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I spin around with Mimi cradled in my arms.
And that’s when I find myself face-to-face with a woman who can only be described as my future wife.
Her long blonde hair cascades down her back in soft waves, framing a face that could have been sculpted by the gods themselves.
She is dressed in a stylish jean skirt, paired with a comfortable hoodie and trendy Ugg boots. Her curvy figure accentuates her poise, and it's impossible to ignore the intelligence sparkling in her eyes. She rushes towards me, her cheeks flushed, and eyes wide with relief.
"I'm so sorry, sir," she gushes as she takes Mimi from me. "I just set her down for a second, and she took off." Then my girl looks up at me, and a sweet smile blossoms on her face. "Thank you so much for catching her."
"No trouble at all, sweetheart," I reply with a grin. Then I offer her my hand. "I'm Duke, by the way."
She shifts Mimi to one arm and slips her small hand into my much larger one. "I'm Grace."
Her touch is warm and sends a jolt of electricity through me.
I glance down at the brightly colored luggage next to Grace's feet. "You from out of town?"
She gives me a cagey look. "I'm from Philadelphia. Me and Mimi are just in town for the weekend." Her brows furrow slightly. "It's a work thing."
Inside, I can't help but think that if I have anything to do with it, she'll be in town for good by the end of the weekend. But Iforce myself to tamp down my inner caveman so I don't scare her off just yet.
Instead, I offer her a warm smile and nod. "I've always been a sucker for French Bulldogs."
"Really?" Grace's grin widens.
"Absolutely. Small but strong, kind of like their owner." I let my gaze wander over her curves before meeting her eyes again.
Grace's cheeks turn a delicate shade of pink, and I can't help but wonder how far down the blush goes.
Mimi's sharp little yap snaps me out of my thoughts.
"I think our girl is ready to resume her grand exploration," I chuckle, nodding towards the wriggling bulldog in Grace's arms.
Grace bites her lip, a flicker of hesitation in her sparkling eyes. "I'm not sure that's a good idea..."
"I promise I won't let anything happen to her." A look of relief washes over Grace's features at my words. Then she lowers Mimi to the ground. As soon as she does, the tiny dog darts around the room, her stubby legs carrying her faster than I would have thought possible.
I'm just about to ask Grace more about herself when the wooden door behind the security desk opens, and Rich Hunt strides into the lobby.Despite the dingy surroundings, he's dressed to the nines like always.
His silver hair is slicked back, and a hint of designer cologne wafts through the air as he approaches us. With his expensive suit, he could easily be mistaken for a high-powered CEO. It's only the full-sleeve tattoos peeking out from the cuffs of his shirt that give away his true identity.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Duke," Rich says with an apologetic smile. "I had some last-minute business to attend to."
"No problem, boss," I respond, pulling my gaze away from Grace and Mimi to look at him. "I've had some company to help me pass the time."
His eyes land on Grace, and they light up.Then his gaze narrows as it darts between Grace and me.
"Well, I'm glad that my little granddog here kept you entertained," he says sharply.
Did he just say his granddog?
For a second, I think I see a hint of amusement flicker behind his steel-grey eyes. But it's gone as soon as I notice it.
"Not to mention it makes explaining your new assignment a hell of a lot easier," Rich continues. "Grace, honey. Meet Duke. He’s your new bodyguard for the weekend."
The world stops spinning as my brain tries to process the words that just came out of Rich's mouth.
Grace groans. "Dad, I'm twenty-three. I don't need a bodyguard. I can take care of myself."
