Page 6 of Bodyguard Book Boyfriend

“Why, thank goodness? Did you think I wouldn’t show up?” I question confused.

Who in their right mind would stand up this gorgeous woman? A fuckin’ moron, that’s who!

“No, it’s not that. I’m just glad to see you actually look like your pictures.” She smiles again, and I can’t help but return the gesture.

“Oh, well, I’m glad I didn’t disappoint,” I good-naturally chuckle. “Why don’t we check in so we can be seated?” I say, nodding my head toward the hostess, who is not so subtly watching us.

“Sure, I’m excited to try this place. I—” Tarae’s words die off, and her eyes round with shock as she looks behind me.

I turn to see what made her uncomfortable, and I see a bunch of paparazzi surrounding a couple. The guy is tall and muscular with light brown skin and the girl is tall and slender with a dark tan and light sandy blonde hair. It’s not unusual to see famous people here in Dallas, but seeing paparazzi is out of the ordinary. That’s more of a Hollywood type of thing.

“Shit,” Tarae mumbles as she turns away.

“Do you know them?”

“It’s a long story,” she sighs, sounding defeated.

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m a good listener. Let’s get seated, and you can tell me all about it.” I smile, leading her to the hostess station, where we are led to our seats.

I made sure to get a secluded table. Even though I’m not exactly famous, I’m still recognized as Honey’s personal bodyguard from time to time. So sometimes, when people see me, they think Honey is around, and it can get hectic.

We’re finally seated, and we are able to place our drink order right away. The paparazzi couple are seated far enough away that they can’t see us, but we can see them. I can tell by the way Tarae is fidgeting that she’s uncomfortable. The problem is, I’m not sure why these people are making her uneasy.

“So, not to pry, but…” I nod my head across the room.

Tarae cuts her eyes in their direction, and I see anger flash for a quick second before she takes a deep breath and pushes her shoulders back. We’ve talked about everything under the sun in the few times we’ve talked. But the look I just saw can only be caused by hurt.

“That’s my ex, Mark Davis. He’s a pro football player, and that’s the girl he cheated on me with. I can deal with the betrayal, but they’ve made me out to be some scorned bitch that was keeping them apart. Their whole torrid love affair was put on hold because I was in the way. It’s ridiculous, but you know how social media is nowadays.” Tarae rolls her eyes.

I nod my head in understanding. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the girl before, but I can’t place her face. Although I’m a football fan, I didn’t instantly recognize Tarae’s ex, but now, looking at him and hearing his name, he looks vaguely familiar.

“He’s a fuckin idiot for cheating on you, but now I have my chance. Maybe I’ll send a bottle of wine over to their table to thank him for the opportunity.” I smirk.

Tarae laughs before shaking her head, “No, don’t do that. They’ll probably accuse me of stalking them. Even though it’s their fault that I’m the one with a stalker now.”

“Wait, what do you mean? Stalker?” I ask, sitting up.

The smile is replaced with a deep frown. I don’t play around when it comes to safety, and although we just met, I’ve already decided that Tarae Green is mine to protect.

“Well, I’ve just been receiving crazy messages and people commenting online, but you know how some people are. Peoplethink they have a say so in your life when you’re a public figure. I was told it came with the territory, especially because I’m one of the few female sports reporters on my network.” Tarae shrugs, but I can see the worry.

“Sounds like you need yourself a bodyguard.”

Chapter Five

TARAE

The look on Grant’s face almost made me want to take the words back. I didn’t realize just how protective the man sitting across from me was. But his fierce alpha male aura, which he’s giving off right now, is making my girly parts perk up.

CeCe told me to just relax and have fun because I would be protected with Grant, and boy, was she right. Even when Mark showed up, Grant protectively stood in front of me without even knowing who he was. That’s a win in my book.

Even though I still don’t wholeheartedly believe I need a bodyguard, I’m glad that Grant is willing to be mine.

“Do you need a bodyguard?” Grant’s words penetrate my thoughts.

“No.” I wave him off. “It’s just some online weirdos. You know how it is. Most of the foolishness has already died down, and hopefully, after the ELFIEs everyone will completely forget about me.

“If you say so.”