Page 8 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

Mostly it's procrastination and questioning my career choices.

“If you play your cards right, I might send you the yellow dress you loved from Fashion Week in September.” Charlotte orders us both a chocolate martini and then wiggles in her seat, settling in for a long chat.

I miss being in college, feeling like a normal kid.

Mostly.

“Yes, please. God, I fell in love immediately with that one. Oh, and the shorter, white one. Both will be perfect for the Hamptons next summer.”

I fall silent.

I don’t know what next summer will look like. Our family has a house there, and we go every year, but next summer is not going to be the same.

Nor the one after that.

“I will get them sent to you the moment they’re available.” We clink our drinks together when they arrive. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” I sip the delicious drink and sigh.

“God, that’s good. I can’t believe we’re talking about summer. It feels so far away. And sorry, but how is it November already?”

“I know. But you love Christmas, so don’t tell me you’re sad.”

“I hate the cold, but I do love the holiday season.” She takes another sip. “So...”

My brows lift.

I know this girl. She’s about to make an announcement.

“So?”

“I’m going to move in with David.”

I gasp. “Seriously?”

She nods. “Hear me out. We’re both busy with work and find it difficult to see one another. Ships in the night. We discussed it and think that moving in together would help.”

Um, no.

“Okay.”

“You think it’s a bad idea.”

“No.”

“Stella,” she pushes, frowning at me.

We’ve always been honest with one another, even if we hate what is said. It was a promise we made in our teens. Sadly, I’ve already broken that promise.

To keep her safe.

“Okay,” I nudge my glass an inch or two away and spin the stem. “Question.”

“Go.”

“Have you said I love you?” I know she hasn’t.

“Well...it’s implied.”