I hate that I have to hide. I hate that I can’t just step out into the world as my badass alter ego—writer of sexy, dirty, keep you on the edge of your seat romance.
Annoyed, I throw my hair up into a messy bun and leave the safety of my bedroom. It’s Friday morning, and Bailey’s suggestion ofrelaxingtoday isn’t going to happen.
I’m too keyed up, and unfortunately for Tom, he’s about to get the brunt of it for the sheer fact that he’shere.
And I didn’t ask him to be.
He’s a distraction and I can’t afford any distractions right now.
So really, I just need to figure out how to get rid of him.
Easier said than done.
But I have to try; I can’t live like this. The roller coaster of emotions is too much. I feel trapped and uneasy because even though he’s courteous, he’s commandeered the kitchen table and I canseepieces of my life in the pages in front of him. I feel vulnerable and exposed, but later when he cooks dinner, I’ll be fine because we’ll just be two people existing in my house.
It’s exhausting.
And I need space.
It doesn’t matter how well he can cook,I need him out of here.
“It’s beena full week, Mr. Oakden. Onewholeweek,” I announce as I enter the kitchen with a flourish. “Andnothinghas happened.” His eye twitch is immediate, and something about that lights me up inside.
If I have to be miserable, I should at least get to have fun with it.
His exhale is heavy as he turns his focus to me. “What can I do to get you to stop calling me Mr. Oakden?”
“You can vacate my guest room.”
“Not happening.”
“Please?” I ask with a level of hope I don’t actually feel. “I’ll get you a hotel room.”
“No.”
“But why? Why do you have to behere?Can’t I just give you an itinerary and you can escort me around when it’s absolutely necessary?”
“Did something happen?” he asks, avoiding my questions as he studies my face. But he won’t find anything there becausethere’s nothing to see. I just need him gone. I need him out of my house so I can breathe.
Mostly.
“No, and that’s the point, right? I can’t concentrate with you here. I feel like I’m crawling out of my skin today, and I know it’s nerves but tomorrow is a big deal for me.”
Plus all the people saying I’m ridiculous for thinking I’m important enough to have a bodyguard.
“I know it’s a big deal.” Leaning back in his chair, he holds his hands out, palms up. “I thought you said youlikedhaving me with you at the schools.” There’s levity in his tone but I ignore it.
“The school events werefineandyesit was nice not to be by myself, but tomorrow is different. I can’t bring ateamto the bookstore and have all of you lurking around.”
“We don’t lurk and we’re great with kids if we have to interact with anyone at all. Well, I don’t know about Grimm, but just in case, he’ll be on the perimeter. Plus, the store already knows we’re coming.”
“What?!” I cry as if this is shocking news.Of course he would have called the store to make arrangements, but it’s too much.“I don’t want to be portrayed like I’m some kind of diva. It’s my reputation and my job and?—”
“And your safety and right now my need to protect you exceeds your desire to be rid of us andme.” With a heavy exhale, he leans his forearms on the table. “Are you concerned with the social media trolls?”
The wordtrollssounds weird falling from his lips.
Unnatural.
