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“Hmm, at first, I just kind of fell into it. After four years in the Army, I came out looking for a job. I’m a big guy and a shoe-in for security jobs because of it. I started as a bouncer at bars, and that turned into private security until I met Liam.”
“Ahh, an Army man, I see.” She smiles but doesn’t comment further.
It was a way for me to get out of Sutter Creek and see places. I enjoyed my time, but I wanted something different when my four years were up.
She hums as she takes another bite of veggies. “Liam is your boss?”
I nod as I cut another strip off my steak. “Yep. I’ve been with him for close to eight years. I’m happy, and I like what I do.”
“I can tell.” She smiles gently before continuing to eat.
“Do you like being a dancer?” I ask out of curiosity.
“I love it most days. It’s hard work, and it’s demanding on my body, but that feeling of euphoria after each show is… Well, it’s intoxicating.”
I admire that kind of commitment and devotion. I understand that part the most. Being a bodyguard isn’t the most glamorous job. Sometimes it doesn’t pay great either, but catching the bad guy in the end? Helping someone navigate an arduous part of their life? That’s the part that’s intoxicating for me. It’s why I do what I do.
“I get that, more than you probably realize. Helping someone find peace and safety in their life is the best part of this job.”
She has such an intense look of contemplation on her face that it stops me from continuing.
Her next response is barely a whisper. “Is that why you are here, SJ? To give me peace?”
I place my fork and knife down, taking the time to look her directly in the eyes when I answer her. Their dark drown color with gold specks pull me in and holds me captive with their intensity. I want her to understand how serious I am. How seriously I take my job.
“I’m here so you can carry on with your day-to-day life and not have to worry about constantly looking over your shoulder. So, you aren’t afraid to be alone or scared to answer the door. I’m here to worry about all the scary things consuming your thoughts until you’re safe, and this is all over.”
A slow blink is her only response at first. Then she pulls in a gulp of air and reaches for the ring on her right hand. She stops right before touching the delicate silver band and pulls her hand back into her lap.
I can tell she’s working through something, but I’m just not sure what it is yet.
“Why do I feel so comfortable around you already?” She seems baffled judging by the way her eyebrows pull together. She puckers her lips into a cute little pout.
It’s been question after question since we sat down to eat dinner, but I won’t complain at all. I find I rather enjoy talking to her. I only shrug; it may be the same reason I feel so comfortable around her as well. Why I feel this comforting warmth around her, but I don’t dare say that out loud.
Since I don’t have a good answer for her, I fake one. “That’s a big goal for me, your comfort, so I’m glad you’re comfortable with me.” I offer a gentle smile before quickly moving on. “Have you always wanted to be a dancer?”
A thoughtful and adoring look overtakes her features as another smile erupts. “Always. There hasn’t been a day since I started dancing that I’ve thought about doing something else.” There is such conviction in her voice that I don’t doubt the truth of it for one second.
“How old were you when you started?” It’s my turn to ask a million questions. I want to know everything about her. I’m drawn to her.
“I was five when I started my first ballet class. Over the years, I tried jazz, musical theater, hip hop, but my heart always drew me back to ballet.”
“That’s amazing. I admire your dedication, your love for what you do. Few people find that.”
An adorable blush fills her cheeks. “Thank you.” When she clears her throat to continue speaking, her tone changes from bashful to contemplative. “That’s why this guy scares me so much. I can’t imagine giving up dancing, and if he takes this from me, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
I shift in my chair, trying to stop myself from standing and going around the other side of the table to embrace her. I can’t. We don’t know each other, and she just barely trusts me. So, I keep my ass planted where it is.
“I won’t say you shouldn’t be cautious and vigilant with this guy running around, but he shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. I’m here to help, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate you being here. More than you know. I might not like the idea of a bodyguard, but I’m starting to realize I never had a choice.”
My chest tightens at the sorrow and disappointment on her face. I don’t think it’s toward me but more so toward the situation. She feels trapped. I would recognize it anywhere because I’ve been there, too.
While sitting at a small table in a hotel room in Chicago with a woman I barely know, I promise myself that I will do anything in my power to help her.
Chapter 7
