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“Parts of it were.” I laugh… like Aiden’s kiss and waking up with his arm around me. “Do I really need the appointment? I only fainted because I hadn’t eaten. I’m fine now.” Better than fine, actually. I have a boyfriend and my best friend in the world will be here this afternoon. God, I feel giddy.
“The note on your files says to make an appointment. I have an opening tomorrow around lunchtime. Would that suit you?”
“Yeah, sure. Does Doctor Raymond give contraceptive injections?” I might as well get that done while I’m there.
“Sure, that can be arranged. I’ll make a note.”
The next afternoon, I pace the apartment. Actually, I’m skipping more than walking. Rhia rang; she and Lex are five minutes away. I wish I could have picked them up from the airport, but for obvious security reasons I have to meet them here.
Before her call, Aiden rang. He had just finished the last training session for the day and was on his way to go shopping but was tight-lipped when I asked what he was in the market for. Undoubtedly, it’s a surprise for me and I can’t wait. I like his surprises. Another was waiting for me when I got home… an indulgence hamper for Rhia and me to enjoy together; little bottles of champagne, crackers and cheese, and not to forget chocolate, and quite a variety of it. He really is the best.
A knock on the door has me jumping for joy, and I run to open it. Squealing, Rhia and I fall into an embrace. Behind her, Lex watches on, rolling his eyes, but his smile shows how happy he is for us.
“You would think, you two haven’t seen each other in decades,” he murmurs as he pushes past us to bring in their luggage.
“It feels that way,” Rhia says, taking a step back to look at me. “Oh, holy cow, El! I’m so glad to be with you again.” Then she frowns. “Have you lost weight?” she asks.
I laugh. “Not intentionally. But I did go on a survival camp last week, remember? The catering really sucked,” I joke. “Still, it didn’t stop that bobcat from sizing me up. Well, and since then, I worked off a lot of calories.” We both laugh.
Then I hug Lex. “I might have lost a little weight, but you’ve put on even more muscle.” I observe. “Good to see you, Lex. Thank you for everything you've done for me.”
“Anything for my two favorite girls,” he says with a wink. Then I show them to the guest bedroom where Lex begins unpacking right away… another neat freak.
“Are you sure Tiero won’t get suspicious with Rhia being here?” I ask Lex.
“Not if we’re being careful. You two must not be seen together outside this apartment.” He looks at us sternly. “And while I work, Rhia needs to do a little sightseeing on her own, do the things she normally would if we traveled together somewhere. While I want the two of you to spend maximum time together, she and I need to be seen out in public for lunch or dinner a few times. There can’t be any suspicions,” he explains firmly.
“Got it,” I say. “Given I have to work that should be easy. But at night you could always get a takeaway rather than go out. That’s reasonable for you two lovebirds, isn’t it?”
He nods. “It will all be okay, El. We just need to stay vigilant.”
“Did you get followed?” I ask, wondering just how closely Tiero watches my best friend.
“No. The guy who watches Rhia has stayed back. I think they’re going to rely on CCTV for their intel. So make sure you’re keeping a low profile, El. Don’t leave the building through the same doors we use and keep up your disguise.”
Rhia glances around the apartment. “This is a nice place. Can I have the official tour?” she asks playfully.
“Absolutely. Though, it will be over before you know it.”
“While you two do that, I’m going to head downstairs to have a chat with Gary,” Lex says, slapping Rhia’s ass playfully before heading for the door.
“How was your first day with the dogs yesterday?” Rhia asks.
“It was okay. It was only a half day and Rob, my new boss, introduced me to the two German Shepherds I’ll be working with. They’re wonderful animals, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for this.”
Rhia takes my hand and squeezes it in support. “Hmm. It’s early days. You probably just need to get settled in and work out a routine. You’ll find your footing in no time.”
“That’s what Ade said too. At the end of the day, I’m really grateful to have a job and one working with animals. I guess I just wanted it to be perfect from the start.”
We sit down in the living room, but Rhia jumps up again, rubbing her hands together gleefully.
“I’ve got something for you. Wait here.” She disappears into their bedroom, and I hear drawers being opened, and a muttered, “Where did he put it?”
A few minutes later, she re-emerges with a hat-sized box in her hand. “Your boyfriend thought you might like these. And I couldn’t agree more.”
I look at her, puzzled. “You talked with Aiden?”
“I sure did. Gosh, his voice, El. It’s so dreamy. Almost as good as Lex’s. I can only imagine how deep it must get when you two get it on.”
