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?”
“I’m hoping not to have to explain you at all because I’m counting on this arrangement ending soon.”
“Well, if you’d let me sleep inside like you should’ve, I wouldn’t have attracted the neighbor’s attention.”
“I will admit that making you sleep outside was a mistake, in hindsight.” I rubbed my pounding temples. “Do you want some coffee? I need to get a cup before my head explodes.”
He smiled wide. “I would love some.”
God, those dimples.
Had they been there yesterday?
Of course they had.
Again, I needed coffee.
After I filled two mugs, I handed him one. “As you just saw, my neighbor is very nosy. You need to keep a low profile. That means no hanging around outside my house unless absolutely necessary. She’ll try to talk to you.”
“I’ll be fine if she does. I’m a pretty good liar.”
