Page 20 of Guarding the Billionaire

She paused, then added softly, “Passion.”

“So you feel this too?” I couldn’t resist asking. “The attraction between us?”

“I kissed you, didn’t I?” she replied. “I know it was inappropriate but… I couldn’t help myself.”

“You didn’t see me complaining, did you?”

Acting on instinct, I put my free hand on Teresa’s shoulder. She was slim, but solidly muscled. “Since we both admit that we’re attracted to each other, maybe we could have some fun while you’re here. Let off some steam. If you’re single, that is.”

“I am single,” she said, “but…”

“Hey Teresa --.”

We both paused as someone walked in, skidding to a halt when she saw our intimate position.

“Um, I can come back later.”

Teresa popped up to her feet. “No, it’s fine Angie. What did you find?”

The other woman gave me a friendly smile. “Hi, I’m Angie, nice to meet you Flora.”

I gave her a little wave and she turned her attention back to Teresa.

“Perimeter is secure. No listening devices. Nothing in the box other than the flowers and the note. Wanda finished questioning the guards but there was nothing new there. We’re going to head back to the office to review the video feed and dust the box for prints.”

“Sounds good. Thanks Angie.”

“Sure, you take good care of your ma… client and I’ll talk to you later.”

Teresa went to the stove, dishing us up some of the food I’d heated up, then brought us each a plate.

“You pay someone to make these?” she asked in distaste. “This isn’t a meal.”

“They’re perfectly balanced in macros,” I said, poking at my salmon listlessly. “About eight hundred calories per meal.”

Teresa shook her head, but didn’t say anything, instead tucking into her own plate. I couldn’t decide if she was judging me or worried about me, but I was too tired and stressed about the threatening note to figure it out. Plus I still had at least two hours of work left to do tonight.

As soon as she finished she went to make herself a sandwich, eating it while I finished my own meal. I got up and retrieved a can of Pringles, helping myself to a generous serving of chips to supplement my bland food.

After dinner I retired to the library. When my parents were alive it was strictly my father’s domain, full of heavy law books and dark wooden furniture. I’d remodeled it, adding a smaller desk, better Wi-Fi, a seating area facing the windows, and cheerful art. I plopped down on the soft leather couch and pulled out a lap desk that I kept in the large wooden chest that I used as a coffee table, then fired up my laptop.

I couldn’t concentrate though, despite my best efforts.

Pulling out my phone, I texted my best friend Julia.

Me:Hey girl, how are you doing?

Julia:I’m glad you texted, I’ve been meaning to reach out. What’s new with you?

Me:I have a bodyguard now.

Julia:What happened?

Me:Too long to text. Any chance you’re free for dinner tomorrow night?

Julia:Of course. How about Pedro’s at six-thirty? I could go for a margarita.

Me:Sounds good.

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