Page 128 of Betrayed

“Good for you.” She hugged me again. “You know, Bee, despite everything, you look happy.”

I felt happy. Because of AJ. Andrew no middle name Janerek. The big, dumb ogre who’d snuck in and stolen my heart.

Paige opened the door and ushered AJ back in. He gave Paige a nod before turning all his attention to me, his muscles relaxing as he scanned my face.

“I’m bummed you’re stealing my roommate,” Paige said to AJ. She put her hands on her hips. “You better be good to her.”

I appreciated her effort on my behalf, but it was comical watching her try to intimidate AJ.

“I promise.” He smiled, unfazed by her scrutiny.

“Good,” Paige said with a quick nod.

AJ laughed. “You want to finish up here or head out for your coffee date?”

We packed up the rest of my stuff in no time. As we finished taping the last boxes, Jack and Doug showed up.

Oh God, what happened?

“Heard you could use some help,” Jack said, putting my nerves at ease.

Thank God they weren’t here because something happened and I needed more protection.

After introductions, the guys insisted on carrying all the boxes—taking turns, so one of them was always with us. They didn’t say it outright, but I had a feeling it was by design.

I didn’t want to admit it, but I was grateful. My nerves were still frayed, making me jumpy.

“Maybe it’s not so bad letting big macho guys do the heavy lifting once in a while,” Paige joked. “It certainly helps that they’re easy on the eyes.”

I laughed.

As AJ walked us to the parking lot, he warned me they’d loaded everything into Jack and Doug’s trucks. “They’ll bring everything to my place while you and Paige have coffee.”

Really?I’d never trusted a friend I enough to give them keys to my house.

He leaned down and whispered, “It’s okay. I trust them.”

Stupid face, showing all my emotions.

AJ insisted on paying for our order, then left us alone after directing us to a table. Understanding why, I didn’t hesitate to follow his directions.

After we settled, Paige asked, “Do you think it’ll be an issue for him, you being rich?”

“I don’t know.” I didn’t think so, but it was yet another thing we needed to talk about. One more thing I needed to add to my to do list.

“Will you finish school?” she asked.

“Yes.” I explained the situation, saying I hoped to graduate on time. The last thing I wanted was to lose my internship because I had to retake the semester.

“I’m sure they’ll let you,” Paige offered. “Do you think he’ll be okay with you working?” She tilted her head in AJ’s direction.

I’d had the same thought myself, but it was stupid; the wives of the other guys at SSI all worked.

“Yeah. I think he’ll support me no matter what I want to do.” The truth of the statement rocked me to my core. He’d support me in a way even my father wouldn’t have. A million ogres couldn’t have held back my smile when I looked over and caught him staring.

His return smile made his dark eyes shine and dimples pop. Suddenly, coffee wasn’t what I wanted anymore.

“Girl, you got it bad,” Paige joked.

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