Page 16 of Happily Ever Maybe

This was our final job with these clients. The team keptmaking changes, which we agreed to, but it caused us to have to double up oralter how we worked. They also wanted us to have one-on-one time with some ofthe heavy hitters, which would’ve been fine, but they had requested Daisy andJennifer specifically. It set my teeth on edge. The one who had suggested itwas lucky I hadn’t punched him in the face, and that was only after hearingabout it secondhand. Somehow, Ford had been able to hold back.

We had to finish this contract. One more day, and then wewere done.

Then maybe I could figure out what the hell was going onwith Jennifer and how to fix it.

And tell her that I wanted something more.

Which was great. Because I was pretty sure she wantednothing to do with me.

That wouldn’t make things hard at all.

“I’m just saying, you’d be great working in privatesecurity, don’t you think?” a man slurred quietly over our earpieces. Ifrowned, wondering who the hell that was. Instincts on alert, I looked over andsaw Daisy and Jennifer standing straight-backed, glaring at a man between them.

“Sir, you’re going to want to give us some space,” Jennifersaid calmly.

“Are you sure you want space, baby? The two of you would beperfect with me. Private security? All the bonuses you could want. Get you outof this lifestyle and into the one you deserve. Don’t you think?”

He reached for Daisy with one hand, Jennifer with the other,and I took a step forward before I could stop myself. Kane cleared his throatand shook his head because we weren’t about to make a scene, and Noah wasalready on his way.

Plus, the women didn’t need us. Not in this case.

“Touch me, and I’ll break your fingers,” Daisy said sweetly,so much so it made me stiffen.

“You wouldn’t hurt me.”

“We would. We’d make a scene, and we’d make sure everyoneknew you’re a creep. Because I don’t think you’d like two little girlsbeating your ass. Now, you’re going to step away and let us do our job, orwe’re going to show you exactly what private security means,” Jennifer said,just as sweetly as Daisy.

“Bitch,” the man grumbled just as Noah got there, a pleasantsmile on his face and danger in his eyes. The fact that I could see that fromthis side of the room told me he was ready to kick ass. As were all of us.

“Sir, why don’t you come with me?”

“I don’t have to go with you anywhere.”

“Oh, you’re going to want to,” Daisy added. “Because if youstay with us any longer, you’ll be missing your balls.”

Jennifer grinned before looking over the man’s shoulder atme. She winked, and it felt like everything was normal again. Only maybe itwasn’t. I wanted to help her, but she could take care of herself. I had toremember that.

The man sauntered off, practically swaggering, but he’dgotten his ego hit. I hoped he didn’t fuck up anythinglater.

“We’re wrapping up. Get to your positions, and then we’llhave a briefing to set up for tomorrow,” Ford said into the comms. I went backto work, pulling my gaze from Jennifer—something that was getting harder andharder to do.

When we headed back to the cars, the evening wrapped up, Ilooked over at Jennifer. “You okay?”

She raised a brow, and I noticedthat she was a bit pale. Hell. Maybe the guy hadgotten to her after all.

“I’m used to men hitting on me in these situations. They seea woman who can beat their ass and think they want it. Then they realize theycan’t handle it.”

“They never can,” Daisy mumbled before getting into the backof the SUV, Kane joining her.

I met Jennifer’s gaze. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You don’t treat women like that. You treat melike a member of the team. One of the guys. And I appreciate that.”

I raised a brow, grateful that our comms wereoff. “You know I don’t treat you like one of the guys.”

Her eyes darkened for a bit before she suddenly paled evenfurther.

“No, I guess you don’t. And, Gus?We need to talk after this whole event’s over.”