The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,13
herself yanked against a rock-hard chest. Everything in her flared to life. He was so big and hard, and smelled so good.
“Sorry, I’m not usually clumsy.” Damn, her voice was breathless.
His arm flexed against her, then he quickly released her. She almost lost her balance again, and he reached out to steady her on the step.
“Go and shower. I’ll let your designer in when he arrives.”
Sofie stayed on the stairs, watching Rome walk away, and bit her lip.
It was official. She was totally in lust with her bodyguard. She hadn’t known Rome Nash long, but she knew he was a professional who took his job seriously.
He’d fight this attraction between them. She sighed. She didn’t think she’d get the chance to explore that big, intriguing body anytime soon.
She was surprised by the depth of the ache that thought generated.
She shook her head. She had a jewelry gala to attend, and jewelry thieves to outsmart.
Her plate was full. She had no time for a sexy, brooding bodyguard.
She continued down the stairs and headed to her bedroom. She was just finishing blow drying her hair when there was a knock at the bedroom door.
She turned her hair dryer off. “Come in.”
Rome opened the door, scanned the room, then stepped back.
A short, slim, elegant man in fitted, white pants and a blue shirt rushed in.
Luis Medrano was lean, dark-haired, and handsome as sin. He was always filled with energy, looked stylish, and was quick to smile, or frown, depending on his mood. She never knew if he’d have a boyfriend, or girlfriend, or both when she visited him.
He held out his arms. “Darling, you look gorgeous, as always.”
“As do you, Luis.”
He kissed both her cheeks.
Rome reappeared, directing a man and woman pushing racks filled with clothes, mostly dresses.
“Over here, over here.” Luis directed traffic.
Arms crossed, Rome watched from the doorway.
The assistants disappeared, then brought several bags in, dumping them on the bed. Rome even carried a few in himself.
“Thank you, big man,” Luis said.
Behind Rome’s back, Luis caught Sofie’s gaze and pressed a hand to his chest and rolled his eyes to the ceiling.
She smiled. She couldn’t blame Luis for his obvious appreciation one little bit.
Finally, the assistants finished arranging everything.
“Out.” Luis shooed them. He looked at Rome. “Thanks again, big man.” Luis paused. “I don’t suppose you’re gay or bisexual?”
“No,” Rome said.
“Shame. Now go, I have a princess to make look beautiful.”
Rome glanced at her and her toes curled. Then he strode out, closing the door behind him.
“Sofie, darling, that man is fine. He’s fantasy-inducing, belly-clenching fine.”
“I know.”
Luis cocked a dark brow. “Do I detect some repressed burning desire?”
She couldn’t help but smile. “He’s rugged, big, and sexy, not to mention scowly and moody. Of course, I’m attracted.”
“Did you see the size of his biceps?” Luis shivered.
“I did.” And she’d felt them around her. They’d made her feel safe. “But he’s my bodyguard.”
Luis released a dramatic sigh. “So, off-limits?”
Her belly twisted and she nodded.
“Well, then, let’s do something that’s sure to cheer you up.” He clasped his hands together. “Try on fabulous outfits that will achieve the impossible, and make you look even more beautiful than you already do.”
Sofie smiled. “I like the sound of that idea.”
“And…” Luis rushed over and dug through the bags. “I brought a very special something that you requested.”
She smelled a delicious aroma, and saliva pooled in her mouth. “You are a wonderful, wonderful man.”
Luis held up a Burger King bag. Sofie snatched it and tore the paper open, then pulled out the container of fries. Beneath them, she spotted the neatly wrapped Whopper.
“Don’t get grease on me, darling.”
“I’ll save the Whopper for later. Let’s try on some clothes. I need you to make me look like a million bucks.”
“I’ll make you look like ten million.”
And maybe she could make a stoic, serious bodyguard’s mouth water a little bit.
Rome was sitting at the kitchen island working on his laptop when the designer finally reappeared, two hours later.
How long did it take to try on dresses?
“Finished?” he asked.
Medrano jumped and slammed a hand to his chest. “For a big man, you are awfully quiet. Yes, we’re finished, and she looks even more ravishing than she did before.”
Rome didn’t think that was possible, and he wasn’t going anywhere near the word ravishing in relation to Sofia.
He followed Medrano to the front door.
The man spun. “Big man, do me a favor and take care of my girl. She deserves a little laughter.”
Rome scowled. “I’m here to keep her safe.”
“Keeping someone