“I mean, he watched me at a fitting yesterday. I had on this amazing translucent bra. He has some idea.”
“So… you think he wants you, but just won’t do anything about it because of his job?”
“I think so. I’m not sure yet.”
“Get to know him more. Like I told you already. And meanwhile, go on with your life. Don’t let him go caveman on you again. You do you. He’s security. That’s all it is unless he’s willing to admit he wants more.”
“Hmm. That’s good advice, Elle.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
“I am, really.”
Elle laughed. “Fuck you. And by the way, if he’s the alpha you say he is, he’s not gonna let anything get in the way of what he wants, if he wants you. Remember that.”
“Damn. You know, you really know more about men than I think.”
“Thanks. I’ve dated a few alphas myself.”
“You mean, they’ve tried to date you.”
“What?”
“Oh, honey. You don’t do alphas.”
“Huh,” she said, like she was seriously pondering that. “But you do?”
“You know I do. If you think for one sweet second that any man on Earth is gonna lock me down, longterm, he’d better be as alpha as that man in my guest room right now.”
“Okay,” she agreed, “that sounds about right. Which is why Flynn was such a question mark. Hate to break it to you, but Flynn is no alpha.”
“No shit. The man is in love with a woman from afar and totally sitting on it. I’m gonna crack that shit wide open, though, don’t you worry.”
“Oh, I’m worried.”
“Sweetheart, you’re going to that man’s wedding before you walk down the aisle yourself.”
“That may be true.”
“Maybe I can hustle my way into that wedding party, too…” I mused.
Elle snickered.
A text message popped up on my phone.
Ronan: The taxi is here.
“Babe, I’ve gotta go. The alpha’s waiting for me.”
“When are you back?”
“Sunday. I’ve got the show in Toronto, then Montreal, then I’m stopping in Hope to visit my brother on the way back.”
“Okay. Have fun. And don’t take any shit from that alpha of yours.”
“I’ll try.”
“My God, Summer. Listen to you. You’ve got it bad.”
“Shut up. He has these amazing muscles along his forearms, and just the right amount of tattoos… When he opens doors for me, it makes me wet. Are you seriously telling me that never happens to you with Flynn?”
“Uh, yeah. That’s what I’m telling you.”
“So, you’re saying… it’s totally not standard to have to change your panties because your bodyguard opened a door for you?”
“That is exactly what I’m saying.”
“Huh.”
Elle groaned. “Text me from the road. Let me know how it’s going.”
“What, my career? Or the handsome man-beast breathing down my neck?”
“Both, obviously.”
“Okay. Love you, babe.”
“Love you right back. Show Toronto how it’s done on the west coast.”
“Oh, you know I will.”
When I was off the phone, I grabbed my purse and the smallest of my overnight bags, then headed downstairs. Ronan was waiting at the front door, moto jacket on, looking all stoic and badass—and ready for anything. Except, of course, fraternizing with his client.
Because, you know, that would be improper and all.
His gaze immediately skimmed down my body, though. Because apparently he was still allowed to check me out.
Pussy tease.
“You have more bags?”
“Two more,” I said, setting my bag down. “They’re up in—”
He was already heading down the hall to my room, so I didn’t bother finishing that sentence. I slipped on my coat. And when he returned, carrying my two rolling suitcases like they weighed nothing, and also picked up the bag I’d set down… my body responded in some deeply improper ways.
He then opened the door for me, too.
“Thank you,” I said.
He met my eyes and nodded.
I stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the crisp October air. I watched him take my bags to the waiting taxi. Then he went back inside to “Check that everything’s locked down.”
I pulled out my phone and texted Elle.
Me: He’s carrying my bags now. Maybe I should stash a bunch of panties in my purse?
Elle: I’ll have extras sent to your hotel.
Andre met us at the airport with his usual easygoing smile. Totally different vibe than his boss.
He grabbed my bags from the taxi before Ronan could, so at least my lady hormones got a break for a moment.
Takeoff was smooth and pretty close to on-time. Ronan was sitting next to me, on the other side of the tiny table between us, silent. He seemed a little extra stony today, and I wasn’t sure why.
Because of last night, maybe?
We’d just leveled off at high altitude and the seatbelt sign went off. I dug out my phone and earbuds, planning to listen to some music and try to tune out his silent, broody sexiness, when he said, “The restraining order came through.”
I stared at him. “It did?”
“They’ll be sending it to you. I already have a copy.” He opened a document on his phone and showed it to me. “I can walk you through it now, if you’d like.”
“Yes. Please.”
“It’s a twelve-month bond. Sanchuk accepted the terms we requested. It’s all pretty standard. No contact with you, directly or indirectly. That includes anything at all, like messages through other people. He can’t try to reach you in any way.” He scrolled a bit though the document. “He’s not to come within one-hundred meters of your residence or place of employment. That includes anywhere you’re scheduled to appear at a gig or event. He can’t possess firearms or other weapons, or use drugs or alcohol—”
“You think he’ll stick to all that?” I interrupted. I’d talked through the whole thing with the police officer who was working on my file, days ago, so I knew what we’d requested. It was basically what Brody’s lawyers advised us to request.
But I still wasn’t sure.
For all I knew Blair was a meth addict, and he’d be stumbling onto my property again the next time he got high.
“He has to. Disobeying this a criminal offense. He could be convicted and do time for that.” Ronan
