Page 46 of Broken Bodyguard

“No, I mean—” I laughed at the misinterpretation. “In mylife.”

“Oh. Well there’s still a place for wagyu, either way,” he teased. “But talk to me. What is it?”

I drew a deep breath. “When will I see you next?”

His face fell. “I don’t know.”

I nodded, looking down at the menu board without really seeing the text. “That’s what I figured.”

“It won’t be terribly long,” he hurried to add. “I’ve been thinking about spending weekends here. Or whatever days end up being the off days in my schedule. Maybe two days per week here, if I can time the flights right…”

I nibbled at my lip as he spoke, trying to imagine the future he laid out. It would be so much travel for him. But maybe….

“And then I wanted you and Grace to come up north and be with me in the city as soon as you could visit.” He fiddled with his knife as he spoke. “The custodial stuff will be settled soon. You get summer breaks. That could be in New York.”

I nodded. I’d been granted an uncontested divorce since Jericho’s life was in shambles now. There was no chance he’d get partial custody, even if he got his act together soon, thanks to what we captured in those recordings from the assault. For the first time in my life, I felt free. Finally. “But what about after that?”

A heartbreaking grin graced his lips. “You’re thinking that far ahead about us?”

I felt my cheeks redden. The server came up to take our orders, but without a moment’s hesitation, Troy shook his head, lifting a finger. “Give us five.” The waiter disappeared wordlessly and I leaned forward.

“Troy. I was ready to order.”

He leaned forward too. “I need to hear what you have to say. Ordering can wait. But I’ll call him back if you want me to.”

I laughed, swatting his arm. “Why is it so hot when you prioritize?”

“I know what turns schoolteachers on.”

I covered my mouth to hide the laugh. Troy looked immensely pleased with himself.

“All right. So yes, I’m thinking that far ahead about us. I just…I need to know how this is going to work.” My real fears began tumbling out. “I loved the video chatting. We made it work. It was seamless. But I…I need something more concrete than that. Your schedule has the potential to change every month. I guess all of this has come up because…”

Troy narrowed his eyes. “Because what?”

“I’ve been looking at condos in Louisville.” I nibbled on my bottom lip, hesitantly meeting his gaze. “I think it’s time to leave my parents’ house. I’m ready for my own space, I’ve got the down payment ready. We’ve been there for so long. But…I don’t know…”

“What are you asking, Maddie?” His voice came out a sexy rasp.

“I don’t know,” I hissed, “isn’t that obvious?” I covered my face with my hands.

Troy reached for my hand, which I gave him. He brushed his thumb back and forth across my knuckles. “I’ve been a nomad my whole life. I knew there would be a transition involved in getting serious with you..."

I swallowed hard, nodding.

“But there’s one thing I’m certain of, and it’s that I can’t go on without you two in my life.” His brown eyes were so soulful, I could hardly find my breath. “I need my girls. That’s a non-negotiable. I know we’ll find a way.”

Tears pressed at my eyes. And our server was coming back again. When he showed up with a hopeful smile, Troy sent him away.

“They need Do Not Disturb signs for the tables,” Troy muttered. My shoulders shook with laughter. I sniffed hard, dabbing at my eyes.

“I know you think we’ll find a way,” I said slowly. “But whatisthat way?”

Troy’s intense gaze nearly crippled me. He didn’t have the answer any more than I did. I only had a half-formed wish that I was too scared to follow.

“There’s something you’re not saying,” he said.

“I want to go to New York with you,” I blurted. My cheeks immediately heated up. I was aware how it sounded. “To visit. I mean—spring break is starting next week…”

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