AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, that’s Hunter, Ned’s bodyguard.”
“Bodyguard? He has a bodyguard?”
Justine laughed. “That’s what we call him. He’s Ned’s security guard and driver.”
I studied him a moment. He wasn’t good-looking in the way that Matt Algerson was, or even Ned Hawthorpe, but there was something about him that I found incredibly attractive.
“He looks nice,” I said.
“He is.” She grabbed my hand. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to Ned.”
“No,” I said, horrified. “We can’t disturb him.”
“Yes, we can.”
She pulled me across the room to Ned’s table, and Lina and Carolyn came to join us. Justine introduced Carolyn and me to Ned and Matt Algerson and after ordering champagne for everyone, Ned started a conversation with Lina and Justine about something work-related, so Carolyn and I sat down a little farther away. The champagne arrived and as I politely waved away a glass, my eyes met those of Ned’s security guard.
Justine stood up. “Let’s go and find some food!”
She looked so happy in that moment, in her silver-sequined dress, strands of dark hair already escaping from her updo, her head thrown back as she laughed.
“Come on, Amelie!” she called when I remained sitting. But I smiled and shook my head, content to sit and watch everyone enjoying themselves. What must it be like to be able to afford to pay hundreds of pounds, more even, for the privilege of coming to such a glamorous event?
Aware of Ned’s security guard standing somewhere behind me, I turned to him.
“Don’t you want something to eat?” I asked.
He gave me an amused smile. “Not when I’m working, no.”
I flushed. “Oh, of course. Sorry.”
His eyes met mine and for a moment, the world stopped. There were bottles of sparkling water in the middle of the table, so I reached for one to hide my confusion. As I poured myself a glass, I stole a quick glance and found he was still looking at me. Even more flustered, I turned my eyes to where Justine was standing with Matt Algerson, small plates of food in their hands. As I watched, Ned joined them, interrupting their conversation, and positioned himself directly in front of Justine. A flash of annoyance cast a shadow over her pretty face, and I smiled as she pointedly angled her body away from him and towardMatt. I couldn’t work out if she was doing it because she liked Matt Algerson, or if she was trying to annoy Ned.
Whichever it was, Ned soon gave up and came back to the table.
“You don’t work for me, do you?” he asked, sitting down next to me.
I smiled and shook my head. “No, I work for Carolyn, Justine and Lina’s friend.”
“And what line of work is that?”
“Oh, just a kind of a live-in housekeeper. But I’m studying too.”
“What do you want to do in the future?”
“Law.”
He nodded. “Everyone needs a lawyer,” he said approvingly, then looked curiously at me. “Do you enjoy being a housekeeper?”
“I love it. It’s a dream working for Carolyn, she’s so kind to me. But her partner is moving in after Christmas, so I’ll be looking for a new job.”
He smiled. “Why, don’t you like him?”
I laughed. “It’s not that, he’s one of the nicest people I’ve met. They’ve said I can stay, but they don’t need me in their way.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. “We’re going to be looking for another assistant at the magazine in the New Year. The job is basically answering calls and emails, and arranging my diary. If you think it’s something you might like to do, give me a call and I’ll arrange an interview with HR. I’ll also arrange for you to meet Vicky, my PA, as you would be working for her.” He paused. “What do you think? Would you like to come and work atExclusives?”
I thought of Lina and Justine, and his security guard, who I was sure could hear every word.
