Bodyguard

I jerked up from the sofa and walked over to Joy's kitchen, thinking it would be better if I spared her listening to my conversation with Alex's brother. I took the call.

“Hi, Cameron.” I heard my voice and instantly wanted to punch myself. It was too strangled, too high-pitched, and just far too awkward.

“Hello, Sarah.” Unlike mine, his voice was steady and deep. “How was your business trip?”

A nervous laugh broke free. “It was... good,” I managed. “Promising…” I had never told him where I had gone. The only thing he knew was that I was about to start a new project, and that required me to often go abroad.

“Good to hear that. Listen, I'm calling because there's an annual charity gala where my entire family shows up. It's happening this Friday. I'd like you to go there with me... as my girlfriend.”

Oh. My. God. I closed my eyes and sucked in a sharp breath. I would have wanted him to say it aloud only a week ago, but now? Now everything was different. I couldn't let him think that the