My phone vibrates, and I look down at the message from Jethro.
Jethro
Done.All reservations made too.
Me
Good.
I smile, thinking about Daphne getting my note and invitation.
“See, right there is why I don’t know if I want to settle down.You’re an idiot already.”
“It’s the best feeling.It’s been just over twenty-four hours since I saw her, and I knew with one look she was mine.She’s perfect.Now I need your help to protect her.I want a close protection operative as good as Krystal.”
“Damn, dude.Krystal is the best, a rare find.”He pauses for a moment, thoughtful.“But I have another I can get a hold of.How soon do you need her?”
“As soon as possible.I want Daphne to have protection at all times.”
“Okay.”
We continue lunch, talking business while also planning my trip up to Chapelville, where his clubhouse and team are.I might get a chance to see Lydia and the kids.Krystal is their nanny, but she’s also a trained close protection bodyguard.My sister has a clue who she is, but her flake of a husband does not.He doesn’t care unless he has to pay the bills.I told Lydia it was my gift to her.
I just worry that someday Krystal will be needed for real, and if that day comes, I’ll have to kill Colton if he hurts one hair on my sister’s or my niece or nephew’s head.
By the time I leave, I have a couple of hours of work at the office before dinner reservations.I still haven’t heard from Daphne, but her bodyguard for the day said she was at the gym working out instead of just running errands.That explains why she hasn’t seen my invitation yet.
ChapterFour
Daphne
As I walk into my building, the concierge stops me.“Ms.Placer, you have a couple of deliveries.”
“What?”I approach him, and he hands me an envelope.
“I’ll bring up the packages,” he tells me, noticing the garment bag over my arm.
“Okay.”
I head up to my unit.I’m barely inside when there’s a knock at the door.The concierge stands there with flowers, another garment bag, and a box.I recognize the boutique’s logo and shake my head.My sister couldn’t help herself.
“Thank you,” I say as he steps in and sets everything down on my table.
He leaves, and I go to the flowers.There’s only a card with a heart on it.The roses are long-stemmed and beautiful, but not my favorite.The dress and shoes my sister wanted me to get are in the packages.I’m about to call her and scold her when I remember the card.
I open it and realize what the flowers mean.
I’ll pick you up at six thirty for dinner at seven.I can’t wait to spend time with you.
Dare
I can’t stop the smile and lean over to smell the flowers, thinking of the kiss from last night.I still can’t believe it happened, but I’m glad it did.I never would have had the courage to start anything with him.He’s so handsome and demanding, but also very intimidating.
I take both garment bags to my room and hang them in my closet, then quickly take both girls for a walk.When I get back, I jump in the shower to freshen up after my workout.
Promptly at six-twenty-eight, there’s a knock at my door.The concierge handles packages and other deliveries, but he doesn’t stop people from coming up unless it’s after ten at night.I pick up my small pink clutch and walk to the door.I’ve already locked up the girls.
My hair is down in waves over my shoulders.I’m in a pink floral dress with a deep V-neck, and instead of heels I’m wearing knee-high cowboy boots in a soft natural tan.
