“He’s a teddy bear,” I playfully argued.
“That’s because you’re his daughter. And I’m the guy sleeping with you.”
“You have a point.”
We simultaneously shook our heads in amusement, and for a moment, I was able to shove aside the memories of last night.
But all blissful moments must end.
We’d gone next door to my place so I could take a shower before we headed to the police station. I didn’t have to ask Jackson to come with me because he refused to leave my side.
“Sophie, can I come in?” he asked, knocking on my bedroom door.
I was only wearing a towel. Even though he’d seen me naked, I appreciated the privacy he’d given me last night when I changed into his shirt. But now was a different story. My shock from the attack had waned, and I didn’t feel the need to hide in front of him any longer. He’d gone out of his way to make me feel protected as well as supported.
“Yes,” I shouted, rifling through my dresser drawers. The door opened, but Jackson stood in the doorway instead of entering the room. “You can come in.” I tossed a pair of underwear and a bra on my bed.
He surveyed the room as if he’d never seen it before. “What’s the matter?” I asked, noticing the tenseness in his shoulders. “You don’t have to go with me to the station. I’ll just ask my dad if you want. I don’t want to go alone.” Whatever reservations I picked up from him were gone as he strode toward me.
“I’m going. Why would you think I wouldn’t want to?”
“Because you look like you’re going to give me bad news or something. I just figured you didn’t want to miss training, which you’re late for, by the way.” It was well past the time he was supposed to be in the gym.
“I’m not training today.”
“You have to,” I argued.
“No, I don’t. What I have to do is be here for you. That’s all I care about.”
I caressed his cheek, loving how he relaxed into my touch. “I don’t want to be the reason you slack off, Jackson, especially so close to your fight.”
“It’s only a day. I’ll be fine. And speaking of my training, I want you to take a few days off to rest.”
“I can still do my job.”
“I know you can. But please take the time. If not for yourself, then for me.”
“I don’t want to be here alone while you’re in the gym.” My voice hitched in worry and my chin trembled. Apparently, I wasn’t completely over what happened, which I supposed was to be expected.
“Speaking of,” he said, briefly averting his eyes, “I’m going to have someone watch over you while I’m training, and when I’m done, you’ll be with me. You won’t be alone.”
“I don’t want some stranger guarding me.” Jackson was strong-willed and he wouldn’t back down easily, especially when he was doing something to protect me.
“You think I’d hire someone I don’t know to watch over you?” His mouth twisted into a grimace. “No. Elton will do it.”
“No…. I don’t want to be a bother…. I’m sure he has more important things to do.”
“Nothing is more important than making sure you’re safe.”
“Well, what exactly is he going to do? Stand outside my apartment?”
“Yeah.” His casual answer surprised me because I hadn’t been serious. I didn’t expect his manager to just stand outside my place for hours while Jackson trained.
“No.”
His brows dipped together. “Yes.”
“Your guys are going to hate me,” I mumbled, but he heard every word.
