AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s…” Her head tilted to the side as she looked up at me, confused. “It’s not a hard and fast kind of thing. I just show up and do my work whenever.”
“We monitor the areas where you go ahead of time, so it helps to be there when we planned.” I put my phone down on the counter. “Also, you need time to get things done before your meeting with the organic ice cream brand.”
“Okay.” She picked up her smoothie, a green concoction in a mason jar, and took a sip. “I guess I’ll be back in a bit.”
She disappeared down the hall with her smoothie, a door clicking behind her. I touched base with both Harrison and Cody to see if they had checked the café where we would go soon. It was all ready.
I sighed, running my hand through my hair. I’d been out of the SEALs for five years, but I still kept it military short. Working with a new client always had an awkward period, but this one was even more uncomfortable. I’d get through it. I wasn’t here to be her best friend. I was here to make sure no one hurt her.
Eventually, she came back into the kitchen, fully dressed. She was wearing snug jeans that hugged her hips and a sage green sweater that even I could tell was fashionable. Having her hair pulled back in a bun emphasized her high cheekbones and elegant neck in a tempting way. It had been a long time since I’d had the chance to bury my face in the space between a woman’s neck and shoulder as I slid my cock inside of her.
I couldn’t be having these kinds of thoughts.
I closed my eyes for a moment and pulled myself back together. My work was my life, and I didn’t have much time for dating. I didn’t even want to date, really, especially after the one woman I’d had feelings for had torn my heart out ten years ago.
Maybe I’d find a woman to sleep with for one night to take the edge off. I was dedicated to my job, but I was still a man. I needed to clear any temptation away from my thoughts as soon as possible.
“I’m ready to go,” Taylor said, holding up a black purse.
“Let’s go, then.”
I gestured for her to go ahead. She stopped to grab a coat from her front closet, and we went outside. It was a gray day, a breeze stirring up the strands of hair that had fallen from her bun. I walked next to her, scanning the people who walked by. Most people didn’t give us a second glance, but a few men’s eyes lingered on her until they noticed me. Then, they looked away and gave us a wider berth.
We reached the café five minutes later, passing by the dark SUV where Cody and Harrison were waiting without calling attention to it. The café was enormous, given the area of the city we were in, with light wood floors, white walls, and plenty of plants.
“Morning!” Taylor said to the woman behind the counter.
“Hey, girl!” The woman grinned. “It’s been a while. Still want your matcha latte with oat milk?”
“Yes, please.” Taylor took a step back and eyed the pastry case. “And a slice of that pistachio rose water loaf.”
“You got it.” The cashier’s eyes flicked to me. “And, um, are you with her?”
“He is. It’s…” Taylor gestured vaguely, like she was trying to explain herself without speaking. Somehow, the cashier got it. Then again, it wasn’t like I was similar to the men she likely dated. I was dressed in a dress shirt and tie, plus a dark coat and an earpiece. I was obviously a bodyguard, which was the point.
“Ah, that kind of thing,” the cashier said. “Well, do you want something?”
“No, thank you.”
“Okay. We’ll have that ready for you in a second.” The cashier nodded to a barista, who started making Taylor’s drink. Then, she put a slice of the loaf on a plate with a spoon and pushed it across the counter to Taylor.
“Thanks!” Taylor pulled out her wallet and handed over an American Express Black Card. “Can you charge me two hundred for the next people who come in? And add the same amount for tip?”
“Sure thing. Thank you so much.” The cashier took her card and poked the touchscreen register before inserting Taylor’s card.
I blinked, but pulled my face back to neutral. I wasn’t sure why I was surprised. Four hundred dollars on just coffee, and a very hefty tip was absolutely nothing to a billionaire. But why hadn’t she paid for her own drink?
“I get free drinks because I also post about the café on my social media,” Taylor said, as if she’d read my mind. She walked over to the seating area. “So I always like to give something back and brighten someone’s day.”
I grunted in acknowledgment. At least she was generous.
“Let’s see…” Taylor assessed the open tables, as did I. I wasn’t going to sit with her to give her some space, so I had to pick a spot where I could see who was coming in and out and who was near her. “This spot’s perfect.”
She put her plate on a table with plenty of natural light, then put her bag down. Her back was to the door, so I picked the table across from her, facing her. She pulled out her laptop, notebook, camera and small tripod. The barista put down her latte, and Taylor thanked her.
She started moving things around on her table, positioning them just so. Then, she took pictures with her camera, then her phone. Once she was satisfied with what she’d photographed, she put her camera away and actually started eating and drinking. After she took her first few bites, letting out hums of pleasure as she did, she pulled out her phone again and started tapping around.
“You’re posting that right now? With your location tagged?” I asked. My tone was brusque, making her jump.
