“Do tell.”
She perches gingerly on the edge of the bed. “Not that interesting.”
“Says you.” I grin, feeling more playful than usual. Must bethe painkiller.
She laughs softly. “You should go to sleep, Payton. Your body needs rest to heal.”
When she gets up, I reach for her hand, flinching in the process. She leans in, relieving the tug on my side. Her ponytail falls forward with her motion, cascading across my arm like silk.
Our gazes sync. “Thank you.”
The lamp light reflects in her eyes, making them appear more green than hazel. “It’s no problem.”
“Is this normal?”
“Is what normal?”
“Do you wind up taking care of your injuredprincipals?”
She smiles at my use of her word for me. “Sometimes.”
“Is that how you broke your ribs?” I know I’m babbling, but I’m not ready to stop talking to her. Or to let her go.
She sits back down as she holds my hand. “Maybe.”
“NDA?”
“Yes.” She dips her head with her reply.
“Hmm.” I close my eyes, giving in to the drift. “Wish you could tell me more.”
She doesn’t say anything at first, but then her voice floats in, soft and with a tinge of regret. “I do, too.”
Did I imagine that? Does she feel the connection growing between us, or is that just a side-effect of the job? I want to open my eyes so I can read her expression, and see her gorgeous face, but I can’t seem to lift my eyelids anymore.
“You’re lovely.” I tighten my hold on her hand to emphasize my slurred words.
“Thank you,” she whispers and squeezes back.
I want to say more…so much more, but I’m falling fast into a deep sleep.
And into some serious feelings for my bodyguard.
Chapter Ten
LILY
Since Payton’s in no condition to go for a jog, I make a quick loop around the apartments to get some exercise in and to clear my head, but all I can think about is what he said to me as he fell asleep last night.
You’re lovely…
His words keep repeating in my head and echoing in my heart. I know I pump my legs harder as if to punish myself. Falling for a principal is a no-no. And if I want that shot at a permanent position on Dame Maxwell’s security detail, there’s no way I can entertain the idea of getting involved with Payton, even after this assignment ends.
You’re lovely…
His smooth voice echoes through my thoughts again, sending warm prickles through me.
No one’s ever told me I was beautiful. Not that I can recall, anyway. In the military, it was “frowned upon.” Same thing with being a bodyguard. No mixing of business and pleasure. I’ve seen what happens when lines get crossed, and edges turn fuzzy. In my line of work, that’s a formula for disaster. And when lives are involved, there’s no room for mistakes.
