Page 5 of Charming Like Us

“Why are we going to The Walnut?” I question outright.

Charlie leans back against the black leather seat. “I have an appointment with Jack Highland.”

I wait for him to explain further.

He doesn’t.

“In the middle of the night?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“You didn’t think to tell me?”

“I just did.”

I’m on aneed to knowbasis with my client. And in his world, no one needs to know shit about his life. I get it. He doesn’t really want a bodyguard. I’m just the thorn perpetually in his side. But he’s got me, and right now I’m on high-fucking-alert.

Highland and I have history.

Okay, that’s a lie.

We have zero history.

Because the guy rejected my kiss.

Rejectedme.

But hey, he still has my fucking bandana, my belt,andmy sweatshirt that I lent him. So I’m taking this with stride. I’m killing two birds with one stone tonight and coming to collect.

Those clothes are mine.

I want them back.

I may have fallen for a straight guy, but my heart is bricked back up. Duct-taped shut. Jack’s not getting anywhere near it, and once I have my clothes it’ll cement that shit.

Charlie closes his eyes like he’s going to take a nap on the ride to Philly. I should do the same—sleep when I can—which is practically never. But my mind is on high-speed.

I’m about to see Jack.

Again.

I clasp a hand over my mouth, my face hot from what happened between us.

And what’s worse—I have no earthly clue why Charlie wants to meet with him. It’s like walking into the world’s darkest tunnel without a flashlight.

God help me.

OSCAR OLIVEIRA

The Most Embarrassing Moment of Oscar Oliveira’s Life

TWO DAYS AGO

The skies split,rain poured, lightning cracked, and even as the storm subsided, everything felt exactly how it was supposed to feel. Happy,joyous. I just officiated my best friend’s wedding. I just watched him walk down the aisle in Anacapri and marry the love of his life.

And now…now my urge to be in a relationship hasballoonedto the umpteenth degree.

Sign me up for sunsets, romantic strolls in the park, sweaty never-ending nights on a dance floor, and mind-blowing sex. Fuck, I’d take average sex at this point if it meant being in a steady love-affirming relationship. I just want the good stable pieces. The thing that seems to slip through my fingertips ever since I joined security.