Page 38 of Unmasking Secrets
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
ARCHIE
My eyebrows push together as I push the pole back up and on to the rack. I’ve maxed out, trying to tire myself and focus on the workout. I sit up on the bench and glance around the gym in the clubhouse. It’s not much, but it’s enough to work off the nerves that have been on edge since earlier when Tabitha made me do a couple of videos with her—without showing my face.
It’s a good thing I didn’t have to do anything, because all I could focus on was her. It also made me nervous, a feeling I’ve never associated with Tabitha before. She’s always been easy to talk to and easy to be around.
Only now, I’m reminded of how out of my league she is. She’s the perfect girl, and I’m just me. I saw the way she was looking at me. Like she wanted to make a move or for me to make one.
After everything she told me, I don’t want to rush this. She needs time to heal and put herself first. I can’t stand the thought of accidentally breaking her heart. I’d never be able to live with that.
So, I keep moving. Pushing myself and exerting more energy.
She is getting to me and I can’t think of anything else.
The way the light caught on her perfect body. Highlighting every curve. Shadowing every dip.
The way her smile reaches her eyes. Bright with stars in them. Proof that she knows there’s still good in the world even if she hasn’t been shown much of it lately.
Every. Fucking. Thing.
I groan as I stand up and move to the punching bag hanging in the dark corner of the room. Red rope lights around the mirrors, put an eerie glow in the area; it matches my mood. It would be ridiculous to wish I could punch away the feelings I have for her—yet, I try. As if I could be lucky and rid myself of these feelings I’ve had for her over the last twenty years. Maybe it’s just something I have to live with. A curse of being in love with the girl I’ll have nothing to offer.
Tabitha didn’t see it as I did. She would argue that she wasn’t perfect. She also didn’t see herself the way I did, the way others did. It didn’t help that her ex was still out there living his life as if he hadn’t put her in the hospital.
I don’t trust him to not keep trying until he’s six feet under. Guys like him don’t give up easily. Not when they have deep pockets and connections to have the world at their fingertips.
“There you are!” Tabitha calls out.
I steady my breathing and the bag before peeking over my shoulder to see her bouncing over towards me. Her hair is in a high ponytail, swishing back and forth as she grows closer.
“I just got done with a video call for a brand that is sponsoring this amazing weekend of collabs.” She smiles. “I haven’t done one in a while, and it’ll be so nice to focus on something else and work with some old and new cosplayers.”
“Can you elaborate?”
“They’re bringing in a dozen influencers together to create content to show off their new stuff. These events are fun and a great way to network. I’ve worked with some of them before. This is huge!”
“Tabitha, if this is going to be as huge as you say it is. It’s not a good idea.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “It’s a private event; it’s not open to the public. I already told my agent we can add more security with the guys you work with or whatever. The brand will even pay for added security.”
“No.” I cross my arms. “With your ex still an issue, we can’t do this. As your bodyguard, I’m putting my foot down.” Doesn’t she understand it is my duty to keep her safe? The clubhouse is the safest place for her right now.
“As my bodyguard?” She scoffs. “Then—as your boss—I’m telling you I am going this weekend. If I need to hire someone else, tell me now.” Her eyes narrow.
“Tabitha.” My jaw clenches and teeth grind together.
“Archie, I’m done having people try to control me and my life. I am going. The flight leaves tomorrow. Are you coming with me, or do I need to get someone else?”
“I’m going.” I growl.
Nobody else is going to protect her like I can. How can she be so careless? Is that all I am to her—a bodyguard? Now that I think about it, I don’t think I ever would’ve found out about her life if I weren’t put in this position.
“Were you ever going to tell me about the divorce?” I blurt out.
Her eyes grow. “What?”
“I found out everything after I got hired as your bodyguard. Is that all I am to you now? Forget we have a history of best friends.” I step closer to her. “We saw each other at my parent’s anniversary party, and you just let me assume you were great. I believed you were happy.”
