Instead of a delivery person, Stone stood there…just as rugged and unyielding as always.
“Hi.” Her gaze darted across his face, searching for any signs of regret from their kiss. Was that why he was here? Had he come to quit? Remind her for the gazillionth time that he was a bachelor for life? That would explain the intense stare. “You’re not dressed for the job,” she blurted.
He cocked his head. “You gave me the day off.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” What was it about him that made her say stupid things? “Then why are you here? Did you miss me?” Like that. That was a stupid thing. Of course he hadn’t missed her. Gah.
“Like a toothache,” he deadpanned.
“Very funny. I’m not that bad.”
“You’re right. You’re not,” Stone said, looking almost contrite. “Ms. Birdie sent—” He paused mid-sentence as Sophie stepped aside.
She followed his gaze and realized she’d given him his first clear view of her elaborate boyfriend board. “Do you like it?” she asked, sounding like a proud momma.
“Ms. Birdie mentioned your board, but words didn’t do it justice.” He edged closer, his shoulder grazing hers in the cramped space, and he scanned the detailed connections on the board. They heard the loud sound of a car backfiring somewhere, down on the streets below.
“I know it looks chaotic, but it helps me organize my thoughts,” Sophie explained, watching his reaction closely.
Instead of replying directly, Stone plucked a tiny sticky note from the board and read the scribbled words aloud. “Don’t fall in love with him.” He turned to her, one eyebrow arching. “Who’s him?”
“One of the Cinnamon Roll candidates,” Sophie admitted, her cheeks warm with embarrassment. “The nomination described him as almost too perfect to be real.”
“And if he turns out to be everything promised, you don’t want to fall in love with him?” Stone asked, a hint of teasing underlying his serious tone.
She shrugged. “At least not until after the auction. Ms. Birdie was clear—all these guys must agree to remain on the market to be featured and to participate in the auction next month.”
“Why not just buy him at auction if you fall for him?” Stone suggested, his voice laced with a blend of humor and practicality.
“Because all my disposable income is currently helping to keep Poppie in his apartment.” And bribing the superintendent not to toss him out because he’d forgotten to pay last month’s rent on time.
“That’s a good granddaughter of you. He’s lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one. He took me in when I had nowhere else to go.”
“Then you’re both very lucky to have each other.”
“Highly agree. He’s the one who taught me to live my best life,” she said, then paused. Was she revealing too much? She didn’t want Stone to think she was hinting for help or pity or that she was a flake. “Did you drop by for a reason?”
Stone’s expression went extra-grumpy.
“What? What is it?” she exclaimed. “Just spit it out. If you’ve come to tell me you’ve given your one-month notice, I’ve already figured that much out.”
“There’s a credible threat against you. We need to discuss your security,” he said, his voice not quite as steady as normal.
“Like on a scale of one to ten, with one being it won’t happen and ten being it’s happening, where does credible fall on the scale?” she asked.
“Eight,” Stone replied immediately. “Until the threat is eliminated, I’ve been instructed to ensure you have constant protection.”
“The threat is actually against me?” Sophie asked, her mind reeling.
He nodded.
Panic fluttered in her chest. Stone had once mentioned—in a variation of his standardI’m never falling in lovespiel—that threats against him could lead to threats against those he loved. Would the same hold for threats against her? Was Poppie in danger? Of course they would, and Poppie would be.
Damn it. Poppie had survived the danger she’d inadvertently brought to his doorstep with her last boyfriend, and now she’d brought danger to Poppie again. Things were—
Stone must have seen she was spiraling because he quickly offered, “I have a secure two-bedroom condo. I propose you move in temporarily, and I can keep a closer watch on you there.”
