Page 42 of Unguarded

I sigh, realizing how much I miss my family. I tap on the screen to reply.

Cash

Fuck no. How’s the ranch?

Much prettier without your ugly mug around.

I doubt that.

Rosie showed me all the videos of you with Monroe. You fuckin her?

I roll my eyes, typing a quick response.

She’s my client.

And? Didn’t answer my question.

I don’t sleep with clients.

But you’re staying?

I sigh, rubbing my hand over my face. I don’t know what to say, so I pocket the phone. Katherine’s voice grabs my attention.

“Well, now that Monroe and Zade are officially done, we need to strategize, people. If the Texas bodyguard boyfriend isn’t our angle, what is it? Let’s all think about it before we meet up again in a few days. Good night!”

Ember states that she needs to go talk to Fidel about some changes to the European schedule. Brooks offers to walk her, which results in a flushed nod from Ember. It’s clear as shit that he’s into her and she wholeheartedly feels the same. If I wasn’t so focused on Monroe’s every move, I’d be more curious about how far they’re going to take it.

With the click of the door shutting, we’re alone.

Keep your distance. Be professional.

Monroe picks up the TV remote, turning on the device and logging in to her Prime Video account. She navigates to an action thriller with a Special Forces military team and dark humor.

She looks up at me. “Would you mind handing me that bottle of wine?”

I look to where she points, seeing the opened rosé on thecounter near me. I grab it, walking over toward her, but instead of placing it in her outstretched hand, I reach for her glass and fill it. When I hand it back to her, our fingers brush slightly, sending little electric bolts through my skin.

“Help yourself,” she says.

I wish it were that simple.

“I don’t drink on the job.”

“One glass, please. So I’m not drinking alone. I won’t tell a soul.” She smiles softly, patting the space beside her on the sofa that Ember occupied before.

Even makeup-free, she’s mesmerizing. She’s wearing a pale pink sweatsuit. Her legs curled up under her on the sofa, a matching fuzzy blanket draped over her legs. My resolve to remain in the background, silently observing her, now feels forced and more awkward than simply sitting down on the sofa to watch a show with her. I’ve seen Brooks do it. He hangs out with her and Ember, and no one thinks anything of it. It’s like they’re friends. She’s friends with a lot of the staff on the tour.

I grab a wineglass from the mini kitchen and fill it a third of the way to the top. I move around the sofa, set the bottle down on the coffee table, and take a seat, leaving over a foot of space between us. Theno touchingrule needs to stay in effect.

For several minutes, I watch the movie. It’s one of my favorites, but my focus is on her. Every time she shifts positions, I take note.

“Do you want to watch something else?” She looks over at me.

I turn to her. “No.”

“You’re not laughing at any of the jokes.” She sips her wine, tilting her head.

I’ve either completely lost my ability to read people or she’s trying to flirt with me.

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