I smirked at her authoritative tone. I loved how she didn’t have stars in her eyes when he was around.
We moved to the sofa, and I positioned Mae comfortably in my arms before offering her the bottle.
“I know this probably isn’t the best time, ” Josh started. Giving me a deadpan look, he scoffed. “Fuck, I know it’s not the best time. But I’m heading back to L.A. tomorrow, and I wanted to run something by you before I left. Just something I want you to think about.”
I glanced at Amy, a little surprised he was talking to me. I was curious.
Josh shifted in his seat. “I need to do something about my security.”
I nodded, remembering the small conversation that had passed the day I’d come home. I specifically remembered the jokes everyone had made about his rent-a-cops. I didn’t understand why he wanted to talk to me, though. Was he just looking for some advice? I wasn’t sure I’d be much he
lp. I didn’t know the first thing about celebrity life.
“Were you still serious about leaving the Marines?” he asked.
The strange feeling I’d had in my gut since my discharge stirred. “It’s done,” I said. “Got the papers yesterday.”
Interest sparked in his eyes, and he nodded. “Okay, well, that works.”
Amy scowled. “What are you talking about, Josh?”
Josh shifted again. He couldn’t seem to sit still. Leaning forward, he looked directly at me. “I have a proposition for you.”
My eyes narrowed. I wasn’t sure I was ready for what he was about to say.
“Corey, Cain, and a couple of other guys I know from L.A. are willing to come on board as my new security team. We’ve worked out all the logistics, and I think it’s going to work really well. I mean, I know firsthand that they’ve got the skills to handle the job physically. And I know they’ve all got my back . . . ” He pursed his lips. “What they don’t have, is a leader. I need someone on board who can lead. Tactically. Someone who can prepare for any outcome, and coordinate a team. I need you.”
I stared at him. Dumbfounded. My brain instantly went into overdrive. First with all the reasons why it would never work, then with all the ways I could possibly make it work. The major roadblock was working away from Amy. That was something I would never do again.
Josh put up his hands. “Okay, I know there are probably heaps of things I haven’t thought of, but I want you to know I’m willing to do almost anything for you to say yes. I’ll buy you guys a house, wherever you want, so you can be comfortable and raise your family. Amy can come wherever we are, so you don’t have to be away from each other. Anything. You name it, and I’ll do whatever I can to make it work.”
I didn’t know what to say. To be honest, I thought it was a little too soon for me to make any decisions right now. I just wanted to take the time to appreciate what I had in life for a little while.
Josh’s eyes begged, making it hard for me to just flat refuse him.
“You don’t have to give me an answer right away. Just think about it for a while. There’s no rush. I know you guys need time to get back on your feet and settle in. I just wanted you to know this is an option when you start thinking about what to do next.”
I nodded. “Thanks, man. I can’t make any promises, but I’ll definitely think about it.”
He clasped his hands together with a loud smack, making Mae startle from her near state of sleep. “Shit,” he said, his expression instantly morphing into an apologetic one. “Sorry.”
Amy shook her head. “Smooth, Emerson. Real smooth.”
Giving her a cheesy smile, he shrugged. “I better get back. The rent-a-cops don’t know I’m gone.”
I frowned. Jesus. They really were useless. “Thanks again, man. I really do appreciate you thinking of me.”
“No problems, man. I’ll talk to you soon. Call me if you have any questions.”
Shaking his outstretched hand, I swung Mae up over my shoulder to burp her, while Amy walked him out. As much as the offer intrigued me, I didn’t want to think about it just yet. Maybe later . . .
Chapter 61
Amy
With slow movements, I placed Mae down in her crib, carefully tucking her in on her side before sneaking out and closing the door.
I sighed as I released the knob, my shoulders relaxing for what felt like the first time that day. Making my way down the hall, I allowed the quiet of the night to calm my mind.
