Page 46 of Saving Stella
“They’d see you,” she concluded. “So, you have to stay in here.”
“That’s the general idea.” He stood up. “Is there a problem?”
“Well … um …” She swallowed hard. She’d never had a man stay over in this house before. She wasn’t a prude or a virgin, but having him in here with only her bedroom door separating them didn’t seem appropriate.
Probably because she’d never be able to keep her own thoughts appropriate, knowing he was nearby.
Oh Lord, Jesus, Mary, whoever was listening—I think I need you now.
“I could sleep in the truck if you prefer.”
“No!” That protest came out way too fast, but she wasn’t going to let him be uncomfortable, not when she had the space. “There’s a spare room, right across from the master. You can stay there.”
“Thank you. Though I don’t sleep much anyway.”
“All right. Whatever you want. Good night.” Turning on her heel, she backtracked to her room, closed the door, and leaned back onto it with a sigh.
Lord help her, she needed to get her head on straight. Or maybe she needed to stop obsessing over a man who clearly had no interest in her. Shrugging, she marched to her bed and got under the covers.
The next day, Stella headed to the kitchen after she showered and dressed for work. To her surprise, Cliff was already up and he had two steaming cups of coffee on the counter. The sight of him looking so at home in her kitchen—barefoot and dressed only in a white Henley shirt and jeans—had her heart skipping a beat.
“I hope you don’t mind.” He nodded at the coffee machine.
“Not at all.” Trying to act nonchalant, she picked up one of the mugs. “Thanks.”
“Do you eat breakfast?”
“I’ll usually just have some toast, but”—she glanced up at the clock—“I’m running a bit late. And—oh, I forgot about my car.” She gave herself a mental note to call her insurance company today.
“I’ll take you to work,” he said. “Don’t worry about it.”
Her insides melted at those words—don’t worry about it.
Because how many times had she wished she had someone who would take care of her? Someone who would have her back and come to her aid when she needed it?
Don’t be silly, she told herself as she took a sip of the rich, black coffee. This was his job. She was just a job to him. At worst—a favor he was doing for his sister.
“Thanks,” she murmured. “I’ll sort things out with my insurance and then maybe I can get a rental.”
He didn’t say anything, though he grabbed a to-go cup from the cupboard—how he even knew where they were, she didn’t know—took the mug from her hand and poured it in. “Here. Since you’re running late.”
She followed him out the door and to the truck. Again, he opened the door for her before he got into the driver’s side. Traffic was light, and they arrived at Crestholm with just enough time for Stella to make it to her class.
However, as she breezed into the main building, as bad luck would have it, Tyler was right on the other side of the door. “Stella! How was your weekend? And—who’re you?”
“Huh?”
Oh Lord.
She’d been in such a hurry that she jumped out of the truck and forgot about Cliff, who apparently had followed her all the way inside. “He’s my uh …”
“Bodyguard,” he supplied.
“Bodyguard?” Tyler let out a nervous laugh. “Really? Stella, if you’re trying to sneak in one of your boyfriends?—”
“He’s not a boyfriend,” she said flatly. Though she wished she had thought of a better excuse.
“Hmm, you look familiar,” Tyler said, eyes narrowing at Cliff. “Have we met before?”