Page 79 of The Sniper
“Made commander, did all the things, and my boss, a Navy SEAL, invited me to join his crew which do a few more things than protecting celebrities.This is just our bread and butter.”
“I bet it is.I’ve seen the invoice.”Dad laughed.“Well, thank you for your service.”
After a quick selfie, he left us to have lunch.
“Move back home, darling.Just for a while until this is over.”Mom says, spooning salad onto her plate.
“Listen to your mom.I would be happier with you at home,” Dad says.
“I can’t.My business is here.We’re launching next week.The BHS team has quadrupled its security, and LAPD has new evidence after last night.”
“I’ll cover the costs,” Dad offers.
“No.You will not.”I glare at him.
“This independence streak is lasting a long time.”He shakes his head while Mom and I shared a smile.
“She’s your daughter, darling.”Mom patted his arm.
I can’t wait to pay him all the money and finally have this house in my name.It’s a reminder why I amnotcanceling the Maison Diamond Luxe launch, no matter what anyone says.
Jayden saved me last night; I’m sure of it.If he weren’t so stubborn, he could be here and do that every night.
I wish he would tell me what’s going on.
If he’s just not that into me, then I can accept that, and maybe I should.
After a delicious lunch of salmon quiche and salad, they made me promise to move home if it happened again.
I reluctantly agreed.
If this gets worse, I might not have a choice.For now, I will trust Noah and the other BHS guys.Even if I would rather have my sexy guard back where he belongs.
Jayden, I need you.
Mom pulled me aside before leaving.“You okay, darling?Really?”
I let her warm arms embrace me.“Not really.Don’t growl at me, but I slept with my bodyguard.Not Noah, Jayden.Mom, it wasn’t just chemistry.It was...”
“Oh, baby.”She sighed.
“Ugh, don’t say that.Like I’m some stupid kid.”
“I don’t mean it to sound like that, I’m sorry.”She rubbed my back.“Was he the man who was here last night?”
I nodded against her neck.
“Hmmm, well, I bet he feels responsible.Give him time,” she said wisely, but I knew enough about Jayden that he wouldn’t forgive himself.
He’s stubborn and self-critical.
Making Mom promise not to tell Dad, which she probably will anyway, I went back to my office where Sadie and I tried to focus on approving the creatives for the launch.
Then Nadia arrived, so I welcomed the interruption.
“I need to approve those social assets.Did you want to see them again?”Sadie asks.
“Yes, I’ll look at them after this.Do you want to join us?”
