Page 15 of My Super Sexy Spy

ME:That is hot.

BETH:The other guy was sort of goofy looking, but I liked him.

ME:Goofy? How so?

BETH:He wore a baseball cap and thick glasses and his ears were a little big.

ME:You know what they say about big ears though…

BETH:Ha. Not that it matters. He made it very clear he was not into me that way.

ME:How did he do that?

BETH:Get this! He told me my boobs weren’t big enough!

ME:ASSHAT! But you should be careful. He could be trying to trick you with the hard-to-get play. The minute he says he’s not interested in you, suddenly he becomes a challenge.

BETH:Trust me. Ted is not trying to be a challenge. He’s just not the type. I could tell right away. But we’re going to do Venice together. Figured it would be nice to see the city with another American. Did I mention that he’s American?

ME:Sounds fun. Report back tomorrow night.

BETH:Right. Hey, it didn’t even occur to me, what time is it for you? It must be…don’t make me do the math…

ME:Early afternoon. With my job I keep some odd hours. So, report back your night during my day.

BETH:Yep. I can’t wait to really get started. This is so exciting!!!

“You have no idea,” I said to the empty hotel room.

I shut down the computer and considered going downstairs for another drink now that I knew she was safely tucked into her room.

Shit. Fuck. Shit.

This couldn’t be happening. This seriously could not be happening.

I truly didn’t know how I would react when I saw her for the first time in person and not just through candid headshots or half glances.

Now I knew. I was totally into her.

Her pixie face and bangs. Her fucking adorable nose ring. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was pierced anywhere else.

Fuck!

Now I was hard and annoyed. I pushed the laptop to the other side of the bed and thought about my job and why I was really here. Wondering for the first time in my life if those two things weren’t the same answer.

One thing was obvious. She needed protection. Probably from me, but definitely fromhim.It helped to soothe my conscience knowing that while I might be lying to her—like huge, unforgiveable lying—I was still doing it in her best interests.

No one was going to hurt Beth.

Well, at least no one but me when she found out the truth.

4

The Next Morning

Beth

I stoodin the lobby and looked at my phone. It was 8:59. The elevators dinged announcing a drop-off and when the doors slid open, Ted walked out with a smile.