“Matt was your bodyguard?” Ashley asked, her voice oozing with eager excitement.
“It was no big deal; he stayed out front and made sure nothing else happened.”
“You know, I fell in love with my gorgeous SSI bodyguard. It could happen to you.” Ashley was relentless.
I wouldn’t fall in love with Matt, or anyone else. It wasn’t part of my plan.
I wanted to buy the clinic when Carol retired, so I had to focus on learning the business.And bringing it into the current century. I didn’t have time to fall in love.
And I sure as hell didn’t want someone who’d be as obnoxiously overbearing and obsessively protective as my brothers.
“The last thing I need is a guy like my brothers,” I said, closing the subject.
“Why? What’s wrong with your brothers?” Emily asked.
“They’re overbearing and obnoxious and refuse to butt out of my life.”
“They care about you,” Mom said.
“They’re worried,” Cate added.
“They want to make sure you’re safe,” Beth said. “That’s why they asked Doug to draw up a proposal for Dr. Greenfield.”
“I know, but I don’t like them trying to dictate my life. How do you guys deal with them always wanting to control your every move and driving you everywhere like you can’t do it yourself?” I hadn’t meant to blurt the question out with so much venom, but it was too late to take it back.
Surprisingly, it was Blake who spoke up first. “I like it when AJ gets protective and wants to drive me around; it makes me feel cherished.”
I’m an ass. Blake’s father had treated her like an asset and had put her life in danger because he wanted access to her inherited millions to cover his gambling debts.
“I like having a sexy chauffeur,” Ashley said. “Nathan likes driving me around, and it gives us extra time together. What’s not to like?”
“Don’t you feel like you’ve given up your independence?” I asked, this time with less attitude. I was genuinely curious to hear their opinions.
“I’m with Madi,” Cate added.
“Thanks.”
“That’s because you’re both badasses. Those of us who aren’t enjoy being treated like precious cargo,” Ashley said, making everyone laugh.
“Jamie doesn’t drive me around because I’m incapable, he does it because he wants me to feel special. I like it when he takes care of me.”
After almost dying at the hands of her abusive ex-boyfriend, it made sense she’d like being treated like a princess.
Was I looking at it all wrong? Maybe I should judge less? I’d never needed someone to save my life, nor had I ever been neglected or abused. Which meant I didn’t understand the unique bond they’d formed with the men in their lives.
I still didn’t want that for me, but I needed to remind myself we all had different wants and needs. Hell, even Cate let Jay drive her around.
Wait.
“Cate, you work at SSI, you’re a trained bodyguard, and an all-around badass, so why didn’t you drive yourself?”
Cate chuckled. “Because Jack asked Jay to escort you and Meg.”
I raised an eyebrow. Cate was already coming to craft and booze night; she could’ve easily escorted us.
“Don’t look at me like that. I don’t agree with all their choices, but I pick my battles.” Cate shrugged. “Sorry.”
“They could’ve asked you.”
