Page 28 of Daddy's Bodyguard
Jasper doesn’t wait for me to answer, he just leaves.
But his apology is enough to make me stay and behave. And when he returns, we unload the groceries together, arguing about where things go until Jasper sets me on the counter to get me out of the way. I glare at him, still feeling his hands on me despite the fact he’s piling things in the fridge.
“No! Bread doesn’t go in the fridge. Dios mio.”
“Well, I assumed because of the pizza conversation...”
“No. That goes in the fridge because of the cheese. How many times do I have to tell you?”
“Always one more time, darling.” He stands up and sets the loaf in my lap before kissing my cheek. “You’re going to make a wonderful wife someday.”
Shocked, I blink at him, then poke his chest. “No PDA.”
“We’re not in public.”
“No affection!”
“Does it break your rules? Welcome to being in your presence, breaking all my rules.” He snorts.
We manage not to fight all night. I even offer him the bed because I’m still feeling so pleased from his apology, but I’m shocked when he says yes. I’m even more shocked when he goes. I hear a low groan and smile slightly. My bit of niceness should pay off later. Because I’m trying. I’m making an effort to earn a more relaxed detail, so I can enjoy my life a little more.
***
The truce between Jasper and I comes to a halt on Monday. He tags along to work like always, but by mid-morning, I spot him flirting with Carissa by the water cooler, his hand resting on top, his eyes focused on her.
Just her.
It’s fine. I’m fine. This is exactly what I want. Jasper is a decent guy, and my best friend’s quite a catch. They belong together. I’m happy for them.
But why does it feel like I can’t breathe?
Grabbing my purse, I take the back door and head across the street to the convenience store that serves kick-ass coffee. I need a caffeine rush. My energy level suddenly gauging on empty. I order a cup of Frappuccino, then wander around the store while it’s being prepared, trying not to think about what Jasper and Carissa are doing right now. Are they exchanging numbers? Is he asking her out on a date? Are they making plans to hook up when he’s done protecting me?
Sighing, I pick up a basket and start filling it with snacks. I haven’t had junk food in ages, but they are my comfort food when I’m depressed.
As I fill my basket, I feel goosebumps crawling up my neck, and there’s a sudden feeling like I’m being watched. Glancing around, I don’t notice anyone who looks like they’re doing anything other than shopping. There’s a tall, elderly woman wearing an expensive-looking scarf, a kid who looks like he’s still in high school, and a middle-aged man wearing a shirt two sizes small. They all seem normal. Harmless. I exhale, check out, and leave the store.
As I step onto the pavement, I spot Jasper sprinting towards me with Carissa jogging behind him. He stops before me, looking like he wants to put me over his knee and spank me. I’m surprised when he pulls me in for a hug.
“You fucking scared me, Sofia,” he says when he pulls away. “And I don’t usually get scared.” He’s looking pissed now, and I open my mouth to argue when Carissa comes up to us, panting like she’s just run a mile.
Jasper immediately moves us forward, his head swiveling as he checks our surroundings. His left hand shadows the spot at his side where he tucked his gun this morning before we left the apartment. Carissa slips her arm through mine and picks up the pace to create some distance between us and Jasper.
“What the hell’s going on?” she whispers. “One minute Jasper’s laughing and talking with me; the next he’s getting all flustered when he notices you’re gone from your desk. I almost burst a lung trying to keep up with him.”
Damn it. How do I tell my best friend the truth without alarming her? I can’t. I don’t want to get her upset for no reason, especially when I still doubt there’s someone out to get me.
“I have no clue. He probably thinks I left for my meeting without him. I promised him I’d take him with me.”
Carissa doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t push it, and I’m glad. We enter the office building, Jasper coming in backwards, still scanning the street. He seems satisfied when he closes the door. We walk over to the elevator, and as we wait for the car, he seizes my arm, twisting me to face him.
“I’m serious, Sofia,” he growls. “Don’t you ever pull that shit again. I almost lost my fucking mind.”
I glance at Carissa. She meets my eyes, then looks away, the confusion clear on her face. I ignore Jasper and follow her into the lift, and we ride in silence to the top floor. The minute-long ride feels like a long, awkward two-hour trip. Carissa will need answers, especially after what Jasper said just now. I don’t know what the fuck to tell her. Anything but the truth.
Finally, we arrive on our floor, and Jasper immediately moves to a window, checking out the street. I dip into my bag and offer a bag of Doritos to Carissa.
“Hey, you want this?” I say to her.