Page 23 of Beaten

I shook my head and laughed. I was one of her bosses, and was never cranky. “Only because the whole operation would crash and burn without you.”

“Aw, thanks” It might not crash and burn, but life at SSI was a hell of a lot easier with Meg there.

After washing the dishes, I finished getting ready for work. My ring caught my attention as I walked by. I picked it up and rolled it between my fingers for a few seconds, contemplating whether I should put it back on.Am I ready to signal to the world that I’m ready to move on?

I put the band down and glanced at my wedding picture. “I’m trying.”

Meg knocked on my office door mid-afternoon to let me know Emily had emailed to tell us she was going to Dallas tonight to have dinner with a friend.

I was glad she let us know in advance, even if it was only a few hours. She was doing her best to follow the protocols we’d put in place, even if she didn’t understand the need for them. Clients didn’t always understand that coverage, specifically shift changes, was trickier when they went out of town, which was why we needed to know in advance where they going, and for how long.

We weren’t providing a driver with Emily’s current protection detail, so I made a mental note to ask her if she wanted me to drive her there and back.

“Did she say who?”

“Ashley York. Want me to run a background check?”

“That won’t be necessary. Did she say what time she’s leaving?” Ashley was Emily’s best friend in high school, and she’d mentioned wanting to visit her in Dallas.

“Five-thirty. She said they’re hanging out at Ashley’s and will probably order delivery for dinner.”

“She didn’t happen to say when she planned on coming home did she?”

“She didn’t, but I can ask.”

“I’ll take care of it. Can you let Jack know I’ll relieve him at four? There’s no sense in both of us having to drive to Dallas.” I was scheduled to relieve him at six but could go early since I didn’t have any appointments.

“Can do boss man.” She saluted me from the doorway before asking, “Want me to pack you some food?”

“That’d be great. Thanks Meg.”

I texted Emily and asked if she had a minute to talk. I wanted to get more details about her plans with Ashley, and offer to drive her there and back, and it’d be easier over the phone.

There was no point in taking two cars, plus there was a pretty good chance they’d be drinking, and I didn’t want Emily to worry about the ninety-minute drive home, late at night, after drinking.

It’d also give me the opportunity to spend some time alone with her. I wanted to get to know Emily better. And if I was lucky, make her smile, because she had a beautiful smile.Stop it!

When I asked, she declined so quickly I’d barely finished asking.I was disappointed, but knew it was probably for the best. I thought about trying to convince her but reminded myself that this was a job, even if it felt more personal to me, and I had to respect her wishes.I’m her bodyguard, not her friend, at least while I’m on the clock.

After she gave me Ashley’s address and phone number, I reminded her to drive conservatively so I wouldn’t lose her on the highway.

She laughed. “I’ve never been a speed demon.”

“Good to know. I’ll be at your place by four, we can leave as soon as I relieve Jack.”

“Okay.” She paused. “Thanks for not forcing me to take the ride.”

“You’re welcome.” I hadn’t considered how aggressive I might have sounded if I tried to force the issue.Now I’m glad I didn’t. The last thing I wanted to do was remind her of her abusive ex.

Chapter 13

Emily

Soon after emailing Meg about my trip to Dallas to visit Ashley, I got a text from Jamie asking me if I had a minute to talk. He asked for a few more details, then offered to drive me there and back, saying it made sense to take one car instead of two.

It made perfect sense, but I didn’t think I could sit in a car alone with him for ninety minutes.

Thankfully, Jamie didn’t push back when I said I wanted to drive. Though I felt bad because he’d follow me there, wait alone outside, then follow me home.Should I tell Ashley I can’t stay late so Jamie doesn’t have to sit in the parking lot too long?No, I shouldn’t, it was part of the job.

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