Page 32 of Moonlighter

“Jesus Christ. I guess it works,” Eric grumbles.

“It’s a laugh a minute with me, isn’t it?” I lock the door again and then carefully press the button to arm the device.

When I stand up, Eric pulls me into a quick hug. I get a whiff of his coconut-scented shampoo before he releases me again. “Chin up, Engels. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“I know,” I mumble. “Take your nap, already. I have work to do.”

He gives me a smile that says he knows I’m all bluster. Then he ambles his big self into the bedroom and disappears.

Alone on the sofa, I open my email. The first message is bad news—my assistant Rolf will be a day late.Grandma needs me in New York, is all he wrote.See you Thursday.

Great. More chaos. He’s going to miss a day of meetings?

Now I’m both jumpy and blue.

From the bedroom I hear the gentle sound of Eric’s deep, sleeping breaths, and I last no more than five minutes on the sofa alone. I’m weary and a little freaked out. So I tiptoe into the bedroom, lie down on my own side of the bed, and close my eyes.

The sound of Eric’s slow breathing is more relaxing than any reassurances from my expensive security team. Finally calm, I fall asleep, too.

9

Eric

“Pillow”is apparently part of my job description.

The next morning I wake up with Alex asleep on my chest, her hair splayed decadently across my skin. Not one part of her—not even a toe—is on her own side of the bed.

Carefully, I slide her off my body, her hair tickling my sensitive skin.

“Sorry,” she mumbles, rolling over.

She should be. Cuddling without sex? It’s just wrong.

In the living room, I disarm our front door, as one does. Then I order room service for both of us. After a day with Alex, I already know her order: plenty of everything, plus decaf.

While I wait for the food, I check my messages.

Change of plans,my brother has written. Pieter and another guard will escort Alex to all her meetings today. You won’t be needed until the cocktail party.

Wait, what?

After yesterday’s break-in, The Company has obviously closed ranks. Is it weird that I’m a little insulted? Fired from a job I didn’t even want. Now, that’s flattering. At least I can get a good workout in.

I do usemy time wisely. I spend two hours in the weight room, plus an hour of stretching. Then I have a healthy lunch alone, where I don’t need to pretend to be anyone’s boyfriend.

It’s great, if a little solitary.

My phone rings while I’m drinking coffee on a chaise on the beach. I answer it right away, in case Alex needs me. But it’s only my asshole brother. "How’s it going?" he asks.

“Great. Why? Done with me?”

“Not hardly. What gave you that idea?”

“You have a cast of thousands. I’m just not sure I’m needed.”

“Little brother, are you feeling ignored? The gigolo at odds between dates…”

“Shut up. This was your idea. I could just come home.”