all of his fuck-hot glory, with his hands in his pockets and his tight white T-shirt practically painted onto his muscular chest. His hair was a little messed up and flattened from what I was sure hadn’t been a pleasant night’s sleep.
“Sorry for making up that story,” he said. “But I didn’t know what else to tell him. Wasn’t like I could admit the real reason I’m here looking out for you.”
I crossed my arms. “Maybe you should’ve, and he could’ve carted you away, so I don’t have to deal with any of this.”
“Now, now. Is that how you talk to your loving boyfriend?” He winked.
“Please don’t repeat that.” Especially in that annoyingly seductive voice.
“Well, you don’t think at some point we’re gonna have to pretend to be something to each other? People are going to wonder who the hell I am. How else are you going to explain me, if I’m not your boyfriend?”