Chapter Ten

Willa

" T hey're not getting the picture today." I giggle as I put a blanket over my head.

We landed in Nashville about fifteen minutes ago and there are definitely paparazzi waiting to snap a photo of me. I understand they have a job to do, but I hate being the person who has her privacy invaded to pay their bills.

"Let's go, Willa," Kevin says as he escorts me out of the plane.

We quickly get me into the backseat of a blacked out SUV. As the lights of I-65 go past, I rest my head back against the seat. My phone buzzes next to my hand. Blake's name is lit up. I haven't heard from him in a few days, so this is exciting.

B: Totally not trying to check on you, but it just came across my social feed that you landed. Have you had dinner?

This is new. No one I've ever dated or been interested in has worried about if I'm taken care of. They always assume I have other people to do that, that I've hired someone who can make sure my needs are met. In some cases that's true, but I've always wanted a guy to make that kind of thoughtful gesture for me.

W: I haven't. I'm starving too.

B: I'm on Broadway, and because we live in the same town, I know where you live. How do you feel about Daddy's Dogs?

My stomach growls as he mentions the hot dog stand that has my heart. None of it is good for me, but every time I'm on Broadway, I always stop.

W: Can you hear my stomach from where I am?

B: LMAO! What's your order? Are you close to your penthouse? Trying to make sure I get it to you while it's hot.

This is the gesture I've always wanted. Someone to put me first. Glancing up, I calculate about how far away we are.

W: We're about ten minutes out, then Kevin will sweep the penthouse. So roughly twenty or so.

B: He has to sweep it? Like with a broom?

I giggle. It's cute when others don't have the type of life I do.

W: No, for unwanted guests. I've had more than a couple.

B: Damn, I'm sorry.

W: Comes with the territory. It's why I'm trying to get our senator voted out of office. She wants to take away the bill that protects stalking victims, which is one I'm hiding behind right now. But enough about that. My order for Daddy's Dogs is...The Carolina with tots, and a Mexican Coke if he has them.

B: I'll be there in about thirty. Can't wait to see you again.

W: Can't wait to see you, too.

I sigh, pressing my head back against the headrest again. I've done this before—let my heart do the talking, and thrown caution to the wind. I can't say it's ever ended well, but there's something different about Blake. He seems as open to this relationship as I am.

We pull up to my penthouse, and Kevin turns. "Wait for me to give you the okay."

"Will do, Mister Bodyguard."

He shakes his head. We've joked plenty of times about the old movie with Whitney Houston. Every once in a while, I do feel as if that's my life. It's why I struggle with inviting anyone into my reality. Most guys are intimidated by me—probably the reason they've never offered to bring me dinner.

B: Headed your way, Will. Let me know how I can get in?

At the same time, Kevin comes back and opens the car door. "Everything looks good."

"Thank you. Can you make sure that they know Blake is coming at the front desk, please?"

"Will do. Give him the phrase."

Looking down at my phone, I text Blake back.

W: When you get here, tell them you have a delivery for the basement apartment, and the guy there is named Phillip.

B: That is the craziest shit I've ever heard, but okay.

W: LOL! Nobody would make it up, so it's what we use to get people in to see me. They know only people I trust have that phrase and know that name.

B: I'm glad you trust me.

Now, I hope I don't regret it.

I'm waiting impatiently for him to show up, sitting on the edge of my couch as if I can get up as soon as I see him walk in. I've changed into something a lot more comfortable and now I'm beginning to rethink my choices. The shorts I'm wearing show the curve of my ass when I bend a certain way, and I hope he doesn't think that I'm being presumptuous. They are just my favorite. The T-shirt I wear is one I've had for ten years, and it's seen me through a lot of late nights and crying fits.

"Willa, they're sending someone up." Kevin's voice startles me. He's walking through my front door, speaking quietly, but loud enough for me to hear. He leans against the doorframe, running a hand over his buzzcut. Although he's older, I know that he could go toe-to-toe with anyone my age and take them down in the blink of an eye.

"Thank you. You can go for the night. It's just Blake, and I feel like I can trust him."

He gives me a look, steel-grey eyes searching mine for the truth. "You've thought that before and still had to call me."

"I know, but with the others there were red flags I ignored. I haven't seen anything from him that's concerning. I'm aware that's partially me being naive, but maybe this time I have it right?"

He laughs. "Can I be completely honest with you?"

"I would appreciate it. I trust your opinion more than I probably should."

He steps closer to me. "You're an amazing person, and I'm thankful to be working for you. I've seen you have men come in and out of your life, and I've never been judgemental. I know you've worked hard to find out who you are, and I respect that work. You've opened yourself up to so much that you deserve. I know it's been difficult for you, and I want you to be open to this."

"Look at you with that mindset talk, Kev."

He blushes, dipping his head down. "I do pick up on things you're doing when you're doing it. Okay, so my opinion on Blake. I think he's going to surprise you—he's more serious about everything in his life than you want to give him credit for. He's going to be good for you, if you let him."

Reaching up on my tiptoes, I plant a small kiss on Kevin's cheek. "Thanks for being the dad figure I need, Kev, when mine isn't available."

"No problem, kiddo. I'm gonna get outta here and let you have some privacy. My team will be outside if you need us."

"I know. Thank you."

"You never have to thank me, Willa. It's a pleasure working for you."