Page 17 of Unmasking Secrets
Now, I know what will happen. We’ll grow apart, and I hate it. He’s my best friend, and now we’re about to live completely separate lives.
What if I meet someone?
What if he meets someone?
It’s only going to push us further apart—and that thought hurts.
CHAPTER TEN
ARCHIE
Like a shadow, I’ve been following her around all day. If I’m not within a couple of feet of her, my eyes are tracking her every movement. I didn’t expect to feel so stressed at the meet and greet brunch, but I remained on edge. Hundreds showed up and continued to show up when they announced the celebrities and influencers in attendance. It was like nothing I’d seen before.
The worst part was seeing guys get a little too close and flirt with her. Both coworkers and the most random strangers. How she didn’t pick up on it is beyond me, she was oblivious. I’m relieved that she didn’t seem to care or encourage it. Which is weird, because I’m only here as her bodyguard. Or a friend. Nothing more.
My chest tightens as a fire spreads within me. I know I shouldn’t feel this way about her. It’s been years. We were always just friends, even if the thought of something else might’ve lingered. I’d pushed those thoughts and feelings to the side, burying them deep. Apparently it was a seed planted. Buried deep and forgotten. It sprouted anyway.
Tabitha was always too good for me. I could never give her everything. If I’m honest with myself, I still wish I could give her the world. She deserves it.
Fuck.
This isn’t simply regret from missing the opportunity to speak up when I had the chance. It’s bigger than that. It doesn’t matter that we’re both divorced and single now. This isn’t fortuitous.
I can’t offer her what she deserves. And the last fucking thing she needs is me or anyone weighing her down. This is her time to shine. After everything she’s been through, she deserves to put herself first and be put first.
Maybe I can help with that. I can be the friend I once was and show her she deserves more than her ex had her believing.
I don’t know what I was expecting when we entered the studio space. Lights, props, and professional camera people at the ready. It’s definitely a change from seeing her work in her office. We’ve been here for an hour and should be for another. All I can do is stand nearby and watch her make these videos and be in photographs with others.
“So, what was she really like when she was little?” Max approaches.
When I first arrived at Tabitha’s house, I’d been worried about who this guy was. He’s clearly attractive and fit. It doesn’t help that he’s into the same things as Tabitha. Then I discovered they’rereallyinto the same things. Guys.
“About the same.” I chuckle but keep my attention on her.
It was the truth, not that I would reveal too much. She was more timid in high school. Tabitha has always had a big heart; shewore it on her sleeve. There’s something about her that draws people in now. I’ve witnessed it all day. Her confidence and kindness are like a magnet.
“I’m not surprised.” Max moves to one of the prop tables. His eyes trail over it as if looking for something in particular. “How long have you been in love with her?”
I choke on air, and everyone nearby stares at me. There’s a weird pause of silence before they all continue what they were doing.
“We’re just friends.” I’m not in love with her. Maybe part of me loves her, but we grew up like family. I care deeply about her. However, I’m here for a job. Her safety is my priority. Once my services are no longer needed, I’ll leave, and she’ll continue with her life.
“Sure.” Max shakes his head with a laugh and walks away.
I cross my arms and lean against the dark brick wall. My eyes focus across the room, watching Tabitha. She ducks out of view of the camera before popping back up for some transition they’re filming.
Tabitha showed me on the way over some ideas they had, as well as some of the work from the special effects guy. They were going to make them look like legit superheroes. I know the final video will look awesome.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, interrupting my thoughts. I glance at Tabitha once more before pulling my phone out to see Tyler calling. He wouldn’t call unless it was important. I step a little further away, but where I can still see her, and answer.
“What’s up?” I tense.
“I’m glad you’re both away,” Tyler starts. “The police have five men in custody who broke into Tabitha’s house. The security system silently alerted them before they’d all stepped foot inside. We can see them looking around in the camera footage, possibly for Tabitha. When they realized nobody was home, they wasted a few minutes trashing the place.”
“Fuck.” I run a hand down my face. “How bad is it? How long did it take the police to arrive?”
“Nine minutes. Because the security guard was in the bathroom, he couldn’t open the gate when they first arrived, which wasted three minutes at the front gate of the neighborhood. Arch, it’s bad. That house will not be safe with the way things are currently going. Her ex clearly means business. One man ratted him out. They trashed her house and broke things.” He hesitates. “They had guns on them too.”
