Page 56 of Undeniable
“Yeah. Seriously. She could be ugly with a capital U. And you’re going on a date with her? It’s not like you can ditch her. You’ll still have to see her at the panel. Shit could get awkward real quick.”
The thought had crossed my mind—about things getting awkward. What if we weren’t attracted to each other? That seemed impossible, considering our chemistry over the phone.
Even so, what was she expecting out of this week? What if I wasn’t enough to give it to her? But then I remembered how much Olivia and I had shared already, and I immediately felt calmer.
“I know it’s a risk, but she gets me.” I’d never felt this way about anyone. Which was a big reason why it was so terrifying.
“Oh man. You’ve got it bad, huh? What do you like so much about her? Since it’s clearly not her appearance.” He snickered.
“Everything.”
“Well, shit.” He shook his head. “You love her.”
Love?That seemed a little premature. Though, I did care about her. She’d become one of the most important people in my life.
“Next thing I know, I’ll find out you’re transferring to the LA office weeks after the fact.”
I barked out a laugh. “You’re getting ahead of yourself.”
“Hell, maybe I should transfer too. Then I could spend a little more time with my last principal. Give her a little Vitamin D.” He waggled his brow.
“I sure as hell hope you’re joking.” We all knew the number one rule of executive protection: don’t sleep with the principal. And definitely don’t fall in love with them.
“I’m kidding. Jeez.” He rolled his eyes, and I knew he’d never cross that line, no matter how tempted he might be. He couldn’t lose this job, or he wouldn’t be able to pay for his granny’s expensive care. “Besides, you’re the one who’s breaking the rules.”
“How?” I asked. Olivia wasn’t the principal or even a client of Hudson Security.
“Did you not read the Spines for Soldiers program guidelines?”
“Fuck no,” I said. Hell, for a while, I hadn’t even planned to participate.
“You should. Because I specifically remember a rule against meeting outside of designated program activities.”
I stared at him a moment, studying the microexpressions on his face. Waiting for him to start laughing at any moment and tell me it was a joke. “You’re shitting me.”
He shook his head. “I’m not.” He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his emails until he’d found what he was searching for. “Here. Look.”
I skimmed the program guidelines. Olivia and I had already broken a number of them—exchanging phone numbers. Agreeing to meet in person. I understood they were meant to keep participants safe, but I’d never do anything to hurt her.
“Meh. I prefer to think of them as suggestions. It’ll be fine.”
At least, I hoped it would be. I wouldn’t have been so concerned if not for the fact that Olivia had spearheaded the program. But I didn’t tell Zeke that. Breaking the rules was the least of my worries at the moment.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Alyssa stood behind me in the mirror, wrapping my hair around the barrel of the curling iron. She was almost done, and it looked amazing—romantic and sexy at the same time. I felt beautiful, but what would Connor think?
I still couldn’t quite believe I’d be meeting him in a little over an hour.
“Ah!” she squealed. “This is so exciting. Can I go with you if I promise not to interrupt,please?”
I laughed. “Um. No.”
“But you are going to send me a picture of him, right?”
I frowned at her in the mirror. “I’m not taking a covert picture of him. That would be weird.”
“What’sweirdis the fact that you haven’t stalked the hell out of him online.” She gave me a pointed look.