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I nodded. “My mom just sent it to me. Hence the phone call.”
“I’m hoping that I don’t have to remind you of the non-disclosure agreement you signed.”
“I didn’t say anything to her or anyone else that would violate it. I understand the stakes.”
He lifted a shoulder like he disagreed. “Maybe. Maybe not. Usually when one tabloid runs an article the others pile on. Attention on you and Zoe could intensify. I’m going to have a bodyguard for you and Zoe until we see how this plays out.”
“A bodyguard?” I repeated weakly. That made the whole situation feel so serious. And scary.
“I want Zoe and you to be safe. She’s the most important person in my whole world. I’ll do anything and everything to make sure she’s protected. And I want you to know that I will take care of it. I won’t put you in a situation where you don’t feel safe. You’re important to Zoe, and you’re important to me.”
I gulped. This was turning into something so much bigger and scarier than I ever thought it’d be. Tactical drivers and bodyguards. Why? I wasn’t anyone important. I was still boring ole responsible Briar. I doubted the media would be enthralled for long if they followed me.
How bad was this going to get?
He was still looking at me like he expected a reply—all intense and broody.
“Thanks?” My voice came out in a squeak.
Kingston sighed and leaned back into his chair. “I don’t expect the next few days will be easy. I wish I could say you could bring your parents around, but I haven’t met them, and they haven’t signed NDAs yet.”
“No. I mean, yeah, I understand. I haven’t asked them, and I know things are hectic now with your filming schedule. Maybe after you’re done with this movie?”
“That’ll be weeks, Briar. Are you okay to wait that long?”
I laughed under my breath. He’d clearly never met my parents. I loved them to death, but distance was definitely helping our relationship. “I think I can make it,” I replied drolly.
“Is there anyone else in your life that you want to see?”
Why did that question feel like a trap? Or a fishing expedition? “It would be nice to see my closest friend sometime soon. She works at the agency you used to hire me. Lyla Armstrong?”
“I’ll have Adam ask our legal team if she’s signed an NDA, and if not, I’ll send one over. But if she’s going to be around Zoe, I’ll need to meet her.”
I nodded.
“There’s no one else?” Kingston asked with a raised eyebrow.
I slowly shook my head. “My ex got most of our friends in the divorce. My sister lives in New York, and I’m not that close with my coworkers at the preschool.”
If that wasn’t a sad summary of my life, I didn’t know what was.
“Sounds like you have one more friend than me.” He smiled. “But I got you beat on siblings.”
I laughed then made that embarrassing snort sound and covered my face in abject embarrassment. “Thanks for making me feel less like a loser.”
“No problem.” His eyes sparkled as he smiled back at me.
Then he blinked, and the moment was gone.
Kingston looked toward the bedroom, where Zoe was sleeping, for a moment then turned back to me. “That said, I’m sorry to tell you that there could be some less than flattering pictures and stories written about you. I’ve talked to my publicist, and for the moment, we’re taking the ‘no comment’ route. Hopefully with some time, everyone will see that we have a working relationship and not a romantic one.”
Because I was the hired help. Right. I smiled weakly back at him. “Right. And thanks.”
“I’ve walked this path more than my share of times. No one knows better than me the kind of bullshit those scavengers publish.” He stared at the carpet; no doubt focused on some painful moment from his past. After a few beats, he shook his head. “That said, you’ll probably have to hang around a little bit longer than usual. At least until the agency can send someone to escort you home. It might take a few hours.”
I inclined my head. “I’m up for the challenge. And at least now you’re stocked up in Zoe-approved snacks and entertainment.”
“She does rule my world.” Kingston smiled self-deprecatingly.
