Page 101 of Home Town Advantage
Reagan looks at me. “Next time you bite her, can you do it in a less visible place on her body? She has a public image to maintain.”
Sulley immediately reaches for her neck. I can’t help but smirk at my handiwork: a big hickey on her neck, complete with a few teeth marks.
Sulley, cloaked in red with embarrassment, asks, “Why are you here? Is something wrong?”
Reagan crosses her arms. “Well, I was going to ask about you and Vance, but that’s been answered.”
Sulley pinches her eyebrows together in confusion. “Why were you going to ask?”
She holds up a large manila envelope. “I received two pictures of the two of you. One is on your front stoop. I don’t know when it was taken. You’re in a T-shirt, and he’s kissing you. Another was at a club. His…umm…hand is visibly up your skirt.”
Sulley breathes, “Shit,” while she sits and pulls out the contents of the envelope. Her face falls as she studies them carefully. I can’t help but look at them over her shoulder. They’re kind of sexy, but I’m guessing it’s not the time for me to ask to keep them.
“Who sent these?” Sulley asks. “Are they online yet?”
Reagan shakes her head. “That’s the weird thing. I don’t think it’s a reporter or paparazzi. There was a note stating they wanted a hundred grand or they’re releasing it to one of the gossip sites.”
I shrug. “Who cares? Let them release it. What’s the big deal if we’re seeing each other?”
Sulley rolls her eyes. “You know it’s a big deal to me. I don’t want people knowing anything about us.” She holds up the photos. “And these aren’t exactly sweet, innocent photos.”
I think they’re sweet.
Reagan looks at me. “It’s always a bigger deal for the woman. You come off like a stud, and she comes off as thewhore, but that’s not my main concern.” She turns to Sulley and points to the photo from her stoop. “This first photo is at your house. This criminal knows where you live. You’re more than aware of my concerns on this issue.”
Sulley nods. “Right. I didn’t think about that.”
“I told you not to buy this house. You shouldn’t be in a walkup. You should be in a building with security and other safeguards. I only care about your safety. Like it or not, you’re famous, and while there are perks to that, there are also drawbacks. Has anyone approached you in front of the house?”
Sulley shakes her head. “No.”
“Have you seen anyone suspicious?”
“No.”
“Have you received any deliveries out of the ordinary?”
Sulley bites her lip as she thinks. “Hmm, I don’t think so. I started getting Chocolate Cosmos every few days, but they’re from you, Vance, right?”
I shake my head. “Every few days? No. I only sent them before your home opener.”
Sulley’s face falls. “Oh my god.”
Reagan gives her a compassionate look. “I’m hiring you a bodyguard. I’m sorry, I know you’re against it, but it’s time.”
Sulley sits on a chair and slumps in her seat. I know she doesn’t want this.
“Move in with me,” I blurt. “You know my house is safe. It’s private and gated with a state-of-the-art security system.”
Sulley looks at me with a defeated look on her face. “No. I can’t do that. I’m not comfortable with it.”
My jaw tightens. “You’re more comfortable with a stalker? I’ll protect you.”
Her shoulders fall as she turns to Reagan and instructs, “Hire the guard.”
TWENTY-FOUR
SULLEY
