Page 104 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

“Yes.” I smile. “I was wondering if...”

Mom beams. “Yes, son. Let me go get it.”

While she darts off, I head back into the living room and chat to my buddies. Grayson knows Todd, so they are having a good chat.

“Join us at BHS. I know Josh will welcome you with open arms.”

“Pretty sure the big guy has his number blocked. He keeps stealing good guys. Like this one.” Todd nudges me.

I laugh while keeping an eye on Stella.

When Mom returns and slips the small box into my hand, I slide it into my pocket and start making noises about how we have to get going.

The party wraps up.

Uncle Chad offers to help clean up so we can make the house viewing time. We’ve already seen two over the weekend.

“See you back in the city next week.” Grayson shakes my hand. “Got my first client. A French diplomat.”

“Wow.” My eyes flare wide. “That should be interesting.”

“I doubt it. I’m expecting it to be as boring as hell.” He slaps my back and walks out with Miles.

Why do I have a feeling it won’t be?

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STELLA

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We arrive at the mansion twenty minutes away from Declan’s family home, and both of us stare up at the white and gray property.

It’s beautiful.

I don’t want to say it out loud, but it feels like the one.

I’ve never lived in a house before, so each one we’ve seen, I’ve walked around not sure what to make of them. Of course, my parents had a home in the Hamptons, but growing up, my homes were always penthouses.

Declan has taken the lead, asking questions and pointing out things for our kids.

It all feels like a dream.

But this house, this one, it’s...home.

“Man.” Declan leans on the steering wheel, and I turn to him.

“Do you like it?”

“Yeah, I do. Do you?”

I try to hide my smile. “Yeah...”

“You love it.”

I giggle.

“Here’s the agent, let’s go. Don’t act too eager.” He laughs.